Normalised Activity

I suppose you could describe Sally’s venture into nutrition as an accident; After adapting her mum’s recipes to make them healthier, leading to a degree in the subject and a new career. Sally’s depth of knowledge is astounding and rightly cuts through the fads and trends to provide real, evidence based advice on how and what to eat for a more fulfilling and enabling life.

For the first episode in this new series of conversations, we are joined by three world class coaches, Kev Toonen, Marcus Smith, and Paul Warrior to explore what is meant by two words; Endurance, and Mindset. From the first contributions a few moments in, it was clear that this was going to be a deep dive, full of revelations and wisdom. Strap in.

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As ever, if you value what we do, consider buying us a coffee to help keep all this going - https://ko-fi.com/normalisedactivity.

Dive into this podcast as we talk about swimming both pool and open water, the importance of being aware of your surroundings and being a safe swimmer. The power of a big aerobic training base and enjoying what you do. Overcoming set backs and designing training around your lifestyle to get the most out of both training and life. How small adjustments in your bike set up can reduce numbness in the party area. Ella has been swimming for as long as she can remember and has coached almost as long. Swimming alongside Olympians, setting up recumbent bikes for injured veterans. Join us for this eclectic and fun conversation.

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As ever, if you value what we do, consider buying us a coffee to help keep all this going - https://ko-fi.com/normalisedactivity

We welcome back AT, almost a year since he appeared as our first ever guest, back in episode 2. This conversation covers so much ground, it’s hard to summarise in a few sentences. But, if you have any interest in health, fitness and how to attempt to navigate the volume of information that’s out there, then dive in, you’ll love this one.

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As ever, if you value what we do, consider buying us a coffee to help keep all this going - https://ko-fi.com/normalisedactivity

David Fleming; I'm not sure I can find the words to do him and his work just service. Despite being part of the conversation Sean and I will no doubt listen to this one back more than once. 

David started in the Health and Wellness Industry nearly 20 years ago as a Personal Trainer and during this time he became curious around corrective modalities for injuries. This had led to a deep dive into studying Functional Biomechanics and Functional Neurology and more recently Biophysics. Not one for accepting that something just happens he wants to understand why.

He is also the creator and co-founder of AMN Academy. Teaching the Applied Movement Neurology system internationally he presents concepts of functional neurology, quantum physics, systems biology, and much more to Dr’s, therapists, trainers, and movement specialists alike.

This was a fascinating conversation, you'll probably want to take notes (I did). Then listen again. Enjoy.

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AMN Academy - https://www.amnacademy.com

It was a number of years ago that Finn and 3 others rowed unsupported across the Atlantic, but the effect it had on him lives on today. We delve deep into the Physical, emotional, psychological effects that last for years, and how he found himself on the boat in the first place. Battling horrific weather, the breakdown of relationships in the middle of the ocean, and spending 2 months at sea all based on saying yes to a random email one day.

Finn's TEDx talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OEXzF8LuAE

It's never just about the physical.

4 Countries. 4 Mountains. 650 Nautical Miles rowed, 95 Miles climbed.

A world first, undertaken for Mind charity, Katherine provides a warts and all journey through this amazing feat and superhuman effort that took place last summer, alongside her rowing partner Martin. 

From never rowing before to 3 months later battling the boat through the Irish sea. Speaking with such passion, enthusiasm and emotion Katherine tells us everything about what it took to achieve the impossible, including all the small parts that no-one normally acknowledges, but are vital never the less.

Listen in as we go behind paddles.

https://www.theretreatuk.co.uk

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As ever, if you value what we do, consider buying us a coffee to help keep all this going - https://ko-fi.com/normalisedactivity

Dr Cameron Nicol. A man of many hats. Comfortable wearing each one he has learned  to transition to and from each with ease, without being singularly defined by any hat in particular. He has a set of core values that starts with family and hardwork. He has gone from the basketball court to medical school and onto the olympics and world championships as a rower. Into CrossFit, becoming an entrepreneur and owner creating and developing RowingWOD, working with CrossFit box members and elite games athletes, helping their rowing efficiency and performance within CrossFit and beyond. 

We discuss: What it takes in terms of effort, tolerance and pain and a look into the mindset to get to the top. Specificity of training for a specific sport at elite level. How we need to influence, health care and the education system to help people be come fitter and healthier, and similarly how CrossFit and exercise can in turn reduce the burden healthcare systems. 

And as always a little bit more on top of that. Join us for a conversation with a thoroughly decent chap.

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As ever, if you value what we do, consider buying us a coffee to help keep all this going - https://ko-fi.com/normalisedactivity

Kegan Dillon returns for another epic chat. We find out what happened with the 300 cal assault bike challenge. Facing fear and apprehension, can we return to the dark place of physical effort knowing the cost? The challenging questions it forces us to ask such as "when do you subconsciously quit/check out in a workout", and "why do 'you' do this?". Reflections from recent efforts including the CrossFit open workouts, what is to come in future challenges and the power of going hard on your own and how that then translates to a group environment. There's so much here, dive in.

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As ever, if you value what we do, consider buying us a coffee to help keep all this going - https://ko-fi.com/normalisedactivity

The organisation Strongmen, is male bereavement support charity and the burpees are about raising awareness around this issue. The physical challenge, is indeed a metaphor for picking your self up and keep going. The challenge is more of an all-round mental, emotional and spiritual journey than simply physically getting to the summit.

After suffering the loss of a close friend, it brought home the need to highlight the issues surrounding mental health after sudden grief.

Charles is a hybrid athlete that is not unfamiliar with physical challenges which has previously included a marathon strong man challenge, which saw him partake in a strongman competition sandwiched between two half marathons in a day.

Throughout the open, frank, fascinating and  brutally honest conversation we talk about, supporting each other, community, mental health and the challenge of asking for help. Whilst trying to navigate through life problems.

https://www.strongmen.org.uk

https://tinyurl.com/2p84at9m

As ever, if you value what we do, consider buying us a coffee to help keep all this going - https://ko-fi.com/normalisedactivity