February is the month of love with Valentines Day hitting us mid-month. It’s easy to get caught up in all the hoopla of it with all the bright balloons, the fancy cards and the delicious chocolates. But what is the real meaning of it? Whats the point? Surely it’s just another calendar event made up by the marketing companies to pressure us into spending more money on things and token gestures we really don’t need.

In the dictionary, the definition of love is; an intense feeling of deep affection. Although I don’t believe in corporate companies making profits from a marketing calendar event, I do believe in the tradition of showing someone you love a little more attention on a certain day. You don’t have to shower them with gifts, if your budget is tight appreciation never goes unnoticed.

Even if your not in a relationship, you can still use this month to celebrate the loved ones in your life, your family, your close friends. Love is the most beautiful thing that someone can experience. Sometimes the regular routine of your life can get in the way of the romance you once shared with your partner. It’s important to take a break from your regular schedule and enjoy some time together, to ‘check-in’ with each other. It can do you the world of good. I really like this quote by Jill Jones, “The secret of love is seeking variety in your life together, and never letting routine chords dull the melody of your romance.”

So wherever you are, whatever your currently relationship situation, I would like to wish you all a happy Valentines Day filled with much Love & Appreciation.

Yours,

Glenn Smith

 So the hype of Christmas is well and truly behind us. We’ve packed away the Xmas tree and returned all of the unwanted presents from distant relatives. The house is finally looking normal and we’ve been slugging it out at the gym trying to shift those Christmas pounds!

But why is this month always tarnished with the blues? Apart from the welcome of the New Year, January gets it pretty tuff really. It can’t rely on it’s weather or the days feeling any shorter. Really, it just can’t meet up to the great expectations of the month that lives before it. The main focus of January is usually just to get it out of the way! And to do so with some money left in the bank.

And where has all the money gone? We’ve normally splashed out on Christmas presents and seasonal events that seem to fill our calendar to the brim during December so come January, we’re all skint! That’s what makes this month hard. With the onset of our New Years resolutions approaching, alot of them normally involve you having money of some kind.Whether you need to buy a gym membership to get in shape, or the usual nicotine patches to kick that old habit. It can be hard adapting to a more limited bank balance budget after becoming accustomed to the luxuries we allow ourselves in December.

But instead of feeling low, try to look at your positives. You have just welcomed in the New Year and with it brings all kinds of opportunities. These will be kept unknown to you until the right time so you never what waits for you around that corner. I love writing lists of all my goals that I hope to achieve for the year. Some of these goals may vary when it comes to achievability but they’re all equally as important as each other. This will make you feel focused and should give you the drive to go out there and reach for your goals.

So, instead of feeling the blues this month, I encourage you to turn this month into a productive one and write down all your goals. With every new dawn, brings new life, so everyday is another opportunity for you to get one step closer to your goals.

We are all full of potential. Lets make this year one to remember!

Yours in Sport,

Glenn Smith

I hope everyone has a a great festive season and you are all recharged and refuelled ready for your next year!

January has become known to be a month a resolutions, these often involve weight loss, giving up smoking or drinking, getting fitter or going for that promotion at work etc. Resolutions often involve bettering yourself in some form, but how long do these actually last? Through my years working at the gym, i’ve seen many resolutions soon fall by the way side. They seem to start off with a lot of steam but then burn out very quickly. Maybe this is because we often set ourselves unrealistic goals or because we simply give up when the going starts to get tuff!

Well, I know through my own past experiences that I just can’t kick some of my bad habits. For example, I love my expresso’s and I do enjoy the occasional glass of red wine. I have often tried to give these up but I face a constant battle in my mind. So, instead of giving these pleasure’s up completely, I have now learned the value of balance. Like life, we need to have a constant balance of elements in order for us all to function properly. We need food at the right times, we need sleep when we need it etc. But we also need to be disciplined at the right times too, that way we can allow ourselves our ‘treats’, when we feel we’ve earnt them.

I’m constantly working to keep my balance as sometimes it can be slightly off but that being said, having a balance in my life helps me to keep my bad habits in check. And as for resolutions, I absolutely agree that starting your year with focus and determination is a great thing. Then it’s all down to you’re balance.

I wish all our members all the best for 2012! Lets make it a healthy one

Yours in Sport,
Glenn

Red Corner ABA Team

I have been really busy lately with the boxing grading’s and my boxing coach course being approved by SkillsActive but I can’t help but take notice of the great work coming out from the ABA camp at the moment.

My alarm went off this morning, and I didn’t want to get out of bed!
 
I finally walked down stairs still half asleep, put the kettle on, got a cup of tea and small amount of breakfast to meet Troy, Dougie & Kev thinking all the way about excuses not to train. “Too tired for this, circuit too tough, ive got a few injuries, too tired, I’ll train later”
 
With all the excuses still pouring out, and I got to the gym with Troy, Dougie & Kev all looking the same. I set the circuit up and then…
 
WE SMASHED IT, we were all buzzing afterwards and glad we made the effort.
 
The morale is:  We all feel the same before training, it’s not easier for any of us, come on, get that training kit out and get to your gym, FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF, it will be worth it
 
Glenn Smith

Finding it hard to gain muscle? Or not sure where to start? Read this tried & tested advice from Glenn Smith out of the Red Corner Boxing Gym.

A lot of people think that to get massive shoulders or biceps they need to hit the upper body weights hard. This is a common mistake. When you train your legs you release testosterone which travels around your whole body benefiting it all. Some people forget to train their legs but it is essential to train them if you want gain muscle.Compound exercises like squats, benches, deadlift & the leg press are all crucial. If you’re struggling with the exercises themselves, pop in to the Red Corner Gym & Glenn will show you new exercises that you can add to your workout.

Eat plenty. To gain muscle you’ll need to be adding another 500 calories on top of what you’re eating currently. Make your protein intake your main priority when it comes to your muscle gaining diet. Another way of ensuring your consuming enough protein is to drink protein shakes.

This will ensure you’re getting enough protein in one helping & as they are in liquid form your body will digest it quickly which is essential for gaining muscle. You have a half an hour window post work-out to get your protein intake otherwise, you’re muscles wont rebuild. The Red Corner stocks a variety of delicious protein shakes ready to be freshly made for you at the end of your workout.

Don’t overdo it with your cardio. It’s important not to do too much cardio so just stick to a couple of sprint-runs a week.

If you have any further questions regarding weight gain, pop into the Red Corner Gym or contact Glenn Smith himself.