Get Fitter & Stronger – Spartan Training

Personal Trainer Andy KnightWhen I started Spartan training I believed it was something that the gym had been missing and a chance to give certain members the chance to indulge in the more rigorous aspects of training in a group scenario.

Having a keen interest in boxing, I’ve always loved the gritty blood, sweat and tears atmosphere found throughout the boxing gyms across the world. It’s no mistake that those who spend time perfecting the sweet science of boxing are supremely conditioned athletes who have learned that extra bit of steel through putting in 110% effort.

As well as focus pad work, I share a few of the secrets that have been taught to me over the years that go into creating supremely fit athletes.

There are no bells and whistles to go with some cheesy music, just a strong work ethic and desire to better yourself that keeps everybody getting fitter, stronger and conditioned further than they had ever thought was possible.

Make no mistake; the first few weeks will be hellishly difficult. As you persist however, you’ll find that your endurance and work capacity will sky-rocket. Whether you’re a casual runner, gym goer, sports person or martial artist, you are guaranteed progress.

Andy Knight, Personal Trainer, Caversham Health & Fitness

Join Andy for Spartan Training every Tuesday, 19:30 at Caversham Health and Fitness.

Advanced Lifting

Advanced Lifting at Club CHFThe Advanced Lifting class is a weights session for those looking for new weight routines and exercises for different muscle groups. The class will also improve weight lifters knowledge on how to get the most out of a weights session.

Many gym goers who begin to weight train don’t understand the technique and will often start too heavy. Instructor Ben will teach you to train correctly before you pick up the bad habits.

Each week Ben will focus on a different part of the body and provide technique corrections and routine recommendations along with an explanation to the training method and what the benefits are for each exercise.

Come and try… Advanced Lifting every Wednesday at 19:30

Sessions are limited to just 3 participants to allow time for individual attention.
Free for members or £7.50 for non-members. To book please call reception on 0118 948 4849

Nordic Walking

Nordic WalkingWhether your goal is to become more active, improve your fitness levels, lose weight, overcome a medical condition, train for a specific sport or challenge or you simply enjoy the great outdoors, Nordic Walking can provide it all!

Nordic walking is a great way to gently encourage full body movement whilst the poles help to reduce pressure on the knees and joints and help propel the walker along. It can also help to significantly improve the condition of your muscles, heart and lungs. It will boost your energy levels and help you to ward off medical conditions such as; Heart Disease and Strokes, High blood pressure, Stress and Anxiety to name a few.

By using the poles you use more muscles which significantly increases the amount of calories burned without making you feel you are pushing yourself too hard.

Nordic Walking uses most of the major muscles in the body and therefore helps to keep them in good condition. This gives you the added benefit of improved posture and a more toned physique too, it is particularly good for the upper body; especially the upper arms and the core.

You can not beat the feeling of being outside in the fresh air; it clears away the cobwebs and leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated. So long as it is not pouring with rain or heavy snow we will be heading out every Tuesday at 10:00am.

I love Nordic Walking and so do my regular ‘Nordic Walkers’ so put on your jumper and come and join us.

Caroline Riddall, Fitness Manager, Caversham Health & Fitness

Nordic Walking Testimonial
“Having done a small amount of walking with poles in the past I was intrigued to find out how Nordic Walking would differ. Firstly Caroline introduced me to poles, teaching me how to hold them correctly, and how to swing my arms to build momentum when walking. After a short practice I quickly picked up the technique. Initially I was apprehensive about joining the class as I worried I might not be able to keep up with the pace, but I needn’t have been concerned as the pace was comfortable for everyone in the class. Half way through the walk we stopped to do some resistance exercises with the poles and by the end of the walk I could really feel the benefits to my upper arms. Nordic Walking really boosted my spirits and put me in a great frame of mind for the day!”
- Catherine

Early Bird Classes

Do you lack energy and motivation during your working day? CHF fitness instructor Caroline has just the answer for you…

Exercise at 6:15 in the morning…..really????

If like me you are not a morning person and the thought of getting out of bed at silly o’clock to exercise fills you with dread, read on to uncover why I am now actually an advocate of early morning activity!

For most people the idea of exercising first thing in the morning is not something you would happily chose, however studies have shown that exercise significantly increases mental acuity! This is  a benefit that lasts four to ten hours after your workout ends; therefore exercising in the a.m. means you get to harness that brainpower, instead of wasting it while you’re snoozing.

We all know that after a workout you feel energised and full of oomph so why not make the most of that feeling first thing in the morning?! Leave that sluggish start to the day behind you and reap the benefits of increased energy levels during the day.

Invariably people work harder when in a class; you get caught up in the atmosphere and feed off other people’s energy, so effectively you are getting more from your workout.

Exercising first thing in the morning is the most foolproof way to ensure that other things don’t overtake your fitness commitment, particularly if you have a hectic work or family life. It’s so easy to get home at the end of a long day and wimp out of getting yourself down to the gym, especially if you’re tired or faced with the tasks of making dinner, helping with homework etc.

Make the decision to join in one of our ‘Early Bird’ classes and end your working day knowing that you can get home and stay there and not face that internal battle of ‘shall I go to the gym or shall I stay right here and relax?’

Early Bird Classes at CHF
Monday – 06.30 to 07.15 – Early Bird Spin
Tuesday – 06.15 to 07.00 – Early Bird Spin
Wednesday – 06.15 to 07.00 – Early Bird Killer Circuits
Thursday – 06.15 to 07.15 – Early Bird Pump
Friday – 06.15 to 07.00 – Early Bird Box Fit