Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Fitness Blog: Muscle Myths


Today’s Blog is focused on distinguishing the fictional information out there about our Muscles versus the actual facts. Building muscle can be done with weight training and cardio. Developing your muscles can form sleek, defined & toned look without all the massive muscles. It’s all about controlling your work out and weigh training. We have all heard the myths such as muscle is heavier than fat, so today we will explore what is fact and what is fiction.

The first myth we will tackle is “Muscles help you burn more calories than fat”. Well this is actually a fact, you will be glad to hear. Muscle does burn more calories at rest than those with a higher fat percentage. This is because muscle needs more energy to maintain than fat does.
The second myth we will look at is “Muscle weights more than Fat”, and I can tell you now this is just fiction. The truth is that the same weight of muscle and fat weigh exactly the same. The thing that does actually differ is the density and volume as muscle is more dense than fat as it takes up less space. You may lose inches from your waist and look slimmer but the weighing scales may not tilt in your favour. Measure your success by how you feel and by the inches you have lost rather than your weight on the scales. Many people get disheartened when they have worked out for a few weeks and week one they lost 5 pounds but week two they haven’t lost anything (in weighing scale terms) but don’t give up, measure the inches you have lost from around your hips, stomach and chest and you can really measure your success.

Myth number three, “Muscle needs a lot of Protein to be built”, and this is partially fact & partially fiction. You do need protein in your diet to ensure muscles grow properly and rebuilds. However if you consume too much protein it is broken down and excreted, so do not go on a protein shake only diet. If you enjoy a protein shake, it must be part of a balanced diet. Protein aids muscle recovery and is needed but don’t overdo it!
The forth myth of today is “Muscles are built quickly”, this is a good piece of fiction. It is not an easy task to build muscle and it takes time. It is a slow process but worth it once you start seeing the results. Over time through your workouts you will start to see gradual increases in aesthetics and strength. Muscles are built in our Leisure Centre but maintained through workouts and a healthy diet. There is no quick and easy method, only hard work and dedication.
The fifth and final myth of the blog is “Women shouldn’t strength train”.  Woman are turned off from lifting weights as they are thought to believe they will have more muscles than the Hulk himself! The truth is, lifting weights is beneficial for women and men. Women do not have the same high levels of testosterone as men, which are required for “getting bulky”. So women find themselves getting stronger, losing fat and looking and feeling better.
Now that you know the fact versus the fiction, start turning your fat to muscle. Why not look at joining Killashee Leisure Centre who have a comprehensive weighs section to the gym along with a 25 metre swimming pool, weekly aerobic fitness classes, free fitness evaluations, personalised programmes & a state of the art gymnasium and leisure area.

Information for the blog was sourced from the Killashee Leisure Centre Facebook Page.https://www.facebook.com/killasheeleisure. Follow us today on Facebook or follow the Leisure centre for more useful tips on Facebook

Thursday, August 7, 2014

County Kildare: A Further Look at what we have to Offer


This week’s blog takes a little look into the arts by covering the Moat Theatre in Naas, The Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge, the Kilcock Art Gallery & The Crookstown Craft Village. This is just another look at all county Kildare has to offer and blog 4 in the series of Kildare Blogs.

Abbey Street, Naas, Co. Kildare


The Moat Theatre is located in the cente of Naas town on Abbey Street. The Moat Club was formed in the early 1950’s. The main aim of the club was to provide facilities for both drama and tennis table. The building was the first Penal Days Church in Naas and was bought by the Moat Club in 1960 as the building had been a recently vacated Christian Brothers School. The Moat Theatre is now a huge part of the culture & arts around Naas Town. The theatre has stage with retractable seating and a fly tower, 200 seater auditorium and also has 2 rehearsal rooms, 2 changing room (female & male) and a coffee shop & bar area.

The upcoming events are:
-          Rossa and Friends (29th August)

Main Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare


The art centre is located on the main street in Newbridge and is very accessible. The Centre opens Monday to Friday from 10am to 5.30pm. Thye close for lunch from 2 to 2.30pm each day. Saturday the centre is open from 10am-1pm. This Centre is the home to many art forms from kids camps, shows, drama & art. To find out more information on the Riverbank visit their website or call in to chat to any of the staff member.

The upcoming events for August are:

School Street, Kilcock, Co.Kildare


The Art Gallery was established by Breda Smyth in 1978. It was opened by George Campbell R.H.A., and ever since has been dealing in Prints, Fine Paintings and Sculpture by all the leading names in Irish Art. The gallery is celebrating its 36th year in business this year. The gallery is located in Kilcock Village. This gallery is such a friendly, warm and welcoming place to visit. It really is worth a visit.








Crookstown, Ballitore, Co.Kildare


Crookstown Craft Village and Tourist Information Point in County Kildare contains a unique cluster of craft shops and calligraphy, studios selling pottery, giftware, cards, paintings, jewellery, lace, candles, soaps, home ware, garden items and much more. It is located just minutes from the M9 (exits 2 and 3). It is an outlet for Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate too. 'Therapeutic Healing' located at the craft village offers Leah Products (oils and creams) and Holistic Treatments in a beautiful therapy room. A new addition is “Peace of Art” & this addition sells antique art, furniture and jewellery. The craft village has a quirky and idyllic setting & even has picnic facilities. There are classes run all year round for both adults & children. Make sure to make this a place to visit in 2014 when in County Kildare.