The latest upcoming wellbeing activities across campuses

TEAM GCS Update – Mumbles Duathlon & Amman Valley Triathlon

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Team GCS Update

Mumbles Duathlon 25th March

As well as being the title sponsor, Gower College were also well represented with competitors from Team GCS, who joined over 170 athletes from all over the UK.

Considering the previous night’s mini storm, the weather wasn’t bad surprisingly when everyone lined up at 8am on Saturday morning. The rain held off, but the wind was still howling which made the bike course especially challenging with some ferocious head and side winds. Not to mention some (literally) chain snapping climbs – bike handling and fitness were very well tested.

Despite the tough course, Team GCS safely made it across the line, and without doubt are looking in fine fettle for the rest of the season.

There were some very wobbly legs at the end, and thankfully Roy Jenkins and his minions were on hand (pun intended!) with some much needed massage.

TEAM GCS Results:

TIME
Christian Regis 01:46:06
Tim Buckley 02:02:27
Scott Evans 02:06:58
Carl Phillips 02:07:31
Jess O’Driscoll 02:10:39
Mike Gover 02:14:58
Laura Borrelli 02:15:47
Joshua Jordan 02:17:53
Ross Pullin 02:21:51
Rachel Jones 02:26:18
Michelle Williams 02:48:06
Matthew Miller 02:55:57

 

Amman Valley Triathlon 2nd April

The weather started out with a chill in the air for registration but quickly turned to almost perfect conditions, with the sun even making a welcome appearance.

The course itself started with a 400m pool swim then a transition to the bike ride, which was mostly flat with a few gentle ups and downs, making for a quick out and back. The running course followed a footpath and had some inclines to push the legs one last time, there were plenty of supporters along the end of the route to push you through to the finish line.

Overall a great event for first-timers and those just starting the 2023 tri season. (report by Rachel Jones, TEAM GCS Athlete)

TEAM GCS Results:

Carl Phillips 01:12:46
Matthew Miller 01:15:47
Laura Borrelli 01:16:11
Michael Glover 01:16:31
Rachel Jones 01:18:05
Ross Pullin 01:18:35

 

Next up for Team GCS in April will be the Merlin Ride and the Gorseinon 10k, where over 30 athletes will be competing. If you are feeling inspired and would like to get in on the action, then contact christain.regis@gcs.ac.uk for more information.

 

 

 

7 Benefits of Strength Training

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7 Benefits of Strength Training

Strength training has numerous benefits, both physically and mentally. Some of the best benefits include:

  1. Improved muscle strength and endurance: Regular strength training can help increase muscle strength and endurance, which can improve overall physical function, performance and body shape.
  2. Better bone health: Strength training can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis plus other bone-related conditions., especially in our later years – there is no age limit to when to start strength training.
  3. Increased metabolism: Strength training can boost your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories even when you’re at rest – helping with that body shape.
  4. Improved balance and coordination: Strength training can help improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
  5. Better posture: Strength training can help correct muscle imbalances and improve posture, reducing the risk of pain and injury.
  6. Reduced risk of chronic disease: Strength training has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Research is continuing to demonstrate that strength training is beneficial to warding against many poor health conditions.
  7. Mental health benefits: Strength training can also have a positive impact on mental health, helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. And there is no better feeling when you leave the weights room knowing you just smashed it (not literally of course – PLEASE tidy up and put your weights away).

Overall, strength training is an effective way to improve physical and mental health, enhance athletic performance, and reduce the risk of injury and disease.

If you are new to strength training, or you feel you could do with a revamp of an old program, then book into a Fitness 1-1 via the wellbeing portal where you can discuss where to start. Plus get some coaching so you can hit the gym clued up and ready to rock the metal – I’m actually talking about lifting of course, but I am also very supportive of listening to Heavy Metal whilst Lifting Heavy Metal – it just makes sense.

Chris (Staff Fitness Coach)

Wellbeing planner wc 26.10.22

Planner for this week. See link