Welcome to The Strength Temple Learning & Insights. All our client services are completely discrete and bespoke. That said we want to deliver useful and valuable content to the wider community interested in reaching their full potential. This section delivers articles based on our
#TST7PILLARS
philosophy of Hydration, Flexibility, Movement, Nutrition, Environment, Breath & Mindfulness promoting overall wellness and empowering habit formation.
My Toughest Opponent.... Me!
Our founder and Director Richie Norton shares his thoughts on the past year and gives you some insights into what's coming and how to prepare for your best year yet! We also have a link here to our Strength Temple Goal Setting workshop. This section is a detailed and tested way to set your goals for 2017 so they actually stick and turn into your dreams!
Hi Temple gang,
I wanted to check in one last time before the 2016 chapter comes to an end (still can’t believe it’s over already). But what a year it’s been..
Life changing experiences, emotional decisions, physical and mental challenges, lessons and enlightenment. This year has had it all; I’m guessing there will be a few of you reading this thinking the same? Powerful right?
I’d like to start by saying thank you to everyone that has been part of this ‘TheStrengthTemple’ rollercoaster journey so far. I may not say it all the time but I’m constantly pinching myself that we've been able to build something that has had such a positive effect on so many lives. Feeling and seeing the physical and mental benefits of making some better choices to improve the quality of life we can all have really has blown my mind and I’m buzzing so many of you are going down this path with us.
This time of year can be super tough for a lot of us, for various reasons, so it’s really important we do what we can for those less fortunate and take a minute to appreciate and be grateful for everything we have. We all have special powers and it’s so important we use them to help others when we can. Remember a small gesture of kindness can really make someone's day or even save a life, all you need to do is look up and be aware of whats happening outside of your little bubble. Checking in with someone you’ve not been in touch with for a while, a simple smile or offering to help someone in need can be an incredible gift. Why not practice it today!
Richie’s mindfulness check list:
Write down everything I’m grateful for and read daily affirmations.
Make a list of all the experiences that have made me really happy.
Build an action plan to smash my goals for 2017 (we can help with that - click here!).
Meditate twice a day; morning and night for 20 minutes - focus on breathing deep cleansing breaths.
Remain present, let go of the past, recognise the lessons, don’t worry about the future.
Treat everyone and everything around me with respect and how I wish to be treated myself (karma is real).
Move my body and stimulate my mind everyday.
Take care of my precious life, eat well and value a healthy existence.
Always remember the effect I can have on another persons life.
Listen to my instinct, it’s always right. x
When it comes to taking care of yourself and keeping up with your fitness regime, once winter sets in and the festive party season rolls out, it can become hard for most to stay motivated. Colder days and less daylight to play in means going outside to train and pushing through xmas party hangovers and festive feasts often leaves you feeling heavy and sluggish. This inturn can lead to every excuse under the sun to not move our bodies. We might casually slipp into 'lazy ass mode’ (scientific term) and fall off track.
Remembering why you started your training journey and staying connected with the passion that drives you is the difference when the "lazy gremlins" are whispering in your ear.
I’m a big believer in ‘balance' when it comes to training and lifestyle, no matter what your sport and health goals are. If you’re a professional athlete, ‘#Fitfam’ social media gym junkie or simply working on your general wellbeing, ultimately its about taking care of your body and mind, feeling great and being happy. If that's not part of your motivation, I suggest you have a think about what really matters and whats going to keep you sane.
The popularity of social media, the thirst for recognition in the industry and amongst your peers in the fitness world, the need for followers and likes and what looks like an epidemic of body dysmorphia fuelled by aesthetic perfection is a concern. I feel there’s an element of neglect to remember why you’re going down this path in the first place. I didn’t want to spend too much time on this subject but it really does concern me and I’m worried for those that may have lost their way and it’s making people sick.
"Those who have not found their true wealth, which is the radiant joy of "Being" and the deep, unshakable peace that comes with it, are beggars, even if they have great material wealth. They are looking outside for scraps of pleasure or fulfillment, for validation, security, or love, while they have a treasure within that not only includes all those things but is infinitely greater than anything the world can offer” - Eckhart Tolle, “The Power of Now” This is from the book that helped me make sense of a few things and see the world from a new perspective.
Being a bit of an adventure nut and adrenaline junkie, there’s not much I wouldn’t do or haven’t tried at least once. Playing Rugby and competing in athletics throughout my younger years, I relied on my coaches to advise me on how to move, train and eat; thinking they would have all the answers and have my best interests in mind (not always the case I found). It wasn’t until my professional career dreams were over due to injury that I realised there was so much to learn, it was time to find some mentors.
This was the beginning of my rehabilitation and functional movement practice. My mobility geek addiction began and personal training journey started. The Strength Temple is born out of this new awareness and understanding and continues to evolve.
There is so much information out there now, it’s a mine field of facts and complete rubbish so it’s really important you connect and learn from those that are backing it up with science and practiced methodology.
We have the power to inspire, motivate and teach the younger generations how to live happy and healthy lives. It begins with taking care of yourself! Walk your talk and set the best example possible.
Here are some 'Strength Temple’ questions you might want to ask yourself before you start setting up your 2017 ‘Gamechanger’ campaign…. :)
What are you training for .. Health, wellbeing, olympics or all of the above?
How do you know the way you are training is the right way?
Have you experimented with other methods?
Are you experiencing reoccurring injury's?
Are you over training, feeling rundown?
Do you have the right structure in place with realistic and sustainable weekly targets?
Are you really preparing your body in the right way before exercise?
Are you putting in enough time to improve your range of motion?
Is your poor flexibility preventing you from getting to that next level?
We created a whole article on goal setting, specifically with a New Year vibe. You can use it at any time of year though - the science is the same. If you really want to set goals that will motivate you and increase your chances of success go do this excercise here!
One of the biggest projects this year and one of most motivating, has been my recent campaign with NewBalanceUK. It’s been a powerful few months that's given me insight into the minds of incredible athletes competing at the highest level of performance and taken my respect for what is required to be the best to a whole new level. It's inspired me to face the battles of my mind and get me into the best shape of my life both physically and mentally.
I honestly thought I understood what it takes to be at the top of your game. I’ve been fortunate to have found mentors and gained priceless experience training with legends like Laird Hamilton, Brian Mckenzie and Gabby Reece (all incredible athletes and pioneers in this game) opening up a whole new chapter to explore; How we breathe, how we move and understanding that our minds really are the key to unlocking it all.
Having the right knowledge, up to date research, kit and equipment all plays a vital role in feeling the confidence you need at the highest level. Giving you the edge thats necessary to push past your mental boundaries and win (whatever that means to you.) This is another element I’ve learnt so much about this year.
The UK sportswear scene is pretty nuts and only seems to be gaining momentum as the world gets more and more fitness crazy. Before I became a training nerd, I’d picked kit based on looks and if it matched the rest of my outfit! Don’t get me wrong, style is still very important of course but the technology and research that’s going in into the NewBalance product performance really is next level.
I love that it’s cool and the norm to see everyone cruising around in their gym kit (even if they’ve not ever seen a gym) rocking a new hoodie, yogi pants and a fresh pair of trainers round town. I basically live in gym kit all year round so making sure it’s comfy, gets the job done and looks cool is very important to me. The grand opening of the huge NewBalance Flagship Store in Oxford Street London happened recently. Three floors of sneaker porn and fitness threads to immerse yourself in. If you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s time you went in to meet the team and see what they are up to.
http://www.newbalance.co.uk/
9. LONDON OXFORD STREET
287-291 Oxford Street,
London,
W1C 2DR
Tel: 0207 499 8089
Anyway… I better leave it there before I ramble on anymore and get carried away on another topic! I hope you can take something away from this post, even if it’s just checking in on yourself to make sure you're on track.
Begin creating now, manifest everything you want to achieve and believe it’s possible, because it is if you can visualise it (True story).
Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make decisions. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love.
Oh, and ALWAYS..... #respectyourtemple
Love Richie x
New Balance "You Are Your Toughest Opponent"
The Strength Temple are super pumped to be working with New Balance! Our Director Richie Norton is one of a select team of New Balance Ambassadors running with their latest campaign which explores how we are our own toughest opponents. This subject is close to our hearts and Richie has been working hard to bring hints and tips on peak performance with the New Balance team to take your training and performance to the next level. In this article Richie talks about how he's feeling about the Ambassador role and what to expect as the campaign evolves. Get involved! #iamthecompetition
Richie Norton: New Balance #iamthecompetition
Hi!
So as some of you may know, I’ve just become an ambassador for New Balance (yes, very cool and I’m absolutely buzzing about it). I grew up competing in Athletics and Rugby, and the thought of being scouted to represent a brand like NewBalance was a dream. Now I’m here, years later, living that dream.
Even though New Balance are making bad ass kit, I'm actually excited to be a part of this brand because of their philosophy. Especially their newest campaign 'You are your toughest opponent'. This campaign is all about the recognition that the toughest competition involves the battles and obstacles that we create ourselves, in our mind and our lives. To me, this campaign is about developing your confidence, becoming the best you can be and excepting you will face challenges and obstacles; once you master your mind, your body can achieve anything.
Over the coming months I’ll be researching the challenges in performance, breaking down the mind games, while also analysing and product testing the awesome New Balance apparel. Luckily for me I pretty much live in training clothes, I now have the best excuse to never ever wear a suit again. (Although I did hear a rumour NB had plans for a sweet tailored dinner jacket)...
With the health and fitness industry booming bigger than ever, even to the ‘trained eye’ it’s a daunting task understanding what to eat, how to balance your day, what exercises are right for you, what equipment you need (if any) and of course what clothing and footwear are required to support you training and lifestyle. This is where I come in.
This project with NewBalance is something I can relate to in many ways, on a personal level and as a professional. I've battled with career ending injuries, walked some dark paths and been on a wild journey before finding my way here. I’m grateful for the challenges that have given me so much insight into the struggle so many go through; how we grow from this always makes us stronger. I’m now finally understanding all my strengths (and weaknesses), following my passion and applying the knowledge I’ve developed from the many lessons getting here. I now hope to share this you.
Over the next few months I’ll be working alongside @newbalanceuk, @menshealth and @runnersworld on a campaign all about understanding the power of the mind in performance and how your biggest opponent is YOU! Managing your expectations, getting the best out of your body, improving your health, pushing past your limits, exploring new challenges and reaching your highest potential. Mastering your mind is the key to it all.
If there’s anything you’d like me to research please let me know, I’ll pull it all apart!
This is our time to shine.
Oh - and here's a gift from New Balance: Limited time: 15% off if you subscribe via the link below....
New Balance 15% off subscription
Richie Norton #iamthecompetition
Here's a little video message from me on the power of the mind in performance.