What’s On 4 Me 2013 Awards Nominee – Lewis Denny, Northumberland

All Awards nominees are given the opportunity to showcase their great work on our Blog.  So, remember to Sign up for our Blog to hear news of other nominees coming shortly!

(To add your blog – email info@whatson4me.co.uk)

Lewis Denny is a singer, DJ, event host, radio presenter & most of all, a charity fundraiser only at the age of 17.

Currently studying performing arts at the Sage Academy of Performing Arts, Lewis has gained a number of achievements & opportunities, one of them being that he carried the Olympic Torch in Alnwick, Northumberland and lit the cauldron in Alnwick Castle. Lewis was nominated through Northumberland County Council.

Since then, Lewis has been invloved in a number of great opportunities including performing for holiday company Park Resorts, dancing for chart topper ‘Plan B’ on his tour in Newcastle, and performing at a number of charity events, pub/clubs, OAP homes and many other functions & events in & around the area.

Being involved with What’s On 4 Me is going great so far and I want to wish everyone a massive good luck in the voting stages!

Lewis 🙂

Lewis Denny has been nominated in the category Best Entertainment, Celebration or Event Provider AND in the category of Volunteer of the Year. To vote for Lewis please visit the What’s On 4 Me Awards website and click the Voting Link.

If you want to keep updated and find out how to attend our glittering Awards Ceremony at Earls Court in November, as part of the Ideal Home Show at Xmas, then add your details here

 

12 Steps to a Healthier 2013

Its January again and everyone is like a bull in a china shop going full steam ahead with their new year’s resolutions of Diet’s, Gym Memberships and Detox’s for the month. We think it is fantastic that so many people at once are so health conscious and are doing their upmost to make a difference to their weight and lifestyle.

However wouldn’t it be great if for once we all didn’t have to go through this crazy phase that sometimes is an “overwhelming” experience and becomes so intense that it is unsustainable and by February we’ve all had enough? We all blame ourselves when we fall off and feel like we have “failed” but it’s not our fault.

Wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t spend most of the year “on” and “off” the wagon?

We can’t spend all of our lives on a Diet, hammering the gym 5 X per week or starving ourselves.

Imagine never having the stress of being on a “Diet” ever again! But feeling well, in good shape and living a balanced lifestyle?

Now there is no “easy” route to getting fit, healthy and losing weight (unlike what so called experts have you believe) BUT there is an easier less frustrating way that can last a lifetime. Yes really!!

A “lifestyle” is the answer, a lifestyle that we create over time for the “long term”. Making positive changes that work, that are healthy and that become as normal as brushing your teeth every day. Eventually turning bad habits into occasional treats, good habits, every day habits and finally being able to find that “happy balance”.

In this blog we advise that you take 1 of these resolutions per month and spend that month only focusing and making that ONE positive change to become a habit for good. These 12 Tips will eventually create HUGE results over the next 12 months so that next January you don’t have to stress or go through all of this again.

Here it goes 12 resolutions to change your health and body shape in 2013…

1. Drink water and maximise hydration – A hydrated body is the first most important step before embarking on any type of health or weight loss kick. The human body is made up of 70% water so this vital to get right. Tip: Aim to consume 1 litre of water for every 50lbs you weigh. This will help keep you hydrated and speed up fat loss.
2. Avoid Diet sodas and drinks – Many of us drink diet sodas because we are tricked into believing that they contain “no sugar” and are less fattening. Wrong! Diet drinks can label and market as low calories, no sugar and less fattening, HOWEVER they do not mention that they contain “Aspartame”, a chemical sweetener that is a 200 times stronger than sugar and has a devastating effect on our bodies fat levels. Tip: Avoid or reduce your fizzy drink intake by half and avoid after 12pm, replace with water. If you do drink fizzy drinks as a treat opt for full fat. 
3. Low fat = Get fat – We would strongly advise you avoid ALL low fat products including yoghurts and sauces. The problem with low fat products today is they are marketed and labelled as less calories and fat, however the fat is stripped and replaced with the white enemy “Sugar”. Aim to only consume the full fat options if you must including full fat butter and full fat bio live natural yoghurt. Tip: Remember we need good fat to lose fat so get yours from avocados, seeds, nuts, coconuts, and oily fish, etc. 
4. Control blood sugar levels – The most important action you can take for fat loss is maintain a balance in your blood sugar levels, do this by avoiding anything that contains more than 5g of sugar per serving. NOTE: Excess sugar=Excess fat gain. Simple! 
5. Kick the Cardio – Steady state cardio such as running, X-trainer, cycling, walking and aerobics will only burn 1/5 of the amount of calories that HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) will. HIIT training is the most effective way to burn fat. Tip: Try this, 20secs of fast running or cycling followed by 20secs of recovery for 5minutes. 
6. Introduce MRT – MRT is Metabolic resistance training. MRT is so good for fat loss today that there is nothing else as quick and effective. Why? Because it is all about boosting our natural metabolic rate (the rate our body burns calories. Tip: Create the “Afterburn” effect and burn thousands of calories for up to 24hours after this MRT workout http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjFZrPOvhuA 
7. Get complex with your carbs – It’s time to say goodbye or dramatically reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates if you want to increase energy and decrease your waistline. These include bread, pasta, rice and white potato. Why? Because they are either heavily processed, contain wheat and gluten or cause our bodies to gain and store fat. However do not panic as Complex carbohydrates are going to be your main source or carbs and these are healthy, tasty foods such as: Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, all vegetables, grains, legumes, brown rice, quinoa and rye toast etc. Tip: Aim to consume carbohydrates on the days you work out. 
8. Throw away the calorie calculator – Avoid living your life by calories, sins and points! It’s time to start eating when you’re hungry, stop when you are full and just think about the foods you are putting into your body. Calorie restricting and starvation diets will only lower your metabolism and we all now know what that does! Less is definitely not more. Tip: Stop looking for fat and calorie content on foods and look for wholesome natural foods and check sugar content. 
9. Ditch the Sit-ups and Crunches – Sit ups and crunches are extremely out dated, cause lower back and neck damage as well as do nothing for your that six pack. Aim to lose fat from your tummy by eating correctly, doing MRT workouts and doing “Core” work for your tummy toning such as planks and hill climbers. Tip: Try this core workout 2-3 times per week or add into your current workout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU5YpqNwP2Q
10. Always eat breakfast – Yes this sounds very cliché but it is very important. Eating breakfast is like putting fuel into your car for the journey ahead, the journey being your day ahead! Skipping breakfast and not eating for hours will affect blood sugar levels and result in you craving a carb or some sugar. Your breakfast will also kick start your metabolism for the day providing it’s the right breakfast. Tip: Aim to eat breakfast within 45minutes of getting up on a morning.
11. Not So Special K – Cereal is the quickest and tastiest breakfast for most of us with a busy lifestyle; however it is one of the most damaging foods to our health and waistline. Cereal was once nutritious as a whole grain or wheat before being highly processed through a chemical process called extrusion to make into its shapes and to make it last its sell by date of around 6-12months. Not to mention being coated in sugar or chemicals. Tip: Opt for more natural foods at breakfast time such as eggs.
12. Get Help – Embarking on a health kick, exercise regime or Healthy eating plan is never easy on your own and requires motivation, support and expert advice. Look for a company or coach whose training principles are in health and wellbeing as well as effective fat loss. Avoid cheap companies who promise quick fixes, fad’s and promote shake diets etc. Remember it is an investment in your health!

Here’s to your success in 2013!

Helenlee Whalley & David Wilkinson – Lifestyle Coaching experts & Co-owners of dh fitness studio www.dhfitness.com

If you require any further info or support on the above please contact us on pa@dhfitness.com

See our online Article for further information and inspiration for your New Year’s Resolutions

Amanda Dixon – nominated in the What’s On 4 Me 2011 Awards!

Amanda Dixon is a Training Instructor in the North East and has been nominated for “Most Outstanding Learning Tutor” in the What’s On 4 Me 2011 Awards!

Amanda is a busy mum of 4 based in Gateshead, and having set up in business 4 years ago, re-organised and started her new business, I Am You Limited in November 2010. 

She now concentrates on doing what she enjoys doing the most – Networking in person and on line.  She does this both for herself and for clients who either are too busy to network or don’t enjoy it as much as Amanda!

Amanda says “I have a natural ability for Social Media so decided to help other businesses use and understand it.  I began Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn training both 1-2-1 and in a hands on workshop environment. I attended many Social Media Training sessions where the attendees were lectured at and looked just as confused at the end as they were in the beginning, which is why decided to train people in live workshops, so they could work on their accounts whilst learning – I find this a far more effective way to teach. There is nothing more rewarding after a course than to see the client “grow” on Social Media.”

Amanda recently took an adult evening class, lecturing on Viral Marketing and she has been booked to deliver a 4 week training course in Social Media.  She has also been contacted by a second college asking for her to deliver courses for them too.  She is working at the moment to get her online Social Media Training Course up and running, for those people who are too busy to attend workshops.

This is what one of Amanda’s students had to say about her:

“Amanda has ran a few sessions on Social Media training and Networking for Mums Business Club North East. She is extremely helpful and generous with her time and her sessions are always very popular.”

Well Done Amanda on your nomination and good luck with your votes!  You really deserve your place in these Awards!

To vote for Amanda – click << here >>

Charlie Featherstone – nominated in 3 categories in the What’s On 4 Me 2011 Awards!

Charlie is the Chief Instructor at The North East Tang Soo Do Academy and has been nominated in no less than 3 categories – “Best Activity Provider”, “Best Local Sports, Health or Fitness Group” and “Most Outstanding Activity Instructor” !

North East Tang Soo Do Academy have been running now for over 3 years teaching a very traditional Martial Art. Tang Soo Do is very unique in the sense that it teaches not only a great method of self defence, superb kicking techniques and a great all round healthy activity but the main emphasis is self development of the individual and to teach the importance of contributing positively to society.

At the Academy they work closely with both national and local charities and provide free workshops and seminars to other groups – in particular working with children with special needs.   

The Academy saw a further development earlier in the year when their own FitnessAcademy came into being.

Charlie says “I strive to teach my students to live a healthier and more active lifestyle both physically and mentally.  Built on the ethos of real old fashioned values of respect, integrity and humility, I am humbled to have been personally nominated and that the Academy has had two other nominations. My role in the Academy is to help each and every one of my students to reach their full potential. This year was a milestone for me as 3 of my student aged from 11 – 14 successfully gained their Black belt promotion. I have taught these children for over 4 years and the feeling of seeing these 3 young children grow in confidence was something very special. Tang Soo Do teaches us to grow from within, to become strong and confident.”

One of Charlie’s students said:

“There is no other instructor that is so passionate, not only about the art itself but about his students and their progression. He really gets involved and has time for every single one of his students. He encourages them all in every class to reach the standard that they know they are capable of and he never gives up on any of  them. He is a friend to all his students and such an inspiration to them all. I don’t believe there is another instructor like him.”

Well Done Charlie and The North East Tang Soo Do Academy on your nomination and good luck with your votes!  You really deserve your place in these Awards!

To vote for Charlie and The North East Tang Soo Do Academy – click << here >>

Parkour

Well I really can’t wait for next weekend now as I’ve just had an email to confirm that my husband can join the Parkour Team for some training next Saturday!  

As part of the Streets of Durham Summer Festival…Play…Folk…Dance the Parkour Group are offering opportunities to train with them – and boy is my husband excited!!

Secretly – well not so secretly if you spend time in our front room – my husband is very impressed with these free-runners when they appear on-screen.  Normally in a James Bond or Bourne Identity type-situation, these guys leap any gap, scale any height and overcome any obstacle in their path!  It is very impressive really I must say – which is possibly the main reason why I requested a place for him a few weeks ago – as the thought of him being able to entertain our family in this way will definitely exceed his balloon modelling abilities.

So, when I told him this morning, he was absolutely over the moon!  He’s already dusting off his trainers and finding a boyish pair of combats to don!  He just needs the back-to-front cap and he’ll be ready!  (A week early of course!).

So, watch out for the photos as there will be plenty!  And I hope there’s none of him on his head or with anything broken because if he can’t manage his Elvis leg-tremble at the 50’s Fancy Dress Party that evening he will be devastated!