by Martin Thomas | Jan 25, 2024 | Lincs Connect
New Beginnings With Mandarin Fitness – The same Old Story
New beginnings with Mandarin Fitness – Exercise, diet, protein, carbohydrates, High Intensity Interval Training, Injury….. You’ve heard it all before.
Every January all of these topics will have probably been bombarding you from morning till night. You can’t escape it in January and you are ‘expected’ to have a New Year resolution. The expectation is that you will want or need to lose weight and get fit. Fast forward to pre-summer holidays and watch it all repeat again!
Reality Check
The realities are though that the majority of people who take up exercise and a new diet plan in January are doomed to failure. Why though? Is it because you have been pressured into it by the media, celebrities, friends, families and Personal Trainers?
Perhaps you feel under pressure to conform with what is expected of you? Here is a question and answer for the ladies:
“How do you get a bikini body?” The answer is simple “put a bikini on!”
The picture on the left is the real image. The picture on the right has been edited to portray ‘the perfect body’ image
New Beginnings With Mandarin Fitness – Don’t Be Pressured
The point I’m trying to make here is that whatever happens, you mustn’t feel pressured or bullied into conforming to the ‘skinny body’ picture that you may have in your mind. The ‘six pack’ may never happen for you. It’s a fact and I would like you to hold that in your mind.
We are all different and that is a fact too.
Body Type
Ectomorph, Mesomorph and Endomorph are three distinctly different body types. You are what you are and, like it or not, that’s the way it is. You can search any of those body types on the internet for a full description to save me rambling on here but the reality is that regardless of how many nuts and seeds you eat or litres off water you drink your body type will never change.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can just give up and pretend that any weight issues you may have just don’t matter. On the contrary, we know that an increased waist circumference is linked to heart disease, stroke and some cancers. We also know that too little body fat carries health problems too.
Morphology – you are what you are!
Confused?
So where does this leave you? Hopefully not confused!
Do you need to exercise? Of course you do! Your body type may dictate that you will never be lean with a six pack so do you stop considering what you eat? Of course not! Remember, “Everything in moderation”
New Beginnings With Mandarin Fitness – Your Health Is In Your Hands
If you don’t enjoy exercise and prefer to eat comfort food then consider this: “Your health is in your hands” – you should love yourself and the body you’re in so don’t try to reach the unreachable goal.
You can change habits though and there is plenty of professional help around from health professionals to fitness professionals. Consider ‘functional fitness’ as a goal. Many of you may not want to go to the gym or take up running but can you get out of your chair easily? Could you run or jog a short distance if you need to? Can you lie down and get back up again with ease? If the answer to these questions is ‘no’ then perhaps you need to consider your perception of fitness.
Take your body type (whatever it is) for a walk, swim or cycle. Don’t cut out carbohydrates from your diet but you can drastically cut down by reducing confectionary. It’s a good start!
If you are new to exercise, self conscious, unable to move as well as you should but would like to make improvements then you might like to contact me for help. I will visit you for a dedicated 1 to 1 consultation but I’m afraid there will be the normal charges for that service.
If you have any questions about starting exercise please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Injuries
March is my busiest month of the year. Why? Because so many people are too enthusiastic at the start of their fitness/activity journey and trainers often push people to exercise beyond their safe limits. March is the time when my phone is most active with people asking for help. Don’t be a statistic. Take your time to ease into exercise. There is no rush, you have the rest of your life to get it right!
Biomechanics coaching with Mandarin Fitness in Lincolnshire for injury prevention and injury rehabilitation
Until Next Time…
That’s it for now. I hope you find this blog useful. If you have any comments or would like any more information please do get in touch.
You can email martin@mandarinleisure.com or call me on 07966 174878. You can also visit the website www.mandarinleisure.com or for a quick response you will find me on twitter @MANDARINLEISURE @MandarinFitness @MandarinMothers of Facebook MandarinFitness
by Martin Thomas | Jan 4, 2024 | Detox, Fitness, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Fitness
Mandarin Fitness Detox
Mandarin Fitness Detox – Did you over indulge over the Christmas holidays? Perhaps Easter was a chocolate fest? Are you ready to detox?
When Is The Best Time?
The simple answer is ‘NOW’
Now is the time detox. In fact, you’re already doing it. You don’t need to buy a special drink or go on a special ‘detox’ diet so put your credit card away.
Mandarin Fitness Detox – Every Day
Your body is detoxifying itself every single day of your life. It does it 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, every year since the day you born.
If your body stops detoxifying itself, get medical help as a matter of urgency!
What Do You Need To Know About Detox?
The End
That’s it! There is no more to say about ‘detox’ other than to remind you to save your money by not believing the adverts that telly otherwise.
If you like this blog please do feel free to comment. Likewise, if you would like any other health and fitness advice please do feel free to contact me.
by Martin Thomas | Jan 2, 2024 | Fitness, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Fitness
Happy New Year With Mandarin Fitness Weight Loss
Here is a new series of blogs for you, starting with ‘Mandarin Fitness Weight Loss’ tips for the New Year.
With 33 years experience as a Personal Trainer I’m here to help you on your journey to health and happiness.
Over Indulged?
Christmas has been and gone already! Did you buy enough chocolates, alcohol, savoury snacks and treats to last the day…..week?
I’ve heard it said that many people consume around 4000 ‘extra’ Calories per day over the Christmas holidays. To put this into perspective; in order to burn off 1Lb of body fat you’ll need to burn an ‘extra’ 3500 Calories. Those ‘extra’ Calories means an awful lot of exercise! Read on for useful tips.
Mandarin Fitness Weight Loss – Don’t Despair
Don’t despair…
Gaining 5Lb (2-3kg) over the Christmas period isn’t really such a big deal so don’t despair. Body weight naturally fluctuates on a daily basis so resist the temptation to succumb to the advertising hype from the big companies. You ‘will’ be bombarded with the latest eating craze, special diets and prepared meals from all of the media and social media channels. ‘Don’t Despair – Do Resist’ the temptation to follow the crowd. Hold onto your money (at least until you’ve finished reading this blog) because you may find some simple and cheaper alternatives.
The Six Pack
Your 6 pack is always there but sometimes it needs a bit of work to tone it up. You’ll need to be very lean (very little body fat) to be able to see it, but it is there
For those of you who know me, you’ll know that I don’t particularly subscribe to the ‘six pack’ club. My preferred mantra is ‘healthy’ rather than obsessive. Don’t get me wrong though, the ‘six pack’ is good – but it’s just not a realistic goal for everyone. So, what can the answer be for those of us who don’t aspire to that type of figure or realistically understand that the ‘lean, mean, fighting machine’ body is never going to be achievable?
Here are some simple rules:
- Don’t feel guilty if you think you over indulged over the Christmas period.
- Love yourself as you are.
- Aspire to be healthy, pain free and able to move freely.
- Be prepared to make small changes on a regular basis to make sure you reach your goals.
- Be active and stay active.
I can think of many more rules but these five will hold you in good stead for the foreseeable future.
We all know that the consequences of over indulgence and not enough exercise can be fatal. Don’t obsess with your fitness and weight loss programme though. There are some simple changes that you can implement to help make lasting changes.
Mandarin Fitness Weight Loss – Small Changes
If you’re asking yourself “what should I do to help myself?” try starting with these simple tips:
- Make small, healthy changes to your diet.
- Don’t rush to make big changes all at once. The smaller changes are more likely to become habits that will be long lasting.
- Don’t run a marathon! Over exercising is the biggest cause of injury and it happens ‘every’ New Year! Becoming a statistic isn’t part of the game plan.
- Invest in appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Join a structured club or class that you are likely to enjoy. If you don’t enjoy the exercise you probably won’t stick at it.
Walking Is Free
Our digital age provides technology to help motivate us. In addition we have nice cameras on our phones so we can use them to help give us a reason for walking.
There are many free Apps available to help track our walks and activity. As an iPhone user I utilise the built in fitness App to track my activity and walks for myself and my client sessions. Other Apps available including ‘Map My Walk’ and ‘Strava’. A photo taken during the walk is a lovely way to record your activity too.
If you normally drink a late or cappuccino coffee try swapping it for an Americano coffee. Likewise, if you always eat ready meals, challenge yourself to cook a healthy meal instead. If you have a takeaway meal every week change it to once a month.
If you don’t normally go for a walk try starting off with 1 mile (1.5km) at a time on a daily basis. Your fitness levels ‘will’ improve and your weight ‘will’ reduce. These very simple change ideas can make a world of difference to your life. Adapting the idea to suite yourself is a perfect way to make permanent changes.
Mandarin Fitness Weight Loss – Superfoods
There is no such thing as a ‘superfood’. I’ll say that again in case you aren’t sure what you just read: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SUPERFOOD!
Don’t be fooled by the adverts on TV.
Mandarin Fitness Weight Loss – Exercises
Here are a few ideas for exercises that you might find useful. Don’t forget to start off gently to avoid injury. It’s better to stop while you’re feeling good than to push to fatigue then suffer the consequences later.
Mandarin Fitness Weight Loss Challenge
Small changes make all the difference. Challenge yourself to make a few small changes this month.
If you would like more help or information you can contact Martin on 07966 174878
by Martin Thomas | Nov 25, 2023 | Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, LincsConnectChristmas, ShopLincs
For Christmas In Lincolnshire Use #LincsConnectChristmas
For Christmas in Lincolnshire use #LincsConnectChristmas and #ShopLincs on your social media posts to reach more local people. Use the hashtags to post your gift ideas and bargains then encourage your followers to search the hashtags to discover more.
Trending
#LincsConnectChristmas is a seasonal hashtag which ‘trends’ globally each year so use it to reach out to your new customers. The #LincsConnect hashtag along with #ShopLincs are here for you every single day of the year so I recommend using them all.
The #LincsConnect hashtag trends most weeks during the #LincsConnect Hour on X so make sure you use it to your advantage. You’ll find more information later in this blog.
For Christmas In Lincolnshire Use #LincsConnectChristmas – It’s Free Advertising
Competition at this time of year is fierce so ‘NOW’ is the time to advertise websites and online shops.
Social media may not be the place to sell at Christmas but it is an ideal platform to guide readers to shops and websites. Include links on your posts to make life easier for readers to find your shop. Use social media to highlight offers and promote what you have to offer and make time to follow up any enquiries.
You can’t expect everyone to find you and buy your products so make sure you use your social media platforms to guide customers to your shop. I am repeating myself but I’m happy to do that if it helps you to understand the usefulness of social media as a tool to reach out to new customers.
#LincsConnect Hour
The #LincsConnect Hour takes place on X (Twitter) every Monday evening from 8.00pm. You can use it to reach out to local people with your adverts, chat and general support. The hashtag trends most weeks too which makes it the perfect platform for advertising yourself or organisation.
Hosting the #LincsConnect Hour on Twitter is FREE and an ideal way to reach out to locals. Get in touch today to arrange a date to host your Hour. I’ll say it again “For Christmas In Lincolnshire Use #LincsConnectChristmas“.
For Christmas In Lincolnshire Use #LincsConnectChristmas & Advertise On WhatsOnLincs
WhatsOnLincs is the new community web page on the LincsConnect website. You can use it to post free adverts from markets and car boot sales to charity events and entertainment, jobs, volunteering plus much more. You can even include pictures as well as links to websites. It’s all FREE so be sure to use it to find out What’s on in Lincolnshire.
New categories are being added as demand increases. As a result, there are new categories including ‘ShopLincs’ and ‘Christmas Events’. You can use this categories to advertise yourself, your Ofers and Christmas events. Advertising is FREE on the site too so please to make the most of it.
Once you have posted your advert you can copy the link to post on any social media platform. This will save you from having to type new adverts each time.
Here To Help
LincsConnect has been working hard to help local traders, organisations and charities but we do need to help each other. By posting links from the website to your social media platforms you will be helping to promote the free website. That’s all I ask of you!
Be A Sponsor
You can pay to advertise on the website of course. Each sponsor will have their logo and website/socials link on each page of the website. Anyone who views the site or posts a free advert will see you. If you would like to become a sponsor and would like more information please get in touch.
Advert
Mandarin Therapies & Mandarin Mothers provide bespoke complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home. Treatments include Antenatal & Postnatal therapies and Aromatherapy massage as well as injury prevention and injury rehabilitation. Ask about the bespoke Biomechanics assessments too. Call 07966 174878 to book your session or to order a personalised gift voucher in time for Christmas.
Additional Blogs
Merry Christmas Everyone
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and I look forward to chatting to you all sometime soon.
by Martin Thomas | Sep 17, 2023 | Lincs Connect, What's On Lincolnshire, WhatsOnLincoln, WhatsOnLincolnshire, WhatsOnLincs
WhatsOnLincs Explained
WhatsOnLincs is the Lincolnshire based community web page on the LincsConnect website. You can use it to post free adverts from markets and car boot sales to charity events and entertainment, jobs, volunteering plus much more. You can even include pictures as well as links to websites. It’s all FREE so be sure to use it to find out What’s on in Lincolnshire.
During one of the weekly #LincsConnect Hour evenings on Twitter (X) the overwhelming response to “where do you advertise to reach new customers locally” was “there isn’t anywhere”.
Don’t get me wrong, there are other websites available in the County but they focus on the larger events. As a result I devised the WhatsOnLincs page to include sole traders and small events as well as the larger ones.
Free Advertising
Free advertising – can this really be true?
All adverts are on the page are free to post. No commitment and no catch!
Sponsorship
While adverts are free to post it is possible to sponsor the website. Each paid advert will appear on every page of the site including the pages where people post their free adverts and where the general public search the website.
If you would like to sponsor the website with an annual advert please get in touch. Your sponsorship will help to pay for the additional storage space and upgrade of the package that will inevitably be required to grow the site.
WhatsOnLincs – Part Of The Dream
This page has been a part of my dream for LincsConnect for many years. As a community, self funded project finances have been tight. As a result, being a bit of a technophobe, I’ve struggled to get the website updated.
With finances in short supply for this community project, good will and community spirit are what’s needed to make things happen. I’m a firm believer in helping others with no expectation for reward. However, it’s really good news when someone steps forward to offer help.
WIN, WIN With WhatsOnLincs
Discover Events And More on WhatsOnLincs
Advertising is FREE so that means WhatsOnLincs is a great place to search for events, sales, special offers, jobs and much more.
Using the site is easy. It’s open to everyone to view so locals and out of area visitors alike can take advantage of WhatsOnLincs. The page is located on the LincsConnect website and is easily searchable from Google and other search engines.
Arriving on the page you’ll immediately see some of the free adverts. Searching by ‘date’ is a good way to find out what’s on in Lincolnshire and our surrounding area. The site really is easy to use but if you happen to encounter any problems please do get in touch.
With categories being added as they are needed I’m sure you’ll find something here. There’s everything from markets to jobs and festivals to lost, missing and stolen.
Have a look to see what you think and please don’t forget to tell your friends.
How To Upload An Advert
When uploading your advert consider these tips:
- When choosing a title for your advert make it look like something you would search for on Google or any other search engine. Typing “Join Us On Saturday” doesn’t tell people (or search engines) what you are actually advertising. Instead you should be more specific. “Lincolnshire Show” is a very specific title that will definitely result in internet searches.
- When typing your text (staying with the same example as 1. above) start with something like “Lincolnshire Show – find me at stand xxx on both days. Be sure to say hello and let us know where you saw our advert.
- No 2. above is a very specific invitation to get people to visit you at the show. Be sure to add your name in your advert so that people know who they are looking for. Likewise, add your own website or social media details in the contact info while posting your advert.
- Adding a date for your event: If your event is over one or two days then include those dates when typing the description for your advert. However, if your event is over several dates during the year I highly recommend that you place an advert for each date individually to make them stand out. There is no harm in copying and pasting your text from your original advert onto subsequent adverts to save yourself some time.
Advertising Your Posts
Possibly the most important task for you after having posted your advert and having it approved is ‘sharing’ it.
Once your advert/post has been approved (usually the same day as it is submitted) it’s really ‘really’ important that you visit your advert and share it on your social media platforms by clicking on the icons supplied at the bottom of your post. Not only will your post be delivered to your social media platform immediately but you’ll also be given the opportunity to make additional comments. When you’ve done it once, you’ll see how easy it is.
Advertising your post in this way will make life a lot easier for you but it will also help to keep the website at the No 1 position on Google as well as reading the word about the site.
Posting To Facebook
If you experience problems uploading your advert from the WhatsOnLincs website to your Facebook page and can’t open the YouTube link try clicking on the orange link below. Once you have watched the video simply click on the back arrow on your browser to return to this page. The video has no sound so follow the black arrow on your screen when you see it.
It’s important to open the Facebook page that you want the advert to appear on first.
WhatsOnLincs to Facebook 1
Thank You
My dream to help connect the County and our neighbours was given a huge boost when Jason from J & S Plumbing And Heating came forward to help set up the page on my website for me. Thank you Jason, WhatsOnLincs wouldn’t have materialised without your help.
With community in mind, Jason has also produced some helpful information blogs and videos so please do take a look at his website to see them for yourself.
Here is a link to one of his more recent blogs:
Click Here to go straight to the blog
Additional Blogs By #LincsConnect
Click or tap on the picture to go to the blog:
Fancy a brew?
