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In July 2026, the UK Chief Medical Officers updated the national physical activity guidelines to reflect new evidence accumulated since the previous publication in 2019. Although the core messages remain consistent, the updated guidance strengthens several themes, clarifies others, and incorporates new research on ageing, sedentary behaviour, and the role of light‑intensity activity. The key […]
When performing any exercise, a wide range of equipment can be used to add resistance or increase complexity. However, the same movement pattern performed with different modes of resistance – such as a resistance band compared with a pair of dumbbells – will not necessarily produce the same training effect. Choosing the most appropriate modality […]
When I first trained as a sports coach and fitness instructor in the early 1990s, there was a strong emphasis on providing clear and detailed teaching points alongside demonstrations. We were taught to consistently reinforce these points as clients performed the actions. This often involved long, directive lists of instructions, such as: “Back straight, head […]
Continuing our look at health behaviour change theories, today’s newsletter focuses on Self-Determination Theory. The landscape of health behaviour change theory has evolved significantly over recent decades. Early models such as the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour conceptualised motivation as a singular, rational process: individuals were thought to weigh up costs and […]
For years, I used these terms interchangeably, without realising that they are, in fact, distinct. In reality, although they are closely related, they describe two different aspects of movement. In simple terms, flexibility refers to how far a joint can move with the help of an external force, whereas mobility describes how well a joint […]
Within the fitness, health and wellness sectors, discussion often focuses on longevity, performance optimisation and disease prevention later in life. However, recent population data presents a more concerning reality: for many people across England and Wales, poor health is beginning far earlier than expected. New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that […]
Over a week ago, several news outlets reported on comments made by Professor Sir Chris Whitty, England’s Chief Medical Officer. In this newsletter, I have identified the key themes that emerged across those articles. Coverage from The Guardian, BBC News, the Obesity Health Alliance, The Telegraph and The Independent all focused on Whitty’s recent speech, […]
I recently purchased an anti‑spill drink carrier. I was extremely sceptical about whether it would actually work, but I was amazed to discover that it performs brilliantly. Since using it, I haven’t spilled a single drop. If you haven’t come across these before, anti‑spill drink carriers are designed to let you carry an open cup, […]
An article on the front page of The Times this morning caught my attention, prompting me to look up the original journal paper (linked below). The research suggests that positive thinking, hope, and optimism can boost immune function, acting as a valuable complement to medical treatment. The study provides compelling evidence that positive mental states […]
Yesterday, I read a fascinating article from the BBC regarding willpower and weight loss, exploring why some people find it harder to lose weight than others. Based on that piece and supplementary research, it becomes clear that the traditional narrative around obesity requires a major update. For decades, the cultural understanding of obesity in the […]
