Category Archives: Training and recovery

More isn’t better!

Last year, I was at a workshop given by Strength and Conditioning coach Vern Gambetta. One of the things that struck me from his talk was his insistence that adding more volume to a training plan is rarely the answer. … Continue reading

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Q&A: Colds and flu

Q: I’m training for a fight in a couple of weeks, but I think I’m starting to come down with a cold. Should I take time off training, or would I be better off to keep going and sweat it … Continue reading

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Weight cutting and your kidneys

Your kidneys are two fist sized organs, each shaped like a bean. They lie either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. Their main function of the kidneys is to filter the blood and to regulate what is in … Continue reading

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Training and pregnancy

This is a common topic I’m asked about by women involved in combat sports. It can be tricky to get good information about this: most “exercise and pregnancy” advice is aimed at women who are mostly sedentary, or are used … Continue reading

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Skin infections – part 1

Normally, the skin provides a good barrier to infections. There are many different kinds of bacteria, viruses and fungi around in the gym all the time, and mostly they don’t cause us too many problems. Sometimes, though, they can find … Continue reading

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Benefits of sports massage, part 2

Following on from part 1, more about the benefits of sports massage for the combat sports athlete, by Lynne Taylor and Tim Budd.

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Benefits of sports massage, part 1

Guest blog: Physiological Benefits of Sports Massage for Athletes, part 1. By Lynne Taylor and Tim Budd, sports and remedial massage therapists. A common perception is that sports massage is only of use when injured. This is not true. The benefits … Continue reading

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Weight cutting: rehydration part 1

Congratulations, you’ve made the weight. Job done. Well, not quite. Getting the recovery right after you weigh in is just as important as making the weight in the first place, and often just as tricky. It is worth having your … Continue reading

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Q&A: Training and the immune system

Q: How do you keep your immune system in perfect condition when training hard? I seem to pick up loads of things when at gym especially if they have air con blowing all the germs around. A: There’s an interesting link … Continue reading

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Lower body foam roller routine

Here’s a basic foam roller routine that I use for the lower body. Many people find that spending a few minutes on a roller at the end of a hard training session gives them a head start on recovery, reduces … Continue reading

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