Fitness

‘Fitness Doesn’t Make You Special Any More’ – Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing

Published

8 months ago

March 10, 2025

‘Fitness Doesn’t Make You Special Any More’ – Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing

This essay is part of our Men’s Health at 30 collection, an exploration of how the wellness landscape has transformed for British men since 1995 – and where there’s work yet to be done.

Here, coach and Men’s Health Fitness Director Andrew Tracey celebrates the evolution of ‘training’ as a lifestyle.

I was a scrawny 17-year-old when I took my first job in a gym. Men’s Health was just 10 years old at this point, but its ‘cover model search’ was already an institution.

We had a magazine rack on the counter at the gym. Members would leaf through the mags while I whizzed them up a chalky protein shake (you kids don’t know you’re born with your Grenade bars and Vimto Clear Whey…). There were several publications, mostly bodybuilding-oriented, but MH was the only one that appealed to the everyman. At the time, however, the everyman just wasn’t all that into working out.

It might be hard to imagine now, but looking back even 20 years, training for training’s sake was pretty fringe. I lived in a large town, but there were only two gyms and a leisure centre. When I qualified as a coach, I was the third or fourth in the area. There were bodybuilders, there were athletes who played a sport of some description – and there was everyone else.

There was no meaningful middle ground, where exercise and movement formed a pivotal part of your existence, yet you had no particular ambition. The first time someone asked me about my ‘training’, I replied, ‘But I’m not training for anything.’ The idea of being fit and strong simply to improve my everyday life hadn’t occurred to me – or, it seemed, the rest of the world.

If you’d told me back then that the fitness industry would grow to be worth $100 billion and that many teenagers would choose a chest-day pump or Hyrox PB over Heinekens in the park, I wouldn’t have believed you. Yet now, as a 36-year-old, I can count on one hand my friends who don’t exercise.

Placing the gym at the core of your identity doesn’t make you special any more – a fact that’s undoubtedly frustrating for some. I’ve had to take up new hobbies to annoy people with, now that they’re genuinely interested in hearing me talk about how to lift heavy things. And I think this is all incredible.

This cycle is self-sustaining. People have taken an interest in improving their lives by working on their bodies, and businesses have capitalised. This, in turn, makes these pursuits more visible, bringing more people into the fold. The tide rises.

Sports supplements are now stocked in every supermarket. You can access well-equipped gyms 24 hours a day for less than a lot of people spend each month on coffee. And although it can seem like all you hear is, ‘There’s so much bad information out there,’ advice on how to approach your workouts skillfully and sustainably has never been more easily accessible.

This is good news for the next generation. My advice to parents – advice I try to live by as a father – is, yes, make sure your kids understand the importance of cultivating strength, fitness and vitality. But don’t do it by discussing exercise as some exalted activity that makes you special or superior. Instead, make it normal. Or, to borrow a well-used phrase, like brushing your teeth.

I think this attitude is becoming the norm. And, I would say, with confidence, that Men’s Health has played a big role in this. To me, this magazine has always been a lighthouse for the everyman – meeting the average guy where he is, offering him something to aspire to and the map he needs to get there.

It can feel like we live under a perpetual cloud of bad news. And yes, health inequalities are widening; the British Medical Association has warned that the UK is ‘getting sicker’ and these are issues that urgently need to be addressed. But – and I say this as someone who came from modest beginnings, with no interest in fitness – if you are interested in doing something, anything, to improve your quality of life by changing how you treat your body, there has truly never been a better time to be alive.

Men’s Health at 30 – More From This Series

With almost 18 years in the health and fitness space as a personal trainer, nutritionist, breath coach and writer, Andrew has spent nearly half of his life exploring how to help people improve their bodies and minds.

As our fitness editor he prides himself on keeping Men’s Health at the forefront of reliable, relatable and credible fitness information, whether that’s through writing and testing thousands of workouts each year, taking deep dives into the science behind muscle building and fat loss or exploring the psychology of performance and recovery.

Whilst constantly updating his knowledge base with seminars and courses, Andrew is a lover of the practical as much as the theory and regularly puts his training to the test tackling everything from Crossfit and strongman competitions, to ultra marathons, to multiple 24 hour workout stints and (extremely unofficial) world record attempts.

You can find Andrew on Instagram at @theandrew.tracey, or simply hold up a sign for ‘free pizza’ and wait for him to appear.

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Fitness

Move over gym workouts: Experts reveal why basketball might be the ultimate full-body exercise | – The Times of India

Published

18 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Press Room

Image credits: Getty Images, Canva

While you’ve been biding your time at the gym, has the real health been hiding in throwing some balls through the hoops? Basketball is one of the few sports that combine speed, agility and strategy in a play that has garnered it roughly 2.2 billion fans and more than 600 million active players worldwide. The game involves an impressive interplay of physical and mental health, is widely accessible and promotes healthy physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.

No Gym Needed: Try This Effective Home Workout To Get Fit Quickly

Here’s how experts state it can be the ideal full-body exercise you need.

Basketball and physical health

Every sports activity is healthy and fun for the body. Basketball in particular is a moderate to vigorous intensity contact sport that has high levels of aerobic activity. “It has many proven heart-health benefits brought about by improving cardiorespiratory fitness and lowering risk of adverse cardiovascular diseases such as strokes,” said Dr Chantal Nguyen, chief resident at Stanford Medicine’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic to USA TODAY.Additionally, it also improves cholesterol, triglyceride and blood-sugar profiles along with being an excellent fat burner. Its high intensity can help in burning a lot of calories and fat. With a variety of movements such as jogging, springing, jumping, dribbling and more, the sport engages numerous muscles in the body, thus toning all of them. These include the core, lower back, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves. A 2022 study published in Springer Nature, mentioned “feeling of the ball” as a complex of specialised perception associated with musculoskeletal, vestibular, visual, and tactile sensations, making it the highest manifestation of coordination abilities. The study explained how the physical movements required in the game improve bone health, and are an exemplary full-body workout. Playing the game works the deltoids, traps, lower back, upper back and core as well as the shoulder joints. It also trains players in two important skills: balance and coordination and hand-eye coordination.

Basketball and mental health

With the amount of rapid strategy and quick movements that the sport demands, basketball is a game that needs you to be quick on your feet and mind all the time. Thus, its team-based nature also elevates mental and social health along with improving mood and connectivity.With the requirement of a team, people learn to open up in communication, leadership and more, helping develop a variety of vital life skills. A 2025 study published in Schizophrenia Bulletin, stated that basketball physical training effectively alleviated psychological anxiety in college students. The above-mentioned Springer study also stated that the sport helps in developing decision-making and increases self-confidence and self-esteem and can be a powerful game for young people who are depressed, teaching them, confidence, empathy and team-building skills.

Understanding basketball

Basketball is a sport played between two teams of five players on a court with a hoop on both ends. The points are scored by shooting the ball through the opponent’s basket, while preventing the other team from doing the same.What’s important to note, is that the sport also comes with its own injuries. The most common are injuries in the joints such as ankles and knees. Sprains, ACL tears and finger injuries are also common.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.

Fitness

Home Multi Gym Exercise Equipment Sale Announced by Strongway Gym Supplies

Published

2 days ago

November 1, 2025

Press Room

Home Multi Gym Exercise Equipment Sale Announced by Strongway Gym Supplies

Coventry, UK – October 29, 2025 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

Strongway Gym Supplies has announced the sale of its multifunctional home gym range, extending access to customers seeking reliable, compact, and versatile fitness systems for personal and small-scale use. The company said that the latest models have been developed to balance performance capability with the spatial needs of domestic users, following a period of steady demand across its home fitness catalogue.

According to Strongway, the update aligns with its wider approach to supplying strength and conditioning equipment that supports structured training without requiring a dedicated commercial space.

The company confirmed that recent refinements have focused on system stability, operational smoothness, and ease of adjustment, reflecting the needs of individuals looking to replicate gym-quality workouts in home environments.

Strongway stated that the new release is part of an ongoing plan to update its products in line with how people are using gym equipment today. By considering feedback from home users and personal trainers, the company aims to keep the same high-quality standards found in professional gyms while making the machines easier to use in smaller home spaces. The update comes after a detailed review of the frames and pulley systems to make sure the design stays consistent across the range of equipment.

The announcement is part of a growing trend in the home fitness market, where many users are turning towards multifunctional gym systems that allow varied training in limited space. Strongway’s current release draws attention to this shift by offering an integrated model that enables both isolated and compound exercises using a unified platform. More information about the range is available at the following link: https://strongway.co.uk/products/strongway-multi-gym-with-weights-multifunction-home-gym-machine.

Mandip Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, said that the company’s objective remains to provide fitness solutions that are as adaptable as they are durable. “The current line represents our ongoing work to refine the balance between strength, safety, and convenience. As home training becomes increasingly popular, users are asking for equipment that performs consistently over time without sacrificing compactness,” he explained.

The company added that this focus on efficiency has also influenced other developments within its catalogue, where individual machines are designed to support multiple exercise formats. Strongway described this as part of its broader intent to build fitness systems that can evolve with the user — whether for weight training, rehabilitation, or general fitness maintenance.

The company also highlighted that a key part of the recent update was the reduction of assembly complexity. Users can now transition between settings more easily, while maintaining a stable base for controlled movement.

The design also reflects a commitment to mechanical precision, ensuring that load distribution remains balanced throughout a range of motion. This approach, Strongway noted, helps create a smoother user experience while sustaining long-term structural reliability.

The home fitness market in the UK has continued to grow as more people look for professional-quality gym equipment that fits easily into their homes. Strongway’s range, especially its multifunction machines, meets this demand by offering flexible designs that allow for full-body workouts without taking up much space. The company continues to update its home-use equipment to match what customers want, while keeping the same strength and durability found in its commercial products.

Strongway has indicated that the new release will sit alongside other key products within its home multi gym series, allowing customers to choose between various resistance and attachment options depending on their training preferences. The company’s catalogue continues to evolve in response to demand for adaptable, self-contained exercise systems.

Randeep Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, remarked that the expansion of the company’s range demonstrates a clear commitment to long-term product reliability. “Our focus has always been on consistency,” he said. “Each update is the result of steady evaluation and small but meaningful changes that enhance the overall training experience. We see this as an ongoing process rather than a one-off release.”

The announcement also complements Strongway’s existing catalogue of home and light-commercial fitness products, which continues to draw attention from home fitness enthusiasts and seasoned lifters alike. The company confirmed that the home fitness range of equipment will remain part of its core lineup, accessible through its official page: https://strongway.co.uk/collections/home-fitness.

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For more information about Strongway Gym Supplies, contact the company here:

Strongway Gym Supplies
Mandip Walia
+44-800-001-6093
sales@strongway.co.uk
Strongway Gym Supplies, 26 The Pavilion, Coventry CV3 1QP, United Kingdom

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Fitness

Fitness coach shares simple ‘5-second exercise’ every woman should do daily to feel healthier and stronger

Published

3 days ago

October 31, 2025

Press Room

Fitness coach shares simple ‘5-second exercise’ every woman should do daily to feel healthier and stronger

Finding time for health and fitness isn’t easy, especially when life moves at full speed. Between long commutes, desk jobs, and constant multitasking, many women struggle with poor posture, stiffness, and low energy. But what if the fix was simpler than you think? Lifestyle and fitness coach Luke Coutinho shares in his September 29 Instagram post a simple 5-second exercise that he believes every woman should know. (Also read: Apollo hospital orthopaedic surgeon with 28+ years of experience explains ‘why your knees hurt while climbing stairs’ )

Luke Coutinho shares quick kegel exercise for women’s health and wellbeing.

What are Kegel exercises and why should women do them

Women, try this right now. “Imagine you’re trying to pee, and I tell you to stop midstream. Try that. Which muscles did you clench?” says Luke. “If you did that right now, you just did a Kegel exercise.” He explains that Kegel exercises are one of the most powerful yet underrated practices for women’s health. “They strengthen your pelvic floor, the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and rectum,” says Luke.

According to Luke, these exercises do far more than most people realise. “By doing Kegels, you strengthen and increase blood flow to your pelvic region,” he explains. “That helps with issues like urine incontinence, nighttime urination, and weak bladder control.”

He adds that Kegels are especially beneficial after childbirth. “Post-delivery, the vaginal walls can weaken if you’ve had a natural birth. Doing Kegels strengthens your vaginal muscles, improving intimacy and sexual satisfaction too.”

They also help prevent pelvic organ prolapse, a common condition where the bladder or uterus shifts downward. “Kegel exercises help support the entire area holding your bladder, uterus, and rectum,” Luke notes.

How do you perform Kegel exercises correctly

“The right way to do Kegels is the same way I asked you earlier, imagine you’re peeing and stop midway,” he explains. “You don’t need to clench too hard. Avoid tightening your abs or thighs, just a gentle squeeze.”

Luke Coutinho advocates for Kegel exercises, emphasising their benefits for women's pelvic health.(Google Gemini) — Luke Coutinho advocates for Kegel exercises, emphasising their benefits for women’s pelvic health.(Google Gemini)

Luke recommends starting small:

Do 3 sets, twice a day.
Clench for 5 seconds, relax for 5 seconds.
Gradually increase to 15 seconds of clenching and 10 seconds of rest as you get stronger.

“You can do these anywhere, on a flight, in a car (if you’re not driving), at home, before bed, or right after waking up,” Luke says. “These little things are incredibly powerful for your reproductive and overall health.”

He reminds viewers, though, that Kegels are not a replacement for medical care. “If you have a prolapse or other issue, please see your doctor,” he advises.

“Remember,” Luke concludes, “Kegel exercises may take just a few seconds, but staying consistent with them can truly transform your pelvic health and long-term wellbeing.”

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.