Author: Heather Gaulton

It’s been fantastic to see people returning to the leisure centres and watching friends and families being reunited with the activities they love.

The latest Government Announcement on the final stages of England’s reopening road map means we must continue with the restrictions and social distancing currently in place for at least another four weeks.

We understand this might be a little frustrating, but the good news is you are still able to access and enjoy so much at our venues:

• Exercise classes
• Racquet sports
• Adult & children swimming lessons
• Organised indoor sports
• Gym sessions
• Lane swimming

We thank you for helping us to keep our centres as safe as possible. Collectively, it’s been fantastic to see our community respect our Covid-19 guidelines, and watch our customers being kind and considered to other members too.

Bookings:

We will continue to control capacity, and we remind you that all activities, including the gym and recreational swimming, must be booked in advance via our app. Get ahead by downloading our app ready for you to make bookings here

All activities/sessions are available to book five days in advance.

Thank you again for your ongoing support, it really has meant so much to the team.

Let’s keep going. Let’s be strong together.

There’s now fresh evidence that coffee can perk up fat burn and that your level of fitness affects fat oxidation. Research also reveals how exercise during pregnancy can safeguard your child from disease, and the surprising truth about what really sparks the runner’s high – it’s all in this month’s research roundup.

How to perk up your fat burn

Caffeine has long been a commonly-consumed ergogenic substance, but the science behind its performance benefits has been scarce – until now. A new study not only confirms caffeine is beneficial for fat burn, but also highlights the ideal dose and the best time of day. The findings come after scientists from the University of Granada put a group of men through an exercise test on four different occasions, each seven days apart. All elements were standardized, except 30-minutes before the workout some participants were given 3 mg/kg of caffeine, others a placebo. Researchers measured the participant’s fat oxidation and found that those who had the equivalent of a strong cup of coffee half an hour before aerobic exercise experienced greater fat burn. They also found that the effect was more dramatic in the afternoon than in the morning. So, if you want to increase fat burn during exercise, a strong brew before your afternoon workout is the way to go.

The fitter you are, the better you burn fat

There is plenty of evidence that exercise is a great way to burn fat, and now new research indicates that the fat burning benefits of exercise increase exponentially. It seems the fitter you are, the better you become at burning fat – but only if you’re female. These findings come after researchers put 73 healthy adults through a cycling fitness test, measuring key lifestyle and biological indicators for optimal fat burn. To find out why fit females were such efficient fat burners, the scientists delved deeper into the molecular elements of muscle and fat tissue by taking fat and muscle biopsies from participants. They found a correlation between muscle proteins that break down stored fat and the proteins that transport fatty acids into the muscle, resulting in a greater ability to burn fat. Interestingly, the correlations were only apparent in females and researchers say they’re yet to understand why. They also point out one important fact; while our ability to burn fat as a fuel can mitigate future weight gain, fat burn alone does not lead to weight loss. Weight loss relies on a calorie deficit, which all comes down to consuming fewer calories than we expend.

How moms-to-be can ensure their child’s future health

Helping children live their healthiest lives possible could come down to the exercise their mothers do while their offspring are still in the womb. During a recent study of lab mice, researchers explored the metabolism and epigenetic modification of DNA in the offspring of obese mice. They found that when a mother exercised during pregnancy, it prevented the transmission of metabolic disease from either parent to the offspring. Assuming the same applies during human pregnancies, it adds another compelling reason to exercise during pregnancy. Researcher Zhen Yan, Ph.D. says it shows that regular exercise may not only benefit the pregnancy and labor but also the health of the baby for the long run. “Regular exercise is probably the most promising intervention that will help us deter the pandemic of chronic diseases in the aging world, as it can disrupt the vicious cycle of parents-to-child transmission of diseases.”

The truth behind ‘runner’s high’

It’s often referred to as a ‘runner’s high’, a gentle buzz of euphoria that some runners experience midway through their run. For years, scientists have attributed it to endorphins, as the presence of these natural painkillers seems to rise in runner’s bloodstreams. However, new research suggests that the euphoric sense of bliss has nothing to do with endorphins, and it’s actually more closely linked to marijuana. This new study came about after scientists questioned the endorphin theory, knowing that the molecular structure of endorphins means they cannot cross the blood-brain barrier and have an emotional or mental effect. They put this to the test using a drug to block the endorphin receptors and found that even when the receptors were blocked runners still felt the euphoria and reduced anxiety known as the runner’s high. Research suggests that endocannabinoids are a likelier stimulant. These biochemicals, which are similar in chemical structure to cannabis, can cross the blood-brain barrier and flood our system during pleasurable activities such as orgasms … and running (yes, running is considered that pleasurable for some!).

By Emma Hogan for Fit Planet

Dan, 19, currently works as a part time swimming teacher at Trafford Leisure’s Altrincham Leisure Centre whilst studying for his BSc degree in Paramedic Practice at Edge Hill University in Manchester. Dan splits his time between university and working at the leisure centre some evenings and weekends to help fund his studies.

Dan and his two brothers all learnt to swim at Altrincham Leisure Centre following the Swim England Learn to Swim programme. Dan was always a keen swimmer and signed up for Lifeguard Training when he was 16, which he completed with the RLSS through a Trafford Leisure initiative.

Dan says: “I loved becoming a lifeguard and really enjoyed the training.  I had completed my Learn to Swim Programme and wanted to keep swimming, the lifeguard qualification allowed me to keep my hobby up whilst learning new skills. In addition it gave me a fantastic part time job.  At the time I was at college doing my B-Tech in Public Services and the lifeguard work and hours really fitted around my college life.”

Dan continues: “It was whilst I was still working as a Lifeguard that Trafford Leisure’s Swimwell Manager, Nicky Lowe, asked me if I would like to train as a swimming teacher. I jumped at the chance and signed up for the Institute of Swimming’s training academy in the summer of 2019.”

Trafford Leisure, in partnership with the Institute of Swimming, run swimming teacher academies that give people the chance to train to become a swimming teacher, with the qualification costs largely funded by Trafford Leisure.

Jo Cherrett, COO at Trafford Leisure says: “Swimming is an extremely important life skill and it is not acceptable that children are missing out on the opportunity to learn to swim because of a shortage of teachers. Through our partnership with the Institute of Swimming we are determined to make the vocation more accessible. We were delighted to upskill existing members of staff and reach out to our Trafford community for further applications too.”

“I plan to continue to teach people to swim throughout my degree and am considering combining my paramedic and swimming teaching careers, to help supplement my finances. My lifeguard and swimming teaching experience has given me the opportunity to learn valuable lifesaving and practical skills and has helped me to get real experience of dealing with people and situations, which can only help my future career as a paramedic.”

Rob Cooper has been the Head Green Keeper at Trafford Leisure’s Altrincham Golf Club for the last three years.  Altrincham Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course, with large chipping and putting greens, a 26-bay driving range (now with TopTracer technology) as well as a fully serviced pro shop.

Rob loves his job at Altrincham Golf Club, it’s more than just a job to him, it’s his passion. He says: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.  Green keeping is my obsession, it’s in my DNA.”

Rob, aged 33, is a local man, born and raised in Warrington.  Golf has always been a big part of his life, having spent his childhood accompanying his professional golf playing father around the world on a European Tour.  Rob says:“I can’t remember a time when there wasn’t golf, and so it only seems natural to have made green keeping my career.”

Rob left school on a Friday aged 16, and started work on the following Monday morning at Warrington’s Birchwood Golf Club, as an assisting green keeper.  Over the years Rob has worked at the Dukes Golf Club at Saint Andrews in Fife, as well as Lymm Golf Club. Along the way he has gathered a string of qualifications including his Level Two Sports Turf and Amenity Horticulture from Reaseath College in Cheshire and his Level Three in Golf Course Management.

As Head Green Keeper Rob manages a team of three green keepers and is responsible for the maintenance, care and overall appearance of a golf course. It is his team’s job to maintain a good playing surface and to ensure the course offers a consistent challenge and an enjoyable experience to its golfers.

Rob and his green keeping team have won two staff awards in the last few years, testament to their dedication and commitment.  Rob continues:“It really is a team effort; we all support each other, and ensure we are best we can be.” This year the team won the Trafford Leisure ‘Keeping it Simple Award’,in recognition of the team’s continued efforts to improve standards at the Golf Course, and maintaining the condition of the course so customers can play all year round.

Rob and his team are used to early starts and each morning they tour the course at the start of the day in order to prepare for the day’s play. “Come rain or shine, we are out on the course early, at 5am on tournament days. We are there checking the playing surfaces, cutting and mowing the greens, treating the turf to control weeds, fungal diseases and pests, repairing the wear and tear caused by golfers and animals.. It’s very much an outside job; I have the sock and shorts tan lines to prove it! Weather does play a huge part in our role as extreme weather conditions can create havoc to playing surfaces.”

Rob encourages and mentors his team and is delighted with the work ethic they bring in each day.  He says:“We’ve worked really hard to improve the greens at Altrincham.  Our efforts have really brought the club up in my estimation, and I’m proud of my team.  We’ve worked together, consistently in challenging weather conditions of torrential rain and heat waves over the last few years.  I’m so pleased to hear the positive feedback from our golfers, who tell us that the golf course is immaculate.”

Rob enjoys his early mornings, as it means his work day is usually complete by 2.30 in the afternoon. In his free time, he loves to walk his pet cockapoo, Hector, and enjoys popping in to see him mum and helping her with the garden.

Rob concludes: “Green keeping is one of my loves and one day, I hope to be a Course Manager for Links Golf Course, setting up the course for major tournaments with the added extra challenges of being by the sea and the brutal windy conditions.”

find out more >>> https://altrinchamgolfclub.com

Going to the gym is great for your health, and we encourage everyone to exercise regularly. Preventing injuries is easy and will ensure you can keep working out without interruptions. As specialists in sports injuries and physio, MLH Physio wanted to share some of their best advice on how to prevent gym injuries.

At MLH Physio they treat a lot of injuries, but a major part of our role is educating patients on how to prevent injuries. Here are just some of the most common injuries we see and how to prevent them.

Shoulder and Neck Issues

The most common shoulder injury picked up in the gym that we diagnose is impingement syndrome. For most patients, shoulder pain and injury is a result of either lifting weights that are too heavy, or poor posture. Rounded shoulders can put unwanted strain on the shoulder joint, which can lead to irritation and pain. When lifting any weights or doing press-up movements, always try to maintain a good shoulder posture.

Lower Back Injuries

The large majority of lower back problems we see at MLH Physio are down to lifting too heavy too soon. That’s not to say lifting heavy weights is dangerous, it’s not at all, it’s just important to use the correct technique and build the weights up gradually. Always seek a gym expert’s advice if you’re not sure. Most back injuries are easily treated in our clinics with a combination of physiotherapy techniques, exercises and the best advice to help with returning to exercise after injury.

Muscle Strains

Probably the easiest injury to prevent is muscle strain. Did you warm-up? Or just get straight into the gym or out on a run? The advice is simple, do a simple warm-up before you start exercising. If you have any tightness or stiff muscles after exercise, some gentle stretches or work on a foam roller can also help reduce the tightness or prevent it turning into an injury.

In essence, working out is great, but making sure to stay injury-free is extremely important. Not only will you avoid pain and discomfort, but you’ll ensure you can keep up your workouts without interruptions. If you have suffered from any injury, or are currently experiencing pain, don’t try to push through the pain, but instead come and speak to an expert for some advice.

 You can contact them HERE or you can also BOOK ONLINE . 

Don’t forget Trafford Leisure members get 15% discount.

It’s that time of year where people return to the gym or begin a new class in an effort to fulfil a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or get fit after the excesses of Christmas. While exercise is beneficial to our health, unfortunately it can also result in injuries.

What are the Most Common Gym Injuries?

We treat a lot of injuries. But the most common gym-related injuries we see are:

• Shoulder and neck issues
• Lower back injuries
• Knee problems
• Muscle strains
• Foot and ankle problems

All of these issues cause pain and discomfort, loss of mobility, and affect the quality of life. However, they are easily avoidable, so instead of simply treating the pain after it occurs, we like to advise our patients on how to prevent it in the first place.

Ask the experts!

If you are not experienced in the gym, you are starting a new class, or using a piece of equipment for the first time, always seek advice from an expert in your gym as they will be able to guide you safely with the correct technique and training volumes.

Listen to your body

It’s perfectly normal to feel achy and sore after exercise, especially when starting a new routine, returning to exercise after a break, or increasing the volume of exercise. Niggles and slight muscle pain can last only a few days and ease with a little rest. However, if you are unfortunate to develop an injury that lasts more than a few days, we would recommend visiting us at MLH Physio to get some expert advice and treatment so you can return as quickly as possible but also safely.

You can contact them HERE or you can also BOOK ONLINE . 

Don’t forget Trafford Leisure members get 15% discount.