2022 is almost over. As cliché as it may be, I always like reflecting at this time of the year – I find it’s a useful way of remembering what you’ve achieved, what you’ve learned, and what to aim for in the new year.
I’ve been quiet on social media for about 2 months whilst writing and filming stuff for next year. I may not be regularly posting on Instagram in the new year, so if you’d still like to stay up to date with Ready Steady Strong in the future, you can:
- Subscribe to my Youtube channel;
- Sign up for direct updates.
Training
2022 started off as a great year for my own training. I was fresh off of my 100kg front squat PB at the end of 2021, and I wanted to put that strength to good use.
I set two goals for the first half of 2022: a friendly Olympic Weightlifting competition with the amazing Strength Ambassadors, and a 56k charity walk with the Six3Nine team.
Olympic weightlifting requires an emphasis on strength and power, alongside mastering some of the most technical movements you can do with a barbell. This goal demanded a pretty specific focus on Olympic weightlifting skills (the Snatch and Clean and Jerk) whilst also producing plenty of force and power.
This goal was pretty casual; with no long-term weightlifting goals, and competitions tending to be quite relaxed. I only left myself 9 weeks to train for it by the time I decided to enter. However, with my recent strength PBs I was able to focus on fine-tuning my technique.
I ended up equalling my best snatch, and scoring a new PB in the clean and jerk. I think that only leaving myself 9 weeks to train for the competition helped with my mindset. It allowed me to manage my expectations and stay focussed on one programme. If it had required a longer build-up, I might not have taken the challenge.
Fitness Lesson Number 1
If you maintain a relatively good level of physical activity most of the time, then it’s easier to knuckle down for short periods of focus on one goal.
The 56k charity walk from Richmond to Brighton was simpler to prepare for. Training involved taking a longer commute to raise my overall step count, and fitting in some practice walks with work friends. Gym training was focussed on the whole body, with extra calf and core work as the only specific elements.
The biggest challenge was finding the spare time to prepare for an event that we knew would take at least 8 hours. Even walking for half this time would be a significant time commitment, and it was tempting to not bother training at all. I’m glad I did! This was an amazing experience that lived up to the word “epic”. I’ve definitely got my eyes on other walking challenges for 2023.
Fitness Lesson Number 2
If you’re feeling dwarfed by a big task with a deadline approaching, remember that doing literally ANYTHING is better than sticking your head in the sand. Also, wear comfortable shoes.
Once I achieved these two goals, I turned my focus to a combined chinup and deadlift programme. This was great fun, and gave me plenty of back and grip training.
Coaching
It was a year of very mixed feelings for coaching. For a lot of trainers and gym-goers, it felt like the first “proper” year of getting back to personal training after the rollercoasters of 2020 and 2021. There was a real emotional high at the start of 2022; unfortunately, in June the gym I worked for (Six3Nine) closed its doors for good. I found myself redundant for the second time in 3 years.
From July onwards I became a freelance personal trainer in the Liverpool Street area. I was previously very wary of this, but I felt I was in a good place to get started. Going freelance meant a lot of behind-the-scenes changes, but the most important thing for me was believing in my ability to deliver results for clients whilst operating on my own.
I’m gutted with the way the fitness industry has struggled in recent years. Looking on the bright side, it’s clear that more people than ever are investing in their health and fitness. My clients are a constant source of inspiration as they take simple steps to improve their quality of life for the present as well as the future.
Fitness Lesson Number 3
It’s clearer to me than ever that investing in your health and fitness should be a top priority. In 2023, I recommend choosing fitness goals that prioritise your future wellbeing (like strength training) instead of short-term goals (like looking good on holiday). Most importantly, once you set these goals you need to fully back yourself to succeed no matter what life throws your way.
Looking Ahead
2023 holds a number of exciting new prospects. I’ve been creating a bunch of new training blogs (register for updates here), and I’m working on a new series of Youtube videos.
My main fitness goal right now is to return to kickboxing competition in early 2023. 2022 was a great year for kickboxing training, and competing started to feel like a reality again. Unfortunately, I had to pull out of a September competition when I injured my hip. With this feeling a lot better, it’s time to finally make the comeback! I last fought in 2017, so I’ll need to put in some serious work to get fight-ready again.
I’ll be starting 2023 with a great roster of clients, too. I’m helping them reach a number of goals in the new year, ranging from sports performance to weight loss to strength training and beyond. I’ll be sharing some insight into their training on the blog, so keep your eyes peeled!
A huge, huge thank you to anyone who has supported me or this blog in 2022. I hope you have a lovely Christmas and get off to a great start with your goals in 2023!