July 2019
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Study shows benefits of strength ENCOURAGING children to do strength-based exercises could play a vital role in their physical development, a study suggests. Strength training – such as squats, leg press and deadlifts – is an essential part of fundamental movement skill development, researchers say. The exercises enhance muscle strength at a young age and prepare children for being physical active throughout their life. Experts warn that children who do not enhance their muscular strength and fundamental movement skills early in life may not be able to participate in a variety of activities and sports as they get older. Helen Collins, a Sport and Exercise Scientist from Institute of Sport and Exercise at the University of Dundee and a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The finding that resistance training has a positive impact on FMS suggests that children could improve how well they can move by taking part in this mode of exercise. This could ultimately have an effect on physical activity levels, which is crucial for sustaining and promoting good health in childhood and later life.” The study is the first review on
this topic to include non-sporting participants and provides evidence that isolated resistance training has a positive effect on the fundamental movement skills of sprinting, jumping and throwing. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh analysed 33 data sets from existing research that examined the effects of resistance training on FMS in 542 young people from 11 countries: Canada, USA, Tunisia, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, UK, Brazil, Norway and Portugal. The age of participants ranged from eight to 18 years. Globally, physical activity levels are declining with age. This is despite current guidelines for children aged five to18 that recommend at least an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day and taking part in activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least three days a week. These levels of physical activity contribute to the development of healthy bones, muscles and joints and a healthy cardiovascular system, experts say. They also facilitate maintenance of healthy body weight, provide psychological benefits and reduce the risk of several diseases.
No 310 £3
Nominations flooding in for annual accolades
Two-time world boxing champion Amir Khan has been spotted training at Total Fitness, Bolton ahead of his history-defining fight against Billy Dib in Saudi Arabia. Now a regular at the Bolton health club, Amir has been embarking on an intense training programme at the club with his new training team putting him through his paces ahead of next month’s big fight. Full story on page 3.
NOMINATIONS are flooding in for this year’s National Fitness Awards, which have been revamped with new categories for 2019. The event, organised by Script Events in partnership with Workout and headline sponsor ServiceSport, is now in its 10th year and recognises excellence throughout the fitness industry. New categories for this year include Innovation in Fitness Nutrition and Armed Forces’ physical training instructor. The NFAs are free to enter and nominations are open now via the website www. nationalfitnessawards.co.uk Entries can be made online until August when a shortlist will be drawn up in each category. All finalists will then receive a site visit from a member of the Workout team who will take a look around the club and chat to members and staff before an expert panel choose the lucky winners. These will be announced at a glittering ceremony at The Athena in Leicester on Friday, November 29. n To find out about sponsorship opportunities call Tony Barry on 01226 734605.