Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced lifter, the perks of strength training ripple out well beyond the gym walls. Let's unpack how pumping iron can elevate your spirit and strengthen your life!
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This week at SLAM we are gearing up towards one rep max lifts so it’s the perfect time to focus on how to best fuel your body for these feats of strength. Lifting heavy requires not just grit and determination but also the right nutrition to support recovery and continuous improvement. Let’s dive into how you can nourish your body effectively to keep hitting those high marks.
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Today, we’re chatting about something super important but often overlooked: the profound impact of exercise on our mental health. Whether you are new to training or have been active for many years, understanding how movement can elevate your mental well-being is a game changer.
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Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you train regularly, there's something incredibly special and empowering about training in a group, especially within a community that supports and uplifts each other.
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In the constantly buzzing world, there is beauty in looking forward, especially when it's toward something as inevitable as aging. In the chaos of work, family and social life, not to mention the relentless pursuit of 'having it all,' I've embarked on maybe a bit of an unconventional journey: training for my old lady body. And guess what? It’s pretty damn liberating. Let me tell you why.
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In today’s whirlwind life, it feels like we're constantly being pulled in a million directions, doesn’t it? Juggling work, family, and all those expectations society sneakily slips into our bags—it's a lot. But guess what? You can totally handle this and still find moments of joy and peace for yourself.
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As we gear up for International Women's Day 2024, with its pretty awesome theme 'InspireInclusion,' we're taking a moment to spotlight the heart and soul of our gym – diversity and inclusion! Imagine our gym as a giant, colourful party where everyone’s invited: no matter your colour, ethnicity, gender identity, age, or background. If you love moving and improving, you’re in the right place. Let's dive into how we're making every session an inclusive bash!
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When we think of exercise, many of us picture intense gym sessions, sweat-drenched HIIT workouts, or gruelling CrossFit classes. While these activities undoubtedly have their merits, there's one form of exercise that often goes underappreciated and undervalued: walking. Yes, you read that right – walking! In this blog post, we're going to explore why walking is such an underrated form of exercise and why it deserves a place in your fitness routine.
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In the fast-paced and ever-changing world we live in, anxiety and stress have become unwelcome companions for many of us. The pressures of work, relationships, and life in general are overwhelming. The NHS is on it’s knees, there isn’t a whole lot of support out there and we are collectively struggling which makes peer support harder to come by. So how do we find the power to transform fear into fearlessness and take control of our mental well-being?
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Last month we talked about foods that can help you become strong AF. And if you’ve been following our blog for a while you’ll know that protein is a big important macro nutrient for strength and recovery and typically it’s something that a lot of women struggle to get enough of in their diets, this can be even harder if you follow a plant-based diet. So this one is for you our plant eating friends - read on to find out how you can hit that all important protein target!
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As we reach the end of January, I'm sure you've been bombarded with messages urging you to "get back to it" and embrace the "new year, new you" mindset. Personally, my transition into the new year has been pretty gradual, and it's only now that I truly feel prepared to embark on the year ahead. If you're experiencing a similar sentiment, rest assured - you're not alone.
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Pregnancy is a powerful journey, and for those of you crushing it in the gym, we salute you. Now, let's dive into the topic that's been buzzing – the low-lying placenta. Advice is conflicting, people are telling you to basically lie down and not move, ever but you don’t want to give up training, we get it! We can’t give you medical advice and you should ALWAYS consult your health care provider and a reputable coach (that’s us!) when navigating complexities related to your pregnancy but fear not friends, we have worked with many, many pregnant people in your position and we want to share some of the things that work for us.
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It’s January and diet culture is out in full force. This week alone I have seen at least 30 posts about how to “get in shape for the new year” and the frustrating thing is that most of them have piggybacked on “self-love” or “intuitive eating” In order to pretend they aren’t promoting a toxic diet message. The thing is - being slim might be something you think will make you feel good BUT tell me, what good is a slim body going to do if you are weakened from starving yourself? How much life will you be able to enjoy if you are as fatigued from grueling exercise classes and a lack of nutrients? For so long we have been told to get smaller and we’ll feel better and we are calling TIME on that narrative. We want you to feel strong, empowered, and like your badass self, and starving yourself is not going to make that happen. So in a world telling you what not to eat, here’s a breath of fresh air - a blog all about the amazing things food can do for you:
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Body neutrality, to me, is like a warm hug for the soul. It's about embracing and accepting our bodies without the constant pressure to love or hate them. It's recognizing that our worth extends far beyond physical appearance, transcending societal expectations. With that in mind, BN helps us to detach from our bodies as our whole sense of worth. The reality is - bodies change, they eb and flow with our lives and if we buy into the toxicity of the fitness industry which hooks us on believing that we are at our happiest when our bodies are smallest then how do we cope when illness, injury, age, or just general life gets in the way of all the things we have to do to maintain that body size?
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In the heart of winter, there's something oddly stunning about embracing the chill. Just like a chilly dip in a loch, facing the cold head-on can be invigorating. Wrap up in your coziest layers, take a deep breath, and let the crisp air do its magic. I actually think we get a bit more dry sun in the winter than we sometimes do in the summer so if it’s light - get yourself outside, even if it’s just for a walk round the block!
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The "New Year, New Me" mantra often comes with a set of unrealistic expectations and pressures. It implies that our current selves are somehow inadequate and need a complete overhaul. But here's the truth: You are enough as you are. Resolutions born from self-criticism rarely lead to sustainable change. It's time to redefine the narrative.
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On this Christmas Day, let's shine a light on the stories of remarkable women who have used their voices to make a difference. Picture Malala Yousafzai, the young activist advocating for girls' education globally, or Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and ignited the Civil Rights Movement.
These women remind us that activism comes in many forms, and each voice, no matter how small, has the potential to create waves of positive change. As we exchange gifts and share meals with loved ones, let's also celebrate the gift of gratitude and recognize the power of our voices to shape a more just and compassionate world.
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Ever notice how picking up a paintbrush or putting pen to paper can feel like a burst of fresh air for your mind? The connection between creative expression and mental well-being is nothing short of magical.
Creating art is a form of release. It's a way to externalize what's inside, making space for new thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. Whether it's painting, writing, or dancing, the act of creation can be therapeutic, providing an avenue for processing feelings and fostering self-discovery.
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Winter can be tough. The days get shorter, the nights get longer, and it can feel like the cold is seeping into our bones. It's not just about surviving; it's about thriving. And that's where self-care steps in like a superhero. Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a lifeline. It's the practice of intentionally taking time for yourself to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In the winter, when the world outside might feel a bit dreary, self-care becomes our secret weapon.
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