TAKING CARE OF FITNESS BARBARA’S ONE-HOUR WORKOUT
We work out the best way to keep in shape...
1. THE GOBLET SQUAT
Works on quads and glutes. Holding the kettlebell weight close to your chest helps stabilise your core.
This is good for overall strength building on your upper body, also working your upper back muscles. Do three sets of 10, with weights of 8kg to 12kg and a break between sets.
2. THE HIGH PULL READY to ramp up your fitness in 2023?
The best place to start is in the disciplined environment of the gym, with the help of a personal trainer to get the most out of workouts.
I signed up for a PT session with Gavin Donoghue of FortyFit coaching at his gym in Leixlip, Co Kildare.
I’m a rangy 6ft tall and weigh just over 10 stone, so I don’t need to lose weight — but I want to be as toned, fit and agile as possible.
Gavin (47) designed a series of exercises for me, using a mix of strength and conditioning training and an introduction to resistance work.
He keeps routines accessible; the whole point is you can do them at home.
First, I discussed my fitness levels with him. This professional consultation establishes exercise routines, injuries to be mindful of, personal tastes around workouts and individual circumstances to consider.
I’m active — I love the outdoors; hiking, skiing and brisk walking. I also swim every morning and avoid using the car as much as possible.
Gavin noted I was relatively inexperienced with resistance training and found it hard to make time for the gym, with a busy home and work life. A movement assessment found I had good mobility though all ranges of movement, so he designed a balanced workout that would suit a beginner, yet scalable as my fitness levels grew. “I’m 47, so I’m more likely to struggle to get rid of excess weight,” I announced when I got on the rowing machine for a small warmup.
Gavin quickly