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HALF MARATHON

GUIDE
GET READY TO RACE

SHAKES FOR DAYS


ALL THAT’S LEFT
TO DO IS BLEND

IMANI-LARA LANSIQUOT
MASTERCLASS
SPRINT EXPERTISE FROM AN

+
OLYMPIC MEDALLIST

ALSO INCLUDED
LEAN MACHINE PLUS
BUILD & MAINTAIN BOXER VIDDAL RILEY, OLYMPIAN
LEAN MUSCLE LAUREN WILLIAMS & MORE
EDITORS’ LETTER
WELCOME TO

PACE EDITION

So, how were the first months of


2022 for you? Did you weather the
inevitable February dip after a highly
committed January? 
Well, regardless of how your training
and nutrition ambitions have panned out
so far, rest assured, it’s never too late to
prioritise your health and fitness.
Grey winter mornings, wet weather,
and the odd storm or three, did not
go unnoticed here at The Supplement
HQ. It was far more comfortable taking
workouts indoors to the gym than the
streets outside for a morning run. But
that is about to change.
The grim winter has given way to spring,
and the warmth of summer isn’t too far
away. So it’s time to get your running
shoes on. Shave seconds off your sprint
times with Olympic medallist Imani-Lara
Lansiquot, or turn your 10k into a half-
marathon with Scott Whitney.
But, pace isn’t just for your runs. It’s a
principle you can apply to every aspect
of your health and fitness. The expert
advice, and let’s not forget mouth-
watering recipes, in this issue will enable
you to develop healthy habits which are
sustainable and foster long term results.

Joint Editors-in-Chief
CREDITS
CONTENT
Jennifer Blow, Editor-in-Chief:
jennifer.blow@thehutgroup.com
Kieron Curtis, Editor-in-Chief:
kieron.curtis@thehutgroup.com
Monica Green, Features Editor:
monica.green@thehutgroup.com
Lauren Dawes, Recipes Editor
Edward Dixon, Sub-Editor:
edward.dixon@thehutgroup.com
Emily Wilcock, Editorial Assistant:
emily.wilcock@thehutgroup.com

PARTNERSHIPS
Ryan Cummings, Head of Affiliates
& Commercial Partnerships:
ryan.cummings@thehutgroup.com
Inbar Michaelis, Senior
Partnerships Executive: inbar.
michaelis@thehutgroup.com
James Boothby, Head of CRM:
james.boothby@thehutgroup.com
Josh Eckersley, Content
Partnerships Manager:
josh.eckersley@thehutgroup.com

CREATIVE
Mike Raven, Creative Director
Alexia May, Project Manager
Rob Dewhirst, Creative
Services Team Leader
Chris Cottam, Lead Creative
Artworker
Magdalena Marcinska, Illustrator
Sean Waring, Producer
Fran Hughes, Retouch
Bethany Partington, Photographer
Jay Chow, Photographer

AUTHORS
Liam Agnew, BSc Sports & Exercise Science
Chris Appleton, BA (Hons) Sports Coaching
Jenaed Gonçalves Brodell, Registered
Dietitian (HCPC)
Sean Butt, MYP/PT
Richie Kirwan, PhD Researcher and
MSc Nutrition & Metabolism
Claire Muszalski, MSc Clinical
Dietetics & Nutrition
Nerissa Shea, MYP/PT
Scott Whitney, MSc Strength & Conditioning
Jamie Wright, MSc Human Nutrition
IN THIS ISSUE
05 09 13
BROKEN DOWN THE HEALTHY SHRED IT’S LEG DAY
The latest research in terms you Things to consider when entering Next-level leg workouts to freshen
can understand. a ‘shred’. up your routine.

16 22
SHAKES FOR DAYS SAVAGE STATE OF MIND
Macro-packed shake recipes to We chat the highs and lows of functional
fuel your week. fitness with one of Ireland’s finest.

25 27
MEET LAUREN WILLIAMS 12, 3, 30 WORKOUT REVIEWED
Get to know the medal-winning MYP/PT reviews the trending workout
Team GB athlete.

29
ON THE COVER: SPRINT MASTERCLASS WITH IMANI-LARA LANSIQUOT
Elite advice to shave time off your sprints.
PLUS...

35 40
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE WITH TAYLOR JAMES MEAL PREP LIKE A PRO
How one man changed his Recipes from a medal-winning
relationship with food for the better. Olympian.

44 48 52
GET RACE SEASON READY FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIT FAKEAWAY
Training to get you across the In conversation with a trailblazing PT Foolproof ways to recreate your
finish line. takeaway faves.

57
PRO TRAINING: VIDDAL RILEY
The PRO boxer and YouTuber shares a routine

60 63 67
LEAN MACHINE TWENTY'S PLENTY GLOSSARY
Exercises to build and maintain lean An effective routine for those short Time to bust some fitness industry
muscle mass. on time. jargon.
BROKENDOWN
RichieKirwan:
RESEARCH IN TERMS
MSc & PhD Researcher

WE CAN ALL UNDERSTAND


1
CAN YOU RAISE YOUR
TESTOSTERONE NATURALLY?
The holy grail in bodybuilding nutrition levels also tended to have higher
is finding a supplement or way of testosterone levels. Considering how
eating that will send your testosterone common vitamin D deficiency is, taking
production through the roof, and help a higher dose supplement might be a
you put on slabs of rock-solid muscle good idea.
(or at least that’s what some things you On top of that, zinc and magnesium
find on the internet want you to believe). supplementation might be useful for
And if you can do all that with just food improving testosterone levels, but only
and some legal supplements then you if you’re deficient in those minerals.
can still call yourself natty, right? What actually happens is natural
A recent study looked at some of testosterone drops if you don’t get
the available evidence for ways we enough of these essential nutrients.
can potentially increase testosterone One thing I want to point out about
naturally, covering a wide area of different this is that all these nutritional and
possible methods. exercise strategies can only optimise
The first thing covered was how heavy your testosterone within natural limits.
resistance exercise — especially big The thing is, it won’t help you put on slabs
compound movements — can help of muscle.
increase testosterone levels higher than When most of us think of testosterone
in non-lifters. So that’s good news for all helping build muscle, it’s in people who
you lifters out there. are taking high doses of exogenous (i.e.,
Another aspect covered was body from outside sources) testosterone…
fat. Excess body fat can actually lead to a type of anabolic steroid. This increases
lower levels of testosterone. But on the the body’s testosterone levels far higher
other hand, people with very low body fat than you could ever achieve by eating
and following low calorie diets can also better or taking a few legal supplements.
have low testosterone levels… so don’t However, they come with many serious
diet too hard. There also seems to be a side effects and risk of addiction, and
relationship between very low-fat diets can only be sold by pharmacists with
and lower testosterone, so keeping fat a prescription.
intake closer to 40% of calories might So yes, you may want to optimise
be a good idea. your testosterone levels by following
Vitamin D also seemed to be an a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
important factor too, as it was observed Just don’t expect to turn into the
that people with higher vitamin D Hulk overnight. →
2
CAN THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN
HELP WITH MUSCLE GROWTH?
I mentioned before that taking vitamin D might
help increase testosterone levels if your blood
levels are deficient, but do we know if it really
has a direct effect on muscle size? This is what’s
called a desired outcome in nutrition. You might
say “I want higher testosterone levels”, but would
you if your muscles don’t grow? Maybe not.
The actual desired hard outcome for bodybuilders is
muscle growth.
There’s evidence higher vitamin D blood levels are
associated with bigger and stronger muscles, but we
can’t go as far to say that vitamin D is the cause of it.
In regular nutrition science you might’ve heard the
phrase “correlation does not mean causation.” And this
is true in this case. Big people often wear large T-shirts
so that means there’s a strong correlation between
body size and shirt size. Does that mean big T-shirts
cause people to grow big? Obviously not.
It can be hard to work out if a nutrient is directly
involved in muscle growth because research can take
a long time and be expensive. However, there’s a new
method called Mendelian randomisation (MR), which
is named after the father of genetics, Gregor Mendel
(who you may or may not remember from science
class… probably not).
Basically, the method uses information on genetics
and health markers from massive population studies
to try and figure out if a certain marker might cause a
particular outcome. For example, a study could look
at the effects of different versions of genes responsible
for vitamin D levels in the blood and how that might
affect muscle size… and this is exactly what some
scientists did.
A recent study used MR to figure out if vitamin D
levels had a direct effect on muscle size. Using data
from over 73,000 people, it found that higher levels
of vitamin D probably causes higher levels of muscle
mass, but only in the upper body (the trunk and arms).
There didn’t seem to be any effect in the legs. Why
the difference in the upper and lower body? Well, we
don’t know for sure, but the researchers did mention
the possibility of more receptors for vitamin D in upper
body muscle cells than in lower body cells.
While the effect isn’t very big, it’s another good
reason to make sure your vitamin D levels are
adequate. Considering how easy it is to be deficient
in vitamin D (there aren’t many dietary sources and
we often don’t get enough sunshine for our bodies
to make it), taking a vitamin D supplement is usually a
good idea.
3 DOES ADDING EGGS RUIN THE BENEFITS OF A PLANT-BASED DIET?
Veganuary, now a few short months in the
past, is a time when many people give up all
animal products for a month, switching to a
new way of eating. While plant-based diets
have some major benefits in terms of long-
term health — like reducing risk of obesity,
diabetes and heart disease — there are
still some major concerns about how to get
enough of certain nutrients, including protein,
iron and choline, among others. All of these
nutrients are found in eggs but many plant-
based eaters fear that adding eggs to their diet
could cancel out the health benefits… is that
actually true?
A group of researchers decided to find out.
They took a group of 35 men and women with
type-2 diabetes and put them on either a
completely plant-based diet or a plant-based
diet with two eggs per day. What was great
about this study is it used a cross-over design.
That means participants tried both diets. One
for six weeks, then a washout period where they
followed their normal diet, then the other diet
for six weeks. A major plus in this type of study
design is participants are their own control, so
results tend to be a little more reliable.
The main thing the researchers wanted
to measure was the effects of both diets on
endothelial function, or how healthy the inner
lining of our veins are. On top of this, they also
measured normal markers of cardiometabolic
health like cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin
sensitivity, and dietary intake.
S o , w h a t d i d t h ey f i n d ? We l l , t h e
p l a n t- b a s e d d i e t w i t h e g g s s h o w e d
n o si gnif i c a nt dif fe re n c e s in ch a n ge s
in endothelial function, meaning that eggs
didn’t have a negative effect. On top of
that, the diet with eggs didn’t negatively
affect cholesterol, blood pressure or insulin
sensitivity either. These would normally be

REFERENCES
big concerns about eggs. And what was
really interesting is those eating the eggs
h a d high e r dieta r y intakes of ch o lin e
and selenium, nutrients that are often low in 1. Zamir A, Ben-Zeev T, Hoffman JR
vegan and plant-based diets. (2021) Manipulation of Dietary Intake
on Changes in Circulating Testosterone
This is a really promising study because it Concentrations. Nutrients 13 (10):3375
shows people might be able to get the best
2. Kirwan R, Isanejad M, Davies IG, Mazidi
of both worlds with the health-promoting M (2021) Genetically Determined Serum
effects of plant-based diets as well as the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Is Associated with
added nutrient density (and deliciousness) Total, Trunk, and Arm Fat-Free Mass:
A Mendelian Randomization Study.
of eggs. The journal of nutrition, health & aging.
doi:10.1007/s12603-021-1696-1

3. Njike VY, Treu JA, Kela GCM, Ayettey


RG, Comerford BP, Siddiqui WT (2021)
Egg Consumption in the Context of
Plant-Based Diets and Cardiometabolic
Risk Factors in Adults at Risk of Type 2
Diabetes. The Journal of nutrition 151
(12):3651-3660. doi:10.1093/jn/nxab283
NUTRITIONIST EXPLAINS...

HONEST.
PRACTICAL.
EVIDENCE BASED.

AVAILABLE NOW ON
THE
Healthy
SHRED
By Jamie Wright,
Head Coach at Balance (BSc, MSc, ANutr)
“Shredding”; the art of dieting oneself down to a lower body the belief that you need to lose fat to be worthy in this world
fat percentage to show off those hard-earned gym gains. that’s actually negative.
Summertime will descend upon us before we realise If you’re making a health change it’s important to do it for the
and, with that, comes the annual shredding season (which right reasons. Not for anybody else. Not to look a certain way
typically starts in spring, making sure you’re ready to hit the because someone you saw on TikTok said so. There’s no need
ground running come summer). to shed love handles or thaw out a thigh gap with an extreme
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to drop fat-burning workout and unrealistic diet plan.
some body fat to feel more confident in the warmer months, No. Change is for you and your health. Your happiness. Your
we’re often confronted with messaging (particularly from the richest, most fulfilled life. Achieving this may not even require
media and dieting industry) that we need to lose fat to be aesthetic goals.
considered attractive or worthy of attention. Motivation for your goals should come from within. The
These messages often come hand in hand with increasingly all-important why, especially in relation to your health. You
more extreme fad diet trends that do little else but boast about should never feel compelled to change just to meet someone
their capacity to facilitate rapid weight loss. Truthfully, weight else’s expectations, or to be accepted by a group based on
loss isn’t negative when it improves your overall health; it’s how you look.

FADS COME
AND GO.
LET THEM.
Fad diets and fitness trends are often no more than false claims,
a waste of time, energy and money. You need to find the right
diet and exercise for you, one that supports your goals while
maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The number one signal that a diet isn’t right for you is
if it starts to take away from other elements of your life. If
you aren’t enjoying it, try something else. Say no to fruitless
(sometimes literally) fads this year.
Fad diets also pose health risks, with dieters being at greater
risk of developing body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem and
eating disorders.1
Some signs of this are:

• Being overly focused on and/or secretive behaviour


around food
• Self-consciousness when eating in front of others
• Low confidence and self-esteem
• Poor body image
• Irritability and mood swings
• Tiredness
• Social withdrawal
• Feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating

They may also increase the risk of conditions like


or thorexia, which is the compulsive need to eat
‘clean’ foods (those that the individual perceives
as healthy).
FUEL
RIGHT
Nutrition and exercise both play
important roles in the celebration of your
body. Your focus should always be giving
your body what it needs to succeed and
thrive, whatever your goal may be.
Ideally you want a diet rich in high-
quality proteins (animal sources are
consistently popular, but mixing plant
sources can achieve similar results).
Aim for a palm-sized serving of protein,
spaced out every three to four waking
hours to support muscle building.
You should also try to include plenty
of colourful and varied fruits and
vegetables. Complement these with
whole grains (quinoa, rice, pasta, baked
goods etc.), as well as legumes (beans,
lentils, peas, etc.).
A diet that provides mostly healthier fats
(polyunsaturated and monounsaturated),
which can be found mainly in plants as
well as oily fish (salmon and mackerel
are great sources), is advised. These fats
may not only help maintain a healthier
mind and heart, but having more of these
in your diet could also improve body
composition over other fats (animal fats
and highly processed foods).
Does this mean you need to cut
out less nutritious foods altogether?
Absolutely not.

KEEP IT
SIMPLE
Now how to fuel your exercise If it’s longer than 60 minutes, refuel your
specifically. It’s easier than you’d think: energy levels with a carb gel, or more
Hydration: Generally speaking, urine dried fruit.4
should be straw yellow when you’re well Make the most of post: Post-workout
hydrated; aim for this and you should be nutrition is essential for optimising
in the clear. recovery. Aim for a high-quality protein
Energy for movement: Your body (a protein powder shake is practical,
needs fuel to function. If you’re plus it’s great for recovery) and consider
about to have a particularly intense partnering it with an equal serving of
exercise session, try having a banana carbs for even better recovery (a bagel,
beforehand or a handful of dried fruit. some fruit or even a bowl of cereal).4
FOOD FOR
THE SOUL
Food for the soul is just as important as
food for the body. Incorporating foods
you enjoy in a controlled and planned
manner leads to a higher chance of
sustained, healthy change while also
enjoying life.3
It’s OK to have cake on your birthday.
It’s OK to have cake any day, really. What’s
most important is that you’re happy and in
control of the situation. There’s no point
depriving yourself for the sake of it.

REFERENCES
1. Khawandanah, J. and Tewfik, I., 2016. Fad Diets: Lifestyle Promises Weight Loss Interventions on Neurobehavioral Factors
and Health Challenges. Journal of Food Research, 5(6), p.80. Related to Body Weight Control: the Gaps and Challenges.
Current Obesity Reports, 10(3), pp.385-395.
2. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-
and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/osfed/ 4. Kerksick, C., Harvey, T., Stout, J., Campbell, B., Wilborn, C., Kreider, R.,
Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T., Lopez, H., Landis, J., Ivy, J. and Antonio, J.,
3. Iceta, S., Panahi, S., García-García, I. and Michaud, A., 2008. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Nutrient
2021. The Impact of Restrictive and Non-restrictive Dietary timing. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 5(1).
CALCULATE
YOUR 1 RM
WEIGHT IN KG
×
36 / (37 – NO. OF REPS)
IT’S LEG DAY

“I don’t like leg day” is probably one of the most commonly overheard phrases in and
out of the gym, and for good reason, too. Training large muscles like those on your
legs can be physically taxing (especially Bulgarian split squats — if you know, you
know). Plus, for those at the start of their journey, learning how to do the big-hitter
moves like squats and deadlifts can be pretty intimidating.
Whether you’re learning from scratch, want to brush up on your form, or you just
want to fall in love with leg day again, we’ve enlisted Level 3 personal trainer Chris
Appleton to put together the absolute must-have moves in your routine, in an easy-
to-follow workout.
BARBELL BACK BULGARIAN ROMANIAN
SQUAT SPLIT SQUAT DEADLIFTS
1. Start with your feet shoulder-width 1. T
 o start, stand slightly in front of 1. Stand with your feet
apart and take a firm grip of the bar a bench with your body facing shoulder-width apart

2. Rest the bar on your upper away from a bench and your 2. Hinge at the hips and take hold of
back, just below (but not on) feet shoulder-width apart the bar or dumbbells up as you
your neck. Keep your chest 2. Lift a barbell explosively over would in a conventional deadlift
puffed out and turn your feet out your head and then rest it on 3. Pin your shoulders back
slightly to around 40 degrees your shoulders. Alternatively, use and keep your spine straight
3. Take a deep breath, retract your dumbbells — overhand grip, arms with your core engaged
shoulder blades and brace your close to the body at the side 4. Press your hips forward to
core. Lower yourself down, 3. Move one foot backwards and come into a standing position
bending your knees until your rest the top of it on the bench, with the bar or dumbbells
hips are slightly below your and step the other in front of in front of your thighs
knees. Keep your heels flat you, around hip distance apart 5. P
 ush your hips back as you slowly
to the ground throughout 4. Your back should remain straight, lower the bar toward your feet
4. Your quads do a lot of the head facing forwards throughout 6. R
 epeat the movement
work towards the top end of 5. W hile inhaling, bend your front to desired reps/sets
the squat, so power up on the leg at the knee so it aligns or
ascent from your mid-foot tracks slightly over your toes.
to heel while exhaling Your back knee should not quite
5. Your spine should remain meet the floor as you lower
neutral throughout. At no point 6. E xhale, contract your quads and
should you bend your back return to the starting position
6. Re-rack or repeat to 7. Repeat until you complete the
the desired reps desired reps on each leg

SETS: 5 SETS: 4 EACH LEG SETS: 4


REPS: 5 REPS: 8-10 REPS: 12-15
WEIGHT: 70-80% 1RM WEIGHT: 60-65% 1RM WEIGHT: 50-60% 1RM
BARBELL CALF BOX JUMP
RAISES 1. Stand approximately 10 inches
behind the box with your
1. T
 ake the bar off the rack as you feet shoulder-width apart
would with a standard back squat 2. B
 ring your arms forward and
2. Push the floor away with your hinge your hips back while
toes, lifting your heels off the floor engaging your core and
as you squeeze your calves keeping your back straight
3. Once your calves are fully 3. Swing your arms backwards
extended and you feel contraction, and use the momentum to jump
lower the weight back down softly on to the box, bending your
slowly to the starting position hips and knees during landing
4. Briefly pause before 4. S
 traighten your legs, step off
repeating the movement the box, and start again

SETS: 5 SETS: 4
REPS: 15-20 REPS: 12
WEIGHT: 60% 1RM WEIGHT: BODYWEIGHT

BARBELL GLUTE SETS: 3


BRIDGE REPS: 12-15
WEIGHT: 60-70% 1RM
1. Lie on your back with knees
bent, feet flat against the floor
2. Roll a weighted Olympic bar
over your legs (use large size
weights either side to allow
for this) until it comes to rest
where your hips hinge
3. While holding the barbell in
position, engage your glutes
by squeezing them and lift
your hips off the floor, driving
them up towards the ceiling
4. At the top of the movement
make sure your body forms a
straight line from your knees
to your shoulders, keeping
your head facing forward
5. Squeeze your glutes as hard
as you can, hold for 1-2
seconds, and then lower
slowly to the starting position
6. Repeat to the desired reps/sets
SHAKES
for days

MIX IT UP MONDAY TO FRIDAY


No matter what you’re working towards, we’ve got a simple shake recipe to quench your thirst and
get you fired up for the day ahead. Ready in a matter of minutes, they’re a quick and convenient
way to top up on all the important macro and micronutrients your body needs.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious way to max out on calories to help you hit your bulk or want a super
low-calorie snack that’s packed with vitamins and minerals, we’ve got something to suit. Blender at the ready.
1 BETTER THAN A BREW
A sure-fire way to get your day off
to a good start. This smooth iced
coffee shake is packed with protein
INGREDIENTS: PLANT BASED?
Serves 1 Switch in dairy-free yoghurt and
and a kick of caffeine, so you’ll use a squirt of our Sugar-Free Syrup
be set to smash that to-do list. • 1 scoop Vegan Protein
instead of honey.
Blend (Coffee & Walnut)
• 300ml almond milk
NUTRITIONAL INFO:
BULKING?
• 1 espresso shot
195kcal | 31.1g protein • 1 tbsp. Greek yoghurt
17.1g carbs | 9.9g fat
• 1 tsp. honey Use a scoop of Weight Gainer Blend
Per serving
• Handful of ice instead of protein and add 1 table-
spoon of oats
2 PRE-WORKOUT ENERGISER
Juicy and refreshing, this shake is
bursting with goodness to get you fired INGREDIENTS: BOOST THE
up for those sets. It’s also loaded with
Serves 1 PROTEIN
CONTENT WITH
energising vitamin C, creatine, and fast-
digesting carbs to fuel your workout. • 1 scoop (5g)
creatine powder
• 200ml orange juice A SCOOP OF
NUTRITIONAL INFO: • Handful of strawberries OUR FRUITY
CLEAR WHEY
131kcal | 2.5g protein | • Handful of raspberries
30.6g carbs | 0.2g fat
• ½ lime (juiced)
Per serving
• Handful of ice PROTEIN.
3 VEGAN CHAI SMOOTHIE
Sweet and lightly spiced, this chai smoothie
is ideal any time of the day to stave off
INGREDIENTS: •

1 frozen banana
½ tsp. cinnamon
cravings and keep you going until your next Serves 1
• ½ tsp. ginger
meal. • 1 scoop Pea Protein
Isolate • ½ tsp. nutmeg

• 300ml almond milk • ½ tsp. cloves


NUTRITIONAL INFO: • 1 tsp. Sugar-Free
272kcal | 33.6g protein | Maple Syrup
37.2g carbs | 9.6g fat
Per serving

CUTTING CALORIES? NOT VEGAN? NOT A PROBLEM


Switch the almond milk for water — Use a scoop of your regular whey
the creamy vanilla protein and frozen protein.
banana will keep the shake deliciously
thick.
4 BEAST MODE ACTIVATED
Struggle to get enough calories
in from meals alone? Boost
your bulk with this simple shake
INGREDIENTS: PLANT BASED?
Serves 1 Switch the protein for two scoops of
and you’ll be on track with Chocolate Vegan Recovery Blend and
your targets in no time at all. • 3 scoops Weight Gainer
use almond or oat milk and yoghurt.
Blend (Chocolate)
• 500ml whole milk
NUTRITIONAL INFO: • 1 tbsp. peanut butter
889kcal | 55.5g protein • 1 tbsp. Greek yoghurt
99.5g carbs | 34.6g fat
• ½ frozen banana
Per serving
5 LEAN & GREEN
If you’re cutting or restricting
calories, it’s important to
make sure you’re still getting
INGREDIENTS: PLANT BASED?
Serves 1 Switch the protein for a scoop
plenty of protein and essential
micronutrients. This tropical- • 1 scoop Clear Whey of Clear Vegan Protein in either
tasting green smoothie Isolate (Green Apple) Pineapple & Grapefruit or Lemon &
comes packed with vitamins • 250ml water Lime flavours.
and minerals such as iron, • Handful of ice
magnesium, and potassium.
• Handful spinach
• 1 kiwi (peeled)

NUTRITIONAL INFO:
172kcal | 24.8g protein
18g carbs | 0.4g fat
Per serving
Savage
STATE OF MIND WRITTEN BY KIERON CURTIS

Nothing worth doing comes easy, and PD Savage knows this more than most. He’s one of Ireland’s leading lights in
functional fitness, and while the path of his career in recent years has seen highs and lows, the Northern Irishman’s
positive mindset is unwavering — he’s the kind of guy you want to spot you through the hardest of sets.
As I sat down with PD Savage to discuss into horse riding and things, I ended “I just got fed up of the typical
his career, we set one matter straight off up getting fed up of being slagged for bodybuilding-type stuff... It was in my
the bat. It’s always ‘PD’. wearing jodhpurs by all the lads playing master's year where I found functional
“Never Patrick Daniel, unless I’m at the football... it wasn’t really that, I just didn’t fitness. I saw a YouTube video and was
dentist or doctor. Just PD. I get called PD have enough time. like ‘I can do that’. I’d seen someone
by everyone, basically. “I played that [Gaelic football] up until doing wall balls on the video — wall balls
“My dad is called PD, his dad was a PD, uni, played up to a county level as well, are like squatting and throwing the ball
I’m actually the fifth person. It’s kind of but of under-21s and minors.” up against the wall — ‘I can definitely
tradition, so I’ll have to keep it up.” The relatable chaos of student life do that’, then I went to a class and was
The man from County Down embraced followed, and PD was glad to discover actually doing it. It was really hard. I was
tradition in his sporting career also. PD’s focus delivered by the weights room. addicted then; I like the process of it.”
formative sporting years were spent “I didn’t find functional fitness until I Coming from a background of
playing Gaelic games, hurl or ball in hand was 24, but before that I was getting into team sport, it’s understandable why
rather than barbell. more and more gym-based things. The bodybuilding alone may not have kept the
“Growing up I always played for the classic student story. You know, partying attention of someone who’d eventually be
local club, Liatroim Fontenoys. They were too much and going out all the time. I was crowned Ireland’s Fittest Man. There is a
named after the Battle of Fontenoy... I basically failing uni. I had to knuckle down solo aspect to bodybuilding; it’s perfectly
played Gaelic football and hurling from and get a degree. acceptable to enter the gym headphones
the age of eight or so. I played hurling “I took into the gym and that changed on and not make eye contact with
until I was 18, 19, then solely focused on the lifestyle of things, so I started doing another person, let alone speak to them.
Gaelic football because it became more more and more training.” Functional fitness isn’t quite the same
of a commitment. PD was back on track, but then came a with its class ethos.
“I actually had a brief spell of horse quiet peril of routine: apathy. The solution “The people and the class atmosphere,
riding around 10 or 12, my sister was was lurking on YouTube. there’s a vibe in the gym, which is

“MY DAD IS CALLED PD, HIS DAD


WAS A PD, I’M ACTUALLY THE
FIFTH PERSON.”
something I liked immediately. You do get “There are several other gym routines workouts, or burpee workouts, I was
that, sort of, camaraderie in the functional that people do that do the same thing. very good at them, but I couldn’t
fitness gym that you would get from a I think people come in and it is the overhead squat an empty barbell,
team sport... It was very inclusive. You’re be all and end all, they change their literally [I had] no mobility. I had a lot
trying to race people and whatever, but shape, change their nutrition, they’ve of work to do with that. It was quite
it’s all very supportive.” done everything through functional humbling really.
There’s a lot of spin in this life. While fitness... This side of training and the “You have to be able to be humble.
those on the inside will shout the virtues class atmosphere creates that positive The goal within the sport is to not be
of what has become a global sport, environment of a team sport, whereas bad at any thing. You need to be
functional fitness has been likened in you may not get that in all places even across all the aspects. Ideally, you
some instances to developing cult-like [other forms of training ]. It creates want to be training with people who
obsession within its ranks. PD hears the whole social aspect, the training, in are going to beat you at things.
these critiques and calmly offers his one environment.” You just don’t want them to beat you
take. Simply put, excitement and over- Dedication to the sport came fast at everything!”
enthusiasm for results is potentially for PD — success would take the Competitions were initially modest,
misinterpreted by those outside the degree-qualified civil engineer longer. ‘local-level’ in PD’s words. But he’d
community for obsession. But in a sport that keeps your feet, at take third place at his first Northern
“I can totally see why [people compare least metaphorically, on the ground, Irish regional event in 2014. As
it to a cult]. It probably is a little bit cult- everyday effort in single disciplines the years rolled on, PD went from
like. I think it’s generally cult-like because breeds results across the board strength to strength. He’d win the
some people get into it who typically over time. regional event t wice, before
haven’t been into fitness, and then the “Coming from a Gaelic background, b at tling b a ck from injur y for a
next thing they’re getting all these results. I was very good at running at the s h ot at t h e A l l - I re l a n d c ro w n .
They’re like: ‘Oh my God, it’s saved my time, probably not so much now I’m a bit He officially became Ireland’s Fittest
life, it’s the best thing ever’. heavier, but whenever there was running Man in 2020.
In early January 2020 life was normal.
You’d hit the gym, inevitably have to wait
for the squat rack, and socialise around
the water fountain. For PD, confirmation
of the stage being set for the biggest
moment of his fitness career was in. An
invite to the Functional Fitness Games
2020 — if you know, you know — set
for July 29 to August 2 in Wisconsin,
USA. Fate is cruel. The year did not unfold
as planned.
Disappointed did not cover it.
Postponement and reduction in the
number of competitors robbed PD of
his moment. On his Instagram there’s a
post showcasing the shirt he never got
to wear.
The caption reads: “Qualifying for the
Games in 2020 was bittersweet. The
high of hitting a lifetime goal to the low of
the not getting compete with the (Covid)
Games not ahead as planned [sic].
Under the old regime, there was no real
recognition from [the governing body]
once they cancelled most of the field.
“My coach @neil.laverty has made sure
to mark the achievement with probably
one of the coolest presents I’ve been
given. It recognises the hard work that
went into qualifying that season and
coming back from an elbow surgery.
“It’s so easy to keep focusing on the
next goal or what you don’t yet have.
However, this will be my reminder to stop
and celebrate/mark achievements along
the way. Also, grateful to have someone
in my corner who took the time to make
sure I do this.”
Resilience and realism are central
to PD’s attitude, and while aiming for
the title of World’s Fittest is a touch
grandiose for this humble athlete, earning
a spot to compete with the best of the
best remains.
“I have realistic goals of just to compete
in the world games, like winning it, I don’t
think is really an option, like, you know,
five inches too tall, and probably 50 kilos
too heavy...

“I JUST DON’T FEEL


“I’m a bit of an outlier within the sport
of functional fitness. But it doesn’t mean
there’s workouts that I can’t win, I could
win, do you know, and that will be the
goal. So I want to like, I just want to be

LIKE I’VE REACHED


able to go on, give a good account of
myself, my ability...
“I just don’t feel like I’ve reached
my potential.”
Therein lies the Savage state of mind.

MY POTENTIAL.”
Approach every day with goals, pushing
to achieve your best, not settling for
adequate, but remaining kind enough
to yourself to accept reality. You’ll not
go wrong.
MEET...
LAUREN WILLIAMS
Olympic Taekwondo silver medallist -67kg
@laurenwilliamstkd

How I started... my plan, so these fit in perfectly and fill the gap regular
My martial arts journey started back in 2003 in South Wales. chocolate bars can’t.
I didn’t fit in particularly well throughout my school years
as I wasn’t quite like other girls. Kickboxing was an escape My cheat day meal choice...
for me. I fell in love with the passion, respect, discipline, Would be a Korean bibimbap, which is marinated beef
teamwork, and intensity you needed to win fights. It was “bulgogi” with sesame sautéed veg, sticky rice and a fried
a huge adrenaline buzz. egg. It’s topped off with gochujang sauce, which is a little fiery.
I love Asian fusion and Asian cuisine. It’s my absolute favourite.
My favourite training days...
Are volume days. I don’t train “legs” or “arms”, I train specifically My ambition is...
for my individual targets to make me explosive, strong, To become World Champion as a senior and Olympic Champion
fit for fighting and robust to reduce injuries. I need to be in -67kg. I got the silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020/1 and
clever about building strength without gaining too much made a mistake in the last 10 seconds that cost me the gold. I’m
muscle that’ll compromise weight making. I love the days we going to keep going until I get it. Then I’d like to move up a weight
have three sessions. They’re tough mentally and physically. category and become Olympic champion in two divisions!

My least favourite training day... Favourite song for a workout playlist...


Is a rest or recovery day — these are my enemy! I love training, Is Devil Eyes by Hippie Sabotage. It’s quite a chilled vibe
I want to be in the gym all the time. but one that makes me picture moments and memories,
and visualise goals.
On rest day...
I look for ways to train and not rest (I’m kidding). I really enjoy My career highlight...
cooking and have recently taken up a role at a local cookery The semi-final at the Olympic Games is the highlight. I was
school helping the chef. only guaranteed a medal if I got to the final as we have a
repechage in Taekwondo. I had my toughest opponent,
My favourite Myprotein product... who was from Ivory Coast, in the semi. The moment
Is the Caramel Hazelnut Protein Bar Elite, they taste delicious! the buzzer rang I was overcome by complete euphoria,
It’s vital my diet and nutrition stays in check to allow me excitement, and relief. The feeling when I glanced at the
to cut weight throughout the year. I have a sweet tooth but scoreboard and saw Lauren Williams GBR “WINNER”
rarely eat snacks and chocolate that could throw me off was indescribable.

“I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE PASSION,


RESPECT, DISCIPLINE, TEAMWORK, AND
INTENSITY YOU NEEDED TO WIN FIGHTS.”
PT Reviews:

12-3-30
WORKOUT
By Nerissa Shea
Sport & Exercise Psychology Consultant & MYP/PT

It’s easy to become inactive nowadays — food is delivered at


the touch of a button and our screens are an easy option over
getting out and about. So, any regimes that keep you motivated
to move should be celebrated. I was curious to try the 12-3-30
workout — some exercises suit some people more than others
so I’m always open to experimenting with new ways to get clients
moving more. And finding routines to keep active and interested
in exercise is vital for sustained progress.

ENERGY BALANCE 101


As a personal trainer and EIQ-qualified nutritionist, the most
important bit of advice I can give to my clients is this: there is
no single magic workout or nutrition plan for fat loss. With all the
misinformation out there, you need to remember the most crucial
factor to a successful diet and exercise programme for this goal
is calorie deficit.
It’s simple: calories in vs calories out. We consume calories from
food and drink, and expend calories through basic body functions
(basal metabolic rate or BMR), eating and digestion (thermic effect
of food, TEF), exercise (exercise activity thermogenesis, EAT), and
all the other little movements we make (non-exercise activity
thermogenesis, NEAT).
The importance of gym training is sometimes exaggerated,
while the value of daily moderate activity outside of training can
be forgotten.
Though helpful to some, the goal of ever y workout
doesn’t need to be “burn as many calories as you can.”
There are various other benefits to exercise, such as getting
stronger and building muscle, so don’t sweat it if you aren’t
dripping after every workout. You can’t judge success on
sweat levels or calories burned alone.
If your focus is on calorie burn, you can still achieve
this outside of the gym by increasing your overall activity.
Whereas, to add lean muscle to that beautiful body of
yours, resistance training and progressive overload is
your best bet.
STEP It’s a simple workout with
easy-to-remember steps:

BY
1. Warm-up with a brisk walk for five
minutes
2. Adjust the gradient on the treadmill

STEP
to 12%
3. Set the speed to 3mph (4.8kmph)
4. Walk for 30 minutes
5. Cool down with five minutes walking
on the treadmill at 0% gradient

All you need is a treadmill and a decent set minutes at an incline. There’s not much
of trainers. A good playlist, podcast or show more to it. Did I sweat a bit? Sure. But as
is also highly recommended, but we’ll get I’ve already said, more sweat doesn’t always
to that. mean a better workout.
As someone who absolutely destroyed If you enjoy walking, it’s an exercise
myself on the treadmill when I was younger, you could definitely consider as an extra
I was a bit apprehensive about trying a cardio workout between resistance training
workout that took me from my beloved sessions. The constant incline may lead to
weights section and back to the running more burned calories, but if you get bored
machines. easily this may not be ‘the one’.
I’m a professional Irish dancer whose idea Building and maintaining muscle isn’t just
of fitness up until the age of 25 was hours for bodybuilders — it’s important for people
of cardio and, misguidedly, as little food as I of all ages to consume adequate protein and
could survive on. incorporate some sort of resistance training
I’d force myself to run on the treadmill into their weekly schedules.
for 45 minutes every single day, and then Who’s this workout good for?
go off to football training, dance class, or Anyone. Or at least anyone who doesn’t get
whatever else I was up to. Then I discovered bored easily — any exercise that keeps you
weight training, which for me, and most of interested and moving is good for you.
my clients, is the most effective way to build 12-3-30 is accessible. It’s suitable for
muscle, and get stronger and leaner. people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s quite
If you’re completely new to training, it’s low impact and a lot easier on the joints. Even
recommended you start at a smaller gradient if someone couldn’t complete the 3mph at
and perhaps a slower pace, and work up to 12% gradient for 30 minutes straight away,
12% gradient at 3mph. You can also build they can build up to it.
your way up to the 30 minutes. But IMO, if you have time to get to the gym
What did I think of the workout? for 45 minutes three times a week, I suggest
It’s a good thing I had a podcast to catch going and lifting some weights. If this terrifies
up on, otherwise I would’ve been extremely the life out of you, go with a friend or invest
bored. You’re walking on a treadmill for 30 in a PT if it’s an affordable option.

“ THERE IS NO SINGLE MAGIC


WORKOUT OR NUTRITION
PLAN FOR FAT LOSS”
SPRINT
Masterclass WITH IMANI-LARA LANSIQUOT

If there’s someone who knows a thing or two about improving sprint times,
it’s Olympic bronze medallist Imani-Lara Lansiquot. The good news: she’s sharing
her advice to shave seconds off your times by making the perfect start.
IMANI’S HANDS
Hand placement is very important for sprint starts.

ADVICE FOR
• Set your hands hip-width apart, fingertips facing
away from your body at 90° to your wrists
• Push your weight forward, but distributed
evenly across your fingertips.

BACK

PERFECTING
Unlike with lifting, you don’t want your back
position to be too straight at the startline.

• Curve your spine

SPRINT
• Lift your knees off the floor
• You should feel tension in your legs with your
muscles ready to explode out the block

PROJECTION 

STARTS:
Project, project, project to get momentum
moving the right direction down the track.

• Align your hips, shoulders and head so all


are pointing straight to your target line.

Scan the QR code to


watch Imani’s Masterclass
on YouTube
IMANI’S EXPLOSIVE DRILLS:
Instructions by Sean Butt, MYP/PT
Adding these sprint drills to your training is a great way to improve your speed and agility. All you
need is a set of cones and 15-20 minutes to spare. Switch up the drills from session to session
with different orders, reps and rest periods to keep things interesting.

EXERCISE 1:
CRAWL TO SPRINT
While crawling, aim to move your arms and legs at the same
time whilst maintaining control at the core.

1. Start on all fours and


lift your knees to a
90-degree angle,
keeping your back
flat, hips and arms
shoulder-width apart
2. Crawl forward,
moving opposite
hand with the
opposite leg
3. Build the pace
gradually and spring
up into a sprint

EXERCISE 2:
PUSH UP TO SPRINT
Exactly what it says on the tin, push up and then sprint.
This drill allows you to find your acceleration angle
naturally, while activating your upper body, too.

1. Start on all fours


with hands slightly
wider than shoulder-
width apart
2. Straighten your arms
and legs. Lower
your chest down to
the floor, allowing
your arms to bend
at the elbows
3. Press up, and at the
top of the movement,
return to your
feet and sprint
4. To make this drill
harder, set a timer
for 10-15 seconds of
press-ups, and when
the alarm sets off,
break into the sprint
EXERCISE 3:
CONE DRILLS
Darting between three cones may look easy, but these drills
are harder than they look. They’re great for building up
multi-dimensional skills as well as reactivity.

1. Set out three slightly bent to assist


cones in a triangle quick changes of
formation, each direction, and touch
around 4-5m apart each of the cones
2. Start at the tip of 3. Once back at the first
the triangle, move cone, explode into
clockwise without a sprint through the
quite standing gap between the two
upright, knees cones ahead of you

EXERCISE 4:
Wake your feet up and get them ready for sprinting. You
can’t go wrong with this classic reactivity drill.

BUNNY HOPS
1. Start with feet 3. The objective isn’t
hip-width apart, to jump high — it’s
standing up straight to bounce quickly,
2. Jump forward a getting feet off
short distance with the floor as fast
both feet off the as possible after
floor simultaneously, each landing
and keep going up
to around 6m, then
walk back to the
beginning to repeat

EXERCISE 5:
HIGH SKIPS
One of the best plyometric drills. And for the non-pro
sprinters in the room, it’s a drill that uses speed and force.

1. Start in a standing 4. Swing your arms


position for extra drive
2. Drive one leg and momentum Scan the QR code
upwards, bending at 5. Do this while moving to watch Imani’s
the knee, while lifting forward over training drills
the opposite leg off 20-30 metres as a
the ground in a skip progression from
3. Repeat the motion, being stationary to
alternating legs challenging stability
for each skip
Plan ahead,
You’ve got a goal, great! But how will you meet it?
Try using this meal planner for a week to get on track.

FOOD PLANNER
DAY BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SNACKS SHOPPING

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

SUN
Get ahead.
Set yourself up for success with a training plan you can stick to.
Planning ahead means you can make the most of every workout.

WORKOUT PLANNER
DAY EXERCISES SETS REPS ACHIEVED

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

SUN
RISING TO THE
CHALLENGE
WITH
TAYLOR JAMES

Wake up before 8am, read 10 pages of a book, head to the gym, drink two litres of
water, spend an hour on a new skill, and repeat every single day for 50 days. This is the
“Project 50” challenge that Taylor James, or @Tej.Fit, is undertaking on TikTok, where
his 29,000 followers watch and cheer him on every step of the way.
Fitness challenges are what have motivated Taylor to keep pushing during his
weight-loss journey, helping him to lose 12 stone in just over a year. And his followers
love it, too, joining Taylor on his journey and finding their own motivation from him.
We caught up with Taylor to find out how he managed to change his relationship
with food for the better, overcome his fear of the gym, and learn to love his mind
and body.

By Monica Green | Features Editor


IDENTIFYING THE EMOTIONAL
Taylor was always active at school, playing football and keeping your parents you might have a takeaway on a Friday night for
up in PE. However, he had disposable income for the first time example but with having my own money it was easy to be like:
through art. He had freedom to buy whatever food he wanted, ‘Oh I’ll just get a pizza, I don’t have to ask anyone to buy me
whenever he wanted. This independence, combined with a pizza’.
difficult life situations, complicated his relationship with food. “Then another side was emotional eating. I lost quite a few
“I was quite fortunate to have a job at a young age so back people in my family from about 17-20, and it was a lot easier
when I was in school, I was 12 or 13 years’ old, making money just to just get a tub of ice cream, go to bed, watch a film and just
doing digital work online, making artwork and selling it online. be emotional and fall asleep and wake up the next day
And having a bit of money, you indulge in things more. Like with and repeat.”
“I UNDERSTAND NUTRITION A LOT
MORE, I UNDERSTAND WHAT MY
BODY NEEDS RATHER THAN WHAT
IT WANTS.”
NO ONE LIKES GETTING
OUT OF THEIR COMFORT
ZONE
2020 changed things. Gyms closed,
outdoor exercise was limited to just 30
minutes a day and Taylor — like many of us
— was spending a lot more time stuck inside
at home. Although he didn’t begin exercising
at this point, this is what he remembers as
the beginning of his journey. The time he
realised he needed — and wanted — to
make a change.
“It was getting to a point where life was
challenging for little things. Like, I would
walk around the village we live in and about
halfway it would be sore on my back and it
would be tiring. And it’s sort of embarrassing
when you’re doing it with people who

I CAME BACK LIGHTER THAN EVER


are fine.
“I didn’t do anything about it then, I
just stopped walking around the village
because it was hard and I feel like every
person doesn’t like getting out of their
comfort zone.” Calorie counting may not work for It was the one day I said ‘I won’t track’
In fact, Taylor’s first steps on his weight- everyone — and the practice should because it won't just ruin it for me, it will
loss journey were close to home. Scales be avoided if you’ve ever suffered ruin it for her.
aren’t the be all and end all, but they offered with disordered eating — but it “That was the first time where I got to
Taylor a wake-up call. was a cornerstone of Taylor’s early a point where it was like, ‘I understand
“It was when I got on the scale and it weight loss. nutrition a lot more, I understand
said ‘error’. And when I looked at it the max He paid incredibly close attention to what my body needs rather than what
weight was 28 stone and it stayed there for a his calories and macros at the start of it wants.’
while so I’ve guessed I was around 32 stone his journey, but as he’s moved through And I think I came back the next day
at that point. his weight loss, he’s been able to and stepped on the scale and I was
“And it was that, being too overweight for sustain a more relaxed approach. like the lightest I had ever been, so it
a scale, where it was like: ‘you should really “I went to London with my missus for was just proof to me that I can do it
sort it out’.” her birthday and I didn’t track anything. without tracking.”
RELATIONSHIP WITH
EXERCISE

At first, Taylor focused on improving his


nutrition and dedicated himself to walking
10,000 steps a day. Eventually he made
his way into a gym. After an initial period
of sticking to the safety of the cardio
section, Taylor found the courage to ask
a PT to train him, and his love affair with
weight training began.
“In the gym, I think everyone's first
instinct is to do cardio, and that’s what I
started with, and then one day I had the
courage to go up to a PT and book in with
them. This was late on a Friday night just
before it was about to close, no one was
there because my anxiety in the gym in
general just went through the roof every
time I was there.”
Taylor was far heavier when he started
lifting than he is now, but that actually
gave him an early advantage. He was
incredibly strong for a beginner, and able
to move a lot of weight. This provided the
first bit of confidence he needed to start
feeling more at home in the gym.
“I think for women and people who are
overweight, it [being in the gym] isn’t very
accommodating. Being someone who’s
just an outsider, it’s intimidating. But over
time it’s a barrier that you can overcome
with consistency, and you will get to a
point where you realise everyone’s just
there to better themselves.”

“I’M IN ONE OF THE BEST


HEADSPACES I’VE EVER BEEN IN”
No longer out of breath or feeling shop and not going to the plus and “I finally want to do more. I want to go
discomfort on walks, Taylor’s able to lift tall range, and just being able to buy on an aeroplane after Covid and just
some beyond impressive weights in the from the ‘normal’ range. And it's one be able to put the seatbelt on without
gym. But it’s the psychological benefits of these things I go on about to my friends having to ask for a seatbelt extender.
he finds most rewarding, with his mental and family and I don’t think they I want to be able to go skydiving. I think
health improving dramatically with his understand because they’ve always the threshold is 18 stone, so I'm like two
fitness efforts. been able to just go to a shop and stone away from jumping out of a plane.
“Mentally, I'm in one of the best buy clothes.” I just want to do everything I couldn’t do
headspaces I’ve ever been in. I think A world of new opportunities has when I was that size.
the biggest thing that made me feel the opened to Taylor — and he has the “That’s what excites me, that’s what
best was going into a normal clothes motivation to make the most of them. makes me keep pushing.”
ENCOURAGEMENT NEEDED
Part of the solution to the lack of male to stop seeing each other purely in terms others down out of jealousy.
body positivity in gyms — in addition of competition. “Like I’ll be in the gym lifting X amount
to the lack of representation of heavier “I think there’s a lot of work that needs and I can hear in the background some of
people — can be found within gyms doing, especially with men [for body the comments and while I just think he’s
themselves. Taylor believes men should positivity]. I think the issue could be that just trying to show off in front of whoever
be more encouraging and complimentary I’ve seen a lot of men put other men he’s with, it’s just not what’s needed, I
about each other in the gym, and need down. Like a lot of the time men will put think it’s encouragement that’s needed.”

CREATE HABITS YOU


CAN SUSTAIN TO SEE
LIFETIME CHANGES

“Create habits you can sustain to see


lifetime changes”
Taylor is all about keeping it real. He
advises realistic, achievable calorie
deficit and habits that work with your
lifestyle. And if you’re feeling nervous
about getting in the gym, get a friend to
go with you.
“Talk to a friend and ask if they want to
go to the gym, get in a realistic calorie
deficit, don’t do anything too extreme,
as the likelihood is you’ll just put it back
on. Over time create habits that you
can sustain every single day in order to
see lifestyle changes that will stay with
you forever.”
Weight loss can be emotionally
draining, as well as physically challenging.
Your body deserves love and care no
matter your size. But if you do feel like
making a change, use your support
system, whether that be friends, family
or a PT, and develop sustainable habits
that suit your lifestyle in the long term.
MEAL PREP
LIKE A PRO:
LAUREN WILLIAMS

Edited by Lauren Dawes | Food Editor


Lauren Williams is a Team GB
taekwondo athlete with a seriously
impressive scoresheet. She’s a “I TRACK MY CALORIES
three-time European championship
gold medallist in the -67kg weight
DAILY TO MAKE SURE
category, plus, she took silver at the I HAVE ENOUGH TO
FUEL MY 2-3 TRAINING
2020 Tokyo Olympic games.
For Lauren, meal prep is essential

SESSIONS A DAY AND


to a successful day, with an intense
training schedule of at least two,
sometimes three, sessions daily (I don’t
know about you, but I feel pretty proud RECOVER ADEQUATELY,
of myself when I make it to the gym just
once a day, let alone multiple times).
WHILE MAINTAINING A
Proper fuel is the key to making sure WEIGHT CLOSE TO MY
FIGHT WEIGHT.”
Lauren’s body can recover and reset in
between each round. Here are some
of her go-to recipes.

1 JUMBO OATS
“I have these thick, creamy oats
with a litre of water and electrolytes
about 90 minutes before my training
session, then a double espresso
20 minutes before I star t. I also
h ave v ita m in D, o m e ga - 3 , a n d
multivitamin supplements to set me
up for a strong day.”

INGREDIENTS:
Serves 1
• 50g jumbo rolled oats
• 150ml oat milk
• 1 tsp. honey
• 15g peanut butter
• 1 medium banana
(chopped)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Add the oats and milk to a pan and
heat over a medium heat while
stirring constantly until cooked
and of the desired consistency.
2. Stir in the honey and then
NUTRITIONAL INFO: pour into a bowl.
425kcal | 10g protein 3. Top with chopped banana and
60g carbs | 14g fat then add a dollop of peanut butter.
Per serving You can also add some chopped
nuts and fruit, but bear in mind this
will affect the nutritional content.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:
575kcal | 49g protein
43g carbs | 22g fat
Per serving

2 TUNA PASTA SALAD


“I like to keep lunch a little lighter as I’m
often still quite full from breakfast, but my
INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS
body needs to repair and restore so I’m Serves 1 1. Add the cooked pasta, tomatoes,
ready to go again in the afternoon. ” • 1 cup pasta (cooked) tuna, and salad leaves to a
• 50g light feta bowl and mix thoroughly to
(crumbled) combine everything evenly.

• 70g mixed salad leaves 2. Pour in the vinaigrette and olive


oil and stir to evenly coat. Top
• 100g cherry with crumbled feta and enjoy!
tomatoes (halved)
• 1 can tuna in spring
water (drained)
• 1 tbsp. balsamic
vinaigrette
• ½ tbsp. olive oil
3 STEAK AND SALAD
“If I’ve had a heavy day, I might add
some rice or bread, but otherwise
INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS
dinner is all about getting in protein Serves 1 1. Prepare the salad by adding the
for recovery and a little healthy fat. • 200g rump steak leaves, chopped veg, sweetcorn and
Plenty of veggies bulk up the portion, olive oil to bowl and tossing. Season
add some micronutrients, and keep me • 100g bistro salad leaves
with salt and pepper if desired.
feeling full.” • ½ large red pepper
2. Cook the rump steak how you like it,
(chopped)
then slice up and place on top of your
• ¼ cucumber (chopped) salad. Simple but delicious.
• 1 carrot (chopped)
• 50g sweetcorn
• ½ tbsp. olive oil

NUTRITIONAL INFO:
511kcal | 52g protein
32g carbs | 18g fat
Per serving
GET
RACE
SEASON
READY WRITTEN BY SCOTT WHITNEY
MSc Strength & Conditioning and
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy

The half marathon is a popular distance among recreational runners. It presents an obvious challenge, but
running 13.1 miles is an achievement possible for most runners. If you can do 10km, then a half marathon
(21km) is more achievable than you might expect. So, whether you’re looking to build up to your very first
half marathon, or simply looking to break your PB, we’ve got training plans to get you over the finish line.
HALF MARATHON BEGINNER PROGRAMME
This eight-week beginner programme is the ideal training Strides are included on some days and offer an opportunity
plan to follow after completing a successful 10km training to work on speed and form. After you’ve finished your
programme. Be smart about your training and listen to your main run, complete four separate strides for 15 seconds
body — you want to avoid overtraining (or under-recovery) at 90% of your max speed, taking a short rest period
and injuries as much as possible. between each.
The programme focuses more on endurance to prepare you Bouts of interval training are also included in this programme,
for the distance. It’s a guide made to suit many people, so you as having a mix of skills in training is one of the best ways to
can tailor it to suit your needs and fit around your daily life. improve your cardiovascular fitness.
The key to half marathon training is to develop and maintain Interval training involves alternating periods of high-intensity
your aerobic fitness levels and improve your endurance. This and low-intensity effort, and it has many health benefits in
plan includes easy running as well as a weekly long slow run, addition to improving your ability to run faster for longer. These
which comes with the challenge of running at a steady pace for efforts should be run at a pace faster than an easy run pace,
the entire duration of the run. but not an all-out sprint.

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

1 2-mile easy run Rest 3-mile


easy run
40-min
brisk walk
6-mile
run

2 • 3-mile easy run


• 4 x 15-sec strides
Rest
3-mile
easy run
40-min
brisk walk
7-mile
run

• 3-mile easy run 3-mile 3-mile 8-mile


3 • 4 x 15-sec strides
Rest
easy run easy run run

• 5-min warmup
• 6 x 2-min higher intensity
4 runs with alternating 2-min
2-mile easy
recovery run
• 3-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
3-mile
easy run
8-mile
run
brisk walk recovery
• 5-min cooldown
WEEK

• 1-mile warmup
• 6 x 90-sec hill runs
5 2-mile easy • 4-mile steady run 4-mile 9-mile
with alternating jog
recovery run • 4 x 15-sec strides easy run run
back recovery
• 1-mile cooldown

• 1-mile warmup
• 8 x 2-min higher intensity 3-mile easy • 5-mile steady run 4-mile 9-mile
6 runs with alternating 2-min
brisk walk recovery
recovery run • 4 x 15-sec strides easy run run

• 1-mile cooldown

• 1-mile warmup

7 • 6 x 2-min hill runs with


alternating jog back recovery
3-mile easy
recovery run
• 5-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
5-mile
easy run
6-mile
run
• 1-mile cooldown

• 5-min warmup
• 8 x 1-min higher intensity
8 runs with alternating Rest 2-mile easy run
HALF MARATHON
(13.1-mile run)
2-mile easy
recovery run
2-min brisk walk recovery
• 5-min cooldown
HALF MARATHON INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMME
This plan includes easy steady-state running as well as These efforts should be faster than an easy run pace, but not
a weekly long run. This is a slow-paced run where the a maximal effort sprint.
challenge is to maintain a steady pace for the duration of the Strides are also included in the plan. After your main run,
session. The plan follows a periodised approach, ensuring complete four separate strides for 15 seconds at 90% of your
you reach peak fitness close to the time of the race while max speed, with a short rest between each.
also building aerobic endurance gradually. The intermediate plan also includes progression runs. Start
Hill runs are scheduled in week 1 and are performed to off slow in progression runs, almost at an easy run pace, and
improve lower limb power and develop your V02 max — the gradually build the pace in blocks of 10 minutes of increasing
amount of oxygen you can take in during exercise — while also distance. Each section should be progressively quicker until you
improving form and technique. Hills should be run at an easy are running close to your 10km pace.
pace for a warmup, followed by a few gentle dynamic stretches Progression runs are the perfect building block towards
and then a hard run up the hill, with a gentle jog back down tempo running later in the programme. Tempo running
to the start to allow you to recover before starting again. For is key for training improvements and should be done at
optimal effectiveness, run hills as a continuous effort (but feel a pace that’s comfortably challenging, faster than an easy
free to take a break or walk if you’re struggling). run pace but not as fast as your interval work.
Interval training becomes the dominant training method Both training methods should help you to improve your
later in the plan. It involves alternating periods of high-intensity anaerobic threshold — the fastest pace you’re able to
effort with periods of low-intensity effort, known as recovery. sustain for the duration of the session.
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

1 4-mile
easy run
3-mile
easy run
• 4-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
5-mile
progression run
8-mile
run

• 1-mile warmup

2 • 6 × 2 hill runs with


alternating jog back recovery
4-mile easy
recovery run
• 4-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
6-mile
progression run
10-mile
run
• 1-mile cooldown

• 1-mile warmup
3 • 5 × 3 hill runs with 6-mile easy • 5-mile steady run 7-mile 10-mile
alternating jog back recovery recovery run • 4 x 15-sec strides progression run run
• 1-mile cooldown

• 1-mile warmup
• 1-mile warmup
4 • 5 x 3-min hill runs with
alternating jog back recovery
6-mile easy
recovery run
• 5-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
• 3-mile tempo
• 1-mile cooldown
10-mile
run
• 1-mile cooldown

• 1-mile warmup
• 1-mile warmup • 5 x 1-min higher
• 8 × 2-min higher
WEEK

6-mile easy • 6-mile steady run intensity with 12-mile


5 intensity with alternating
2-min jog back recovery
recovery run • 4 x 15-sec strides alternating 2-min run
jog back recovery
• 1-mile cooldown • 1-mile cooldown

• 1-mile warmup
• 8 x 3-min higher intensity • 1-mile warmup
6 with alternating 90-sec
jog back recovery
6-mile easy
recovery run
• 6-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
• 4-mile tempo
• 1-mile cooldown
13-mile
run
• 1-mile cooldown

• 1-mile warmup • 1-mile warmup


• 8 × 3-min higher intensity • 5 x 1-min higher
7 with alternating 90-sec
jog back recovery
6-mile easy
recovery run
• 6-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
intensity with 2-min
jog back recovery
8-mile
run
• 1-mile cooldown • 1-mile cooldown

• 1-mile warmup
• 12 x 1-min higher
8 intensity with alternating
1-min jog back recovery
4-mile easy
recovery run
2-mile
easy run
HALF MARATHON
(13.1-mile run)
2-mile easy
recovery run
• 1-mile cooldown
FIGHTING FIRE
WITH FIT WRITTEN BY MONICA GREEN

Four days a week, firefighter Chantelle Koutsou spends her time removing people from crashed cars, rescuing
people trapped in their homes, putting out literal fires and, occasionally, cats do indeed get stuck in trees. Away
from duty, 25-year-old Chantelle works as a PT, having graduated from Myprotein’s PT scheme in summer 2021.
Between balancing two careers, Chantelle has also been
working to heal her relationship with exercise and food.
She’s one of the most inspiring and motivating PTs to have
passed the scheme, so I was keen to catch up with her to
find out how she does it all.

NOBODY BELIEVED IN ME
Do you remember what you wanted to be as a child?
Astronaut, popstar, film star? Well, Chantelle wanted to be a
firefighter. So, she went ahead and did just that. Anxiety and a
fear of heights were no match for her determination. Chantelle
not only achieved her dream — she got in on her first try.
“My story is mega cliché. I wanted to be a firefighter when
I was literally three years old, and I used to go to the park
and slide down those poles and think, ‘I wanna do that’. And
being a firefighter was a massive challenge for me because I
was scared of heights, I was scared of small spaces. I suffer
really bad with anxiety and my whole family were like ‘there’s
no way’.
“Nobody believed in me other than my boyfriend. Everyone
was like ‘not a chance’. I applied for it and I got in first time,
which is really rare — a lot of the time it takes people between
five and seven years to get in as a firefighter.”
It became clear to Chantelle that firefighting is far more than
a physical challenge. It’s mental too.
“It’s such a challenge. Not just physically, but it can be so
mentally draining... We see some awful things and then the
next day, or even hours after, we have to carry on and do
what we do.
“And it’s not just fires. We go to car crashes, we go to water
rescues, we go to people stuck in their houses, there are a
lot of responsibilities that firefighters take on now from other
services. Especially the NHS because obviously they’re
struggling so bad at the moment, so we do a lot of first aid
work as well.”

YOU’RE HAVING TO PROVE


YOURSELF 10 TIMES MORE
THAN ANY OTHER GUY
Chantelle is one of a handful of female firefighters in her Fire
Service — women make up only 7% of the total UK workforce
— so when she first joined her brigade, made up entirely of
men, there were challenges. Chantelle felt she had to justify
her place among her peers. Spoiler: she absolutely would.
“It’s been a challenge since the day I signed up. You have
to prove yourself 10 times more than any other guy. I mean, I
would go to lift a bottle or something up and someone would
be like ‘are you sure you’re alright lifting that?’ or asking
someone else to lift it for me. And it’s like, I earned my place
here, I went through these fitness tests, I can do it, don’t get
other people to do it for me just because I’m a woman.
“It’s always breaking that stereotype that women can actually
do this job, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. I think unfortunately
the only way that services like these will change is if you have
more of an even ratio of women to men. And slowly we’re
breaking the mould.”
“YOU FIND THE STRENGTH FROM
GOD KNOWS WHERE”
It’s clear from talking to Chantelle that I just really didn’t like myself. So I turned they’re not similar, but they are at the
she adores firefighting, and she’s more to fitness. I’ve always been into fitness, same time. For me, being a firefighter
than capable of doing it expertly. But but I found I was looking at it more than I — I want to help people. Being a PT —
if you’ve never worked in emergency should have. So, I called my doctor and I want to help people. They’re both in that
services, imagining what it’s like to be in they diagnosed me with body dysmorphia same direction.”
crisis situations doesn’t get close to the and restricted eating disorder.
reality. So how does Chantelle get into
the right headspace and remain calm to
“For the last year I’ve been battling with
this headspace where I’m realising I don’t
IT’S GIVEN ME MY LOVE
get the job done? She says it’s all down
to managing adrenaline.
need to control my calories, I don’t need
to control how much I’m exercising. And
FOR MYSELF BACK
“It’s that adrenaline rush that kicks in. I think the thing that really clicked for me Af ter being diagnosed with body
I’d relate it to when you zone into a work- was the fact that my job is so physically dysmorphia and an eating disorder during
out and you get that buzz, you zone into demanding that I can’t be sick. If I’m the first lockdown, Chantelle began
whatever music you’re listening to and sick I can’t do my job, and that’s what I working towards a better relationship with
think ‘I’m doing this’. It’s that same sort love. I also love being a PT and I can’t be her body and exercise. The first point of
of thing. giving people advice if I don’t apply that action was to stop exercising altogether
“You go into a side [of yourself] that you to myself.” for a while, until she felt ready to pick it
never really knew you had. You find the up again in a healthy way.
strength from God knows where. You just “For me [to heal the relationship], it
handle whatever the hell you need to and
I think it’s because you know someone’s
WE HAVE TO BE REALLY was very much asking myself ‘what do I
need right now’. And I realised that what I
life is potentially down to you and that’s
your responsibility. So you get on with
GOOD COMMUNICATORS actually needed was to stop exercising for
a few weeks, change my outlook on food.
whatever the hell you need to do, doesn’t So I started going: ‘right, as a firefighter, I
really matter about you.” Being a PT and a firefighter is a perfect need to be strong, I need to be fit, I can’t
combo. In many ways, the two jobs are be, you know, feeling weak or fatigued,

I CAN’T BE GIVING similar, even if they seem totally different


on the surface. Chantelle has had to
so I need to eat.’”
Once Chantelle accepted this, she

PEOPLE ADVICE IF I perfect her communication skills as a


firefighter. She has to be crystal clear
was able to give herself the rest she
needed to begin recovery. It was then

DON’T APPLY THAT


with the public in emergency situations. she saw an advert for the Myprotein PT
But this comes in handy when she’s in scheme. Chantelle saw an opportunity

TO MYSELF
the gym, too. Not only can she explain for herself to help others foster a positive
things clearly to clients, but the level of relationship with exercise, one where it
empathy she has developed after seeing can be used as a way to feel better, not
The gym has always been a place of some shocking things helps her relate as a punishment.
solace for Chantelle, somewhere to and understand them better as people. “Fitness was always my outlet; it was
blow off steam. Then came lockdown — “ We have to be really good at my self-care. And going through that
it completely disrupted her routine and communicating to the public and transition of body dysmorphia. Going
she started having negative thoughts because unfortunately we do see some from not liking myself at all to actually
about herself. So, as she’d done before, horrifying things, it’s like when you go to quite liking myself was such a big thing,
she turned to fitness to feel better. But the hairdresser and you tell them your and just changing my outlook on fitness
she became too focused on exercise. life story and they’ve heard it so much and [away] from fitness, it’s given me my
“Lockdown hit, and I think mentally, that they almost already know it. And I love for myself back. And I think knowing
being stuck in the house, not being think it’s a bit like with us — as a PT I have that fitness can be such a big thing for
able to do our day-to-day things. And some clients who do struggle, and I don’t mental health, I realised: ‘right, I love
I think for me I just wanted to get fitter tell them the ins and outs of what I’ve fitness, I want to help people, I already
and feel better in myself. And I know that seen, but I can relate because I’ve seen help people in the job, but I want to
everyone has flaws in themselves, but some things like that. mentally help people, too’. So that was
I just got to the point where I was just “I would say they’re actually two of the the push that made me want to go
really uncomfortable in my own skin. And best jobs to go hand in hand because into PT-ing.”
LOOK, LET ME SHOW
YOU HOW TO DO IT
Unlike Chantelle, many people struggle to
pass the tests to get into the fire service
— usually it’s the fitness requirements
that hold them back. Chantelle wants to
change that. Her aspiration is to one day
have her own space where she can train
clients, and potentially run firefighting
training classes to help people get
fighting fit.
“Right now, we have a lot of people
trying to get into the fire service and
unfortunately, they don’t — usually
because of fitness. I would love to be able
to (I can’t because of GDPR!) but I’d love
to be able to pick those people and go,
‘look, let me show you how to do it’, and
train those people so that they can get
into the fire service.
“So right now, the goal is not to get rid
of one [fire service or PT-ing] because I
love them both. So, for as long as I can,
I will continue to do both. And one day, if
money comes my way, have my own gym
space where I can train people, but right
now they’re very much running alongside
each other.”

SHE’S A TRUE
TRAILBLAZER
Well, I’m convinced. Firefighting and
personal training do go hand in hand.
Talking to Chantelle was eye opening
to the mental and physical burdens on
firefighters. To balance that with a career
as a PT, to confront her own demons and
begin recovery, is beyond inspiring —
she’s a true trailblazer.
Chantelle wants to encourage more
women to consider joining the fire
service, so if you’d like to learn more
about joining, check out the brigade on
their website.
And if you think you might be struggling
with disordered eating or negative body
image, please seek advice. Follow the
QR code for a list of helplines set up to
assist those struggling with these kinds
of thoughts.
FAKEAWAY Edited by Lauren Dawes | Food Editor

TRYING TO CUT DOWN ON THE TAKEAWAY SPLURGES BUT STILL WANT


SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO ON A FRIDAY NIGHT? WE GOT YOU.
Ordering a takeaway can be a minefield of questionable star ratings, minimum spends, delivery fees,
and long waits, right? Well, we’re serving up delicious solutions to all of those with indulgent
recipes you can whip up at home.
Plus, with these fakeaway meals on the menu, you’ll quickly realise that satisfying
your cravings doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your macro goals.
1 HALLOUMI CURRY RECIPE
Rich, creamy, and packed with flavour, this veggie curry is definitely one for a Friday night.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED WHAT TO DO


For the halloumi: 1. Heat a teaspoon of coconut oil in a large pan and cook the
• 2 blocks halloumi (500g, cubed) onions on a low heat for 5-7 minutes until soft.

• ½ tsp. cumin 2. While onions are frying, add the cubes of halloumi to a large
bowl and coat with cumin, turmeric, coriander, and mild chilli
• ½ tsp. turmeric powder from the halloumi part of the ingredient list, then
• ½ tsp. coriander set aside.
• ½ tsp. mild chilli powder 3. When onions are cooked, add the garlic and ginger, and fry
• 1 tsp. 100% Coconut Oil for 2 minutes, tossing occasionally.
4. Add the cardamom pods, cumin, turmeric, chilli powder,
For the curry: and coriander. Stir well before adding chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp. 100% Coconut Oil and a splash of water.
• 1 onion (finely chopped) 5. Simmer for 10 mins until tomatoes have broken down,
creating a gravy.
• 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
6. Remove from heat and leave to cool for 5 minutes before
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (peeled and grated)
transferring to a blender. Blitz until smooth.
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
7. Transfer blended sauce back to pan and add the coconut
• 3 green cardamom pods milk, salt, and garam masala. Stir well and leave to simmer
• 1 tsp. cumin for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
• 1 tsp. turmeric 8. Meanwhile, heat the other teaspoon of coconut oil in a
• 1 tsp. coriander separate non-stick pan and add the spiced halloumi. Fry
for 5-10 minutes until crispy, ensuring all sides are cooked,
• 1 tin light coconut milk then transfer to curry sauce. Stir well and serve with some
• 1 tsp. garam masala basmati or jasmine rice.
• ½ tsp. salt

Per serving

Calories Protein Carbs Fat

619 28.1g 16.2g 48.8g


2 CHICKEN CURRY GYROS
This fusion fakeaway is the ultimate feast of flavours.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED


We’ve taken some of the best late-night guilty pleasure
food and given it an upgrade. You’re welcome.

For the chicken marinade:


• 500g chicken thighs WHAT TO DO
• 200g plain yoghurt 1. Mix chicken marinade ingredients (except the chicken) until
• 1 tbsp. curry powder combined, then add your chicken thighs and coat. Cover
• 1 tsp. sweet paprika and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes
(but the longer, the better).
• 1 tsp. garam masala
2. Meanwhile, add the green chilli, coriander, mint leaves, olive
• Salt and pepper to taste
oil and a splash of water to a blender and blitz until smooth.
• Juice of ½ a lemon Add this mixture to a bowl with plain yoghurt, garlic, cumin,
garam masala and lemon juice, and mix to combine.
For the mint-yoghurt sauce:
3. Remove the chicken thighs from the fridge 10 minutes
• 1 green chilli (deseeded & chopped) before you’re ready to cook them to allow them to adjust to
• 1 handful mint (stalks removed) room temp. Heat a non-stick pan on a medium heat, add
• 1 handful coriander (stalks removed) chicken thighs, and cook for around 5 minutes on each
side. Make sure they are cooked through before removing
• 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil and set aside.
• 200g plain yoghurt 4. Add peppers into the pan, skin side down, and cook until
• 1 garlic clove (minced) they’re slightly soft and charred.
• ¼ tsp. cumin 5. Slice your chicken thighs into thin strips. Make sure the rest
• ¼ tsp. garam masala of your garnishes are ready to serve and then build your
gyros. First, add a generous amount of mint-yoghurt sauce
• Squeeze of lemon juice
to your flatbread, then pile on the chicken, pepper, red onion
• ½ tsp. salt slices, and tomatoes. Top with mango chutney and coriander
— then tuck in to a truly epic fakeaway.
To serve:
• 1 red pepper (roughly chopped)
Per serving
• 1 green pepper (roughly chopped)
• 4 flatbreads (heat slightly before making up gyros) Calories Protein Carbs Fat
• Vine tomatoes (roughly chopped) 541 40g 52g 17.5g
• 1 red onion (sliced)
• Coriander leaves (roughly chopped)
• Mango chutney (1 tsp. per gyros)
3 BBQ CHICKEN CALZONE
These melt-in-the-middle pockets of joy are
surprisingly simple to make at home. And, thanks WHAT TO DO
to our Sugar-Free Sauce, they’re surprisingly low 1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
calorie compared to traditional takeaway options.
2. Roll out the dough and cut out 2 circles using an upturned
bowl to cut around.
3. Add the shredded chicken breast to a bowl along with plenty
of BBQ Sugar-Free Sauce to make a rich barbecue chicken

WHAT YOU’LL NEED


mix.
4. In a separate dish, mix together the oil, garlic powder, and
salt. Spoon a little of the mixture on to each circle of dough
• 1 sheet readymade pizza dough
and spread to coat evenly.
• 25ml olive oil
5. Next, add a generous amount of BBQ Sugar-Free Sauce
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder to the centre of the dough along with a few spoons of the
• Pinch of salt barbecue chicken.
• 150ml Sugar-Free Sauce (BBQ) 6. Add the red onion and low-fat mozzarella on top and then
roll over one side of the dough to create a semi-circle shape
• 1 chicken breast (cooked & shredded)
with all the ingredients enclosed inside. Use your fingers
• 1 red onion (sliced) to pinch and twist the edges of the dough together to seal
• 50g low-fat mozzarella the calzone.
• 1 egg (beaten) 7. Brush each calzone with the beaten egg wash and cook for
15-20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before serving — and be careful
of the hot, melty mozzarella inside!

Per serving

Calories Protein Carbs Fat

358 27g 33g 14g


Per serving

Calories Protein Carbs Fat

269 5.1g 33.1g 13.7g

4 HEALTHY BAKED CHURROS


Freshly baked churros are top tier, there’s no
debate. Golden and crunchy on the outside with a WHAT TO DO
warm doughy centre, these are perfect for dipping 1. Preheat oven at 180°C.
right into some rich, chocolatey Protein Spread.
2. Add the water and coconut oil to a saucepan and heat gently
until the oil melts. Then mix in the sugar and Flavdrops.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED


3. Add flour — make sure to sieve this first so that you don’t
get lumps — and mix with a spatula until it forms a dough.
4. Let the dough cool down for around 10 minutes and then
For the dough:
carefully transfer into a piping bag with a close star nozzle.
• 270ml water Pipe the dough into long sausages on a baking paper lined
• 150g flour baking tray, using a pair of scissors to chop at the length
you want.
• 3 tbsp. 100% Coconut Oil
5. Cook in oven for 20-30 minutes until golden and a bit
• 1 tbsp. coconut sugar
crunchy on the outside.
• 5 drops Flavdrops (Toffee)
6. In the meantime, mix the zero-calorie sweetener granules
For the coating: and cinnamon to make a sweet dusting. Once the churros
• 2 tbsp. sweetener granules are cooked, take them out and coat them in the dusting.
• 1 tbsp. cinnamon 7. Dip into melted chocolate Protein Spread for the ultimate
• Protein Spread (for dipping) treat! *Chef’s kiss*
PROft.Viddal
ROUTINE Riley
I’m Viddal Riley, pro boxer and MyPRO athlete. My training is designed
to build functional strength, endurance and increase my overall boxing
skill. Camp usually lasts around six weeks, and every week up to the final
week there’s a gradual increase in intensity to reach peak condition on
fight night. Here’s a quick routine featuring exercises I regularly turn to.
EXERCISE 1: LUNGES WITH Muscle groups targeted:

KETTLEBELLS
HIP FLEXORS QUADRICEPS

HAMSTRINGS CORE

SETS: 4 REPS: 7 EACH LEG


WEIGHT: 10KG EACH HAND
This exercise is all about stability and having equal balance
on each leg. The kettlebell adds more resistance, forcing
the body to rely not only on the legs but also the core.

1. Hold the kettlebells past the tip of the toes.


by your side. 4. Your left leg should be
2. Inhale and take a big bent at the knee and
step forward with your balanced on the toes while
right leg, with the weight in the lunge position.
through the heel. 5. Step the right foot back
3. Bend at the knee until your on an exhale and return
right thigh is nearly parallel to the starting position.
to the ground, but without 6. Repeat the motion
letting your right knee go with your left leg.

“ YOU CAN SEE A PATTERN FORMING AT


THE HEART OF MY ROUTINE. CORE. ”
EXERCISE 2: PRESS-UPS
SETS: 5  REPS: 20
WEIGHT: BODY WEIGHT
Muscle groups targeted:

PECTORALS DELTOIDS

TRICEPS CORE

Another staple exercise for me — basic but essential 1. Your feet should be slightly 3. Keep your elbows close to your
when done correctly. Your stomach should be held parted to spread your weight torso as you push. At the top of
in with the glutes engaged as you push away from across your lower abs. Clench the press-up, your arms should
the ground. As a boxer, I need to have explosive your glutes. Your hands be straight. At the bottom, when
power, and this exercise really packs a punch. should be a little more than your elbows are bent, your chest
shoulder-width apart. should just about touch the floor.
You may think of press-ups as requiring only
your arms to put in a shift, but you will need to 2. Keep focused on a spot directly 4. Use a mirror and place a
engage your core muscles to perform a plank. in front of you and keep your fist-sized object between
Remember to keep your back and legs straight. spine neutral and in line with the floor and your chest so
your neck. you don’t cut corners or
rush through the motion.
EXERCISE 3: KETTLEBELL
Muscle groups targeted:

SWINGS
HIP FLEXORS QUADRICEPS

HAMSTRINGS DELTOIDS

SETS: 4  REPS: 20 GLUTES CORE

WEIGHT: 24KG You can see a pattern forming at the heart of my routine.
Core. It’s essential to be in total control of your body weight
and to create explosivity. Kettlebell swings are the definition
of building power from the base and transferring it to the
upper. This is boxing.

1. Start with your feet 4. At the top of the


slightly wider than hip movement, as
width apart and point you hinge at the
your toes out slightly. hip, drive the
2. Grab a single kettlebell backwards
kettlebell in both through your legs,
hands so that it keeping your arms
hangs between slightly loose.
your legs with your 5. Bring the kettlebell up
arms extended. to eye level, keeping
3. Keeping your your arms straight,
knees soft, start the and drop it to swing
movement by pushing between your legs.
your hips back in a 6. Repeat for desired
hinge movement. number of reps.

“ IT’S ESSENTIAL TO BE IN TOTAL


CONTROL OF YOUR BODY WEIGHT
AND TO CREATE EXPLOSIVITY”
EXERCISE 4: WATT BIKE
SPRINTS
1. Set the seat level with
your hips, allowing a
slight bend in the knee.

SETS: 10  20 CALORIES EACH SET


2. Ensure the distance between
the seat and handlebars is
roughly the same distance as
your elbow and fingertips.
Muscle groups targeted: 3. You can select between level
1 and 10 on the resistance,
FULL BODY so pick your poison.
But remember; greater
resistance means harder
These sprints are a killer! Offering more resistance work, but better results.
than treadmill sprints, this is the pinnacle of anaerobic
cardiovascular training. The aim is to create a push
and pull motion with the arms while pedalling to
help balance the load on the body. Keep your
head still as excess movement wastes energy.
LEAN MACHINE By Chris Appleton
Level 3 qualified PT and
BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching

To build lean muscle, it’s all about nailing the right exercises. But fear not, it can be
done. Utilising compound movements that target multiple muscles in one move is the
way to get strong without packing on the pounds. Correctly performing each exercise
with the preferred sets and reps will give you a good pump and burn off calories in
the process.
If you’re completing the suggested reps on this full-body workout easily, your
weight isn’t high enough. But if you’re unable to lift the last few reps, your weight
may be too heavy. You should find it challenging but not impossible to lift your last
few reps.
BEGINNER
KETTLEBELL WEIGHTED SETS: 3 REPS: 8 EACH LEG
SWINGS WALKING LUNGES
There are few exercises that combine We want to hit the legs, but we can
building strength and muscle while take away the added weight and stress
also increasing your heart rate, so this of perfecting squats as a beginner.
is a crucial exercise. Lunges will isolate each leg and hit the
same muscles.
1. S
 tart with your feet slightly wider
than hip-distance apart and 1. Take a firm grip of the bar. It should
point your toes out slightly. rest on your upper back, midway
2. Grab a single kettlebell in both down your traps and you should
hands so that it hangs between maintain firm grip throughout.
your legs with your arms extended. 2. Take a big step forward with your
3. Keeping your knees soft, start left or right leg and slowly drop your
the movement by pushing your back knee towards the ground.
hips back in a hinge movement. 3. Make sure your toes are pointing
4. Keep your arms slightly loose, forwards, hips are tucked
and as you hinge at the hip, under, and your front knee does
drive the kettlebell backwards not move past your ankle.
through your legs. At the top of 4. As you drop to the ground, stop
this movement, drive your hips when your leading knee reaches
forwards and allow the kettlebell slightly below 90° and your front
to swing forwards and up. thigh is parallel to the floor.
5. K
 eeping your arms straight until 5. Don’t let your back knee touch
the kettlebell is at eye level, and the ground — this ensures
then follow momentum to drop your muscles are fully activated
and swing back between your legs. throughout the movement.
Repeat this for the desired reps.
6. Push off your front foot and drive
the back leg forwards to step
straight into another forward
lunge. Keep your torso upright
SETS: 4 REPS: 15-20 and core activated as you move.
7. Returning to standing position
between each step can provide
a small rest and help you keep
your form on each rep.

SEATED DUMBBELL SETS: 4 REPS: 12


SHOULDER PRESS
If you’re yet to perfect the military
press this exercise provides similar
benefits. Use the back rest for added
support, or no back rest for more of
a challenge.

1. Hold the dumbbells up by your


shoulders, palms facing outwards.
Elbows should be bent at a 90° angle.
2. Press your arms up above your head.
3. Lower back to the starting position
to finish your first rep and continue
until the set is complete.
ADVANCED
BARBELL FRONT UPRIGHT BARBELL BENT-
SQUAT ROW OVER ROW
An underrated leg exercise, the front Another exercise that’s often overlooked. Another important compound
squat will hit your legs and rely on your Using your arms, shoulders and traps, it’s movement for building muscle and
core to support the weight. useful for building muscle and strength. strength — it targets many of your
back muscles while your biceps
1. The barbell should sit across 1. Starting with the barbell at support the movement and additional
the front side of your shoulders, your feet, hands in a pronated core strength stabilises the body.
close to your neck. grip (palms facing down)
and slightly narrower than 1. Hold a barbell with a pronated
2. Your shoulders will hold shoulder-width apart.
the weight, your torso will grip (palms facing down).
support, and your hands will 2. Brace your core and squeeze Your feet and hands should
offer stability to the bar. your glutes — this will minimise be shoulder-width apart.
swinging and will help protect 2. Bend your knees and bring your
3. Take a deep breath, tighten your your lower back from injury.
core and pull your shoulder torso forwards slightly. Your
blades down and back. 3. Raise your elbows and pull the back should be straight and
barbell until your elbows are level almost parallel with the floor.
4. Sit your hips back, bend and with your shoulders. Keeping the This is your starting position.
push your knees out to lower into barbell close to your body will help
the squat. Keep your chest and 3. Pull the barbell up towards your
prevent it swinging forwards. sternum, keeping elbows tucked
elbows up throughout the rep.
4. Pause at the top before lowering in and close to the body.
5. Continue bending your the weight back to the starting
hips and knees until your 4. Pause and hold at the top of
position in a controlled manner. the movement, squeezing
thighs are approximately
parallel with the ground. 5. Repeat for the desired reps. your back muscles.

6. Using your heels to take 5. Slowly lower the barbell back


the weight, push the floor to the starting position.
away and stand tall. 6. Repeat for the desired
7. Repeat for the desired reps. amount of reps.

SETS: 4 REPS: 10-12 SETS: 4 REPS: 10-12 SETS: 4 REPS: 12-15


TWENTY’S
BURPEES
1. Start the exercise by squatting
with your hands on the

PLENTY
ground in front of you

2.K ick your feet back into a press-up


position and perform a press-up

3. S
 traight away, return your feet
to the squatting position

20-MINUTE
4. Jump up as high and explosively
as possible from the squat
position, hands in the air

HIIT
CRUNCHES
1. Lie flat on your back with your knees
bent and feet flat on the floor

2. Either place your hands by


your forehead or cross your
arms over your chest

3. C
 ontract your abs by pulling your
belly button in towards your spine,
and slide your rib cage towards

40 SECS ON
your hips, ensuring your lower back
remains pushed against the floor

4. Keep your core activated

20 SECS OFF
as you move

5. Lift your shoulders

X2 ROUNDS
slightly off the floor

6. S queeze at the top of the movement


and then lower yourself back to
the starting position, ensuring
to control the movement

PRESS-UPS
1. Your feet should be slightly
parted to spread your weight
across your lower abs. Engage
your glutes. Hands a little more
than shoulder-width apart

2.Look straight ahead of you


This circuit is designed to build core strength
(not down), so that your head is
and develop muscle, while burning some
back and your spine neutral
serious calories at the same time.
Starting off with burpees is an ultimate calorie 3. K
 eep your elbows close to your
hitter — they spike the heart rate and set torso as you push. At the top of
you on your way in this burner of a circuit. the press-up, your arms should
Combined with a number of core exercises, be straight. At the bottom, when
bodyweight resistance moves and heart rate your elbows are bent, your chest
raisers, this circuit is sure to leave you feeling should just about touch the floor
like you’ve had a productive workout.
LEG RAISES BODYWEIGHT SQUAT
1. Start by lying on your back with your 1. S
 tand with feet shoulder-width apart,
arms by your side for stability and toes turned slightly outward

2. Keeping your legs together and 2. T ighten up your core to stabilise


straight, lift them both off the floor yourself, and start to shift your weight
back into your heels while pushing your
3. Engage your core throughout hips behind you as you squat down

4. Slowly bring them back down 3. C ontinue to lower yourself until your
and repeat thighs are almost parallel to the floor.
Your feet should remain flat on the

GLUTE BRIDGES
ground, and knees slightly over your toes

4. Keep your spine neutral, chest


1. Lie on your back with your feet flat out and push through the heel
against the floor and knees bent to return to the start position

2. Engage your glutes by squeezing 5. Keep the core tight throughout


them and lift your hips off the floor,
driving them up towards the ceiling

3. At the top of the movement your WALKING LUNGE


body should form a straight line
from knees to shoulders, keeping 1. S
 tart in a neutral standing position, step
your head facing forward forward with one leg, so your legs form
a triangle with the floor, with each leg
4. At the top of the movement, pause and at around 45 degrees to the floor
squeeze your glutes as hard as you can,
hold for one or two seconds, and then 2. Lower your body towards the floor,
lower down slowly to the starting position allowing the knee of your front leg
to track over your toes (it doesn’t
matter too much whether your

PLANK
knees pass your toes or not — this
will be down to ankle mobility)

1. G et yourself into the press-up 3. A s you lower your body, the knee of
position, lowering yourself down so your back leg should come close but
your forearms are flat on the floor not touch the floor. You should feel a
stretch in the quads of your back leg.
2. Your hands should be clenched Both knees should be bent at around
and elbows under your shoulders 90 degrees in the bottom position
at a 90-degree angle
4. Push through the heel of your
3. Pull your lats back and down front foot, stepping back to the
start position. You should feel the
4. Engage your core by pulling your load in your glutes and quads
belly button to your spine and brace

V-UP HIGH KNEES


1. L ie face-up on the floor with 1. S
 tart jogging on the spot
your legs and arms straight and
lifted off the floor slightly 2.Stand tall and bring your knees
to waist height on each rep
2. In one complete movement, lift
your torso and legs as if you’re 3. Maintain pace throughout
trying to touch your toes allotted time

3. Lower your body back


down and repeat
APPETITE FOR
CHANGE
Written by Jenaed Brodell,
Registered Dietitian (HCPC)
and Sport Scientist

The world is changing. Sadly, not all Imported produce


for the better. As awareness of the
climate emergency increases, so do Most fruits and vegetables are
efforts to combat it, and many are seasonal, so a lot of produce is
reviewing their weekly shop in the imported from overseas to meet year-
name of the environment. Known round consumer demand.
as the climatarian diet, it involves
choosing what you eat based on its Red meat, specifically beef,
carbon footprint. lamb and pork
The main focus is prioritising locally
sourced ingredients. The diet doesn’t Beef and lamb are two of the
make you cut out animal products biggest sources of greenhouse
entirely but rather encourages you gases from food production, so
to consider eating more plant foods consumption of both is recommended
and reduce the intake of animal to be no more than 65g per week
products, cutting those that are the for climatarians.
least sustainable for the environment. Current dietary guidelines in
But does cutting out these foods the UK recommend limiting red
benefit our health as well as the meat consumption to twice
environment? per week to reduce the risk
Let’s find out. of cer tain adverse health
outcomes such as heart disease
or colorectal cancer.

Chocolate

WHAT DOES THE The UK chocolate industry


a l o n e c o nt rib u te s t wo

CLIMATARIAN DIET million m etric tonn es


of CO2 emissions per

REDUCE? year. The milk and sugar


required for the production
of c o m m e rcia l ch o c o late s
• Beef, pork and lamb is also considered a poor choice
• Eggs by advocates of the diet.
• Farmed salmon
• Cheese Cheese
• Processed foods
People who follow a climatarian diet Cheese is also restricted
actively reduce or eliminate these o n th e clim ata rian diet.
carbon and water-intensive foods Cheese comes from dair y
from their diet. cows, which are a major cause
of greenhouse gases.
FOOD FOR Thought
If you choose to decrease meat
intake, it’s important to make
sure you’re still getting important
nutrients like protein, iron and B12
elsewhere to compensate, as meat
is commonly relied on for these.
Bison and venison are two more
sustainable red meat options.
Cheese is a source of protein and
calcium. You can limit cheese intake,
and choose less impactful varieties
such as feta, brie, camembert, and
mozzarella due to their shorter
ageing process. There are also
plenty of dairy-free alternatives on
the market currently that are just
as good as the real thing and have
ample calcium.
Diets high in processed meats
increase risk of heart disease, high
blood pressure, gastrointestinal
diso rd e rs an d oth e r se rious
diseases. Eating more plant-based
whole foods is not only better for
general health but has also been
shown to reduce the risk of these
conditions.
The key ingredients in the diet —
vegetables, lentils, beans, whole
grains — happen to be packed
with fibre and nutrients, and all
are associated with positive health
outcomes.
All in all, if you’re looking to do
more for the climate than recycling
packaging, but don’t want to give
up meat entirely, a climatarian diet
could be for you.

REFERENCES
1. Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser Understanding the relationship between Disease: Importance of Solutions Focused
(2020) - “Environmental impacts of coronary artery disease and stenosis on the Globalized Food System: A Report
food production”. Published online at flow reserve. Textbook of Angiology. From the Workshop Convened by the World
OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: John C. Chang Editor, Springer-Verlag, Heart Federation. Journal of the American
‘https://ourworldindata.org/environmental- New York, NY. 1999. pp. 381-387. College of Cardiology, 66(14), 1590–1614.
impacts-of-food’ [Online Resource] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2015.07.050
4. Anand, S. S., Hawkes, C., de Souza, R. J.,
2. Konstantas, A., Jeswani, H. K., Stamford, L., & Mente, A., Dehghan, M., Nugent, R., Zulyniak, 5. Fleming RM. Chapter 29. Atherosclerosis:
Azapagic, A. (2018). Environmental impacts of M. A., Weis, T., Bernstein, A. M., Krauss, R. M., Understanding the relationship between
chocolate production and consumption in the Kromhout, D., Jenkins, D., Malik, V., Martinez- coronary artery disease and stenosis
UK. Food research international, 106, 1012-1025. Gonzalez, M. A., Mozaffarian, D., Yusuf, S., flow reserve. Textbook of Angiology.
Willett, W. C., & Popkin, B. M. (2015). Food John C. Chang Editor, Springer-Verlag,
3. Fleming RM. Chapter 29. Atherosclerosis: Consumption and its Impact on Cardiovascular New York, NY. 1999. pp. 381-387.
AMINO ACID FORTIFIED

GLOSSARY
PROFILE Adding vitamins or other
supplements to increase the
As the building blocks of nutritional value of something.
proteins, amino acids play a For example, you can fortify
vital role in muscle building, and your breakfast smoothie by
hormone and neurotransmitter adding a scoop of protein.
production. An amino acid

MACRONUTRIENT
profile is the view of all the
amino acids present in a
protein. You should make sure
The chemical compounds
you’re getting all nine essential
that humans consume
amino acids (they can’t be
i n l a rg e q u a nt i t i e s t h at
made in your body) from
provide bulk energ y. The
your diet.
three macronutrients are
c a r b o hy d r ate s , p rote i n s ,

COMPOUND and fats.

MOVEMENTS MICRONUTRIENT
Dynamic exercises that target Essential vitamins and minerals
m u l t i p l e m u s c l e g ro u p s that are needed in varying
and joints at the same time. quantities for a range of bodily
The opposite of isolation functions and to maintain
movements, which focus on a health. Some examples are
single muscle group. iron, zinc and copper.

ELECTROLYTES MIND-MUSCLE
Salts and minerals — such CONNECTION
as sodium, potassium, chlo- A conscious and deliberate
ride, and bicarbonate — that muscle contraction. It’s the
are found in the blood. They ability to focus the tension
conduct nerve impulses in the you create during exercise on
body to make sure you stay a specific muscle or region of
hydrated and your pH level is muscles in the body, and the
balanced. They’re lost through difference between passively
sweat, so it’s important to and actively moving the weight.
replenish them after a workout.

RESISTANCE
ENDOTHELIAL EXERCISE
FUNCTION During a resistance training
The endothelium is a layer workout, you move your limbs
of cells that line your blood against resistance provided
and lymphatic vessels. When by your own body weight,
functioning well, they control gravity, bands, weighted bars,
blood flow and the flow of dumbbells, or any weight for
electroly tes b et ween the that matter, to target certain
blood and tissues, among muscle groups. Some exercise
other important substances. machines can also be used for
When functioning poorly, resistance training exercises.
blood flow is less effective,

Scientific jargon, complex muscle terms, and


leading to muscle fatigue,
as nitric oxide levels aren’t SKELETAL MUSCLE
oh so many acronyms. It can be tough to replenished in the muscles. More often referred to as just
keep track with fitness speak, even if you’re Endothelial dysfunction (or poor ‘muscle’, and mostly attached to
a certified personal trainer. Simplicity is key, functioning) is associated with the bone by tendons. These are
which is why we’ve broken down the difficult- most types of cardiovascular voluntary muscles, meaning we
to-understand words into terms we can (i.e., your heart and blood use them deliberately (or also
all understand. vessels) disease. as a result of reflex reactions).
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