No matter how much you know, there is always someone who knows more. Know matter how good you are, there is always someone better. There is a lot to be said for humility.
This clip features one of my favorite boxers of all time, Lennox Lewis, and Chris Eubank, the arch enemy of Nigel Benn (one of my other favorite boxers). Fair play to Chris Eubank, the man who once dubbed himself, 'Simply the Best' is gracious enough to take on board what Lennox has to say, but realistically, would you tell Lennox Lewis where to go?!
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Cancer to Become Leading Cause of Death World Wide by 2010
Cancer is projected to be the leading cause of death by 2010 according to a report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The comprehensive report was analysed at an event in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, called Conquering Cancer: A Global Effort.
Cases of cancer doubled globally between 1975 and 2000, apparently will double again by 2020, and will nearly triple by 2030 claims the report. There were an estimated 12 million new cancer diagnoses and more than 7 million deaths worldwide this year. The projected numbers for 2030 are 20 to 26 million new diagnoses and 13 to 17 million deaths.
"There is a clear message of hope: Although cancer is a devastating disease, it is largely preventable. We know that preventive measures, such as tobacco control, reduction in alcohol consumption, increased physical activity.... and screening and awareness, could have a great impact on reducing the global cancer burden," said Peter Boyle, PhD, DSc, director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer in a statement entitled, Conquering Cancer: A Global Effort.
The report comes at a time when CJS Fitness has formed alliances with some of the UK's leading authorities on exercise and cancer recovery, such as Cancer Rehabilitation UK. In conjunction with the Lynden Tree Project, CJS Fitness aims is to establish the first ever exercise and cancer recovery program in London, due to be launched 0ctober 2009.
The full article by Nick Mulcahy, on the report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer can be found on Medscape.
Cases of cancer doubled globally between 1975 and 2000, apparently will double again by 2020, and will nearly triple by 2030 claims the report. There were an estimated 12 million new cancer diagnoses and more than 7 million deaths worldwide this year. The projected numbers for 2030 are 20 to 26 million new diagnoses and 13 to 17 million deaths.
"There is a clear message of hope: Although cancer is a devastating disease, it is largely preventable. We know that preventive measures, such as tobacco control, reduction in alcohol consumption, increased physical activity.... and screening and awareness, could have a great impact on reducing the global cancer burden," said Peter Boyle, PhD, DSc, director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer in a statement entitled, Conquering Cancer: A Global Effort.
The report comes at a time when CJS Fitness has formed alliances with some of the UK's leading authorities on exercise and cancer recovery, such as Cancer Rehabilitation UK. In conjunction with the Lynden Tree Project, CJS Fitness aims is to establish the first ever exercise and cancer recovery program in London, due to be launched 0ctober 2009.
The full article by Nick Mulcahy, on the report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer can be found on Medscape.
Monday, 8 December 2008
First Impressions of a Kettlebell Convert
During the autumn this year CJS Fitness ran a competition through our newsletter to win a free slot on our Kettlebell Essentials Seminar. Vinko, a property consultant based in Brighton was the winner. Below Vinko (who sent this in last week) tells us about overcoming his fears and discovering the art of kettlebell lifting during the Kettlebell seminar, realising it is more than just a clump of iron, but a powerful tool. Thanks for sending this in Vinko.
"I first heard about Kettlebells well over a year and it has taken me about the same amount of time to finally commit to giving Kettlebells a try. Admittedly, I’m not much of a gym enthusiast so the idea of lifting heavy steel weights and putting them back down again didn’t sound too appealing! But after I had won the competition for a free slot and several phone calls back and forth, CJ finally convinced me to come on down and give it a go – that in itself was something of a feat.
My first impressions of Kettlebell training were far different from what I had expected. I was quite nervous as I approached the Kettlebell workshop; I thought I would be surrounded by body builders of overstuffed mattress proportions demonstrating excruciating tests of manliness! It didn’t take long to realise that I couldn’t be further from the truth.
The kettlebell seminar turned out to be very focused on technique and efficiency, and the weights just offered a sense of resistance. It felt quite awkward at first but as we worked through the day it all started to make more sense and I began to get more comfortable with the swings. CJ and the other trainers spent most of the time with us perfecting our kettlebell technique and by default things got easier.
Since the Kettlebell Essentials Seminar I’ve actually got myself in gear and have continued with training (miraculously!). I’ve found a group local to me called Brighton kettlebells where I can train with a group of other Kettlebell enthusiasts on a regular basis – and so far so good. This is possibly the first time in several years that I have been motivated to keep up with training; I think this is because I like the focus of working on form and technique, rather that focusing on upping the weights and flexing my pecs. It provides me with a challenge that I enjoy – you can feel yourself getting more efficient and more effective with practice.
What sets CJS Fitness apart is the meticulous attention paid to technique. The focus on detail is profound and you can really see the value in learning great technique and adding weight to it, rather than picking up a massively overweight kettlebell and trying to muscle it up.
A tremendously enjoyable and beneficial workshop – thanks to CJ and his dedicated team."
Vinko Sindelar
Property Consultant
www.Ready 2 Invest.co.uk
Kettlebell Essential seminars run throughout the year. You can check out our 2009 timetable here.
Why not have a look on youtube to get a feel for our Kettlebell Essentials seminar.
For other Kettlebell Training in the UK go to www.londonkettlebells.com
If you would like to buy quality Kettlebells check out the CJS Fitness store online.
"I first heard about Kettlebells well over a year and it has taken me about the same amount of time to finally commit to giving Kettlebells a try. Admittedly, I’m not much of a gym enthusiast so the idea of lifting heavy steel weights and putting them back down again didn’t sound too appealing! But after I had won the competition for a free slot and several phone calls back and forth, CJ finally convinced me to come on down and give it a go – that in itself was something of a feat.
My first impressions of Kettlebell training were far different from what I had expected. I was quite nervous as I approached the Kettlebell workshop; I thought I would be surrounded by body builders of overstuffed mattress proportions demonstrating excruciating tests of manliness! It didn’t take long to realise that I couldn’t be further from the truth.
The kettlebell seminar turned out to be very focused on technique and efficiency, and the weights just offered a sense of resistance. It felt quite awkward at first but as we worked through the day it all started to make more sense and I began to get more comfortable with the swings. CJ and the other trainers spent most of the time with us perfecting our kettlebell technique and by default things got easier.
Since the Kettlebell Essentials Seminar I’ve actually got myself in gear and have continued with training (miraculously!). I’ve found a group local to me called Brighton kettlebells where I can train with a group of other Kettlebell enthusiasts on a regular basis – and so far so good. This is possibly the first time in several years that I have been motivated to keep up with training; I think this is because I like the focus of working on form and technique, rather that focusing on upping the weights and flexing my pecs. It provides me with a challenge that I enjoy – you can feel yourself getting more efficient and more effective with practice.
What sets CJS Fitness apart is the meticulous attention paid to technique. The focus on detail is profound and you can really see the value in learning great technique and adding weight to it, rather than picking up a massively overweight kettlebell and trying to muscle it up.
A tremendously enjoyable and beneficial workshop – thanks to CJ and his dedicated team."
Vinko Sindelar
Property Consultant
www.Ready 2 Invest.co.uk
Kettlebell Essential seminars run throughout the year. You can check out our 2009 timetable here.
Why not have a look on youtube to get a feel for our Kettlebell Essentials seminar.
For other Kettlebell Training in the UK go to www.londonkettlebells.com
If you would like to buy quality Kettlebells check out the CJS Fitness store online.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Defy Gravity: A Giant Leap For The G-Trainer
On Monday 1st December there was an article in the Evening Standard about former England football star Keiron Dyer who had broken his leg in August 2007 and since then has remained more or less out of action. His story is a familiar one, progress in rehabilitation plagued with set backs after complications to the initial injury. Damaged confidence coupled with a decrease in fitness could have potentially been a recipe for disaster and the end of a promising career.
What distinguishes Dyer's story is that he has recently been training with the Alter G 'G-trainer'. Developed off the back of NASA technology, the G-trainer can reduce the impact of your body weight down to 20%. That's the equivalent of walking on the moon. This has allowed Dyer to increase his fitness to a level where previously the impact would have hindered any progression. Slowly body weight can be increased so that his body can adapt to the impact, not only getting him back to fitness but potentially enhancing his sporting performance.
Balance Performance Physiotherapy in London have recently acquired one, and I've been lucky enough to have a play around. I'm still getting my head around the potential for the G-trainer as a conditioning tool. The implications are quite staggering, from Triatheltes, Ultra-marathon runners, Football, Rugby to Basket Ball, there isn't a sport that couldn't benefit from it (ok, maybe Darts - but that's a whole new blog entry). Then there is the obvious benefits for rehabilitation, or people with medical conditions.
Its a brave investment for London's leading Sports Physiotherapy Clinic and one that should reap great rewards. I'll be using the Alter G's G-trainer as part of my training for the Paris Half Marathon in March 2009, so I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile check out the clip below to find out what exactly it is, and watch me defy gravity.
Monday, 17 November 2008
CJS Fitness 12 Minute Christmas Challenge
Its been a while since the last post. A lot of exciting developments have been taking place which I will posting more about in the coming weeks and the run down to 2009!
So the festive season is quickly approaching and along with it the Christmas party invite. For many people this time of the year is when all the hard work you've done in training goes clean out the window. Too many social engagements and too little time to workout. The weight piles on, the guilt factor lays siege to you conscience. You tell yourself that you'll train hard in the new year. You try to put it on the back burner and enjoy yourself, but it niggles at the back of your mind.
Not enough time to train? Bah Humbug I tell you! Below is an example of how the CJS Fitness Team will be keeping the pounds at bay over the festive season. 12 minutes once a day minimum, twice a day if you want serious results. After you have warmed up thoroughly keep the training method the same but simply substitute with your exercise of choice. This is an extremely challenging routine. Please ensure that you have medical clearance and are physically fit before undertaking any physical activity or exercise routine.
Not enough time to train? Nonsense!
Enjoy!
So the festive season is quickly approaching and along with it the Christmas party invite. For many people this time of the year is when all the hard work you've done in training goes clean out the window. Too many social engagements and too little time to workout. The weight piles on, the guilt factor lays siege to you conscience. You tell yourself that you'll train hard in the new year. You try to put it on the back burner and enjoy yourself, but it niggles at the back of your mind.
Not enough time to train? Bah Humbug I tell you! Below is an example of how the CJS Fitness Team will be keeping the pounds at bay over the festive season. 12 minutes once a day minimum, twice a day if you want serious results. After you have warmed up thoroughly keep the training method the same but simply substitute with your exercise of choice. This is an extremely challenging routine. Please ensure that you have medical clearance and are physically fit before undertaking any physical activity or exercise routine.
Not enough time to train? Nonsense!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Strength is the New Black
Every day my inbox is filled with newsletters from different strength and fitness 'gurus' with the latest tips on how to excel my performance or maintain my masculinity by proving how strong I am with the latest training protocol. Its official: strength training is in BIG TIME!
Some might find it strange that as a strength and conditioning trainer I am even writing this blog entry. I guess what is niggling me is the new style of online strength training marketing (by this I mean training for absolute strength). When it comes to training there is nothing new under the sun. Simply carefully packaged and regurgitated information. The best training systems or protocols have been in place for some time. Are new systems and protocols really 'new' or merely refined or slightly modified versions, with a heavy dose of 'bling' to make it more palatable? Don't be fooled by the hype. The individual and their commitment to training is far more important than the training system. There are NO QUICK FIXES.
My final thoughts? Strength training is valid, but be clear what your training goals are, be clear what your sport or activity requires and stick with that. Its easy to be tempted by something more glitz and glamorous, but Sometimes the best training program doesn't require a radical upheaval of what you are already doing, merely minor adjustments here and there. If absolute strength training is the new black, I'm wearing red.
Thursday, 2 October 2008
IKFF Kettlebell Certification London 2008
First Thoughts...
Thirty participants. Two world class Kettlebell Coaches. Two days. One venue. One purpose. This was the weekend of September 6th, the venue was The Generating Company in the docklands. The space was usually inhabited by circus performers and acrobats, but that day Gireveks from all over Europe lay siege to the venue, eagerly awaiting the IKFF's first ever UK course.
Each time I train with Steve Cotter I take away a nugget of information that penetrates my understanding a little more deeply, despite the high level information throughout the rest of the workshop. This time it was going back to basics with the Kettlebell swing and its effect on my snatch technique. As anyone who has done a 10 minute snatch set can testify, one of the first things to give out is your grip. Now while strengthening your grip can only have a positive affect on your endurance in the snatch, sometimes the weakest link can be found a little further down the chain.
For me it was the lower phase of the snatch (that is the swing part). While I was aware of the involvement of the posterior chain, especially the hamstrings and glutes in the elevation of the bell through their elastic recoil(the stretch- shortening cycle) I hadn't previously taken full advantage of that fact. Steve mad a point of emphasising the back swing; that is actually accelerating in what would typically be considered the deceleration portion of the swing.
This had the effect of consciously activating the stretch shortening cycle and enabled the bell to be elevated with far more considerable ease than heaving the bell overhead by forceful contraction of the glutes and quadriceps while extending the spine. This reduced fatigue in the lower limbs and the subsequent tendency to then apply upper body mechanics to 'muscle up' the snatch, thus smoking your grip.
I had a bit of an 'aha!' moment. You probably can't appreciate the dramatic effect this simple adjustment had on my technique by just reading about it. It will make sense when you actually do it, and when you get it you know its right, because it feels right - your body instinctively knows. So for the past month I have been breaking down the snatch to its constituent parts, and working on extended timed pieces on the swing (double handed and single arm) and the clean, laying down a new foundation to a far more effective snatch.
If you're truly into Kettlebells and haven't trained with Steve Cotter or Ken Blackburn, I urge you to do so. I don't care if you are a complete beginner or a qualified Kettlebell Coach, your time and money will be well spent. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such accomplished Kettlebell Coaches and authentic people. I know that by putting into practice what I have learned not only will those that train with CJS Fitness gain from it, but on a personal level, I too can only be better off for it.
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