- ‘New normal’ Personal Training
- Testimonial of the Month: Online PT
- Healthy Seasonal Recipe: Nettle Soup
- Social Isolation Workout
- And Finally… Coco Brings Joy
Hello (hopefully) healthy people,
You will have received an Extraordinary newsletter from me last week. As we adjust to these strange times, here’s the regular monthly fitness newsletter. This is the ‘new normal’ and adaption is crucial to thrive. Griffen Fitness is now offering personalised 1 2 1 online fitness training.
Why We Are Different:
- No group classes at set times.
- Your choice of WhatsApp / Facebook Messenger / Skype / Zoom
- Only the best Personal Training, with individual feedback as you go.
- Schedule your workout at a time to suit you.
- Broadcast from the Griffen Fitness studio.
I’ve been PT-ing for 15 years now, and living upstairs from the studio is crucial to offer scheduling flexibility to clients (and afternoon naps for me). It is even more important now as I can broadcast workouts from the studio. I’ve run the business through a global recession, tramworks and the ‘Beast from the East’; Griffen Fitness is not stopping now!
My aim is to offer the very best fitness training to you, using minimal equipment. The only difference is the camera. Otherwise I’m right there with you watching your form and giving encouragement, with Coco the Fitness Pug.
Please share this newsletter with your friends and family – there’s no geographic restrictions now. I would really love to hear from any subscribers who would like to try a workout. It’s FREE if you book before Easter (donations also gratefully accepted).
Testimonial of the Month: Online PT
“My friends and I tried an online workout with Tracy this week and it was just like being at the studio. We liked that she gave us feedback as we exercised, and most of all it was fun! I felt much more motivated to do a workout with a real live coach giving me feedback, rather than just watching a video on YouTube.” – Jenni H, March 2020
Healthy Seasonal Recipe: Nettle Soup
Foraging is the new cool, springtime offers nature’s bounty (if you’re able to get outdoors). Nettles can both be found in Edinburgh’s many parks. Before you head out, wear sturdy gloves and long sleeves, and take scissors and a bag. Find a nettle patch away from any paths (where dogs might wee on them). Using scissors, chop new heads and leaves from stinging nettles and take home in a bag. Wash well before use. Nettles are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals improving immunity, and can be described as “Nature’s Multivitamin”.
1 onion, finely chopped
Garlic to taste, chopped (you can use foraged wild garlic)
Olive / rapeseed oil
½ kg potatoes, we used up our old allotment potatoes from store
Carrier bag of nettle tips, washed
1L vegetable stock
– In a large pan, sauté onions and garlic in a small amount of olive or rapeseed oil.
– Add potatoes and stir around to avoid sticking.
– Add stock and nettle tips and cook for around 30 minutes.
– Cool slightly, then zizz.
– Serve with natural yoghurt and a good dash of Tabasco.
Social Isolation Workout
This is my favourite wee workout, familiar to my regular clients, it’s simple and a great energiser. Have a glass of water and a stopwatch or phone handy (change screen dimming timeout in settings so it doesn’t require you to unlock your phone mid-workout). Try a minute of each exercise. Enjoy!
1. Jog (cardio)
2. Press ups
3. Tricep Dips
4. Star Jumps (cardio), or low impact option
5. Squats
6. Striding lunges
7. Clapping under knee (cardio)
8. Sit up
9. Roll down (Pilates exercise)
10. Plank combo (15 sec side, 30 sec front, 15 sec side)
And finally… Coco Brings Joy
Coco the fitness pug is one of the many things I’m thankful for. I find petting her very relaxing, and even having her snoozing in the room with me makes me smile (that little squishy face!). I’d love to know what simple things bring you joy. I’m asking on behalf of the Edinburgh International Festival of Playfulness, that is migrating online for June.
Have a happy and healthy April,
Tracy and Coco 🙂