David @ DHPT

Let’s face it, injuries are a part of sport and exercise that can cause physical pain and mental frustration to an individual. As anyone close to me knows, I have had my fair share of injuries (probably more than my fair share!) so can relate to being out of action for extended periods of time. As such I have put together a few thoughts around the subject. However, these thoughts are not designed to take the place of a qualified medical professional’s input – if you are injured go and see a doctor. With that being said, what follows is a basic guide which outlines how to avoid injuries and what to do if one happens to occur. The best way to deal with injuries is to not have them in the first place. The best way to prevent injuries is by following some simple rules when working out. Firstly, it is essential to warm-up properly. Ideally, a warm-up will prepare those muscle groups that will be in action during the workout and also raise the body temperature at the same time. This mea

Support networks are one of the most overlooked facets of fitness. It doesn't matter what your fitness goals are, at some point you'll need to lean on someone or something to get you through. This is when your support network needs to kick in. Support networks do not have to be friends or family, often it's better to have a wide range of support structures in order to ensure that you stick to the programme. By utilising tools such as social media as well as those close to you, it enables you to get a broad range of support from a number of different places. Just remember that you may not always have support from where you assume you should. Below I have outlined some of the issues present around support networks and how best to utilise them for your own success. It’s important to have encouragement… Changing your lifestyle is a tough process to work through, especially if you have been set in your ways for a long period of time. One thing that you can do to can make