I completely understand that 8-week challenges are now a major component of our industry, and they are not going anywhere in a hurry. I can understand their appeal, jeez we have done a few in our time and I am not against running one here and there. The purpose of an 8-week challenge (6-week, 12…
What are you paying for? Gym Membership prices broken down from my point of view (all based on Townsville economy not major metropolitan areas) The classic <$14.95 membership or under – this is a classic of big gym chains. It is designed around the 30% method. Where it is small enough amount that you let…
As I scroll through my Instagram feed, I see people bragging about their morning sessions with images of smart watches displaying heart rates and calories burned and #smashed #hiit #blahfuckingblah and I feel like it’s time for a post. It is no secret that due to a multitude of factors in modern times we are…
A ‘best personal trainer’ in Townsville competition was recently brought to my attention through a tag by a client and friend on social media. The competition is being run by the local paper – it has asked through their social media platform ‘who is the best personal trainer in Townsville?’ I wasn’t nominated and that’s…
The rise in fitness facilities or gyms promoting ‘STRENGTH’ OR ‘FUNCTIONAL’ classes to build strength and ‘FUNCTIONALITY’ is a contentious issue for strength and conditioning facilities. In this article, Matt Ham (Hammer Athletic director) shares his view from the perspective of a business owner and professional strength and conditioning coach and offers valuable guidelines for…
With the significant rise in popularity of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Matt Ham asks “is the importance of endurance training being neglected?” A while ago I wrote a blog on the rise of CrossFit, 24/7 fitness facilities and places like F45. And as you may already be aware I am not a big fan…
For the love of God you don’t need to get ‘fitter’ during the off-season. As we draw to the close of another long (seemingly long-er than the last) winter sport season, clubs and athletes are already preparing for what’s next. I can bet that most parents reading this have had their kids playing and/or training…
Sure, strength training plays host to many benefits but nothing quite compares to seeing more kilos being added to your barbell does it? However, sometimes the understanding of the timeline for progression is lost and we must be careful with the messages we deliver to our clients as it is not a one size fits…
“Hammer Athletic will NEVER do an 8-week challenge” – Matt Ham (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018.) “Fuck it” – Also Matt Ham (2019) I have been very vocal about my dislike for 8-week challenges, 12-week challenges, 21-day challenges and every other variation of these ‘fitness challenges’. Now I find myself promoting and pushing the…
Recovery modalities are highly promoted yet misunderstood by so many “industry professionals”. Here Matt Ham explores the common issues with recovery and what should be advocated following the cessation of training. A lot of boutique training studios for the general public are spruiking cryo chambers, Normatecs and ice baths. It is important to remember that…
