Today I got to do something I've always rather fancied - tell a sportswear company exactly what I think of their products.
The buying department at Sweat Betty invited me down to their offices in South London to review their range of accessories. I got the opportunity to give feedback on some old favourites (their running gloves, anti-bacterial socks) as well as looking at prototypes for new products for their 2011 range, and make suggestions about things they could add.
Two Sweaty Betty Ambassadors attended the meeting: Myself and a lovely pilates teacher and PT from London, Tatiana. Thankfully we were pretty much agreed on everything - we both felt that there is a niche for SB to introduce an "Outdoor" Range to compete with some of the colder weather brands such as North Face. This proposed range could include thicker gloves, backpacks, hydration systems, sunglasses, waterproof thick winter clothing (e.g trousers, Puffa-style jackets and Goretex footwear). If you have any feelings about this then let me know!
Tatiana and I were also in agreement that high-end sports-specific items would sell well. For example heart-rate monitors, race-day belts (for Triathlon), cycling shoes and helmets.
As always, the colours and styling look brilliant - I'm already looking forward to ordering some nice new summer kit :-)
Another bonus of the day was that Tatiana is a Nordic walking instructor. I've recently been looking into this as it combines my two passions - walking and keep fit. Tatiana will be bringing some of her group to Cambridge in the Spring and has promised to invite me along to try it out.
Roll on 2011 I say!
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Monday, 29 November 2010
An eye-opening experience
After a busy few days of running in arctic conditions I rounded the week off nicely with a little treat for myself, and had an iridology appointment with Liz Houghton @ Physic in Girton.
For me, iridology seemed to be a cross between seeing a doctor and a psychic! I guess it fits in somewhere along the lines of reflexology.... it's not an exact medical science, but it's not completely "out-there" either.
For those of you who, much like myself, hadn't heard or iridology before, it's the study of the iris; looking at the colours, lines and marks on the iris to diagnose and identify potential health-related issues as well as physical and mental traits.
So when I turned up on a crisp Friday afternoon, Liz got straight down to business, sitting me in front of a device which I'd only ever seen previously at the opticians. Only after placing my chin and forehead into the device did I realise that there was a camera literally centimetres from my eyes. One at a time Liz photographed my eyes and then printed out the images so we could see my irises in large!
Liz then proceeded to point out flecks, "creases", colour variations and explain what they signified. To begin with Liz was really just "holding a mirror up" (her words) and telling me things I already knew. "I wouln't like to use the word control freak, but you certainly like to be in control" she smirked. I could hardly argue! At one point during the session she sat back in her chair, folded her arms and said "So tell me what you did to your back a few years ago". I was quite surprised at this. Indeed, about three years ago I slipped a disc and as a result have chronic lower back pain and an L4/L5 disc bulge, with a lot of associated left hip pain. It was at this point I felt a little freaked out for want of a better expression! How did she know all this? It seems the eyes really are the mirror of the soul.
At the end of the 1 hour appointment, Liz made a note of all the things we'd discussed about my health and temperament. She also provided me with a detailed action plan (epsom salts baths, a dry skin brush, less sugary food - I should know that, more sports massages).
I'd definitely recommend seeing Liz if you're curiosity has been aroused by this. She was very professional and was able to answer my questions when I prompted her for further information. She highlighted a few areas that I need to watch out for, which I'd never have known about if I hadn't been to see her. Altogether, a very informative 60 minutes of my life!
For more information you can contact Liz at: http://www.houghtonhealth.co.uk/
For me, iridology seemed to be a cross between seeing a doctor and a psychic! I guess it fits in somewhere along the lines of reflexology.... it's not an exact medical science, but it's not completely "out-there" either.
For those of you who, much like myself, hadn't heard or iridology before, it's the study of the iris; looking at the colours, lines and marks on the iris to diagnose and identify potential health-related issues as well as physical and mental traits.
So when I turned up on a crisp Friday afternoon, Liz got straight down to business, sitting me in front of a device which I'd only ever seen previously at the opticians. Only after placing my chin and forehead into the device did I realise that there was a camera literally centimetres from my eyes. One at a time Liz photographed my eyes and then printed out the images so we could see my irises in large!
Liz then proceeded to point out flecks, "creases", colour variations and explain what they signified. To begin with Liz was really just "holding a mirror up" (her words) and telling me things I already knew. "I wouln't like to use the word control freak, but you certainly like to be in control" she smirked. I could hardly argue! At one point during the session she sat back in her chair, folded her arms and said "So tell me what you did to your back a few years ago". I was quite surprised at this. Indeed, about three years ago I slipped a disc and as a result have chronic lower back pain and an L4/L5 disc bulge, with a lot of associated left hip pain. It was at this point I felt a little freaked out for want of a better expression! How did she know all this? It seems the eyes really are the mirror of the soul.
At the end of the 1 hour appointment, Liz made a note of all the things we'd discussed about my health and temperament. She also provided me with a detailed action plan (epsom salts baths, a dry skin brush, less sugary food - I should know that, more sports massages).
I'd definitely recommend seeing Liz if you're curiosity has been aroused by this. She was very professional and was able to answer my questions when I prompted her for further information. She highlighted a few areas that I need to watch out for, which I'd never have known about if I hadn't been to see her. Altogether, a very informative 60 minutes of my life!
For more information you can contact Liz at: http://www.houghtonhealth.co.uk/
Sunday, 21 November 2010
A chilly but invigorating week
This week has been chilly, frosty, and rather foggy but that hasn't stopped us getting outside for some fresh air!
As we all start to crank up the heating and spend our days cooped up with the inevitable winter germs passing around, there's no better way to give yourself a boost than making time for a half hour walk or jog. Make sure you layer up and if you're heading out in the evenings then wear light, reflective clothing. Sweaty Betty have a fantastic range of winter exercise clothing. And you can get 15% off until 7th December using code CDBW06 at http://www.sweatybetty.com.
If you are heading out, always start off with a walk to make sure your muscles loosen off nicely and take a bit longer on your warm up. Wear several thin layers so you can strip a bit as and when you start to get warm. And a proper cool down and stretch is especially important when you've been out in the elements.
So get out there and enjoy!
As we all start to crank up the heating and spend our days cooped up with the inevitable winter germs passing around, there's no better way to give yourself a boost than making time for a half hour walk or jog. Make sure you layer up and if you're heading out in the evenings then wear light, reflective clothing. Sweaty Betty have a fantastic range of winter exercise clothing. And you can get 15% off until 7th December using code CDBW06 at http://www.sweatybetty.com.
If you are heading out, always start off with a walk to make sure your muscles loosen off nicely and take a bit longer on your warm up. Wear several thin layers so you can strip a bit as and when you start to get warm. And a proper cool down and stretch is especially important when you've been out in the elements.
So get out there and enjoy!
Sunday, 14 November 2010
A nice week of networking
This week I took advantage of the fact a couple of clients were away, and decided to meet up with a couple of other local business women with whom I felt I could work.
First, I had a chat with hynotherapist Sarah Turner of Strategic Hynotherapy (http://www.strategictherapy.co.uk/). She specialises in weight loss, stress / anxiety / depression, and smoking cessation. She's recently moved to Bottisham having previously run a successful practice in Brighton. She offers a free 30 minute consultation.
Later in the week I popped to Ely to meet with Wicken-based Nutritional Therapist Liz Houghton. Liz has been running her business for 9 years, and specialises in Iridology. This is a fascinating science - studying the iris to identify emotional and physical areas of weakness. I'd thoroughly recommend a look at her website to read more on iridology (http://www.houghtonhealth.co.uk/). I am booking myself in for an appointment with Liz asap!
I'm glad to have met with both ladies and would happily recommend them to any of my clients and friends. I look forward to working with them both in the future.
First, I had a chat with hynotherapist Sarah Turner of Strategic Hynotherapy (http://www.strategictherapy.co.uk/). She specialises in weight loss, stress / anxiety / depression, and smoking cessation. She's recently moved to Bottisham having previously run a successful practice in Brighton. She offers a free 30 minute consultation.
Later in the week I popped to Ely to meet with Wicken-based Nutritional Therapist Liz Houghton. Liz has been running her business for 9 years, and specialises in Iridology. This is a fascinating science - studying the iris to identify emotional and physical areas of weakness. I'd thoroughly recommend a look at her website to read more on iridology (http://www.houghtonhealth.co.uk/). I am booking myself in for an appointment with Liz asap!
I'm glad to have met with both ladies and would happily recommend them to any of my clients and friends. I look forward to working with them both in the future.
Buggy Workout
.... following on from my last post I decided to chat with Nicola Ostler from Buggy Bootcamp and I'll be taking a franchise in Buggy Bootcamp in Central Cambridge.
Classes will start in January 2011, so watch this space as details will be updated very soon.
In the meantime check out www.buggy-bootcamp.co.uk for more details.
Classes will start in January 2011, so watch this space as details will be updated very soon.
In the meantime check out www.buggy-bootcamp.co.uk for more details.
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
LoveFit Yummy Mummy Bootcamp
So, having spent 2 years working on a 1-1 basis with pre- and post-natal clients, I have decided that I am long overdue bringing my expertise to a class format, and I'll be launching the LOVEFIT YUMMY MUMMY BOOTCAMP in central Cambridge in the New Year. Hoorah!
This will be a twice weekly class (details TBC) for Mums with their babies and toddlers, and will be a great way for Mums to regain fitness after having children, meet other Mums and generally have fun! The idea will be that Mums will attend the class with their babies in prams / buggies - and if their kids have already started at school then you can come along without a buggy - it's not mandatory (I won't have one)!!
I've been toying with the idea of doing this for some time now and have finally decided that I should take advantage of the New Year fitness boom. I'm also refreshing my pre/postnatal qualifications around the same time so any Mums attending the class can be sure they're in safe hands. The only provider offering "refresher" courses in this field is the rather fabulous Burrell Education, with whom I have my original qualifications. So I'm actually enrolled in and studying for a completely new full qualification with Premier Training Intl - which will make me doubly qualified to work with pregnant clients and postpartum.
I'll post again in the near future to confirm exact days / times / locations for the classes, but it's likely to be mid-morning on Tuesday & Thursday, starting January 2011. Watch this space!
This will be a twice weekly class (details TBC) for Mums with their babies and toddlers, and will be a great way for Mums to regain fitness after having children, meet other Mums and generally have fun! The idea will be that Mums will attend the class with their babies in prams / buggies - and if their kids have already started at school then you can come along without a buggy - it's not mandatory (I won't have one)!!
I've been toying with the idea of doing this for some time now and have finally decided that I should take advantage of the New Year fitness boom. I'm also refreshing my pre/postnatal qualifications around the same time so any Mums attending the class can be sure they're in safe hands. The only provider offering "refresher" courses in this field is the rather fabulous Burrell Education, with whom I have my original qualifications. So I'm actually enrolled in and studying for a completely new full qualification with Premier Training Intl - which will make me doubly qualified to work with pregnant clients and postpartum.
I'll post again in the near future to confirm exact days / times / locations for the classes, but it's likely to be mid-morning on Tuesday & Thursday, starting January 2011. Watch this space!
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Cycling End to End - my JOGLE trip
Just back from cycling JOGLE (John O'Groats to Lands End). Even for a personal trainer that required some effort!
Somehow managed 902 miles without a single puncture nor accident, and only 2 afternoons of rain. A positively balmy October experience. I cycled on average 75 miles a day and took 12 days away from my clients and classes. The journey took me along the banks of Lochs Ness and Lomond, the stunning Cumbrian countryside, some jolly cities (Lancaster, Shrewsbury), down the Wye Valley and then along the hilly Devon and Cornwall roads. Arrived into a gorgeously sunny Lands End @ 11am on Saturday 16th October 2010.
I have been raising money for Ataxia UK and so far have approximately £1,300. More details at http://www.justgiving.com/AmberBryan
Somehow managed 902 miles without a single puncture nor accident, and only 2 afternoons of rain. A positively balmy October experience. I cycled on average 75 miles a day and took 12 days away from my clients and classes. The journey took me along the banks of Lochs Ness and Lomond, the stunning Cumbrian countryside, some jolly cities (Lancaster, Shrewsbury), down the Wye Valley and then along the hilly Devon and Cornwall roads. Arrived into a gorgeously sunny Lands End @ 11am on Saturday 16th October 2010.
I have been raising money for Ataxia UK and so far have approximately £1,300. More details at http://www.justgiving.com/AmberBryan
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