Category: Opinion

Fitness Challenges *sigh*

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…

Townsville’s Best Personal Trainer

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…

Why ‘functional’ training does my tits in

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…

Off Season Wisdom

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…

Selling Out

“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 Myths: Fact or Fiction

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…