Zest Magazine Article - July 2006
Equilibrium Health was delighted to have been featured in the July 2006 issue of Zest magazine giving a reader expert advice on her fitness levels.
“Each month, we analyse and rate a reader’s fitness diary and their kit, then get our experts to make over their workout and their look…
‘After having a baby 18 months ago, I’m struggling to fit exercise into my life. I’m also bored of my fitness routine, and need some inspiration!’
Claire Moorhouse, 29 from Leeds.
What she does: ‘Two 25 minute runs outside, and one exercise DVD.’ What she wears: An old pair of cycling shorts and a vest top with inbuilt support. ‘I wear the same Asics trainers for running and my home workout.’ What’s her motivation? ‘Before I got pregnant, I was a real gym bunny. Exercise is my ‘me time’, and I love feeling fit.’
Why She Wrote to us: ‘I need some fresh ideas for working out at home, as I’m bored with my exercise DVDs. I want to feel I’m challenging myself again, and I’d love to tone up my mum-tum too!’
Claire’s Fitness score: 7/10
Personal trainer Jon Wray says, ‘I tested every aspect of Claire’s fitness, and she should be proud! Her aerobic fitness is excellent, thanks to her running, and her body fat was a healthy 21.4%. Claire’s main concern is that she wants to tone up, and increase her fitness levels to be what they were before she had Ella. With this in mind, I devised a 1 hour circuit that she should aim to complete two to three times a week, on top of her runs. It alternates cardio intervals (running up and down the stairs, skipping for a minute, or squat-jumps); with resistance moves that work more than one muscle group such as dumbbell lunges, press-ups on her knees, seated dumbbell rows. The crucial thing is that she allows only minimal rest between each set, a maximum of 30 seconds recovery.’
Pilates teacher Claire Wray Says, ‘Like many women post-pregnancy, Claire has developed an increased curve in her lower back which is tipping her pelvis forward. This makes her tummy stick out, so although she would benefit from toning up, she needs an approach that will correct her posture too. Pilates is ideal – moves such as the cat stretch (moving on all fours from arching the back, and looking upwards, to curving the back upwards, whilst looking at her hands). Claire should also try to correct her posture on a day to day level. Looking side-on in a mirror, her hips and pubic bone should be in a vertical line. She should try to check this whenever possible.’
Claire and John Wray run Equilibrium Health Personal Training in Leeds. To contact them, call 07721 369 904.”