Strong Friends
A collection of the Strong Friends interviews from the Strong Words blog. Enjoy!
Meet Strong Friend Helen Keeble who is forging a path to pelvic floor health! You’ll see more of Helen in the future with our upcoming article series. In the meantime, find out a bit more about Helen in our interview.
Tania is a powerhouse - representing Ireland in Rugby and Touch Rugby, motherhood, working with kids with learning disabilities and being at the forefront of the development of women’s rugby on the international stage - Tania does it all with an amazing level of intensity.
Meet Strong Friend Chris Knott who is always learning. Chris is all about sharing that knowledge and is always finding new ways to reach people.
Master of 7’s, Tag and women’s 15’s Rugby and one of the loveliest people you will meet, Garnet Mackinder is the ultimate modest powerhouse. Hear all about her journey in this week’s Strong Friends.
Meet Kate Mullaly, a Rugby League player, advocate of the game and superhuman levels of grit and resilience. Discover Kate’s story across the codes, through injury and all the way to the top.
Meet your Pelvic Floor (and also Strong Friend Danielle White). This is a crucial part of your body and we need to talk about it more often. Learn a little and meet Danielle along the way.
Meet Laura Dalby from Pure Sports Medicine. She’s the one that is going to help you get that niggly hamstring back to normal!
Meet Strong Friend Rahil Malik, owner of Shot near Ludgate Circus, my favourite spot for healthy and delicious lunch and snacks right near the studio. Rahil brings us nutritious fare, without the attitude, that is delicious and easy, proving that healthy doesn't have to be dull.
Meet Harry Thomas, business owner, trainer and trainer of trainers. He is out there making a difference in our industry, helping a new generation of trainers create successful businesses that last.
Meet Strong Friend Maddi Elliott, professional rugby player, major achiever and positive thinker. Her journey has not been a straight line but she has always taken the view that each set back is an opportunity.
Gus wants to make a difference, to teach people that life's obstacles can be turned to your advantage and help get their body and brain functioning. Gus Martin is a no-nonsense gut health expert who brings his military background and unique understanding of the world to his take on health and wellness.
Meet Strong Friend Travis Young who tells his story of overcoming extreme challenges and not giving up. He still faces his demons every day and yet manages to be a positive force in people's lives.
Meet Sean Phillips: an excellent coach and no-fuss human who is all about trying to be good to others and help where he can. Read all about his story.
Meet Strong Friend Victoria Fritz who you may know from the BBC News Desk. Victoria is a huge source of inspiration, a client and, most importantly a friend. Check out her story.
Meet Richie Byrne - former Pro Footballer, proud dad, PT and gym manager where hard work and smiles go hand in hand.
Meet Strong Friend Gabi Hayward who runs an activewear brand and a yoga studio, is a super-mum and the kindest human on Strong Words today.
Meet Strong Friend James Crossley - former star of the TV show Gladiators and now successful business owner and pioneer of fitness and strength at any age. Read all about his story in my Strong Friends interview.
From professional rugby with London's top teams to business owner, Ben's story is all about drive. Check out the interview from the guy who got me to move to London and get serious about PT.
Strong Friend Lee Royston, owner of Royston Medicine and Movement, is the most humble and modest human in the world and a very successful coach who is constantly striving to grow and learn. His story is honest and inspiring.
Anita was an early inspiration for me to become a part of the health and fitness industry. I sought Anita out for advice while involved in athletics. Not only did I see results working with her, she helped me gain an understanding of the importance of nutrition and an insight into working in the industry outside of athletics.
This week's Strong Friend has a fantastic story. I met Paddy Wright in the midst of his existential crisis. Find out about his move from finance to the health and fitness industry and working with athletes once their professional career is over.
Meet Dr Brandi Cole - Sports Doctor, CrossFit legend, athlete, mum and entrepreneur. You will be hearing more from Dr Brandi in our future series on pregnancy and post partum experiences. Before we jump into that, let's meet Brandi properly in a Strong Freinds interview.
In the Strong Friends series I chat with inspirational and outstanding personalities to learn more about how people manage their health and wellbeing, about their businesses and what makes them tick. This week I chat to my own trainer, Andy Pilides: Athlete, coach and business owner.
In the Strong Friends series I chat with inspirational and outstanding personalities to learn more about how people manage their health and wellbeing, about their businesses and what makes them tick. First up I talk to Asha Hibbert: Yoga teacher and kindred spirit.
I can’t believe the date’s come around so fast BUT GYMS ARE BACK TOMORROW! After a whole year of being pretty much closed gyms are finally reopening. Although many of us are ready and raring to go it’s important to remember to take caution when you return.
So why should we take it easy when we transition from home workouts to gym workouts?
What exactly is mobility and why is it important? Mobility isn’t just about stretching, it’s the ability to move actively through a range of motion, which is especially important for runners.
Short answer - yes!
One of the main reasons I really encourage a cool/warm down is to aid recovery post-training and make use of the warmth in the muscles for some useful mobility. But what does the science say?
Other than push-ups being hard, the biggest complaint I hear is that the wrists hurt or are very uncomfortable. The wrist actually has 35 muscles involved when moving it so it’s understandable so many experience pain, particularly during this exercise. It’s important to build up the strength and mobility of this relatively small part of your body!
We’re getting to that time of year again when motivation in general, starts to lag. New Year resolutions have fizzled out and people are feeling a bit fed up - the fact we’re stuck at home because of lockdown and are still in the midst of a global pandemic doesn’t exactly help either!
To be well balanced in all your fitness goals, these four ingredients of your body's foundations need to be addressed.
Sit-ups are divisive. People typically love or hate them. Most of all, the humble sit-up is misunderstood. Grace takes you through how to get it right!
Announcing Monthly GBF Challenges! It’s all about beating your own PB and getting strong together. We also look back at the GBF Dead Hang Challenge in September. Will you be the next GBF Challenge Champion?
Yes, we're in lockdown and yes, we can't go to the gym. But we CAN exercise outdoors. So let's make the most of it! So, without further ado, welcome to Strong Club Run! I'll be posting a free running workout session on IG and FB every Saturday! There'll be something for everyone here, starting with a great beginner intervals session.
Meet Kelly Beahan: Athlete and S&C coach to some of Australia’s biggest sports stars. Kelly has forged a stellar career in a male dominated industry, all while representing her country in various sports and being a mum. Find out more about Kelly in her Strong Friends interview.