In this introduction to 'Training & Nutrition', we will cover the basic, evidence-based principles of training and nutrition to help support you in reaching your goals quicker, more effectively and, ultimately, allowing you to maintain them!

Let's start with exercise. Exercise is so much more than just burning calories.

Here are just a few benefits of exercise you may or may not know:

• Helps manage weight
• Reduces risk of osteoporosis
• Beneficial for mental health
• Improved energy levels
• Promotes better sleep
• Builds strength and fitness
• Reduces aches and pains
• Maintains and builds muscle
• Improved overall health, reduced risk of health conditions & diseases*

* e.g. diabetes, osteoporosis, CVD, obesity, depression and high blood pressure.

Training vs Exercise: What is the difference?

Sometimes it can be beneficial to make a distinction between training and exercise.

Training is targeted, progressive, programmed sessions which are helping you work towards a goal and progress in a certain area. Exercise is a daily movement that keeps you healthy and active.

So do you need to train? It depends on your current goal. If you want to build strength, muscle or a better physique than yes, you do.

When training, it's important to follow some form of the structured programme - this will get you far better results than if you just do odds and sods.

One of the basic principles of training centres around progressive overload. This is about slowly applying more stress and stimulus so that we continue to adapt and develop. Therefore, following a structured programme, with clear objectives, progressive overload and the ability to track your progress, is imperative to train effectively.