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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Regional Lead Physiotherapist, Joanne Fidock, recommends a series of morning stretches to relieve back pain and keep it at bay.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Wednesday 9 October 2019

The back is one of the largest sections of muscle and bone in the human body. Because of its size, the back is more prone to injury and damage than other areas, which makes strengthening the muscles in the area vital.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 6 June 2016

Back issues are extremely common. Research reveals that 4 in 5 adults (that’s 80%) experience the discomfort and distress of back pain at some point in their lifetime. Inactivity can make the muscles tighten up and the joints become stiff, so rest isn't always the best option. That’s why exercise is commonly advised as one of the best ways to help prevent and manage most back pain.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Thursday 12 November 2020

Looking for a simple, effective workout you can do at home? Our Pilates instructor, Olivia Tyler, leads a 20-minute online class to help you stay fit and flexible.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Tuesday 7 April 2020

Whether it’s functional strength or aesthetic appeal that you’re looking for, training your biceps is a vital part of any weightlifting routine. All you need is a bar and some weights or a set of dumbbells.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Wednesday 4 October 2023

Personal Trainers Abby Carpenter and Tan Quddus give expert guidance on five simple exercises you can do with dumbbells.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Wednesday 12 October 2016

Swimming is a great way to get some regular exercise for all ages, including those who are enjoying their retirement.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Tuesday 27 August 2019

If you are looking for an exercise to get your children active, or are wondering about why swimming is regarded as one of the most beneficial activities for young people, look no further than our following A – Z to the benefits of swimming for kids.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Friday 19 June 2015

Nuffield Health personal trainer Julia Baverstock explains everything you need to know about cross training.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 16 December 2019

They say mathematics can explain the universe. It can also explain why you’re not achieving your weight loss goals. Head of Preventative Medicine, Dr Ben Kelly crunches the numbers.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Thursday 5 January 2017

The effects of the pandemic have been significant, and we’ve seen the impact of long COVID on physical and mental health. GP and Dermatology Lead Dr Unnati Desai explains the symptoms of long COVID, and how you can both self-manage and get rehabilitation for these.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 27 September 2021

Keeping active is our best chance at living a long and healthy life, and it’s never too late to try something new. So here’s five of the best exercise classes for the over 55s to try.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 2 May 2016

With interest in protein shakes and powders growing more every year, questions around usage, benefits, training supplementation, and how much is too much are more common than ever.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Wednesday 17 February 2016

If you’re curious about what to wear to the gym or enjoy expanding your workout wardrobe, you’re in the right place. From trainers to sports bras, our expert advice will make choosing a comfortable and practical gym outfit a lot easier.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 14 December 2015

Nuffield Health Senior Personal Trainer Graham Morland explains what supersets are, what they're good for and when to do them.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Thursday 7 January 2016

Nuffield Health Senior Personal Trainer Phil Goulding explains what isolation and compound exercises are, what they’re good for and when to use them.

Updated: Thursday 3 September 2026

Published: Tuesday 25 June 2019

Ever wonder how long it takes to notice changes from your new exercise routine? Discover the timeline of benefits you can expect to see and feel over the period of a year.

Updated: Thursday 3 September 2026

Published: Monday 1 April 2019

This workout strengthens the muscle groups needed for endurance and performance when swimming. Adapt the workout to improve your own strength level, whether you’re a beginner or a regular swimmer.

Updated: Thursday 3 September 2026

Published: Friday 27 January 2017

The human body isn’t perfect and developing a hernia is often caused by things you can't control. Here are four things you can.

Updated: Thursday 3 September 2026

Published: Monday 14 March 2016

As a newcomer you may think they're scary, or as a hardened gym-goer that they're not challenging enough, but here are five reasons you should break out of your comfort zone and book into a class.

Updated: Thursday 3 September 2026

Published: Tuesday 18 October 2016