Meditation and weightlifting – on the surface, they are very much like chalk and cheese.   First impressions of weightlifting are typically that it is all about brute force, aggression and rage – whereas meditation seems easy, calming and still.   However, they are not as different as we might think. In fact, one can have a profoundly positive influence on the other and vice versa.  Ask anyone who is passionate […]

Exercise is an essential component to ensure optimal physical and mental well-being for anyone. But this becomes even more important for people who suffer from autoimmune conditions, such as Coeliac Disease (CD).   Coeliac Disease is a lifelong condition that is affected by the consumption of gluten – which is typically found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine […]

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder that causes extreme muscle pain and fatigue all over the body. Many people suffering from the condition find they struggle to exercise as much as they would like to, or at all.   While the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia may make exercise and daily activities difficult, it is crucial to stay physically active.   […]

Research shows that mental health and cognition are strongly influenced by the composition of our gut microbiome (essentially the bacteria in your gut).   The communication system between your gut and brain is called the gut-brain axis. While the precise mechanism of this has not yet been fully explained, research suggests that the gut microbiota generally […]

Stress is the 21st Century condition that afflicts us all to some degree in our lives. While nobody wants to feel the sharp edge of stress, it is worth remembering that not all types of stress are necessarily bad.    In fact, if we do not have some stress in our day-to-day we would lead unhappy, uneventful […]

We have all experienced that feeling of bloating at some point in our lives – for many people it can be a daily occurrence. While bloating can be caused by certain underlying health conditions, most instances are harmless. Even if the causes are benign, feeling bloated can still be an uncomfortable sensation – but with […]

Ramadan is a special time for millions of Muslims around the world and is a period of devoted worship and self-reflection. Fasting is at the heart of the 30-day period, where Muslims will refrain from consuming food and drink from dawn until sunset. These long hours with no food and water can be challenging in […]

It has been over a year now since all U.P. gyms in the nine countries in which we operate have been open all at the same time.  We’re still not out of the woods because the Netherlands currently has no real visibility on when their hard lockdown will be curtailed, but Monday April 12th marked […]

Times are tough for so many people right now.  Many of the things that give us meaning, joy and connection in life are on hold, and this can have an impact on our mood and sense of wellbeing.   But there are still things within our control that can help support our mood and mental health through even the most challenging times – the […]

Life has been tough for everyone over the past 12 months during the coronavirus pandemic.  Normal life was suspended, fitness goals put on hold and healthy diets went out of the window for many of us, and our health and wellbeing may have suffered as a result.   But with a return to normal on the horizon and our Ultimate […]

A large part of succeeding at anything in life depends on setting time-appropriate goals that are both short and long-term, specific to the desired outcome, and measurable at each step along the way.  Here at U.P., we use the S.M.A.R.T acronym as a baseline to set goals for both ourselves and our clients.  S – […]

Lockdown has been a tough and challenging time for everyone, and many people’s fitness routines have fallen by the wayside.   Gemma Atkinson picked up on this issue during a live Instagram Q&A with Ultimate Performance personal trainer Elliott Upton.   With many people working from home, having to home-school children, and struggling for time, Head of LiveUP Online Coaching Elliott offered some insight […]

Christmas is full of joy and celebration for many across the world; however, it can also be very challenging for those already going through difficult times.   If you do find yourself feeling low, anxious or stressed during the festive season, remember that you are not alone.   Here are some things you can do now to be proactive and support your mental wellbeing.   1. Stay in Touch Never underestimate the positive impact of social connection.   We live in a day and […]

Christmas is the time in the year where people relax, eat and drink more, and exercise goes out the window. But there’s one simple way you can stay healthy, maintain your bodyweight and get yourself in the best position to kick in the New Year – and that’s increasing your daily activity levels.   Although finding ways to make time for […]

A significant juncture in a woman’s life with far-reaching implications for physical and mental health, one we are happy to shine a light on.

Understanding what happens during menopause, namely the physiological and psychological processes that occur and how these affect women’s long term health.

We have helped countless women turn the tide on menopause and discover their power when it comes to creating positive health after the change, here’s how.

Many factors explain poor mental health. One of the most impactful is stress, but how does it affect our physiology? And how can we manage it in the long-term?