Matt Dowse Personal Training

Monday Bun Run - is that even legal…

Happy Fred Whitton weekend to all those who suffer, er I mean celebrate….

Happy Birthday !!! Here’s to another year of adventure and mischief ❤️xx

Thinking of making some changes with summer on the way…?

Habits can be easy to talk about, but it can get messy and complicated when life gets in the way…

There are 4 golden rules for successful habit change -

1. Make it obvious.
2. Make it attractive.
3. Make it easy.
4. Make it satisfying.

1. Perhaps, make it definitive says it better. Don’t be vague: ‘get fitter’ is open to ambiguity and as there’s no destination you may well give up. Run 3x week (or gym) is definitive.

2. It certainly shouldn’t be treated as punishment or penance for previous/other behaviours. Association with a reward will lead to much greater adherence - coffee with friends as a result or snacks on the way home…

3. Make sure you can easily add it to your schedule. It may well feel a bit clunky at first anyway, but the less friction the better. Put your kit out the night before. Join a gym/club near work (or home) so travel isn’t ’difficult’. Or use the 5 minute rule - start doing something for a minimum of 5 mins. It’ll invariably lead to more, but at the very least it instills the habit.

4. The end goal might be altruistic, raising funds or awareness for local causes, or helping other people get to their goal. Or there might just be a great view at the top along with a sense of achievement.

Ultimately any new habit will seem clunky and somewhat awkward to begin with. Go easy on yourself. Don’t expect too much too quickly. In many respects doing something is always better than doing nothing.

If you change nothing, nothing changes.

March so far…

Strength returning. Winter holding on but with notes of Spring… 💪🏋️🚴

A ride of some significance, clearly (and 2014 was a while ago now….).

But apart from the obvious significance, this was ultimately the event that led to my diagnosis of - IgA Nephropathy to be specific.

It took a while after this; various inconclusive doctors appointments. But eventually we got there. And thanks to the wonderful Nephrology dept at I’m still here and able to do more daft sh*t like this.

On this take some time to look after yourselves…

There’s a lot of hate dropped on January, and there are days that feel dull and grey. But if you’ve got a reason to get up in the morning, some days can make it all worth while.

A wholesome Saturday of racing at Herne Hill - the glorious Christmas Handicap Chase…

Followed by carols and mince pies with the Herne Hill Community Orchestra.

Congratulations to everyone involved. It’s always a highlight and a joy at this time of year!