26.2 Health and Fitness - Sean Maley

22/11/2025

Walsh PB Racer.
Amazing grip and extremely comfortable.

21/11/2025

https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/clothes/a69459437/kiprun-900-review/

The affordable running brand delivers in spades with a waterproof every bit as good as its more expensive peers

20/11/2025

Why are calf muscles called the second heart?

Why Calf Muscles are called the "Second Heart"?
Calf muscles are called the "second heart" because they act as a muscular pump, squeezing veins to help push deoxygenated blood up from the legs against gravity to return to the heart. Every time these muscles contract, such as during walking, they compress the veins, and one-way valves ensure the blood flows in the correct direction.
How the calf muscles act as a second heart
Pumping action: When you walk or move, your calf muscles contract and squeeze the veins in your lower legs.
Circulating blood: This squeezing action propels deoxygenated blood upward, against the force of gravity, and back towards the heart.
Preventing blood pooling: This "calf pump" action helps prevent blood from pooling in the lower legs, which can lead to swelling.
Supporting the heart: By helping to return blood to the heart, the calf muscles reduce the workload on the heart itself.
Benefits of a healthy calf muscle pump
Improved circulation: Strong calf muscles are crucial for good circulation and can help prevent conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins.
Lower blood pressure: The improved venous return can help lower blood pressure.
Increased endurance: A healthy calf pump contributes to better cardiovascular health and endurance.

20/11/2025

https://therunningchannel.com/benefits-of-running/

There are so many great benefits to running. Here are 10 ways that running can make you feel healthier and happier.

17/11/2025

A strong back provides numerous benefits for runners, significantly impacting performance, efficiency, and injury prevention.
Key Benefits of a Strong Back for Runners
​1. Enhanced Stability and Posture
​Spinal and Pelvic Stabilization: The muscles in your mid and lower back (along with your core) stabilize the spine and pelvis, which is the foundation for every stride. This stability is crucial for absorbing the impact forces from running and preventing excessive "wobbling" or body sway.
​Improved Running Form: Strong back muscles help you maintain an upright, efficient posture for longer periods, especially as you fatigue. This prevents slouching or hunching forward, which can decrease running efficiency and make breathing harder.
​Efficient Energy Use: By reducing unnecessary movement in the spine and hips, a strong back ensures your energy is directed forward, leading to better running economy (using less energy to maintain a given pace).
​2. Injury Prevention
​Reduced Stress on Joints: A stable core, which includes the back, helps to more evenly distribute the forces of impact. This reduces overload on other areas like the hips, knees, and ankles, which are common sites of running-related injuries.
​Lower Risk of Back Pain: Weak core and back muscles can cause an improper running gait, placing more stress on the spine and lower back muscles, which increases the risk of lower back aches and pains. Strengthening these muscles can help reduce this risk.
​Maintained Alignment: A strong back, working with the core and glutes, keeps your spine and pelvis aligned. When the foundation is steady, your legs have a cleaner, more controlled path to move, reducing injury-producing movements.
​3. Better Running Performance
​Stronger Arm Swing: Your upper back muscles (like the trapezius and rhomboids) are essential for proper arm carriage and swing, which helps propel you forward and counter-balance the leg movement.
​Fatigue Resistance: As your run lengthens and you become tired, a strong back allows you to hold your optimal running form for a longer duration, delaying the breakdown in posture that often slows runners down.
​In short, your back serves as a central anchor that supports and integrates the movements of your arms and legs. A strong back means a more stable, efficient, and resilient body for running.

​Would you like some suggestions for exercises to strengthen your back for running?

11/11/2025

Heaton 5k u20's.

22/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CkepvWrav/

13/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15ksnjJXhV/

20/04/2025

https://www.itv.com/watch/news/man-takes-on-3000-mile-marathon-challenge-in-memory-of-his-brother/mjm27nz?fbclid=IwY2xjawJxy_tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHqqFtVRQwdqXxrkdlvFHZRq6_6KMF8KPHab7x0FB8Uh5AlnFdTymPKVFjPGG_aem_1gYt4sG7mTzKo87DeSCQBw

Watch the latest from ITV News - Leodhais Macpherson is taking on the challenge to support the charities that helped him and his family after his brother Connor took his own life.

18/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/16Cb9NgYh3/