The Pure Pod — Sports & Exercise Medicine

It is expected that 50% of people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer. With so many of us likely to be afflicted by the disease, Pure Sports Medicine are on a mission to inform patients how they can return to a higher quality of life both during and after acute treatment. 

A cancer diagnosis brings a range of side effects and experiences. Some survivors experience complications for years after their diagnosis and treatment; fatigue and loss of independence can result in declining physical function and quality of life. 

Research shows that survivors, and patients currently undertaking treatment for cancer, can safely engage in exercise, improving their physical fitness, function and quality of life. Not only can that mitigate symptoms, but it can also reduce recurrence. Some studies show that exercise reduces risk of recurrence by an average of 30% when comparing active survivors to inactive ones. 

How much exercise should cancer patients be undertaking? Are there specific types of exercise that can help with recovery, and lower recurrence risk? How can exercise help with a patient's mental wellbeing, as they take on arduous treatment programs?

To discuss these topics in more detail, I’ll be joined by Dean Sutton, a strength and conditioning coach; and physiotherapist Jessica Patel, who are both specialists in cancer rehab.

Here’s what we covered: 

• Whether patients are reluctant to exercise following a diagnosis (02:45)
• The benefits of exercise for patients during their treatment (03:45) 
• The benefits of resistance training and aerobic exercise (11:30) 
• Why exercise can help patients with their mental wellbeing (17:30) 
• How an MDT might work alongside an oncologist to build an exercise plan (21:00) 
• Pure Sports Medicine’s cancer rehabilitation programme (26:45) 
• How medical professionals help patients manage their expectations around exercise during their treatment and rehabilitation (30:15) 
• How exercise can reduce the risk of recurrence (34:00) 

 Speaker Bios 

•  Dean Sutton https://puresportsmed.com/team/dean-sutton/ 
•  Jessica Patel https://puresportsmed.com/team/jessica-patel/ 

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

 For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puresportsmed/
X: https://twitter.com/puresportsmed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmed/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@puresportsmed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine

Debates over sustainable and safe weight loss have renewed in recent years, following the widespread use of weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy. A University College London survey found that roughly one-point–six million adults in the UK took weight loss drugs between January twenty-twenty-four and twenty-twenty-five — around ninety percent of patients accessed these products through a private healthcare provider. The research found that almost one-in-ten British adults would consider using weight loss drugs in the future. 

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic can have profound side effects. Nausea, and dehydration are common, while serious but rare risks include pancreatitis or disease of the gallbladder. Many patients who stop taking the drugs report a rapid increase in weight in the following months. 

The popularity of these drugs reveals a truth. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to our long-term wellbeing, and longevity — obese patients are at a greater risk of chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, heart diseases and cancer. However, there are other important health markers that can also help with longevity, including retention of muscle mass, which people who undertake rapid weight loss can often overlook. 

When can weight loss drugs prove helpful in healthy weight loss? Which supplements should people looking to lose weight prioritise? How can we retain muscle mass, and promote a holistic outlook on our health as we age? 

To answer these questions, we were joined by Clemence Cleave and Tom Williams. Clem is an award-winning nutritionist with expertise in weight management, women’s health and cardio-metabolic health. Tom is Pure Sports Medicine’s Head of Performance, and a strength and conditioning coach. He’s passionate about building solid health foundations for his clients that will last for a lifetime. 

Here’s what we covered:  

• The proliferation of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist drugs for weight loss (03:45) 
• How these drugs help patients lose weight (07:15) 
• When it is advisable for a patient to use GLP-1 drugs to help with sustainable weight loss (12:45) 
• The side effects of taking GLP-1 drugs (16:45) 
• The risks of carrying excess weight, and visceral fat, as we age (23:30) 
• The role of diet and exercise alongside the prescription of GLP-1 drugs (30:30) 
• How supplementation can help in sustainable weight loss (40:00)
• How we can live healthier lives, as life expectancy increases (44:30)

Speaker Bios 

• Clemence Cleave: https://puresportsmed.com/team/clemence-cleave/ 
• Tom Williams: https://puresportsmed.com/team/tom-williams/ 

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

 For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puresportsmed/
X: https://twitter.com/puresportsmed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmed/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@puresportsmed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine

HYROX has exploded in popularity over the past few years. According to the sport’s official website, there were more than 40 global races in 2023, attracting over 90,000 athletes to test themselves in a gruelling exercise race. Each race is held over eight kilometres, with participants running between eight different exercises including a fifty metre sled pull and push, burpees and standing rowing machines. 

The health benefits of mixing these explosive movements with endurance is pretty obvious, but it does create injury risk, especially if new competitors jump into their new regime without some planning.  

In this podcast, we’ll look at the ideal training mix, recovery and injury prevention methods, how to nail your nutrition for the race itself and how to bounce back to your training routine after the big day. 

To help us understand the process of preparing for, and recovering from a HYROX event, we draw on the expertise of two Pure Sport Medicine physios. Yasmin Milne has represented Scotland at the HYROX World Championships in Nice, while Brad Casey has also participated in multiple HYROX events. 

Here’s what we covered: 

• The format of HYROX races, and how it differs from other fitness challenges (02:45) 
• Brad and Yas’ respective experiences in HYROX events (06:00) 
• Why HYROX has exploded in popularity (08:45) 
• The benefits of hybrid training (09:45) 
• How you should tailor your training towards peak performance on race day (13:45) 
• Training specificity for HYROX (19:00) 
• The dangers of overtraining (21:15) 
• The injury risks associated with HYROX (24:45) 
• How a physio will work with other members of the MDT to help athletes prepare (29:45) 
• Specific consideration for female athletes preparing for HYROX (33:15) 
• On the day preparations (35:45) 
• Recovery strategies (40:45) 
• How an MDT can help athletes with their recovery process (44:45)

Speaker Bios 

Yasmin Milne: https://puresportsmed.com/team/yasmin-milne/ 

Brad Casey: https://puresportsmed.com/team/bradley-casey/ 

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

 For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puresportsmed/
X: https://twitter.com/puresportsmed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmed/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@puresportsmed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are one of the most dreaded injuries for athletes across all sports and disciplines. Crucial in stabilising the knee and facilitating explosive movement and quick changes of direction, a tear to the ligament often requires surgery and lengthy rehab to return the patient to their previous level of mobility and to stave off long-term pain and instability.  

Recent medical research shows that women are three to eight times more likely to experience an injury to their ACL than men. One study estimated a multisport female athlete aged between thirteen and eighteen has a 10% risk of injuring the ligament. In 2023, nearly 30 female footballers missed out on the World Cup due to ACL injuries, drawing media attention to the prevalence of the injury. Earlier this year, FIFA announced a fund to research the trend in more detail.  

Why are rates of ACL injuries continuing to climb for female athletes? What are the causes of these injuries? And how can female athletes return to their best after experiencing a lengthy layoff?  

We put those questions to two of Pure Sports Medicine’s physiotherapists, Amy Todd and Natasha Doyle, on the latest episode of the Pure Pod.  

Here’s what we covered: 

• The role of the ACL in the knee (03:00) 
• The sports that carry greater risk of ACL injury (04:00) 
• Why research suggesting hormonal changes could be the reason behind greater injury risk for women is incomplete (04:45)  
• How women can tailor training around their menstrual cycle (12:15) 
• The societal factors in increasing injury risk for female athletes (14:30) 
• Biomechanical differences between male and female athletes (20:45)  
• Whether men and women are treated differently following a significant ACL injury (28:30)  
• How an MDT might  approach ACL rehabilitation programmes (33:00) 
• The need for research into female athletes and their injury risks (39:30) 

Speaker Bios:  

Amy Todd: https://puresportsmed.com/team/amy-todd/  

Natasha Doyle: https://puresportsmed.com/team/natasha-doyle/  

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

 For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puresportsmed/
X: https://twitter.com/puresportsmed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmed/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@puresportsmed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine

The ever-increasing waitlists for treatment within the NHS are constantly in the news. Long-term conditions including musculoskeletal ailments, rheumatological conditions, the treatment of overweight patients and those with diabetes, as well as patients recovering from cancer have some of the longest waiting periods. That lack of access to care is creating worsening health outcomes for millions of Britons. 

It is imperative for individuals to take more control of their health. Retaining muscle as we age, improving cardiovascular health and maintaining a level of fitness reduces risk of chronic pain and reduces risk of ‘lifestyle diseases’. The government has announced a future focus on prioritising prevention over treatment, which is a welcome development. However, many patients still are either unable to access the insights of medical professionals or are unsure of their options. Self-referring to a physio, a strength & conditioning coach or a nutritionist can help people suffering from existing health conditions improve their quality of life. 

To talk about these topics in more detail, we’re joined by Pure Sports Medicine’s Chief Clinical Officer, Claire Small, and its Medical Director, Dr. John Etherington. 

Here are the topics we covered off: 

• The barriers to care for patients with long-term health conditions (2:45)
• The risk factors when patients experience long waiting times for treatment (5:30)
• How inadequate access to care can affect our mental wellbeing (9:30)
• Options for care outside of the NHS (15:15) 
• Why empowering patients to take control of their health leads to positive outcomes (25:00)
• Some of the markers that patients should look for in their general health (30:00)
• How a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach can help patients achieve better health outcomes (37:00) 

Speaker Bios 

Claire Small: https://puresportsmed.com/team/claire-small/ 

Dr. John Etherington: https://puresportsmed.com/team/dr-john-etherington-cbe/ 

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

 For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puresportsmed/
X: https://twitter.com/puresportsmed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmed/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@puresportsmed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine

Triathlons are the ultimate test for the inter-disciplinary athlete. Combining running, swimming and cycling, these races offer a unique challenge. Not only do you need a high-level of fitness, but managing the different physical expectations in the build-up to race day requires careful planning and meticulous preparation. 

How do you manage and mitigate injury risk across three disciplines with drastically different mechanics and stresses on the body? How do you find the time to balance training alongside a busy routine? As you catch the bug, how do you ramp up training to battle increasing distances, without putting your body under undue stress? 

We’re drawing on the expertise of two triathletes, Alex Townsend, a podiatrist with particular expertise in the treatment of injuries related to long-distance running, and strength and conditioning coach Andy Page to talk us through these big questions and more. 

Here are the topics we covered in the conversation: 

-       Andy and Alex’s route into triathlon (02:00) 

-       The mistakes new triathletes tend to make (04:45)

-       Finding the time to train (06:45)

-       How to train for transitions on race day (09:45) 

-       Andy and Alex’s worst and best triathlon experiences (14:45)

-       The importance of supplementary strength training for triathletes (26:30)

-       The prevalence of overtraining in triathletes (33:00)

-       How each discipline presents different injury risk (40:45)

-       How Andy and Alex would collaborate in a triathlete’s rehab (48:00)

Speaker Bios 

Andy Page https://puresportsmed.com/team/andy-page/ 

Alex Townsend https://puresportsmed.com/team/alex-townsend/ 

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

 For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puresportsmed/
X: https://twitter.com/puresportsmed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmed/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@puresportsmed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine

We’re deep into Marathon prep season. The London Marathon, at the time of recording, is just six weeks away. We know many of you will be on top of your training plans, but you’ll likely still want to know all the tips and tricks for finishing the race at your very best. That means nailing your running routine, your strength and conditioning programmes, your diet, your hydration, and maybe most importantly, your motivation for getting miles in your legs.

That feeling when you cross the finish line is the culmination of months of hard work. But what comes after is often overlooked. How do you mitigate the immediate risk of injury after 26.2 miles? Looking at the medium, or long-term recovery should you push on or scale back? What comes after the adrenaline dump? 

This is our second podcast on Marathon prep, and it will look in detail at the last-minute prep, raceday itself, and the aftermath. Consider it your companion to the next month of effort, and the fitness journey that comes after.

To guide us through this process, we’ll be talking to physio and running injury specialist John Daly, and podiatrist Alex Townsend. Both men are long distance runners themselves, so can draw on personal and professional expertise to help with your prep and recovery. 

Here’s what we covered: 

• Where runners should be in their programme at this stage (4:15)
• How to stay motivated with marathon training (7:15)
• Nutrition tips for the buildup, and on the day of the race (10:00)
• How to mitigate injuries, in particular lower limb ailments (16:45)
• Why recovery is a priority at this stage of prep (25:00)
• When you should start tapering your programme (26:30)
• The ideal routine for the week before the race (31:30)
• Tips for enjoying the day and maximising performance (35:45)
• Post-race recovery (39:30)
• How a podiatrist and physio might collaborate to help a patient recover from an injury post-marathon (44:30)
• Words of advice and motivation for runners taking part in the marathon (51:15) 

Running a marathon? Sign up for our special newsletter. It’s completely free, and will provide weekly content on maximising your performance over the 26.2 miles: https://landing.puresportsmed.com/marathon-mission

Speakers: 

https://puresportsmed.com/team/alex-townsend 

https://puresportsmed.com/team/john-daly 

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

 For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puresportsmed/
X: https://twitter.com/puresportsmed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmed/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@puresportsmed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine

Did you commit to a New Year’s Resolution in 2025? A 2024 survey by Yougov found 27% of Britons have set themself a goal to coincide with the turn of the year. Three of the top five were pertaining to physical wellbeing and performance. Some 17% of respondents wanted to get fitter and exercise more; 16% wanted to lose weight; 7% wanted to be more healthy in general. 

Keeping momentum is difficult. A similar survey conducted in 2017 found one-in-five people that commit to a resolution have slipped up by the 7th January. When we try to change our habits, it’s common for us to aim too high, jeopardising future performance by reaching for a goal that is unsustainable. 

How do you plan an exercise plan that fits around your commitments? What should you do when motivation for healthy eating drops? What role does recovery and sleep play in helping you achieve your goals? 

To answer these questions, we’re joined by Clemence Cleave, an award-winning nutritionist, and one of Pure’s leading strength and conditioning coaches, Tom Williams. 

• How unsustainable or ill-defined goals can undermine lifestyle changes (2:00) 
• The steps medical or fitness professionals may take to help their patients focus on more realistic targets (4:30) 
• Why focussing on enjoyment can help us achieve our goals (9:00) 
• The possible dangers of over-exercising, or embarking on overly-restrictive diets (13:00)
• How Tom and Clem stay motivated in their fitness, and how a clinician may use their own experiences to relate to their patients (17:15)
• How a strength and conditioning coach can help with building a fitness regime that fits around a busy schedule (21:00)
• The importance of maintaining a balanced diet, rather than demonising or completely removing certain food groups to stimulate weight loss (23:30)
• Whether meal planning is an effective strategy for maintaining a healthy diet (29:00)
• How nutritionists and strength and conditioning coaches work within a wider MDT to support a client’s fitness goals (32:30) 
• The vital role of sleep and recovery in making healthier lifestyle choices (37:00)
• Our New Year’s resolutions for 2025 (40:00) 
• One final tip for those struggling with their fitness goals (43:00) 

Guest bios 

https://puresportsmed.com/team/tom-tom-williams

https://puresportsmed.com/team/clemence-cleave 

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

 For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puresportsmed/
X: https://twitter.com/puresportsmed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmed/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@puresportsmed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine

According to the Ski Club of Great Britain, the UK has 1.8m active skiers, defined as those who have participated in the sport in the previous 12 months. For many active holidaymakers, jetting off to the slopes in the midst of the miserable winter months is a boost to their mental and physical wellbeing; unless they spend too much time at the apres-ski of course. 

Winter sports aren’t a pursuit that should be taken lightly however. There is an inherent risk of serious injury, particularly to the lower body. A 2019 study of nine winter seasons showed that knee injuries were the most prevalent for skiers, making up 35% of all major incidents. Upper body injuries to the shoulder, head and neck are also common. 

How can winter sport athletes and hobbyists mitigate these risks? What supporting exercise should they prioritise? When injuries do hit, what does gold standard care look like? 

We’re joined by Tom Ulset and Charlotte Vaile. Both are physiotherapists with a passion for winter sports, and expertise in the treatment of its associated injuries. 

Here’s what we covered: 

• The most common injuries sustained on winter sports holidays (1:30)
• How skiers and snowboarders can mitigate those injuries (3:15)
• The steps an MDT may take in treating a serious knee injury like a torn ACL (7:45)
• If there are any specific steps skiers can take to prevent knee injuries and pain (12:00)
• How MDTs treat other common issues, in particular injuries sustained to the hand and shoulder joint (13:45) 
• How physios can keep their patients engaged in lengthy rehabilitation programmes (15:00)
• The importance of managing a patients’ mental health as they aim to return to their preferred sports (18:00)
• Why the social aspect of winter sports can help people enjoy their winter sports trip (22:15)
• How skiers can improve their conditioning and strength before a skiing holiday (25:00)
• The importance of flexibility and balance in preparing for winter sports (29:30) 
• Why a balanced approach to training is the best preparation for a winter sports holiday (33:30)

Speaker bios: 

Tom Ulset: https://puresportsmed.com/team/tom-ulset 

Charlotte Vaile: https://puresportsmed.com/team/charlotte-vaile 

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

 For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puresportsmed/
X: https://twitter.com/puresportsmed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmed/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@puresportsmed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine

Training over the winter months can prove difficult. A 2022 survey by Noom found that a fifth of UK adults exercise less as temperatures drop. Where motivation lacks, sometimes, fitness challenges or goals can help to increase activity. However, jumping into physically exerting training regimes can produce its own problems. 

Long distance running is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the UK. A poll by Our Sporting Life found that 1-in-5 adults run at least once a month. Participation in organised races are rapidly increasing; over 800,000 people applied to run in the 2025 London Marathon. 

For those chosen in the ballot the reality of the arduous but rewarding training regime quickly quicks in. With around four months of escalating effort ahead, managing injury, prioritising recovery and ensuring peak performance for race day requires a level of planning most amateur runners aren’t accustomed to. 

Hyrox has proven a cultural phenomenon over the past couple of years. The gruelling fitness race which mixes weight training, callisthenics, high intensity cardio and middle distance running has captured the imagination of fitness aficionados. 

In this podcast, we’ll give you tips for maintaining motivation for training over the winter months, specific training strategies for both marathon training and Hyrox preparation.

We’re joined by Dawn Nunes, a physiotherapist and Pure’s head of rehab, as well as Ian Griffiths, a podiatrist with experience in working with Premier League Football teams, England Rugby 7s and Team GB hockey. 

Timestamps: 

• Maintaining motivation over the colder winter months (2:00)
• The dangers of pursuing difficult exercise challenges without proper management or preparation (5:00)
• How to ramp up training before a long distance race (7:00)
• The different recovery strategies available to long distance runners (13:00) 
• How runners can introduce different types of training to stave off boredom or apathy (16:30) 
• How long distance runners can develop resilience in their training (20:15)
• How a podiatrist and physiotherapist might work together to help overcome common injuries (26:00) 
• The other common issues associated with long distance running (28:15)
• If there are common injuries associated with cross training, the training style that underpins Hyrox (32:15) 
• How to build up training for a Hyrox event (36:45)
• Advice for runners or athletes struggling for motivation while trying to achieve their new fitness goals (40:45) 

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

 For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puresportsmed/
X: https://twitter.com/puresportsmed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmed/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@puresportsmed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine