Does vitamin D increase muscle strength?
First identified as a vitamin early in the 20th century and now consumed as an essential dietary supplement;…
Hidden benefits of weight loss
Losing body fat via regular exercise and improved eating can deliver some obvious, visible changes quite quickly; looking…
Let’s talk about cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that’s made in the liver. Although a little is essential for normal bodily…
All you need to know about massage guns
What is a massage gun? A massage gun is a hand-held massage tool that uses rapid strokes to…
Blood pressure: Know your numbers
Know your numbers is Blood Pressure UK’s flagship campaign promoting blood pressure testing and awareness. This week encourages…
Mental health and exercise
India Flowers is the General Manager of Anytime Fitness Sutton-in-Ashfield. She’s always been active whether it be dancing…
Does vitamin D increase muscle strength?
First identified as a vitamin early in the 20th century and now consumed as an essential dietary supplement; the properties of vitamin D have multiple benefits for good health. So, can vitamin D increase muscle strength? Are you getting enough of this essential nutrient? Known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, one of the main…
Hidden benefits of weight loss
Losing body fat via regular exercise and improved eating can deliver some obvious, visible changes quite quickly; looking slimmer, increase in muscle and a boost in confidence as you’re hitting your goals. However, weight loss benefits go much further than outward appearances. Here are some of the amazing hidden changes that happen inside your body as you lose weight, all…
Let’s talk about cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that’s made in the liver. Although a little is essential for normal bodily function, too much increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes and vascular dementia. Some common causes of high cholesterol are: A diet high in saturated fat Being physically inactive Smoking The only way to know…
All you need to know about massage guns
What is a massage gun? A massage gun is a hand-held massage tool that uses rapid strokes to stimulate blood flow to the muscles, similar to a deep tissue massage. It can be used on any muscle groups, particularly on the back and shoulders to relieve pain and improve posture. A massage gun delivers strong…
Blood pressure: Know your numbers
Know your numbers is Blood Pressure UK’s flagship campaign promoting blood pressure testing and awareness. This week encourages adults to know their blood pressure numbers and take the necessary action to reach and maintain healthy levels. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes and other illnesses, which is why this campaign is so…
Mental health and exercise
India Flowers is the General Manager of Anytime Fitness Sutton-in-Ashfield. She’s always been active whether it be dancing at a young age, playing football in the park or just being on her bike. Today, she shares some of her thoughts and experiences on the impact exercise can have on your mental wellbeing. First, a…
How to mentally prepare for high level sport
Fondly known as Ricky, Carlos Brathwaite is an international cricketer and an entrepreneur with a sharp perspective, a remarkable skill-set, & most importantly, a special connection with the people. Carlos has been playing cricket for several international, franchise, and domestic teams and today he shares his thoughts on mental fitness and how this relates to…
Getting over the fear of working out in front of people again
Gyms are opening up again, which is great news for those who are feeling cooped up or don’t have lots of equipment at home. Many people enjoy going to the gym precisely because working out with other people gives them a boost of motivation, but that’s not the case for others. Psychologist Rachel Goldman emphasises…
Getting back into routine
Are you ready to get back into your gym routine? Had a break from home workouts? That’s totally normal and breaks should always be taken in any workout routine as they are vital to give your body time to recover, rejuvenate and for you to evaluate your goals and aspirations. However, a few of us…
Chocolate and Training
It’s World Chocolate Day on the 7th July so we’re taking a closer look at one of our favourite treats. How do chocolate and training impact each other? How can this sweet snack be included in your diet as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle? The British Heart Foundation found that the average British…
Effective exercises for fat loss if you haven’t been active for a while
So maybe you’ve been less active than normal, maybe you’ve transitioned to a sedentary lifestyle or perhaps you’ve never really had an exercise routine before and you want to pick up some new habits. Fat loss should be just one goal you have as moving your body more frequently can have a large number of…
What is LISS?
What is LISS? Low Intensity Steady State (LISS) is an acronym for a method of training/exercise. As the name suggests, your objective would be to keep your heart rate at a comfortable/maintainable level and to work for a longer period of time. What are the benefits of LISS? Lower intensity exercise allows…
How to get fit with bodyweight training
Bodyweight training. What is it? Bodyweight training really is exactly what it says on the tin; using your body weight as resistance when training. A simple concept that, when performed well, can be highly effective, time-efficient, space-saving and cost-free. It’s perfect for all levels of fitness and especially useful if you are pressed for time.…
Top five benefits from walking
Top five benefits from walking Walking is a great way to exercise by yourself or with your family, so we’ve put together a few of the top benefits of walking for you here. Why not use these as conversation starters on your next adventure out? Walking is a great way of reducing your…
The health benefits of walking your dog
The UK is a nation of pet lovers, with data showing that 40% of the UK population own a pet! Dogs seem to be the preferred pet of choice for Brits, with 25% of pet owners owning at least one. That is unsurprising, as these pets offer loyal companionship like no other. If that isn’t…
Avoiding back pain when gardening
It’s National Gardening Week from 27th April to 3rd May! The country’s biggest celebration of gardening and a great reminder to get outside into your garden or balcony and enjoy the weather with an activity you might not usually associate with exercise. Springtime provides you with warmer weather and an opportunity to get your garden…
Avoiding obsession with fitness trackers
Fitness trackers and wearable technology are at the forefront of global fitness. We have become obsessive with data, gamification and tracking our fitness. It has been revolutionary in the way people exercise and has been a game-changer for some, helping with motivation and goal-reaching. But like all good things, there is also a bad side!…
Getting enough movement during your working day
Sitting for long periods of time is a major contributing factor to muscular-skeletal injury (mainly back pain) and the slowing down of your metabolic rate. Often people who sit for long periods don’t realise until they have related symptoms or have already gained excessive weight. Short term signs could be tight muscles (poor flexibility and…
Breaking the habit of avoiding exercise
We’ve all had an upheaval of our usual routine, and maybe you want to get back into your healthy exercise habits or feel the desire to pick up some new ones. Procrastination or lack of a plan can make this challenging, but we’ve got some tips to help you stop avoiding exercise and build a…
Boosting your immune system
Keeping active for the sake of boosting our immune system and mood has never been more important. Many of us are spending much more time being sedentary which can have negative impacts on our health, but there are some things you can do to help your body and mind during this time. You can read…
Mental wellness and coronavirus
Over the past few months, the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a huge amount of uncertainty and turbulence in many people’s lives. You might have the best handwashing techniques in the world, but the constant breaking news and social media notifications about the pandemic can feel overwhelming and start to take its toll on your…
Should you eat before a workout?
It’s Nutrition and Hydration week from the 16th-22nd March 2020, which aims to raise awareness of the value of food and drink in maintaining health and wellbeing. We’re joining in by giving you some information on the best time to eat! Should you always eat before a workout? What kinds of things should you eat…
Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2020
Beat is a UK’s first charity dedicated to being a champion and guide for those affected by an eating disorder, and aim to end the pain and suffering they cause. Beat run Eating Disorders Awareness Week every year and have a wealth of resources available for individuals, workplaces, schools and charities. “Eating disorders can have…
The Importance of Recovery after Exercise
It’s extremely normal to suffer from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after trying new exercises or increasing the intensity and weights in your workout. DOMS will occur one to two days after your workout and can last up to 5 days in extreme cases. Resistance training causes the muscle fibres to microtear, which inflames the…
Medicine ball couple’s workout for Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day this week, couples across the world will be fine dining with their partners on the most romantic day of the year. However, if you prefer lunges to lunch or deadlifts to dinner then you’ll be looking for a different type of date. If you’re planning to spend your 14th February date night…
Decoded: Fitness for Cricket
Fondly known as Ricky, Carlos Brathwaite is an international cricketer and an entrepreneur with a sharp perspective, a remarkable skill-set, & most importantly, a special connection with the people. Playing cricket for several international, franchise, and domestic teams, Carlos made everyone ‘Remember the Name’ during the final match of 2016 ICC World Cup Twenty20, sealing…
Vegan Fitness with Bio-Synergy
We hope you’ve been loving your January training with Anytime Fitness so far and are on your way to achieving your goals. If you need any help in the gym, speak to the staff as they’re always ready to give you a hand with any of your fitness questions. For Veganuary we have partnered…
Top 5 tips for getting started in the gym
Getting started Joining the gym can be a significant lifestyle change and often, not an easy one. Recent research* has found that one in four women feel intimidated by the gym and shy away from exercise due to the fear of being judged. With over 165 clubs in the UK, we’re keen to support…
Sleep for success
I have always been an advocate for great sleep. In my spare time, or when commuting I like to self-study by listening to podcasts or reading about successful people (who one day I hope to join). I often come across a common theme amongst entrepreneurs; they like to wake up between 4-5am and spend…
Progress is a lifestyle, not just a workout
How active are you on a daily basis? It’s a common question and the government regularly like to question our habits and inactivity, but for the people that aren’t in the majority and go to the gym, how productive is your time at the gym? You might be surprised by the stats…
Benefits of corporate gym membership
Did you know that 4 in 10 adults are not getting the full benefits of a healthy lifestyle? Sedentary working lifestyles cause a range of both physical and mental ailments, yet workers spend on average a third of their day sitting at their desk.* While the figures above are a concern, there are…
Finding the balance & listening to your body
Finding the balance A common misconception in society is that being healthy is only attained by intense physical exercise & dieting, using strict disciplines & calculated methods for short term benefits. While these do play their part to a degree, there’s more to it than unsustainable meal plans, heart-pounding workouts & bland juice drinks. If…
Benefits of working out with a friend
It is National Best Friend’s Day! This is a day when we celebrate the special bond between you and your best friend – the person who listens to you without judging, supports you, who makes you laugh until your stomach hurts and with who you share everything. And on this day, we’re looking at why…
Getting back into your fitness routine after fasting
We know that people may fast for religious holidays or as part of a specific diet routine. We hope that everything went well for those who have recently completed Ramadan and understand that most people are keen to get back into their usual routine, both inside and out of the gym. Fasting should not stop you…
British Tomato Week
Fun Fact: Did you know that if all British tomatoes were lined up end to end, they would wrap around the equator 8 times! The Great British tomato is being celebrated across the UK as part of British Tomato Week, so we wanted to give you the lowdown on this popular fruit/vegetable (the debate continues…
D is for Depression
D is for depression Depression isn’t a sign of weakness, it is a mental health issue that affects many people, of all ages and therefore, it important that awareness of depression is shared. Depression can take on different forms and affect people in a number of ways. Most people go through periods of feeling…
April is National Stress Awareness Month
There are times when we feel under enormous pressure. Having deadlines, going through hard time at work, or when our friends or relative becomes ill. At times like this, we can start to feel overwhelmed or unable to cope. We feel stressed which can lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse. National…
Mindful Mondays
There are many misconceptions about mindfulness. To some, it evokes a zen like image where they imagine a calm, collected person with a perfectly clear mind and to others it’s about being positive all the time. But these ideals are unrealistic and unattainable, but also potentially unhealthy in the long run – because life is…
Resting between sets
How many times have you been waiting for a piece of equipment or weights and the person occupying it is talking, texting or playing a game on their phone? It may be your pet peeve, but there is often a good reason why (for shorter periods), such as taking a rest in between sets. …
5 Reasons You Should Try Yoga
Ever wondered what yoga is all about? Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply want to find out more, here are 5 reasons why you should try yoga:
Carrot smoothie recipe
For International Carrot day, Thursday 4th April, we are celebrating one of our great British vegetables which is so versatile – we’ve pulled together some interesting carrot facts and a healthy smoothie recipe. We love carrots because they can be enjoyed raw as a snack, in smoothies, stir fry, roasted, sauteed, steamed, in soups and…
C is for coping and support
Many people find themselves in the role of carer, supporting a parent, partner, child, friend or family member. It can be tough to cope alone and care for someone who has an illness, disability, mental health problem or addiction. People often assume that carers tend to be women but research shows that around four in…
Keeping a food diary
The thought of writing down what you eat might scare you! However, if you have no idea of what you’re eating, it’s hard for you or your personal trainer to plan how to improve and you won’t be aware of how good/bad it is. So it helps both parties and becomes a very useful exercise if taken correctly. Read on to find out how you can take control of your eating habits with a simple food diary…
Fat loss workout
This week we’re looking at fat burning workouts to help you shift some extra calories. Eliminate that excess body fat and increase muscle tone and strength with this robust Fat Loss plan. These bodyweight workouts combine high intensity bursts of cardio with strength and power moves to help you achieve results fast. This 4-week program has a total of 12 workouts. Each week contains three workouts that should be performed in sequence with 1 day of rest in-between.
The yoga directory – find the right style of yoga for you
Yoga is one of the fastest growing physical practices in the western world. As more and more research reveals its unparalleled benefits to our mental and physical health and well-being its well worth giving this ancient practice a try and experiencing the benefits for yourself. The tricky part then is choosing which style of yoga to try. With more gyms offering yoga classes and yoga studios popping up like Starbucks, it can be challenging to find the right class to suit your needs with so much choice. Here is our A-Z or yoga styles…
Short bursts of exercise and the H.I.I.T effect
Even as little as 20 seconds brisk exercise such as taking the stairs instead of the lift, could be enough to improve fitness. In a recent study in the New York Times* scientists into interval style training found that as little as 20 seconds of brisk stair climbing, done several times a day, could be beneficial. Researchers called these ‘insta-workouts’ and without leaving their office or changing into active wear, significant health gains can be seen from these simple exercises.
B is for Bipolar
This month we wanted to share a story from one of our inspirational Award winning members, Danielle from Anytime Fitness Ilkeston. Danielle’s Mum was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder but always refused to get any treatment. Sadly her mum committed suicide, which had a huge impact on Danielle. Losing a parent is hard at any time in life, but losing one to suicide is particularly difficult to come to terms with. Danielle did a lot of research into the condition to help her understand better what her mother had been going through. Read on to hear more about her story…
Two reasons to exercise outside in this cold weather
We’ve all heard about the benefits of raising your heart beat and getting a sweat on in the gym. Classes like hot yoga are booming due to the benefits of working out while the body is hot. You may be grateful you can head to the gym for your workout while the streets are freezing and the show is falling. However this cold weather could give your workouts the edge. Why not step out of the gym and exercise in the winter chill for a change. You could see big improvements.
The History of the Treadmill
Today, the treadmill is the most popular piece of fitness equipment, found in homes and health clubs around the world. But where did this great cardiovascular machine come from? Read on to find out more…
Core Strength Workout
Everyone knows the benefits of having strong core muscles but what exercises are best for building and maintaining your core strength? We took a tour of the Workouts app* and gave their six week core strength training plan a go.
A is for Anxiety
As part of our pledge to Mind, our corporate charity, we commit to raising awareness about mental health issues and we’re starting with Anxiety. Everyone worries from time to time and finds life stressful but when it starts to take over your life, cloud your judgement and prevent you from taking a full and active part in your local community, workplace, social life etc. it can be difficult to manage and to cope alone. You don’t have to struggle in silence. If you think anxiety is playing too big a part in your life, check out the Mind website for some simple guidance.
Is the Keto diet for you?
Richard Williams, owner of our Anytime Fitness Woking club has been following a Ketogenic diet this year and we asked him to share how he’s getting on and why the Keto diet could help many people improve their gut health.
Claire Murray at Anytime Fitness Clarkston shares her weight loss story
We asked our Club Manager Claire Murray how she lost weight, toned up and changed her life through exercise and lifestyle changes. Claire lost an incredible 14 stone. Here’s her story..
5 reasons to try Veganuary
Veganism is one of the key trends in the nutrition industry for 2019, but why is it getting so much popularity? There are many reasons to try going vegan for a month, or maybe even longer. And if you can’t see cutting out all animal products as feasible for you, why not start by just cutting down to start with. The benefits are not just for your own health but the future of the planet too!
Here are just five reasons we think you should try going vegan
Are you making the most out of your Dumbbell training?
Dumbbells are one of the most versatile, transportable and easily accessible items in any gym or home-users collection of kit. Although they range in price and size, a dumbbell is optimally utilised when you vary how you use them. The traditional curling and pressing motions are good. However, they usually become boring and people run out of ideas/ways to use them which makes them feel that they need to purchase larger weights or different equipment. This is quite often not the case. Just a little inspiration can open you exercise scope up to hundreds of alternatives that create a greater challenge. Leading to sculpting results and a well-defined body.
When training earns you rewards… fancy a trip to New York?
As a reward for all your hard work in the gym we are running a prize draw to win a trip to New York. Refer a friend before the 31st March and you’ll be entered into the member’s prize draw once your friend joins..
What’s more, you’ll get one entry for every referred friend, so the more you refer, the more chances you get! If you have a training buddy in mind, simply click on the button below and complete the forms to take part in our fantastic New York prize draw. Share your experience with a friend today!
Rohan Kallicharan lost seven stone and turned his life around
Rohan Kallicharan has lived with mental health for many years. He has struggled with manic depressive episodes and tried to take his life on a number of occasions. Thankfully one day he decided to make positive changes, in desperation to change the spiralling decline in his personal life and to help him become healthier. He lost over seven stone after he joined Anytime Fitness Edgbaston and discovered a passion for running; he ran his first marathon and never looked back; his new found love of fitness has also helped him live with mental health issues drug free.
We predict the health and fitness trends for 2019
We look at what might be big in 2019, including Remote Coaching, maximising the over 55’s market and virtual classes… Anytime Fitness has made its predictions for the hot new trends expected to shape the fitness industry in the new year. The national gym provider, which now has over 155 clubs across the UK, has been working closely with different partners and analysing trends and data. From this they have identified and are already using some new and upcoming trends and concepts – here’s what to keep an eye out for…
The importance of support and buddy network to your workouts
Do you have someone that you regularly work out with or meet for a run? Are you accountable to anyone other than yourself? It’s proven to be much easier to stick to your goals and targets if you share them, have a training buddy and make yourself responsible to someone else. If you can find a friend who has similar goals, someone who can encourage you or just join you for the journey, you should see improvements in your achievements.
Goal setting and habit making
It’s that time of year when we think about fresh starts and making lists of the goals and resolutions we want to achieve by the end of 2019. Do you find you struggle meet your goals? Or do you set goals that are just that bit too hard to achieve? Succeeding at smashing those New Year’s Resolutions is only possible if you set realistic targets, work at changing small habits that will be easy to follow and make those goals accountable.
Are you getting a good night’s sleep?
Getting enough sleep can be just as important as scheduling in your weekly workouts. We don’t think about making time for sleep or booking it in our diaries, sometimes taking it for granted. But insufficient or poor sleep can have a very detrimental effect on your health. There is a direct link between sleep and mental health so it’s important to understand how your sleep patterns are affecting your day-to-day life. Read on to find out more…
10 simple, effective strategies to help you survive Christmas
The Christmas period is fun but can be highly stressful. With last minute shopping, increased traffic, rushing to finish work – the negatives vs multiple late nights with alcohol and the office becoming a mecca for chocolate and mince pies, there’s a lot to consider. Take a moment to think about the effect this has on your body internally. You cut workouts. You feel tired and your healthy eating habits slip. It doesn’t have to be like this. We’ve put together ten simple tactics you can use to limit the effect the over indulgence has on your health and lifestyle.
Which Fitness Tracker is right for you?
Fitness trackers can be a great idea. My favourite saying is “if you don’t measure, you can’t improve”. Monitoring your progress gives you a starting point so you can easily see how far you’ve come. But there are so many options out there now it’s easy to feel bewildered. Have you avoided data in the past because you’re unsure of the outcome or perhaps overwhelmed by the technology? We’re here to help give you confidence in what’s available and to show you the fantastic benefits of using trackers.
Are you making the most out of your Dumbbell training? January 10, 2019 
Fat loss workout February 8, 2019 
Top 5 tips for getting started in the gym January 8, 2020
