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Why You Don’t Need to Spend Hours in the Gym to Get Results

When most people think about getting fitter, they imagine  long gym sessions  — sometimes two hours or more. But here’s the truth:  you don’t need to spend hours in the gym to see real progress. 🕒 45–60 Minutes is More Than Enough If you’ve got a  plan  and you’re progressing week to week, 45–60 minutes is plenty of time to: Build strength 🏋️ Improve conditioning 🏃‍♀️ Move better and stay consistent ✅ At  CrossFit Greater Brislington , our sessions are designed around  strength and conditioning  and last just  one hour . Every class has a clear structure so you get the most out of your time without feeling like you need to “do more.” 📈 Why Having a Plan Matters Training without direction often leads to wasted time. Having a structured plan means: You focus on  effective exercises  instead of hopping between machines You can  track your progress  week by week You cover all the bases: strength, fitness, and mobility It’s...
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“Will Lifting Weights Make Me Bulky?” Let’s Debunk This Myth

This is one of the most common worries we hear from women starting their fitness journey:  “I don’t want to lift heavy weights because I don’t want to get bulky.” Here’s the truth:  lifting weights will not make you bulky  — unless that’s your specific goal and you train very deliberately for it. Why You Won’t Suddenly Get Huge To build serious muscle mass (think bodybuilder-level), you need: A strict bodybuilding program targeting individual muscle groups. A carefully controlled, high-calorie diet. Years of consistent training. At CrossFit Greater Brislington, that’s not what we do. Our focus is on  strength, performance, and longevity  — not on building massive muscles. When women lift weights with us, they don’t suddenly “bulk up.” Instead, they: Develop  leaner, more defined muscles . Build  strength and power  that carries over into everyday life. Improve  mobility, posture, and confidence . The Real Benefits of Lifting Weights for Women...

Why Low-Intensity Cardio (Zone 2) is the Secret Weapon in Your Fitness Toolkit

If you do CrossFit, you’re no stranger to pushing hard — sweaty, breathless, heart pounding, and feeling like you’ve left it all on the floor. But here’s the thing: not every workout should leave you gasping. In fact, some of your best gains (and recovery) happen when you  slow down . Welcome to  Zone 2 cardio  — the underappreciated hero of fitness. What is Zone 2 Cardio? Zone 2 is a level of exercise where your heart rate is  elevated, but you can still hold a conversation . Think “I could chat, but I’m definitely working.” If you’re using a heart rate monitor, Zone 2 is roughly  60–70% of your max heart rate . To estimate your max: Take  220 – your age Multiply that number by  0.6  and  0.7  to find your Zone 2 range. No heart rate monitor? Use the  talk test : If you can speak in full sentences without gasping for air, you’re probably in Zone 2. If you can only blurt out a few words before needing a breath — you’ve gone too hard...

How to Stop Snacking Between Meals- My Top 5 Tips!

Struggling with constant snacking? You're not alone — this is one of the most common habits we help people tackle. Whether it’s boredom, low energy, or just not being satisfied after meals, snacking can sneak in and slow down your progress. Here are  my top 5 tips  to help you cut the snack cravings and stay on track: 1) Eat a good protein source with each meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) Protein keeps you fuller for longer. It helps balance your blood sugar and reduces cravings, making it much easier to go from one meal to the next without raiding the snack cupboard. 2) Plan meals so you know what you're going to be eating When you’ve already planned your meals (with a good protein source), you’re less likely to snack out of convenience or indecision. A plan removes guesswork and helps you stay in control. 3) Stay hydrated, drinking water regularly — especially sparkling Mild dehydration can be mistaken for hunger. Keeping hydrated, especially with sparkling water, can fil...

Motivation vs. Discipline: Why One Will Fail You (and the Other Won’t)

Let’s be honest: motivation feels amazing… when it’s there. You’re fired up, ready to conquer the world, and hitting the gym feels easy. But what about the days when you’re tired, the weather’s rubbish, and the thought of working out feels like a chore? Here’s the truth:  motivation is fickle.  It shows up when it wants to, usually at the start of something new, and then disappears the second life gets inconvenient. That’s where  discipline  steps in. Discipline Doesn’t Care How You Feel Discipline is showing up even when you’d rather stay in bed. It’s dragging yourself to the gym because it’s Tuesday and that’s just what you do, not because you’re “feeling it.” Is it exciting? Nope. Does it work? Absolutely. Because when you stick with it long enough, discipline creates habits — and habits are what keep you consistent without relying on willpower. Don’t Panic If You Miss a Day Discipline isn’t about being perfect. Everyone skips a session now and then. James Clear, ...