I recently watched the Channel 4 documentary Sarah Beeny vs Cancer (what is it with Channel 4 and cancer content in the summer?! I can’t quite believe it, but it’s been almost a year since Super Surgeons aired). I shared some thoughts live via social media, but having discussed it with a couple of other …
Author archives: iambeckyhughes
Fitness and anxiety
Anxiety regarding fitness is a topic that comes up often, and this week I was asked to speak about it via Instagram Live. I wanted to continue the conversation here, and give you a reference point to come back to, so read on to find out more. With thanks to Rebecca (aka @thislifeofcare) for asking …
Patient to Professional: Royal Marsden Exercise Oncology Study Day 2023
I qualified as a cancer exercise specialist personal trainer with a keen awareness that I’d need to stay on my toes. Medicine is constantly changing, and oncology is no exception. Whilst I don’t offer medical advice or treatment, I do need to be aware of what the implications of a client’s treatment are, so that …
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Exercising whilst on painkillers – is it a good idea?
Following the extensive coverage of King Charles III’s coronation, one of the people to receive a lot of praise was Penny Mourdant, who became the first woman to carry and present the Jewelled Sword of Offering during the ceremony. Much was made of Mourdant’s poise, stamina and composure throughout, and she subsequently gave an interview …
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Getting better: how I recover from injuries
Both prior to and during my time as a fitness professional, my body has sustained a couple of injuries – welcome to life! I’ve got one in particular which likes to remind me that the body part is never going to be as it was pre-injury, and I’ve learned over time that it’s a case …
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Medical advocacy: a beginner’s guide to the language of medicine
I’ve always considered myself fortunate that languages come naturally to me. I studied French and German at school, and although I’m by no means fluent, the knowledge I gained over 20 years ago (eek!) works solidly with some practice. That, in turn, has allowed me to pick up some Spanish and Italian in the last …
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What going off-road driving reminded me about gyms
No, I haven’t gone completely mad, there is a genuine link between my recent experience with off-road driving and what it’s like to go to the gym. But I do probably also owe you a bit of context… Where we’re going…I was invited to spend a day off-road driving, and initially I gave the idea …
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Marrakech: I finally made it!
As the world slowly locked down in March 2020, I watched a long-planned trip crumble away. One of my best friends and I (she’s Aussie and lives in Melbourne; we hadn’t seen each other for 18 months already) were due to go on a tour of Morocco together, before visiting Istanbul. Instead of wandering around …
Charity fitness challenges: what’s wrong with them and how to change it
Fundraising challenges that involve fitness activities are a huge bugbear of mine. I was an events and marketing professional long before I was a personal trainer, so here’s my unique take on what’s wrong and what to do to make it right. Fundraising challenges: who are they for?Here’s our key problem: charities need money in …
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Is it ok to take a break from working out?
I’m a personal trainer, and I’m currently on a week off from my own gym training. The response I’ve had when telling friends about this has been interesting, so it’s time to discuss it properly. Signs you need to take a break from the gymI strength train four times per week. I realised a long …
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