11 June 2023

How to make your workout more effective, different & refreshing

Have you noticed the A40Fitness outdoor space has had a facelift? With new structures in place for exercise equipment and pull ups, it’s now even better for training outdoors.  And just perfect for long summer days!


7 reasons to take your workout outside


Whether you join one of our classes outdoors, have a 1-to-1 session, or simply take your workout outside, you’ll find lots of benefits:


1) Enjoy those rays

There’s nothing like working out in the sunshine. It lifts your spirits, gives you a tan (safety first!) and it’s the best source of Vitamin D.


Vitamin D is essential for our bodies to absorb calcium and it also improves your mood. Sunlight also enhances energy generation in the muscles and oxidation of the tissues.


According to the National Osteoporosis Society recommendations, we should try to get at least 10 minutes of sun exposure to bare skin once or twice a day. (Don’t forget to slap on sunscreen and drink plenty of water while training outdoors! Both supplied at A40Fitness!)


2) Lower blood pressure and stress levels


We all know that exercising is good for you, but physical activity outdoors has been shown to lower a person's blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels. And get this: exercising outdoors can feel less strenuous than similar exercise indoors, so you can push closer to your maximum performance.


3) Give your workout a boost


It’s all too easy to stick to the same routine when you come to the gym. Now you can take some, or all, of your programme outside – you’ll find plenty of equipment ready and waiting for you. Or why not try something new? Take advantage of the outdoor space and equipment to add content to your standard workout, or create a whole new routine. Ask George if you’d like hand with mixing up your training. 

Here’s the equipment you can choose from:


  • TRX suspension training
  • Pull up bars
  • Battle ropes 
  • Tyres
  • Plyometric box
  • Sled
  • Weights


4) Get motivated with others


Training in our outdoor space is an excellent opportunity to meet new people while doing a workout. And it’s been fantastic seeing our members making the most of training outdoors. Here are some of the classes you could join in:


  • Core
  • BoxFit
  • Circuits
  • HIIT


5) Enjoy a better night’s sleep


Do you have trouble sleeping? Regular exercise and fresh air will help you to fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep!


6) Feel good


Training outdoors has been associated with higher levels of endorphins or 'feel good' chemicals being produced in the body. They’re natural pain-relievers and make us feel happy. What’s not to love?


7) Be invigorated with fresh air and natural light


Doing your work out in our outdoor space can provide more energy for the mind and body. And high oxygen levels improve almost every chemical reaction within your body.


So...we’re pretty excited about our outdoor space here at A40Fitness, but we’d recommend you take every opportunity to exercise outdoors. According to a study published in The Environmental Science & Technology Journal, just 5 minutes spent exercising outside in an open green space is enough to significantly lift your mood.


Sunrise at A40Fitness


We’re all for practising what we preach, so blogger and member, Heidi, shares her experience of training in the A40Fitness outdoor space. 


“As it was such a beautiful morning, I decided to take part of my workout into the A40Fitness outdoor area. It felt really refreshing to be exercising in a different space, training with the gym ball and TRX. Best of all, I could see the sun coming up over the trees and I had the space all to myself.


I felt really motivated to push myself, and I did my longest ever time for the plank! Maybe it was because I was somewhere different, or maybe the sound of birdsong was distracting (in a good way), but I added an extra 15 seconds onto my personal best! 


As I did my stretches, I could feel the warmth of the sun on my face. Closing my eyes, I felt like some Zen Yoga person in California. But I’m not gonna lie – the sound of the traffic did bring me back to A40Fitness, Andoversford! All in all, the outdoor space gets a thumbs up from me. To be honest, I could have happily carried on working out, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine if I didn’t have a job to do!”


Whatever time of day you train, we hope that our outdoor space will give your workout session a real boost.

Staying on your fitness journey: Keeping up momentum after the New Year

29 February 2024
Hey there, A40 members! As the January hype fades into February, the initial surge of New Year's resolutions may start to dwindle. But fear not! Maintaining your exercise routine is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. Let's dive into some tips and tricks to keep that motivation soaring and those gym sessions consistent. 1. Embrace the challenge: Let's be real – sticking to an exercise routine can be tough. Life gets busy, motivation wanes, and the allure of the sofa can be oh-so-tempting in these cold winter months. But remember, every journey has its bumps, and getting through them is what builds resilience and strength, both physically and mentally. Embrace the challenge, knowing that each workout is a step closer to your goals. 2. Mix it up: Variety is the spice of life – and the key to keeping your workouts fresh and exciting. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it's a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class, yoga session, or even a dance workout, experimenting with different activities can reignite your passion for fitness and prevent boredom from creeping in. We’ve never had a more exciting range of classes here at A40 Fitness, so check them out here . 3. Update your programme: If you've been following the same workout routine since the dawn of time (or at least since January 1st), it might be time for a refresh. Have a chat with one of our friendly gym instructors or personal trainers to create a tailored programme that challenges you and aligns with your fitness goals. A well-designed programme not only keeps things interesting but also ensures you're making progress and seeing results. 4. Seek support: Working out with others can be a game-changer when it comes to motivation. Whether it's joining a group fitness class, roping in a workout buddy, or hiring a personal trainer, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide the encouragement you need to stay on track – and even spark new friendships. 5. Little and often: Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining an exercise routine. Instead of aiming for marathon gym sessions once a week, focus on incorporating shorter workouts into your daily routine. Even just 20 minutes of exercise a day can make a world of difference. Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. So there you have it – the secrets to staying committed to your exercise routine beyond the New Year. Embrace the challenge, mix it up, update your programme, seek support, and remember that consistency is key. By incorporating these strategies into your fitness journey, you'll not only stay motivated but also reap the countless benefits of regular exercise. Here's to reaching your gym goals with A40 Fitness and making 2024 your fittest year yet!

A big shout-out to A40Fitness members

22 December 2023
“Good people bring out the good in other people.” A successful gym isn’t just about having the latest equipment, amazing classes, or even supportive staff – it’s about our members. Yes, you! The people who choose to train, week after week, and give it their all. That’s why, here at A40Fitness, we’re celebrating our members. (If you’re not a member yet, why not join today? We can’t wait to welcome you in!) A big thank you It’s you who makes our gym the vibrant, friendly, welcoming place it is – and we can’t thank you enough for all your support over 2023. It’s been an awesome year, and that’s all down to you! But what is it about A40Fitness members that’s so special? “Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend time with them, and it will change your life.” Amy Poehler. A positive attitude We feel pretty lucky, because when it comes to attitude you’re brimming with positivity. You’re ‘can do’ people – but if you’re struggling to get going one day, you can rely on another member to give you a boost. You’re not about ego or judgement, you’re a genuine bunch who bring out the best in each other. Awesome commitment No one said exercising to reach your goals is easy – it takes commitment and dedication. It’s not about how many times you come to the gym, although we’re happy to see you as often as you can. It’s about committing to that workout or class when you’re here. 100% effort Every day at the gym, we can see (and hear) the effort going into your workouts. The determined faces. The sweat. And let’s face it, some of you are noisier than others! But that’s good – it means you’re pushing yourself. You’re working hard and for that, we commend you. Celebrating results We love it when you share your goals with us – and even more, when you reach them! Whatever they may be – growing stronger, getting fitter, toning up, losing weight, feeling happier – we’re proud of you because we know how hard you’re working to get there. Smiles all around Let’s face it – you’re a friendly crowd. You know how it is in some gyms: members are too worried about looking cool to break a smile. Well, you’re different. You’re still cool, of course, but you’ve always got a ready smile! You’re up for a laugh. And there’s plenty of bants. We know everyone’s different. And if you want to come along and quietly do your thing, we totally respect that. We’re behind every single one of our A40Fitness members. We appreciate your custom, we’re here for you and we celebrate your success. We believe you all deserve a pat on the back for your amazing hard work. And we’d like to wish you a happy and healthy festive season – and all the best for the year ahead.

The game-changing benefits of having a personal trainer!

24 October 2023
Hello, fitness enthusiasts! If you've ever wondered how to turbocharge your fitness journey and make those gym sessions count, you're in the right place. In today's blog, we're diving into the super-healthy world of personal trainers and why having one by your side can be the best thing you do for your health and wellness. So, grab your workout gear and let's get started! In the A40Fitness team , George, Anna and Harry are three of our personal trainers, ready and waiting to make your fitness journey more enjoyable and successful. The perfect companion to your training regime Through 1-2-1 sessions, they’ll be your secret weapon to break through plateaus and make your fitness routine exciting again. A study by the UK Active Research Institute revealed that 82% of gym-goers who had a personal trainer attended the gym regularly. So if you’re stuck in a workout rut or struggling to see the results you desire, get in touch. George, Anna or Harry will customise your workouts, keeping them fresh and challenging. No more mindlessly wandering from one machine to another – they'll craft a tailored plan just for you. A roadmap to achieving your fitness goals Setting goals is easy, but reaching them can be a challenge. Whether you're aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall fitness, a personal trainer is your GPS to success. They provide you with expert guidance, track your progress, and adjust your plan when needed. With their support, you'll conquer your goals with confidence. In a survey by PureGym, it was found that individuals working with a personal trainer were 25-30% more likely to achieve their fitness goals compared to those who didn't use a trainer. Boosting your mental health Exercise is not just about the body – it's also a fantastic way to improve mental health. A personal trainer can be your motivator and stress reliever, all in one. Research conducted by YouGov found that 58% of respondents in the UK reported improved mental well-being and reduced stress levels after working with a personal trainer. Our personal trainers will encourage you when you're feeling low and celebrate your achievements with you. This emotional support is invaluable in helping you stay on track and maintain a positive mindset. As Harry says, it’s all about, “Helping people move, look and most importantly feel better. So if you want to better your mental state, I am your man.” Enhancing physical health and safety Safety always comes first, and our personal trainers are certified professionals who prioritise your well-being. George, Anna and Harry will ensure that you're using proper form and techniques to minimise the risk of injuries. Plus, they can design workouts tailored to your specific needs, accommodating any existing health concerns you might have. According to a report by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), personal trainers play a crucial role in educating individuals about proper technique and reducing the risk of injuries during exercise. It’s all about you The beauty of having an A40Fitness personal trainer is the personalisation they offer. They understand that your needs and preferences are unique. So, whether you're into yoga, strength training, or a mix of both, they'll craft a plan that suits your style. No more one-size-fits-all solutions! Your personal trainer – your fitness ally! If you're still on the fence about getting a personal trainer, consider this your push in the right direction. They're your fitness mentor, your cheerleader, and your confidant all rolled into one. With their guidance, you'll reach your goals faster, stay motivated, and ensure that your fitness journey is both enjoyable and safe. So, don't hesitate to enlist their help and watch your fitness dreams become a reality. Your body and mind will thank you for it! As Anna says, “A healthy lifestyle is much more than just lifting weights. It’s about stretching, warming up, eating healthy, getting necessary rest and enough sleep. I make it my goal to help you achieve a happy and well-balanced lifestyle.” Don't wait– take the plunge and get ready to unlock your full potential with an A40Fitness personal trainer by your side. Your fitness journey is about to get a whole lot more exciting! Your A40Fitness Personal Trainer will have a core fee but will tailor their offer to the individual, taking into consideration volume of sessions booked. We recommend regular sessions of course, but each person is different with a varied base fitness and end goals. So, our Personal Trainers are flexible and ready to support you on your journey to an improved wellbeing.
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