So this is it guys. This is the latest in exercise craze to come out of State Side. You aren't working hard enough if you aren't doing the poodle curls.
So funny...
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Monday, 20 July 2009
Massage at Work

Feel fabulous at work...
Let yourself go anytime, anyplace.
Nothing gets through to people like a wonderful chair massage. It can relax away the cares of a hectic day, wow clients and staff at a special event, or simply show that the boss really does care. However you’d like to use chair massage to benefit your business, we’ll be happy to discuss your needs and come up with inspiring solutions that will work any time, anywhere.
Easy
There’s no need for people to remove any clothing, and we don’t use oils. You simply relax into our ergonomically designed massage chair and feel your cares melt away. By the time we’ve finished our energising massage, you’ll be ready to take on the world.
Massage Chair
We use a ergonomically designed massage chair which has been designed for seated massage and provides the following benefits to the client:
- Supports you allowing total relaxation during the treatment.
- Ergonomic and adjustable design to suit the individual shape of each person. This makes the treatment more comfortable;
- Allows time away from your desk so you enjoy the benefits of the treatment and are not interrupted by work demands.
What Cost?
Making clients and colleagues this happy won’t cost you the earth. To get an accurate (and outrageously reasonable) price, the best thing is to let us know the details of what you’d like and we’ll go from there.
Imagine having your team take just 15 minutes each to be thoroughly pampered and refreshed. Scientists tell us the body regenerates most effectively during the brainwave cycles that occur just below normal waking consciousness. This is the zone your staff can visit during their seated massage treatment. A 15 minute backrub can often feel like an hour sleep, resetting the stress meters at zero, allowing your team to get on with the job.
Then prepare to be inspired!
Choose from the power-packed list to give you the pick-me-up you’re after:
10 minutes ENERGISER
20 minutes REVIVER
30 minutes UNWINDER
Call us for FREE advice or FREE DEMO on 08000 029 121 or email info@theholisticsytem.com.
www.theholisticsystem.com
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Kettlebells and Celebrities
Yesterday Jason Dean (Kettlebell Instructor and Personal Trainer) posted the following on his facebook status, "Be suspicious of celebrity endorsements of home equipment that promise a total body workout in minutes a day; fat burning diet pills; and of course, exercise fads and gimmicky infomercials. Trust your heart - You have to put the work in!!!"
I totally agree with what he has said and not just cause I am trainer, but there are companies out there that just want to empty your pockets including gyms. There are a lot of people that I really respect that are doing great work for improving peoples' health and wellbeing, Jason being one of them in Leeds.
So that brings me nicely to the following. The video below was recently brought to my attention. I know that this video promoting the fact that celebrities are using them and so must be great but like the presenter says, "Kettlebells have been around for years"... They are not gimmicks when it comes to the benefits of using kettlebells.
I totally agree with what he has said and not just cause I am trainer, but there are companies out there that just want to empty your pockets including gyms. There are a lot of people that I really respect that are doing great work for improving peoples' health and wellbeing, Jason being one of them in Leeds.
So that brings me nicely to the following. The video below was recently brought to my attention. I know that this video promoting the fact that celebrities are using them and so must be great but like the presenter says, "Kettlebells have been around for years"... They are not gimmicks when it comes to the benefits of using kettlebells.
As Seen on GMTV from FitnessWorx on Vimeo.
Monday, 13 July 2009
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage Leeds City Centre and Roundhay
The skin's natural functions will be stimulated improving the condition of the skin and the warmth created will help relax the body physically and mentally.
Body massage originated in Sweden. Swedish body massage is the original massage technique involving a sequence of movements working superficially and deeper into the tissue layers.
Movements such as effleurage work over the skin with the palm of the hand producing relaxation, whereas movements like petrissage work deeply.
Petrissage movements such as wringing and kneading will help to relieve tension promoting deep relaxation in the tissues and muscles.
As no two people are alike, the body massage sequence will be adapted to the client's needs.
Massage may be offered in the salon for one hour or half hour treatments, treatments may also be described as back massage, stress massage, all being adaptations of a Swedish body massage.
For those clients who are apprehensive about a massage treatment and of course the stigma attached to this may need some reassurance.
A professional Massage Therapist will offer this treatment respecting the client's modesty at all times. The client is covered in soft towels, which are turned back to reveal only the area to be massaged at that time. Areas massaged in a full body massage are normally, legs, arms front of shoulders, abdomen (optional) back of legs or thigh and back.
By ensuring you visit a reputable, established salon that displays professional certificates and qualifications, you will receive a wonderful, relaxing, treatment.
What Next?
Book your appointment. Call 08000 029 121.
Massage Clinic based in Leeds City Centre
Remedy
16 New Bridgate
Leeds LS1 6NU
and
Steps Skin Care
484 Roundhay Road (Opp. Oakwood clock)
Leeds LS8
The skin's natural functions will be stimulated improving the condition of the skin and the warmth created will help relax the body physically and mentally.
Body massage originated in Sweden. Swedish body massage is the original massage technique involving a sequence of movements working superficially and deeper into the tissue layers.
Movements such as effleurage work over the skin with the palm of the hand producing relaxation, whereas movements like petrissage work deeply.
Petrissage movements such as wringing and kneading will help to relieve tension promoting deep relaxation in the tissues and muscles.
As no two people are alike, the body massage sequence will be adapted to the client's needs.
Massage may be offered in the salon for one hour or half hour treatments, treatments may also be described as back massage, stress massage, all being adaptations of a Swedish body massage.
For those clients who are apprehensive about a massage treatment and of course the stigma attached to this may need some reassurance.
A professional Massage Therapist will offer this treatment respecting the client's modesty at all times. The client is covered in soft towels, which are turned back to reveal only the area to be massaged at that time. Areas massaged in a full body massage are normally, legs, arms front of shoulders, abdomen (optional) back of legs or thigh and back.
By ensuring you visit a reputable, established salon that displays professional certificates and qualifications, you will receive a wonderful, relaxing, treatment.
What Next?
Book your appointment. Call 08000 029 121.
Massage Clinic based in Leeds City Centre
Remedy
16 New Bridgate
Leeds LS1 6NU
and
Steps Skin Care
484 Roundhay Road (Opp. Oakwood clock)
Leeds LS8
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
MEALTIME SUGGESTIONS
MEALTIME SUGGESTIONS
BREAKFAST
Porridge cooked with raisins, seeds and nuts, tea spoonful of local honey and a choice of either semi-skimmed, skimmed, soya milk, rice milk, oat milk or water.
Muesli with fresh fruit and low fat natural yoghurt.
Chopped fruit (fresh and dried) with low fat natural yoghurt.
Breakfast cereals (no sugar or salt) with your choice of milk and dried or sliced fresh fruit on top, especially bananas or apples.
Toast, or muffins (whole wheat) with little low fat spread and marmalade, honey or jam, Marmite or Vegemite, peanut butter or chocolate spread (no need for low fat spread as well), low fat cheese (especially low fat soft cheese) and tomatoes.
Banana milkshake (banana, milk and honey).
Warm roll or toasted muffin with sliced banana and honey.
Yoghurt drink.
Smoothies: There are many ingredients with which to make these but you need a blender and, of course, your imagination:
Skim milk, soy milk plain or flavored or juice: add fat free or low fat yogurt, ice cubes, a sliced banana or any other fruit of choice, protein powder, wheat germ or flax meal, low fat frozen yogurt, peanut butter, strawberry or chocolate flavored milk powders, powdered milk, or instant coffee (decaf or regular), cinnamon or nutmeg. Good fruits to use are bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, kiwis, berry combinations, or canned cherries. Fruit may be fresh, canned or frozen.
Ex: 1/2 cup skim milk, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, or 1/2 cup plain fat-free yogurt, spice and sweetener to taste. Blend until smooth. Makes one serving which includes two servings of dairy and one serving of fruit. Can also add 1/2 cup of fruit juice concentrate or ice cubes as well.
COOKED BREAKFAST
Baked beans on toast or pitta bread.
Crispy grilled bacon sandwich.
Poached egg with bread or toast.
Boiled egg with bread or toast.
Fish fingers and grilled tomatoes and toast.
Grilled tomatoes, lean grilled bacon, mushrooms and toast.
Omelette stuffed with baked means and mushrooms or tomatoes.
Potato cakes with tomatoes and mushrooms.
Kedgeree (with lots of rice and less of the other ingredients)
Pancakes with maple syrup or honey.
NB. When choosing type of bread products always opt for brown wholewheat or an alternative of maize, corn or quinoa.
PACKED MEAL
Sandwiches are traditional and convenient items to include in a packed meal but they can become boring if the same fillings are bread are used every day. Try ringing some changes by using wholemeal, granary, French sticks or baguettes, bagels or pitta bread. The spread acts as a barrier to stop the bread going soggy, but only a thin layer of low fat spread in needed. Alternatively, peanut butter or low fat soft cheese can be used.
There are endless variations on possible sandwich fillings. The following are a few ideas:
Ham and tomato slices.
Low fat live pate and watercress.
Cold chicken and pineapple chunks bound together with low calorie salad dressing or yoghurt.
Smoked turkey or chicken slices with cranberry sauce.
Cold chicken and hummus.
Grilled lean bacon with tomatoes and lettuce.
Mashed sardines with tomato purree
Smoked mackerel with pesto.
Tuna with lemon juice and cracked pepper.
Grated cheese with Marmite.
Low fat soft cheese or curd cheese with pickle.
Edam cheese with apple slices.
Chopped har-boiled egg with lean ham.
Chopped hard-boiled egg with low calorie salad dressing and mustard and cress.
Peanut butter and mashed banana.
Peanut butter and honey.
Peanut butter and strawberries.
Mashed bananas.
Where possible, some vegetables should be included in the packed meal. whether in the sandwich or as a separate item, Freshly prepared salads provide a nice, crunchy texture. All types of raw, chopped vegetables can be used and also of course cooked wholemeal pasta, brown or wild rice, potatoes or beans.
Other items that can be included are:
Fresh fruits (all sorts and keep it varied).
Dried fruits or fruit and nuts.
Cereal bars such as Nutrigrains, Squares, Jordans.
Fruit cake, parkin, gingerbread, fruit loaf, banana bread, and so on.
Pancakes, with lemon and raisin.
Scones or semi-sweet biscuits such as digestives.
Low fat yoghurt or Mullerice.
Low fat crisps.
The packed meal must include fluids: fruit juice, dilute squash (traditional or low calorie), water or a hot drink (preferably caffine free).
MAIN MEAL
Chicken stir-fry with vegetables and rice or noodles.
Grilled lean meat with mashed or boiled potatoes and vegetables.
Grilled fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna, plaice, monk fish) with vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Baked fish (white fish, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice and zest) with jacket potatoes and vegetables.
Spicy shrimp and spaghetti aglio olio (garlic and oil) with green salad.
Shepherd’s pie of cottage pie made with extra lean mince, peas and carrots.
Pasta with tomato sauce or pesto and tuna.
Roast chicken with jacket potato and vegetables.
Grilled fish fingers with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Pasta with lean Bolognese sauce.
Rice with lean chilli con carne.
Rice with red kidney beans (or/and other beans like black-eyed beans, borlotti beans, broad beans, butter beans) with vegetable sauce.
Macaroni cheese, made with low fat milk and cheese.
Chicken casserole with jacked potatoes and vegetables.
Risotto with tuna, sea food, lean ham or chicken.
PUDDINGS
Baked apples with dried fruit and custard.
Yoghurts, formage frais, Mullerice.
Fresh fruit with stem ginger and green tea ice-cream
Fruit crumble with custard.
Milk puddings such as rice pudding and semolina with honey and dried fruit.
Pancakes with maple syrup or honey.
Banana and custard.
Fruit in jelly with custard.
SNACKS
Pretzel sticks dipped in peanut butter and honey.
Fruit cups with teaspoonful of yogurt or small teaspoons of frozen yogurt added into it.
Celery sticks filled with peanut butter or fat free cream cheese, low fat cheese spread, or low fat yogurt dip--create your own!
Apple halves with peanut butter spread thinly on top.
Apple pieces with low skim mozzarella cheese stick.
Baby carrots, broccoli spears, celery, or cauliflower chunks dipped in yogurt with added spices or sweetener to taste. Spices may include: dill, celery seed, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sweetener, minced pineapple, chives, cinnamon.... whatever you like.
Fat-free yogurt: with granola added, coconut, peanuts, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, trail mix, or banana slices.
One slice of 100% whole grain pita bread with a teaspoon of jam or jelly, peanut butter, hummus, peanut butter and honey, banana slices and peanut butter.
Popcorn with added parmesan cheese sprinkled on or other spices such as cumin, red pepper, salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder....whatever you like. No butter, margarines or oils.
Smoothies.
Rice cakes or oatcakes with peanut butter, honey, jam or jelly, tuna salad, refried beans, hummus or chicken salad thinly (just a taste) spread on top.
A small handful of raw almonds, walnuts, pecans or raw peanuts. Raw nuts avoids the extra grease and salt.
Meal replacement shake. Basic mix of whey, casein protein and carbohydrate blend with water. Great as a post workout drink (within the first 20 minutes) and also when on the run. (NB. This is not to replace good source of food from the list above).
WEIGHT LOSS/FAT LOSS
The Truth About Weight Loss and Fat Loss
The science behind weight loss is not complicated and can be summed up by these simple equations:
Energy intake = Energy Output Weight is maintained
Energy intake > Energy Output Weight is gained
Energy intake < Energy Output Weight is lost
THE SIMPLE WEIGHT LOSS MATHS
Energy value of 1 kg body fat is 7000kcal. Assuming a shortfall in daily energy intake or 1000kcal or 500kcal, there will be a weekly shortfall of 7000kcal or 3500kcal. The weekly weight loss is 1 kg or 0.5 kg.
Note that many individuals and athletes may lose significant amounts of body fat without registering equivalent losses in body weight. In this case the training programme has resulted in an increase in muscle mass with has masked the weight loss resulting from the loss in body fat.
For more information on how to get started on your personal fat loss programme email: info@theholisticsystem.com.
Personal Training and Nutrition offered in Leeds and surrounding areas.
BREAKFAST
Porridge cooked with raisins, seeds and nuts, tea spoonful of local honey and a choice of either semi-skimmed, skimmed, soya milk, rice milk, oat milk or water.
Muesli with fresh fruit and low fat natural yoghurt.
Chopped fruit (fresh and dried) with low fat natural yoghurt.
Breakfast cereals (no sugar or salt) with your choice of milk and dried or sliced fresh fruit on top, especially bananas or apples.
Toast, or muffins (whole wheat) with little low fat spread and marmalade, honey or jam, Marmite or Vegemite, peanut butter or chocolate spread (no need for low fat spread as well), low fat cheese (especially low fat soft cheese) and tomatoes.
Banana milkshake (banana, milk and honey).
Warm roll or toasted muffin with sliced banana and honey.
Yoghurt drink.
Smoothies: There are many ingredients with which to make these but you need a blender and, of course, your imagination:
Skim milk, soy milk plain or flavored or juice: add fat free or low fat yogurt, ice cubes, a sliced banana or any other fruit of choice, protein powder, wheat germ or flax meal, low fat frozen yogurt, peanut butter, strawberry or chocolate flavored milk powders, powdered milk, or instant coffee (decaf or regular), cinnamon or nutmeg. Good fruits to use are bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, kiwis, berry combinations, or canned cherries. Fruit may be fresh, canned or frozen.
Ex: 1/2 cup skim milk, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, or 1/2 cup plain fat-free yogurt, spice and sweetener to taste. Blend until smooth. Makes one serving which includes two servings of dairy and one serving of fruit. Can also add 1/2 cup of fruit juice concentrate or ice cubes as well.
COOKED BREAKFAST
Baked beans on toast or pitta bread.
Crispy grilled bacon sandwich.
Poached egg with bread or toast.
Boiled egg with bread or toast.
Fish fingers and grilled tomatoes and toast.
Grilled tomatoes, lean grilled bacon, mushrooms and toast.
Omelette stuffed with baked means and mushrooms or tomatoes.
Potato cakes with tomatoes and mushrooms.
Kedgeree (with lots of rice and less of the other ingredients)
Pancakes with maple syrup or honey.
NB. When choosing type of bread products always opt for brown wholewheat or an alternative of maize, corn or quinoa.
PACKED MEAL
Sandwiches are traditional and convenient items to include in a packed meal but they can become boring if the same fillings are bread are used every day. Try ringing some changes by using wholemeal, granary, French sticks or baguettes, bagels or pitta bread. The spread acts as a barrier to stop the bread going soggy, but only a thin layer of low fat spread in needed. Alternatively, peanut butter or low fat soft cheese can be used.
There are endless variations on possible sandwich fillings. The following are a few ideas:
Ham and tomato slices.
Low fat live pate and watercress.
Cold chicken and pineapple chunks bound together with low calorie salad dressing or yoghurt.
Smoked turkey or chicken slices with cranberry sauce.
Cold chicken and hummus.
Grilled lean bacon with tomatoes and lettuce.
Mashed sardines with tomato purree
Smoked mackerel with pesto.
Tuna with lemon juice and cracked pepper.
Grated cheese with Marmite.
Low fat soft cheese or curd cheese with pickle.
Edam cheese with apple slices.
Chopped har-boiled egg with lean ham.
Chopped hard-boiled egg with low calorie salad dressing and mustard and cress.
Peanut butter and mashed banana.
Peanut butter and honey.
Peanut butter and strawberries.
Mashed bananas.
Where possible, some vegetables should be included in the packed meal. whether in the sandwich or as a separate item, Freshly prepared salads provide a nice, crunchy texture. All types of raw, chopped vegetables can be used and also of course cooked wholemeal pasta, brown or wild rice, potatoes or beans.
Other items that can be included are:
Fresh fruits (all sorts and keep it varied).
Dried fruits or fruit and nuts.
Cereal bars such as Nutrigrains, Squares, Jordans.
Fruit cake, parkin, gingerbread, fruit loaf, banana bread, and so on.
Pancakes, with lemon and raisin.
Scones or semi-sweet biscuits such as digestives.
Low fat yoghurt or Mullerice.
Low fat crisps.
The packed meal must include fluids: fruit juice, dilute squash (traditional or low calorie), water or a hot drink (preferably caffine free).
MAIN MEAL
Chicken stir-fry with vegetables and rice or noodles.
Grilled lean meat with mashed or boiled potatoes and vegetables.
Grilled fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna, plaice, monk fish) with vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Baked fish (white fish, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice and zest) with jacket potatoes and vegetables.
Spicy shrimp and spaghetti aglio olio (garlic and oil) with green salad.
Shepherd’s pie of cottage pie made with extra lean mince, peas and carrots.
Pasta with tomato sauce or pesto and tuna.
Roast chicken with jacket potato and vegetables.
Grilled fish fingers with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Pasta with lean Bolognese sauce.
Rice with lean chilli con carne.
Rice with red kidney beans (or/and other beans like black-eyed beans, borlotti beans, broad beans, butter beans) with vegetable sauce.
Macaroni cheese, made with low fat milk and cheese.
Chicken casserole with jacked potatoes and vegetables.
Risotto with tuna, sea food, lean ham or chicken.
PUDDINGS
Baked apples with dried fruit and custard.
Yoghurts, formage frais, Mullerice.
Fresh fruit with stem ginger and green tea ice-cream
Fruit crumble with custard.
Milk puddings such as rice pudding and semolina with honey and dried fruit.
Pancakes with maple syrup or honey.
Banana and custard.
Fruit in jelly with custard.
SNACKS
Pretzel sticks dipped in peanut butter and honey.
Fruit cups with teaspoonful of yogurt or small teaspoons of frozen yogurt added into it.
Celery sticks filled with peanut butter or fat free cream cheese, low fat cheese spread, or low fat yogurt dip--create your own!
Apple halves with peanut butter spread thinly on top.
Apple pieces with low skim mozzarella cheese stick.
Baby carrots, broccoli spears, celery, or cauliflower chunks dipped in yogurt with added spices or sweetener to taste. Spices may include: dill, celery seed, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sweetener, minced pineapple, chives, cinnamon.... whatever you like.
Fat-free yogurt: with granola added, coconut, peanuts, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, trail mix, or banana slices.
One slice of 100% whole grain pita bread with a teaspoon of jam or jelly, peanut butter, hummus, peanut butter and honey, banana slices and peanut butter.
Popcorn with added parmesan cheese sprinkled on or other spices such as cumin, red pepper, salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder....whatever you like. No butter, margarines or oils.
Smoothies.
Rice cakes or oatcakes with peanut butter, honey, jam or jelly, tuna salad, refried beans, hummus or chicken salad thinly (just a taste) spread on top.
A small handful of raw almonds, walnuts, pecans or raw peanuts. Raw nuts avoids the extra grease and salt.
Meal replacement shake. Basic mix of whey, casein protein and carbohydrate blend with water. Great as a post workout drink (within the first 20 minutes) and also when on the run. (NB. This is not to replace good source of food from the list above).
WEIGHT LOSS/FAT LOSS
The Truth About Weight Loss and Fat Loss
The science behind weight loss is not complicated and can be summed up by these simple equations:
Energy intake = Energy Output Weight is maintained
Energy intake > Energy Output Weight is gained
Energy intake < Energy Output Weight is lost
THE SIMPLE WEIGHT LOSS MATHS
Energy value of 1 kg body fat is 7000kcal. Assuming a shortfall in daily energy intake or 1000kcal or 500kcal, there will be a weekly shortfall of 7000kcal or 3500kcal. The weekly weight loss is 1 kg or 0.5 kg.
Note that many individuals and athletes may lose significant amounts of body fat without registering equivalent losses in body weight. In this case the training programme has resulted in an increase in muscle mass with has masked the weight loss resulting from the loss in body fat.
For more information on how to get started on your personal fat loss programme email: info@theholisticsystem.com.
Personal Training and Nutrition offered in Leeds and surrounding areas.
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