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. 

Running Challenges Workouts Cycling Swimming Gym advice Fitness tips Beginners' tips Active ageing Exercise classes Staying active Strengthening Walking Family fitness Personal Training

Not getting as much exercise as you’d like? Whether you’re still working from home, or you’ve become less active since the pandemic, Professor Ben Kelly, Head of Clinical Research has five tips to help get you moving and improve your health.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Wednesday 30 March 2016

Recently joined the gym or returning to training after a long break? There may be a risk of doing too much too soon. Senior physiotherapists Emily Jackson and Daniel Gibson, share their top tips for training safely, and what to do if you suffer from a sports injury.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Thursday 20 May 2021

Entering the gym for the first time can be daunting, but remember, everyone has been in your position at one point. You might be surprised at how common some of these anxiety-focused thoughts and feelings actually are.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Thursday 11 May 2017

After a workout, food can help you to repair, refuel and recover.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Wednesday 11 September 2019

Taking time out of training can be difficult, especially when you’re enjoying your training. Whether you’re looking to build muscle or shave seconds off your 10km time, rest is a vital part of your training schedule.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Thursday 20 July 2023

Joint pain is one of the most common reasons people of all ages give for avoiding physical activity. Stiff joints, poor range of motion, and mobility issues can all make accessing and enjoying exercise difficult.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Thursday 26 October 2023

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

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

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