Fitness

Keeping fit will benefit your body and your mind. Whether you want to lose weight, build strength or maintain a fitness regime our experts are here to keep you on track. Read trusted advice from Nuffield Health experts and personal experiences from members in our fitness articles. 

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Using a foam roller can be a highly effective way of improving your post-workout recovery. Helping to increase mobility, foam rolling can also reduce onset muscle soreness and aid with the function of our vascular and parasympathetic nervous systems. Wondering how it works? Nuffield Health National Physiotherapy Lead Jodie Breach helps explain what foam rolling can do for your performance and recovery.

Updated: Tuesday 23 January 2024

Published: Monday 18 September 2023

You’ve chosen your Personal Trainer and purchased some sessions, but what now? Feeling a little anxious? No need for nerves. Ross Harris, Nuffield Health’s National Fitness Operations Manager, offers pointers on how to prepare.

Updated: Friday 19 January 2024

Published: Tuesday 21 March 2017

The 5km distance can be both accessible and challenging depending on your experience. Tailored for beginners looking to get into running, our eight-week training plan combines running with strength training to help improve your cardiovascular fitness and get you ready to run the 5km distance.

Updated: Wednesday 17 January 2024

Published: Friday 28 July 2023

The half-marathon distance bridges the gap between “short” distance and “long” distance running. For beginners or those that have done a 10k event it the past, 13.1 -miles (21km) is a challenging but attainable distance – as long as you have the right training plan.

Updated: Wednesday 17 January 2024

Published: Wednesday 10 January 2024

The 10km distance is a challenging and rewarding distance that tests new and experienced runners alike. Whether you’ve just completed a 5km and are looking for a new challenge, or you’re eyeing up a new PB, our plan can help.

Updated: Wednesday 17 January 2024

Published: Friday 12 January 2024

If you want to get into resistance or strength training but aren’t sure where to start, look no further. Our expert led workout can be done in the gym or at home (if you have the right equipment) and contains everything you’ll need to get started. Before you start working various different areas of the body, we’ll walk you through the warm-up, the best compound lifts for you, and cooling down afterwards.

Updated: Tuesday 16 January 2024

Published: Wednesday 3 January 2024

Going to the gym shouldn't just be about working out, it can also be a place to meet new people, relax or have fun. Here, we run through our top things you can do to make the best of your gym membership.

Updated: Thursday 11 January 2024

Published: Wednesday 30 December 2016

Couch to 5k is one of the most popular running programmes out there. Great for beginner runners looking to start their fitness journey, C25K is recommended by the NHS and balances walking, jogging, and running to build up to running the complete 5km distance.

Updated: Thursday 4 January 2024

Published: Thursday 4 January 2024

You’ve taken control of your health and wellbeing and joined the gym, so why the worry? Senior Wellbeing Personal Trainer, Graham Morland, tackles first-time gym-goer anxieties head on.

Updated: Tuesday 2 January 2024

Published: Thursday 11 May 2017

Heart disease is commonly thought to be a men’s health problem. But this is your issue too. Here's eight simple steps to help women protect themselves.

Updated: Tuesday 2 January 2024

Published: Tuesday 15 September 2015

Gym anxiety, or “gymtimidation” is common in people joining the gym for the first time or returning after some time off. If you’re worried about how you look or that people will be watching you, you’re not alone. These thoughts and feelings are extremely common and typically stem from a fear of the unknown.

Updated: Tuesday 2 January 2024

Published: Tuesday 2 January 2024

If you’re returning to the gym after some time off or you’re a complete beginner, you might be wondering what you need to bring with you. Times change quickly, and with so many new and innovative gadgets out there, knowing what gear is essential and what isn’t can get confusing.

Updated: Tuesday 12 December 2023

Published: Tuesday 12 December 2023

Whether you’re training at the gym because of the weather, or you prefer the feel of running indoors, the convenience and versatility of the treadmill have made it a popular bit of kit. To help you maximise your time on it, Fitness and Wellbeing Manager Simon Francis has put together several expert workouts for use at home or in the gym.

Updated: Tuesday 12 December 2023

Published: Monday 11 December 2023

Going to a gym class for the first time can be daunting. If you feel scared or apprehensive about attending a fitness class alone, you’re not the only one. We’ve put together this practical guide to let you know how bringing a friend along can help.

Updated: Monday 11 December 2023

Published: Tuesday 7 August 2018

For most of us, setting our fitness goals is the easy part. It’s sticking to them that’s the tricky part. Whether you’re looking to stay on track and hit a new personal best, or you’re struggling to stay motivated with a new weight loss plan, we’ve got some expert tips to keep you on track.

Updated: Monday 11 December 2023

Published: Friday 25 November 2016

Exercise can have a positive impact on our sleep. Physical activity has proven benefits for improving sleep quantity and quality, giving you even more reason to maintain a regular workout routine. Find out more about the relationship between exercise and sleep and how getting active can help you find a good night’s sleep.

Updated: Monday 11 December 2023

Published: Friday 25 November 2016

For many of us, exercise is a great way to manage our physical and mental health. This can make the festive period – with all the talk of rest, food, and relaxation – difficult to navigate.

Updated: Tuesday 5 December 2023

Published: Tuesday 5 December 2023

The health of your mind and body are intrinsically linked, but only 3 in 10 people acknowledge that exercise helps their mental health, according to latest data from our Healthier Nation Index. We'll discuss how physical activity can help to prevent and manage stress.

Updated: Monday 20 November 2023

Published: Monday 15 April 2019

For some of us, winter means adapting our training regime to stay fit and healthy. Thankfully, switching up how we exercise during the cold months isn’t as tricky as it might sound. Find out more about how the cold weather can impact training and what you can do to combat it, below.

Updated: Thursday 16 November 2023

Published: Monday 31 January 2022

High intensity interval training starts to show results in a matter of weeks. It’s got a huge following and has quickly become one of the most popular ways to workout. But why? Keep reading to find out why HIIT has soared in popularity, and what it can do to keep you looking and feeling healthy.

Updated: Thursday 9 November 2023

Published: Tuesday 21 March 2017