Hey, Mike here. I hope you're week is going well.

I've been going on recently about haw I've been cycling to work on enjoying the benefits. Well it seems thousand of others have been on its too. Last week on Google, the word 'cycling' was the number on searched term in the UK! I think the recent dry weather and the popularity of the 'Tour De France' have helped with that.

The Government along with a leading UK bank have also jumped on the cycling 'band wagon' so to speak and have introduced a scheme to encourage folk to cycle too and from work (see the link for more info) http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/14808.aspx

I've mentioned previously that I've lost weight and reduced my body fat down by 2 percent! Some friends and family have said I look slimmer and I must admit I do feel stronger and leaner and scales the do confirm that I am lighter! If you have access to a bike, it’s a great way to get outdoors and keep fit. We know that it will help with additional calorie expenditure, but also will help with reducing your body fat percentage. Combining a good healthy eating plan and regular exercise such as cycling is a super way to reduce your body fat. So even if your goal is not to loose weight, but to have a slimmer leaner look, Getting on your bike will be a sure way to help reduce it.

There are many pluses of you reducing your body fat, These include; reduced risk of Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, Increased muscle tone, a leaner slimmer look and increased metabolic rate. These are just some of the benefits of a lower body fat. Getting out on your bike seems to be a popular activity at the moment, so make sure you enjoy the current trend and get out on your bike and start to cycle your way slim!

Keep well.

Mike

Hey Mike here i hope you're doing great!
Just a short one today but i'd like to share this with you. As you've read recently, I've been getting on my bike and cycling into work for about a month now (which i really enjoy). I knew that my weight had gone down a little since I'd started, but when i jumped on the scales it flashed at me 88kg!! I've never been that weight since i was born!
It got me thinking though about exercise activity and the effect it has on anyone wanting to reduce their weight. I haven't hit the weights in recent weeks due to lack of time and no doubt this has contributed. My body fat percentage has also gone down by 1% in 3 weeks!(i tell you more about that in my next blog).
Exercise activity does really help accelerate the process of weight loss as oppose to just 'dieting'. By regularly engaging in the right type exercise, it can truly help you lose weight and feel great!

Best wishes

Mike.

5 Good reasons

5 good reason to make exercise part of your daily life!

Hey, Mike here, hope you're doing super!
If you only do one thing today, read this article. It’ll only take a minute or two, but the information it contains will make a lasting impression on your life, and that of your friends and family, forever. I’ve compiled five reasons why exercise is a must!I've kept it short hand so it wont take you long to read. Four pointa are to do with your health; the fifth is a little something extra to keep you on the right track and to help me!


1. One –IF YOU’RE FEELING TIRED, EXERCISE MORE! Ok, this sounds a little odd, but research has shown that exercise is the most effective way of overcoming fatigue. So as far as exercise goes, the more you put in the more you get out.

2. Two-PREVENT DIABETES: Diabetes is one of the fastest growing public health issues of the 21st century. Traditionally people with impaired glucose tolerance have been prescribed drugs to delay the onset of the disease. But scientists have found that a good diet and exercise program is almost four times more effective in preventing diabetes than drugs.


3. Three-OBESITY KILLS: No sane person would dream of getting into a car without wearing a seatbelt. But obesity kills more people than road traffic accidents, suicides and murders put together. So statistically speaking, not engaging in regular exercise could be seen as far worse than driving around with no seatbelt on!

4. Four-SUMMER LOVING! Summer is in the air, its the time of year when we typically wear less clothes and become more attractive(so i've read) and feel more Loving! this is increased more if you exercise! Not only does exercise give you the stamina to achieve your personal best, it also improves the way you feel about yourself, partner and family and freinds. In short, if you love your body, not only will someone else, but you‘ll also feel more confident, relaxed and in the mood for loving!


5. Five- SPREAD THE WORD! We are offering you the chance enjoy a Personal training session Free. Any friend or family member that signs up with optimum health pts that you refer, will entitle you to your next session at no cost. Its simple, So don’t delay spread the word today!

Best of Health

Mike

Boost your mood-be happy!

Hey, Germany was great we had a great time seeing the sights of Berlin. If even get chance to go- do it. It has so much to offer and great places to visit. I come back feeling fresh and ready to help you all get fit and healthy.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, but taking time out to chill and get away is so important- remember to do it. It helps you feel happy. However, If you’re like me there will be certain times that you feel.... shall I say... a little crappy! You may have had a bad week/day at work, you’re feeling neglected, everything seems to go wrong and it seems the whole world is against you. 
My number 1 tip to offset those times when you feel bad and want to feel great and enjoy better moods is Exercise! It’s better than any pill. 
Research studies have shown when you take a pill or any form of mood booster, there are potential negative side effects, whether that be a can of red bull or an anti-depressant. Exercise creates natural chemicals like endorphins with the side effect of happiness! Similar chemicals to those when your laugh, are released helping you to immediately feel much more positive and uplifted.
The other good thing with exercise is that it doesn’t need to be long & arduous either. When I train  (and yes I do do some exercise) I like to keep my workouts Intense, short and sweet! 30-45 mins max and I’m done. I love exercise but spending 60-90mins is just not for me, some of you may agree while some of you may disagree.  The American college of sports medicine (ACSM) recommends a guideline or 3-5 days a week of 20-30 minutes exercise for health benefits. This could include a simple activity of dog walking, (very topical in my house at the moment) cycling or walking to the shops. 

Victoria our new team member

Short, sharp intense workouts are another way to go if you want to boost your mood and feel happy. You may have heard of HIIT exercise (High intensity interval training) or metabolic training. These forms of exercise work you harder and really elevate your metabolism and your ability to burn fat quickly. 
At Optimum Health studio we have introduced a new FBB (Full body blitz) class on our timetable which is just awesome! The new class will be instructed by our new team member Victoria Wood. The class has been designed to offer all the benefit that short sharp workouts bring-leaving you feeling happy- some would even say euphoric! You can book online here to reserve your place and your first class is only half price!

Whatever your choice of exercise, the important thing to remember is that to help keep a good mood or if you do find yourself in a bad mood, get out and do some exercise you’ll feel much better right away. I promise you that.

Committed to your health

Mike