On this week's episode of UR Podcast, we're exploring the vital role of recovery, shifting the focus from how hard we can train to how effectively we can recover from the stress we put on our bodies.

Discussions this week challenge the 'hustle' mentality, looking at why downtime and protected time are crucial for both physical performance and long-term well-being.

We'll touch on the benefits of active rest for managing muscle soreness and the strategic use of de-load weeks to prioritise movement quality over intensity, down to the basics of resting between sets to allow the body adapt and maintain training loads.

External stressors also make an appearance, from professional life to parenting, impacting injury risk and why sleep remains the undisputed ingredient of all recovery tools. Whether we each get enough of it is another week's conversation entirely.

And while we'll look at it in a later podcast this season, we'll touch on social connection and fun, and how a simple walk or a chat with friends is often more effective than high-tech recovery gadgets.

Like what you're hearing so far this season? Take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you do your podcast listening.

See you on the mats!

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In this edition of UR Podcast, we're diving into the world of nutrition (or rather dipping our toes into it), exploring nutrition for life and how fuelling your body can impact daily performance and long-term well-being.

Much like UR fitness journey, nutrition is highly individual and must be sustainable for the long haul.

From keeping things simple to habit-stacking, focusing on 'low-hanging fruit' (pun not intended, but it works), to finding a balance that accommodates gym life, family life and social enjoyment, there is plenty to discuss over the course of a half hour.

Sure, you'll hear talk of protein, carbohydrates and fats, but we're trading the science and macro-tracking for lived experiences, balanced routines and a dose of common sense.

As always, if you have specific concerns about your own nutrition, while you may find the information and opinions in this week's episode helpful, we'll always encourage you to seek professional advice from a nutritionist or dietician, rather than trying to navigate complicated issues alone.

All that said, it's time to fuel up, listen up and get stuck into episode 3!

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Whether you've taken a break from fitness due to injury, parenthood, career changes, or simply life overwhelming you, this episode is your roadmap back.

On this week's edition of UR Podcast, Andy and Ken dive deep into the psychology and practicality of restarting your fitness journey, exploring why February becomes the "now or never" moment for so many people. Andy shares the powerful "fitness bank account" concept, that your previous work isn't lost, it's saved, and explains why comparing yourself to who you were can be both motivating and paralysing.

From the oxygen mask principle (you can't help others if you're not healthy yourself) to managing the "all in" mentality that burns people out, this conversation is packed with real talk about meeting yourself where you're at.

If you're tired of feeling tired and ready to take UR first step back, this episode will remind you that consistency beats intensity, muscle memory is real, and your health truly is your wealth.

And if you are thinking on returning to fitness, reach out and speak to one of our team in confidence. We'll meet you where you're at and make sure UR journey is an enjoyable one. Contact us by email at any stage, info@urbangym.ie or DM us on Instagram.

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