Usha Christmas (MSST) is a fully insured Sports Therapy Practitioner and a registered member of the Society of Sports Therapists (SST).
To book in for treatment with Usha call Fine Fettle on 01372 458984
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Princess Alice Hospice Virgin London Marathon
For the past 3 years, Usha Christmas has supported the Princess Alice Hospice at the London Marathon; attending their pre-race meetings and providing on the day post event massage to the runners.
Congratulations to all those 17 wonderful individuals who generously raised £37k for the Princess Alice Hospice by running the Virgin London Marathon 2011.
Usha Christmas (MSST) is a fully insured Sports Therapy Practitioner and a registered member of the Society of Sports Therapists (SST).
To book in for treatment with Usha call Fine Fettle on 01372 458984
Usha Christmas (MSST) is a fully insured Sports Therapy Practitioner and a registered member of the Society of Sports Therapists (SST).
To book in for treatment with Usha call Fine Fettle on 01372 458984
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Fine Fettle succeeds in local business awards....
We are really proud to announce that Fine Fettle MHC was the Runner Up in the local Chamber of Commerce Business awards. We are also delighted to announce that Helen Bullen (founder of Fine Fettle) was awarded Runner Up in the Business Personality Award.
All in all a fantastic achievement for the team at Fine Fettle and a perfect way to celebrate our 1st Anniversary of our opening. We were competing against 70 other well established businesses for the awards so absolutely delighted in the final result.
Helen being still very competitive from her Volleyball days...is now champing at the bit to get the first prize next year!! Second was never an option in her sporting days and nothing has changed.
Pictured are Helen from "Fine Fettle" (Left) and Nicky from "Run to Live" (Right) with their "personality awards"!! Nicky was a worthy winner of the award and we both very glad its official that we have personalities!!
Please feel free to pop in and meet both Helen and the therapists at Fine Fettle on our 1st Anniversary celebrations on Tuesday 26th April from 11-3pm. We would love to meet you and everyone gets a money off voucher that attends on the day.
All in all a fantastic achievement for the team at Fine Fettle and a perfect way to celebrate our 1st Anniversary of our opening. We were competing against 70 other well established businesses for the awards so absolutely delighted in the final result.
Helen being still very competitive from her Volleyball days...is now champing at the bit to get the first prize next year!! Second was never an option in her sporting days and nothing has changed.
Please feel free to pop in and meet both Helen and the therapists at Fine Fettle on our 1st Anniversary celebrations on Tuesday 26th April from 11-3pm. We would love to meet you and everyone gets a money off voucher that attends on the day.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Muddy Moles
http://www.muddymoles.org.uk/mutterings/im-in-finefettle
Thank you to Dave for this great testimonial for Fine Fettle.
Hoping to meet more Muddy Moles soon!!
Thank you to Dave for this great testimonial for Fine Fettle.
Hoping to meet more Muddy Moles soon!!
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Fine Fettle Nominated for Business Awards
Well its been a good week at Fine Fettle, with the sun shining, our patients numbers ever increasing and then the notification that Fine Fettle has been short listed for:
1. "Local Business of the Year"
and
2. Helen Bullen Owner/Osteopath for "Local Business Personality of the Year"
We would like to thank all our clients that have supported us over our first year in Bookham and look forward to the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 7th April 2011. We are definitely keeping our fingers crossed - feel free to do the same!!
1. "Local Business of the Year"
and
2. Helen Bullen Owner/Osteopath for "Local Business Personality of the Year"
We would like to thank all our clients that have supported us over our first year in Bookham and look forward to the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 7th April 2011. We are definitely keeping our fingers crossed - feel free to do the same!!
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Fore Foot Running
As promised I have decided to blog about my attempt to change my definite heel strike running gait to fore foot strike instead. I would firstly and most importantly I like to say this will not be a scientific account and should not be taken as advice or recommendation. I will however endeavour to read around the subject and use my knowledge of bio mechanics to discuss and debate the issue on a higher level each time I blog.
I am an Osteopath and a recreational runner and have often wondered about the in depth bio mechanics of running. As a student we were taught by a non runner but someone who logically went through bio mechanics of gait but in the main during the walking phase. To those of you who have done some bio mechanics of both walking and running you will know that the phases and mechanics of both are very different. Add into the mix, weight, sex, posture, previous injuries, other sports undertaken , shoes, foot arches, pelvic mechanics etc etc and you start to realise that the straight bio mechanics is ever changeable and never simple to state as absolute for all. It is for that reason that I find it hard to read books that state how the body reacts during movement as the norm for everyone, when I believe there have to be anatomical differences that change each person bio mechanics.
As a keen runner and as an Osteopath that treats a lot of runners from sprinters to ultra runners I have to admit that over the last year my urge to learn more to provide even better treatment to runners ( I am pretty hot already!!), has increased. So last night I ventured out to my first seminar on the subject of biomechanics and running by Dr Paul Barrett an expert in the subject.
During the evening it was reported that 80% of distance runners were rear foot strikers (Kerr et al, 1983)and Elite sprinters have only forefoot contact. Although this information was given I did note the date of this research at 1983, hardly up to date. I am also a highly trained Osteopath with an underlying belief that if 80% of us run that way then perhaps that is the natural form. I do however want to challenge my beliefs hence this trial on myself and if I am honest I would give anything to be faster!!
What interested me most about the evening was the impact force that runners that heel strike put through their talus (bone that joins the foot to the leg bones) and that heel strike blocks the forward momentum of the runner. So in my non Osteopathic head I instantly thought if I could just run through my forefoot I would instantly run 6 minute miles!!!! (currently 10 minute miler!) My Osteopathic head started to consider all the runners to whom I had noted restricted talus articulation and the techniques I currently use to address this. Was forefoot running something I should consider more carefully.
So today I went straight out and started to run with my impression of a forefoot gait inspired but lacking any real knowledge. Again in my non Osteopathic head I gave no thought to the muscles, especially my calf muscles and achilles and the change in their use, I just wanted to try it. I would have given one of my patients a telling of if they had done that!. I actually have to admit that I really enjoyed the run. I did choose a fairly flat route, my first careful decision, but then I just played with it and to be honest the time on the run just flew by as my concentration was directed to my feet rather than worries of the day or aches and pains. The only side affect was being almost unable to climb the steps at work today as both my calves and quads are wondering what has hit them. Again I am now thinking thin thighs!! Now I really have lost it. As I write this I can also feel my gluteals lets hope I'm walking in the morning.
Speaking of aches and pains I think I should give a little of my sporting background. I played National League Division 1 Volleyball for over 15 years and as such my knees have been overused over this time with I am sure the early signs of osteoarthritis. This results in knees that I treat very carefully and make sure that I get my pelvis and muscles that surround the knee treated on a regular basis. This has allowed me to continue my much loved running but I had noticed that the regularity of knee pain during my runs had increased of late. For those interested I am now 43 and as such retired from serious volleyball.
So imagine my surprise when once I started the forefoot (I use that term lightly until I really learn the technique) running I had no anterior knee pain and didn't have any post run which has fairly much become normality for me these days. Now although that may sound like magic it was the first day and if I was doing this as a proper research base there was no control or blind trial (trying to remember the skills of my dissertation days!!) so perhaps it was just a good day for the knees? Watch this space.
Over the next few weeks I intend to build up the length of time I use this type of gait. I do not however plan to run "barefoot" as I regularly run through mud, dog muck, horse manure, thorns etc etc and as much as I would like to do this trial proud I have no intention of taking off my trainers for anyone!. I know some of you will be yelling at me that my trainers could be restricting my movement and I am not getting the full effect but just let me try my way. I am a neutral runner, as is my shoe so in theory I just have less proprioception and more support and most importantly a water/poo proof cover.
As to a training plan...well that is proving hard to find so I shall use my knowledge of training and try to add a mile every couple of weeks.I will remain running at least 4 times a week but will not use the new gait on every or during all of a run. As a keen runner I am unwilling to give up my level of fitness so will continue to average about 25 miles a week, hopefully increasing once muscles are strengthened. I will update you when I have a full plan arranged. If anyone has one they would like to recommend just send it to helen@finefettle.org and I'll give it close consideration. Otherwise I am dredging up my knowledge from gym instructor days. I would also like to experiment and not follow what has already been done. Lastly on my training plan I am also aware that I should try to lose some weight, at least half a stone to take some of the force off my forefoot, so I may well blog on that too!!
Finally for those on twitter you may have seen that some how I am being goaded into completing a half iron man...well just to let you know THAT AIN'T GOING TO HAPPEN but I do think that perhaps I need some sort of finale to my training blog so will be considering a race to enter where I try to run the whole way with my new style, just need to work out time scale. Better also prepare myself to accept my prize for first female crossing the line with my new found speed!! ha ha ha. May just enter the over 85 group and hope I am the only entrant.
Love to hear all your feedback and thank you to all on twitter today for you inspiration. I have books arriving that you have recommended so will update my thoughts when I have read them. Anyone have any research papers to recommend then just let me know and I can review them.
Feel free to check my credentials out at www.finefettle.org
Helen Bullen
BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine
10 minute miler!!
SAY NO TO HALF IRON MAN CLUB!
I am an Osteopath and a recreational runner and have often wondered about the in depth bio mechanics of running. As a student we were taught by a non runner but someone who logically went through bio mechanics of gait but in the main during the walking phase. To those of you who have done some bio mechanics of both walking and running you will know that the phases and mechanics of both are very different. Add into the mix, weight, sex, posture, previous injuries, other sports undertaken , shoes, foot arches, pelvic mechanics etc etc and you start to realise that the straight bio mechanics is ever changeable and never simple to state as absolute for all. It is for that reason that I find it hard to read books that state how the body reacts during movement as the norm for everyone, when I believe there have to be anatomical differences that change each person bio mechanics.
As a keen runner and as an Osteopath that treats a lot of runners from sprinters to ultra runners I have to admit that over the last year my urge to learn more to provide even better treatment to runners ( I am pretty hot already!!), has increased. So last night I ventured out to my first seminar on the subject of biomechanics and running by Dr Paul Barrett an expert in the subject.
During the evening it was reported that 80% of distance runners were rear foot strikers (Kerr et al, 1983)and Elite sprinters have only forefoot contact. Although this information was given I did note the date of this research at 1983, hardly up to date. I am also a highly trained Osteopath with an underlying belief that if 80% of us run that way then perhaps that is the natural form. I do however want to challenge my beliefs hence this trial on myself and if I am honest I would give anything to be faster!!
What interested me most about the evening was the impact force that runners that heel strike put through their talus (bone that joins the foot to the leg bones) and that heel strike blocks the forward momentum of the runner. So in my non Osteopathic head I instantly thought if I could just run through my forefoot I would instantly run 6 minute miles!!!! (currently 10 minute miler!) My Osteopathic head started to consider all the runners to whom I had noted restricted talus articulation and the techniques I currently use to address this. Was forefoot running something I should consider more carefully.
So today I went straight out and started to run with my impression of a forefoot gait inspired but lacking any real knowledge. Again in my non Osteopathic head I gave no thought to the muscles, especially my calf muscles and achilles and the change in their use, I just wanted to try it. I would have given one of my patients a telling of if they had done that!. I actually have to admit that I really enjoyed the run. I did choose a fairly flat route, my first careful decision, but then I just played with it and to be honest the time on the run just flew by as my concentration was directed to my feet rather than worries of the day or aches and pains. The only side affect was being almost unable to climb the steps at work today as both my calves and quads are wondering what has hit them. Again I am now thinking thin thighs!! Now I really have lost it. As I write this I can also feel my gluteals lets hope I'm walking in the morning.
Speaking of aches and pains I think I should give a little of my sporting background. I played National League Division 1 Volleyball for over 15 years and as such my knees have been overused over this time with I am sure the early signs of osteoarthritis. This results in knees that I treat very carefully and make sure that I get my pelvis and muscles that surround the knee treated on a regular basis. This has allowed me to continue my much loved running but I had noticed that the regularity of knee pain during my runs had increased of late. For those interested I am now 43 and as such retired from serious volleyball.
So imagine my surprise when once I started the forefoot (I use that term lightly until I really learn the technique) running I had no anterior knee pain and didn't have any post run which has fairly much become normality for me these days. Now although that may sound like magic it was the first day and if I was doing this as a proper research base there was no control or blind trial (trying to remember the skills of my dissertation days!!) so perhaps it was just a good day for the knees? Watch this space.
Over the next few weeks I intend to build up the length of time I use this type of gait. I do not however plan to run "barefoot" as I regularly run through mud, dog muck, horse manure, thorns etc etc and as much as I would like to do this trial proud I have no intention of taking off my trainers for anyone!. I know some of you will be yelling at me that my trainers could be restricting my movement and I am not getting the full effect but just let me try my way. I am a neutral runner, as is my shoe so in theory I just have less proprioception and more support and most importantly a water/poo proof cover.
As to a training plan...well that is proving hard to find so I shall use my knowledge of training and try to add a mile every couple of weeks.I will remain running at least 4 times a week but will not use the new gait on every or during all of a run. As a keen runner I am unwilling to give up my level of fitness so will continue to average about 25 miles a week, hopefully increasing once muscles are strengthened. I will update you when I have a full plan arranged. If anyone has one they would like to recommend just send it to helen@finefettle.org and I'll give it close consideration. Otherwise I am dredging up my knowledge from gym instructor days. I would also like to experiment and not follow what has already been done. Lastly on my training plan I am also aware that I should try to lose some weight, at least half a stone to take some of the force off my forefoot, so I may well blog on that too!!
Finally for those on twitter you may have seen that some how I am being goaded into completing a half iron man...well just to let you know THAT AIN'T GOING TO HAPPEN but I do think that perhaps I need some sort of finale to my training blog so will be considering a race to enter where I try to run the whole way with my new style, just need to work out time scale. Better also prepare myself to accept my prize for first female crossing the line with my new found speed!! ha ha ha. May just enter the over 85 group and hope I am the only entrant.
Love to hear all your feedback and thank you to all on twitter today for you inspiration. I have books arriving that you have recommended so will update my thoughts when I have read them. Anyone have any research papers to recommend then just let me know and I can review them.
Feel free to check my credentials out at www.finefettle.org
Helen Bullen
BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine
10 minute miler!!
SAY NO TO HALF IRON MAN CLUB!
Friday, 11 March 2011
Vernon Kay joins the London Warriers
Following the ITV2 Vernon Kay, Under Pressure series....Vernon Kay, TV and Radio Presenter has now signed for the London Warriors (Seniors) American Football Team.
Usha Christmas, a Sports Therapist at Fine Fettle who was involved in that show is also the Head Trainer for the London Warriors (Seniors). Watch this space for more news on Usha's work with the London Warriors.
http://www.londonwarriorsafc.co.uk/index.php
Usha Christmas, a Sports Therapist at Fine Fettle who was involved in that show is also the Head Trainer for the London Warriors (Seniors). Watch this space for more news on Usha's work with the London Warriors.
http://www.londonwarriorsafc.co.uk/index.php
Monday, 28 February 2011
Nutrition and Fitness Seminar
Fine fettle’s Nutritional Therapist Helen Williams and Personal Trainer Kim Raine who runs Fine fettle’s boot camps have organised another weight loss seminar to be held on Saturday 5th March at the beautiful Manor House Spa hotel near Guildford.
Balanced Fat Loss Seminars
Everything you need to know for the body you want.
How do you feel about your body and health right now?
Would you like to change but don’t know how?
Are you fed up with being misled and confused with all of the different information we are bombarded with?
Then join us for a day that covers fast and easy weight loss from all angles- mind, body and soul. It’s packed full of information and motivation. This is the day that will get you ready and raring to live life. A totally unique approach, as far as we know no-one else offers this total package.
Our last day in January was a phenomenal success:
In an email from Val – attended seminar Jan 2011
“By the way I have lost over a stone and gone down at least
1 dress size, some smaller clothes fit and I was bulging out of
the bigger size! People are starting to notice,
even my 14 yr old students who would not notice if a gorilla
walked into the classroom! It’s amazing!”
We still have places available for our next seminar on Saturday March 5th.
Join Helen Williams, Nutritional therapist and motivational weight loss coach, Kim Raine, Personal Trainer and creator of the F.A.S.T body transformation blueprint and Francesca Stutely Hypnotherapy and NLP coach as they guide you step by step through the facts and fallacies of weight loss and share with you the proven, practical and super-powerful techniques they use to generate amazing results for their clients FAST!
The only requirement to attend this mind blowing day is your commitment.
If you are ready to take control of your body and health and have had enough of being stuck in a rut then join us on March 5th.
From the friendships and support that were born on our previous seminars we have also set up a members only site full of helpful content so that all attendees can stay in touch with us and each other to carry on with their positive attitudes and have ongoing support and advice.
If you cannot make March 5th then please visit our website and register for a free “Secrets of Easy Fat Loss” full of tips you can use now. We’ll also let you know when further seminar dates are confirmed.
COMING SOON
Balanced Fat Loss Seminar for Men
Want to know more?
Check out our website
www.surreyfatloss.com
Or contact Kim on 07594 806576 or Helen on 07731 865141
So what do you say? Are you ready to change?
Only YOU can make 2011 YOUR year!
Balanced Fat Loss Seminars
Everything you need to know for the body you want.
How do you feel about your body and health right now?
Would you like to change but don’t know how?
Are you fed up with being misled and confused with all of the different information we are bombarded with?
Then join us for a day that covers fast and easy weight loss from all angles- mind, body and soul. It’s packed full of information and motivation. This is the day that will get you ready and raring to live life. A totally unique approach, as far as we know no-one else offers this total package.
Our last day in January was a phenomenal success:
In an email from Val – attended seminar Jan 2011
“By the way I have lost over a stone and gone down at least
1 dress size, some smaller clothes fit and I was bulging out of
the bigger size! People are starting to notice,
even my 14 yr old students who would not notice if a gorilla
walked into the classroom! It’s amazing!”
We still have places available for our next seminar on Saturday March 5th.
Join Helen Williams, Nutritional therapist and motivational weight loss coach, Kim Raine, Personal Trainer and creator of the F.A.S.T body transformation blueprint and Francesca Stutely Hypnotherapy and NLP coach as they guide you step by step through the facts and fallacies of weight loss and share with you the proven, practical and super-powerful techniques they use to generate amazing results for their clients FAST!
The only requirement to attend this mind blowing day is your commitment.
If you are ready to take control of your body and health and have had enough of being stuck in a rut then join us on March 5th.
From the friendships and support that were born on our previous seminars we have also set up a members only site full of helpful content so that all attendees can stay in touch with us and each other to carry on with their positive attitudes and have ongoing support and advice.
If you cannot make March 5th then please visit our website and register for a free “Secrets of Easy Fat Loss” full of tips you can use now. We’ll also let you know when further seminar dates are confirmed.
COMING SOON
Balanced Fat Loss Seminar for Men
Want to know more?
Check out our website
www.surreyfatloss.com
Or contact Kim on 07594 806576 or Helen on 07731 865141
So what do you say? Are you ready to change?
Only YOU can make 2011 YOUR year!
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