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                            <title><![CDATA[ Latest from Coach in How-to ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.coachweb.com/how-to</link>
        <description><![CDATA[ All the latest how-to content from the Coach team ]]></description>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ How To Use The Apple Watch Pacer Mode To Judge Your Next Race ]]></title>
                                                                                                                                                                                                <link>https://www.coachweb.com/gear/fitness-trackers/how-to-use-the-apple-watch-pacer-mode-to-judge-your-next-race</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ The Apple Watch’s pacer mode for runners can help you hit your target times ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Sun, 28 Jan 2024 06:00:20 +0000</pubDate>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <category><![CDATA[Fitness Trackers]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Running]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
                                                                                                                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[ Nick Harris-Fry ]]></dc:creator>                                                                                    <dc:source><![CDATA[ http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ubQK7QTvNbZx9G8fcc4xZL.jpg ]]></dc:source>
                                                                <dc:description><![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Nick has been a journalist since 2012, most of which have been spent writing about health and fitness with Coach and other publications. Nick was the news editor of Coach magazine when it launched in 2015 and joined the website team in 2017.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick has covered all aspects of health and fitness for Coach, interviewing experts and celebrities, trying fitness classes and running marathons, all in the name of providing readers with the information they need to get the most out of an active lifestyle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick ran his first marathon after six weeks of training for a magazine feature and subsequently became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 29min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K, and is almost always in training for his next marathon PB attempt. Nick runs 70-110km a week and races regularly with his club Orion Harriers, which gives him a lot of opportunity to test out &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/running-gear&quot;&gt;running gear&lt;/a&gt;: &amp;nbsp;he reviews &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachweb.com/gear/running-shoes/best-running-shoes&quot;&gt;running shoes&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/fitness-trackers&quot;&gt;fitness trackers&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/fitness-trackers/6279/the-best-running-watches&quot;&gt;running watches&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/sports-headphones&quot;&gt;sports headphones&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/treadmills&quot;&gt;treadmills&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/exercise-bikes&quot;&gt;exercise bikes&lt;/a&gt; and all manner of other kit for Coach.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick has also written for other websites including &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/authors/nick-harris-fry&quot;&gt;Expert Reviews&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wareable.com/author/n.harris-fry&quot;&gt;Wareable&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.getsweatgo.com/author/n.harrisfry&quot;&gt;Get Sweat Go&lt;/a&gt;. He is also the co-founder of YouTube channel &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBM9FasII4dKbyE_HKkbjw&quot;&gt;The Run Testers&lt;/a&gt; and co-hosts The Run Testers podcast.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick graduated from the University of York in 2010 with a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and worked in the NHS for three years, during which time he completed his NCTJ Diploma in Journalism at News Associates in London. Before starting on Coach and moving into health and fitness, Nick worked as a football journalist and lived in Kathmandu, Nepal for two years.&lt;/p&gt; ]]></dc:description>
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <media:description><![CDATA[Apple Watch pacer mode]]></media:description>                                                            <media:text><![CDATA[Apple Watch pacer mode]]></media:text>
                                <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Apple Watch pacer mode]]></media:title>
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                                <p>The Apple Watch has long been one of the <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/fitness-trackers/8167/the-best-smartwatches-of-2019">best fitness smartwatches</a>, and over the past couple of years the native sports tracking has been improved significantly through watchOS 9 and 10 software updates. This means the <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/gear/fitness-trackers/apple-watch-ultra-2-review">Apple Watch Ultra 2</a> and <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/gear/fitness-trackers/apple-watch-series-9-review">Apple Watch Series 9</a> can be considered among the <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/gear/fitness-trackers/best-sports-watches">best sports watches</a>. </p><p>Even if you’ve owned one of the watches for a long time you may not have taken advantage of all the features. One of these is the pacer mode for runners. I’ve tested every model of the <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/tag/apple-watch">Apple Watch</a> extensively, and pacer mode is something you’ll only have call to use on rare occasions, though it’s invaluable when you do. Those occasions are races, when the virtual pacer on your wrist can help you hit your target times and set new PRs.</p><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="PLYEYqmhdM5iieRCnpWH6g" name="Apple Watch pacer mode pic 4.jpg" alt="Apple Watch pacer mode" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PLYEYqmhdM5iieRCnpWH6g.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Outdoor Run sports mode on Apple Watch </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Nick Harris-Fry / Future)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Pacer mode is easy to set up. You hit the three dots on the right of the Outdoor Run sports mode in the Workout app (see image above) and scroll down to the pacer setting. Hit the little pen in the corner there and you can choose the distance and time you are planning on running.</p><p>Once that’s set up, you start the run by hitting start workout and are given a data screen that shows your current and average pace, and a dial that indicates how you are doing with your target time at that point.</p><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="9jEwNe38tFku7xwB9tA5af" name="Apple Watch pacer mode pic 2.jpg" alt="Apple Watch pacer mode" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9jEwNe38tFku7xwB9tA5af.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Nick Harris-Fry / Future)</span></figcaption></figure><p>I used pacer mode for a test run aiming for a 10K in 50 minutes. Throughout the run it’s easy to see how much time you have to make up to hit your goal, or how much time you have in the bank. Using this feature you can pace your races with precision, and it’s especially useful for ensuring you don’t go out too hard at the start of a long race. If you’re two miles into a marathon and see that you’re already tracking 45 seconds ahead of your overall time goal, then hopefully you’ll register that you need to ease off and settle into your actual race pace.</p><p>Pacer modes like these are not new features for sports watches and I’ve used the same mode on Garmin watches for years. <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/tag/garmin">Garmin</a>’s mode is a little more developed and gives an estimate of your finish time that updates throughout the race based on your pace up until that point, and the distance left to go.</p><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="yq32PGoQZtAD8f7gMHkutf" name="Apple Watch pacer mode pic 3.jpg" alt="Apple Watch pacer mode" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yq32PGoQZtAD8f7gMHkutf.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Nick Harris-Fry / Future)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Whatever watch you use, I find that having a simple data screen like this is ideal for races, when you’re often focused on one thing: hitting that goal time. Just be aware that the mode will still be relying on GPS, so if the distance on your watch starts to fall out of line with the mile or kilometer markers on your course, you’ll have to do quick mental math to work out how far or ahead of your target time you are. </p><p>Given that I’ve found the <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/gear/fitness-trackers/apple-watch-ultra-2-review#section-gps-and-hr-accuracy">GPS on the Apple Watch Ultra 2</a> to be among the most accurate available this will probably only be a few seconds out from what the pacer mode is saying, but it’s worth being aware of—especially in built-up urban areas where tall buildings negatively affect GPS accuracy.</p>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ Heel-Lock Lacing: How To Tie A Runner’s Knot To Stop Your Heel From Slipping ]]></title>
                                                                                                                                                                                                <link>https://www.coachweb.com/gear/running-gear/heel-lock-lacing-how-to-tie-a-runners-knot-to-stop-your-heel-from-slipping</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ Make use of the extra eyelets on running shoes by tying a more secure runner’s knot ]]>
                                                                                                            </description>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Wed, 03 Aug 2022 16:23:29 +0000</pubDate>                                                                                                                                <updated>Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:12:31 +0000</updated>
                                                                                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Running Shoes]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Running Gear]]></category>
                                                                                                                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[ Nick Harris-Fry ]]></dc:creator>                                                                                    <dc:source><![CDATA[ http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ubQK7QTvNbZx9G8fcc4xZL.jpg ]]></dc:source>
                                                                <dc:description><![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Nick has been a journalist since 2012, most of which have been spent writing about health and fitness with Coach and other publications. Nick was the news editor of Coach magazine when it launched in 2015 and joined the website team in 2017.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick has covered all aspects of health and fitness for Coach, interviewing experts and celebrities, trying fitness classes and running marathons, all in the name of providing readers with the information they need to get the most out of an active lifestyle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick ran his first marathon after six weeks of training for a magazine feature and subsequently became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 29min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K, and is almost always in training for his next marathon PB attempt. Nick runs 70-110km a week and races regularly with his club Orion Harriers, which gives him a lot of opportunity to test out &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/running-gear&quot;&gt;running gear&lt;/a&gt;: &amp;nbsp;he reviews &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachweb.com/gear/running-shoes/best-running-shoes&quot;&gt;running shoes&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/fitness-trackers&quot;&gt;fitness trackers&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/fitness-trackers/6279/the-best-running-watches&quot;&gt;running watches&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/sports-headphones&quot;&gt;sports headphones&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/treadmills&quot;&gt;treadmills&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/exercise-bikes&quot;&gt;exercise bikes&lt;/a&gt; and all manner of other kit for Coach.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick has also written for other websites including &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/authors/nick-harris-fry&quot;&gt;Expert Reviews&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wareable.com/author/n.harris-fry&quot;&gt;Wareable&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.getsweatgo.com/author/n.harrisfry&quot;&gt;Get Sweat Go&lt;/a&gt;. He is also the co-founder of YouTube channel &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBM9FasII4dKbyE_HKkbjw&quot;&gt;The Run Testers&lt;/a&gt; and co-hosts The Run Testers podcast.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick graduated from the University of York in 2010 with a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and worked in the NHS for three years, during which time he completed his NCTJ Diploma in Journalism at News Associates in London. Before starting on Coach and moving into health and fitness, Nick worked as a football journalist and lived in Kathmandu, Nepal for two years.&lt;/p&gt; ]]></dc:description>
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <media:description><![CDATA[Extra eyelet on running shoes]]></media:description>                                                            <media:text><![CDATA[Extra eyelet on running shoes]]></media:text>
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                                <p>There are a lot of differences between the <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/gear/running-shoes/best-running-shoes">best running shoes</a> and casual shoes, but one that may have puzzled you is why running shoes have two extra eyelets at the top.</p><p>These aren’t there just for fun, although they are undoubtedly fun – they are there to be used to tie a runner’s knot. This is also known as heel-lock lacing, which gives more of a clue as to the point of it. Speaking of which…</p><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What is the point of a runner’s knot?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>One of the first concerns experienced runners have when trying on a shoe for the first time is whether it slips at the heel. Even fairly minor movement at the heel during a run will result in rubbing that causes pain or a blister after a while. This slipping can happen even in a shoe that fits perfectly well around your toes and midfoot.</p><p>The runner’s knot is a way to limit the risk of heel slippage, since it creates a more secure hold around the collar of the shoe. Heel-lock lacing is something that trail runners often use, because it’s common for the heel to slip when pounding down long descents, but all runners can benefit from trying it if they find their heel is slipping.</p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>Does heel-lock lacing work?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>In my experience as a running shoe reviewer, tying a runner’s knot eliminates heel slippage about 90% of the time I’ve noticed it on a shoe, and even when it doesn’t completely solve the problem it does usually make it a lot better. It’s not a guaranteed solution – some running shoes simply won’t fit your heel – but it’s definitely worth trying before giving up on a shoe.</p></article></section><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-tie-a-runner-s-knot"><span>How To Tie A Runner’s Knot</span></h2><section class="howto-block">                    <h3>Step 1: Make Loops</h3>                    <figure>                            <p class="bordeaux-image-check">                                <img    src="http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KvmReLcZ2bF5QPEpL67AeN.jpg"                                        alt="Runner's knot: make loops"                                        onerror="this.parentNode.replaceChild(window.missingImage(),this)"                                        data-pin-media="http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KvmReLcZ2bF5QPEpL67AeN.jpg"                                        class="expandable van-old-layout-image">                            </p><div class="credit">(Image: © Nick Harris-Fry / Future)</div></figure>                    <p><p>Start by creating a loop with each lace by threading it through the extra eyelet on the same side – don’t cross over like you would to lace a shoe normally. Pull the laces through until the loops on each side are quite small.</p></p>                </section><section class="howto-block">                    <h3>Step 2: Thread The Lace Through</h3>                    <figure>                            <p class="bordeaux-image-check">                                <img    src="http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/N7SRw5ZzaudhmD9zj6hkTY.jpg"                                        alt="Runner's knot: thread the lace through"                                        onerror="this.parentNode.replaceChild(window.missingImage(),this)"                                        data-pin-media="http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/N7SRw5ZzaudhmD9zj6hkTY.jpg"                                        class="expandable van-old-layout-image">                            </p><div class="credit">(Image: © Nick Harris-Fry / Future)</div></figure>                    <p><p>Thread the lace through the loop on the opposite side and pull it fairly tight.</p></p><p><p>Tie your laces as normal from there.</p></p>                </section><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="RLK8dRZKDXeohT7VugiCaQ" name="Laces tied.jpg" alt="A runner's knot" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RLK8dRZKDXeohT7VugiCaQ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The finished runner’s knot </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Nick Harris-Fry / Future)</span></figcaption></figure><p>When you first tie a runner’s knot you’ll probably pull it very tight – the idea is to secure the heel, after all – but this can create uncomfortable pressure on top of your foot from the laces. Don’t give up. It can take a few attempts to find the right balance between security and comfort.</p><p>The only other downside of the runner’s knot is that it can make a shoe harder to slip on and off, but buying a shoe horn is a small price to pay to avoid blisters on your heel.</p>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ How To Fix A Bike Puncture On Your Commute ]]></title>
                                                                                                                                                                                                <link>https://www.coachweb.com/sport/cycling/how-to-fix-a-bike-puncture-on-your-commute</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ From the tools required to repair a puncture to tips for avoiding them in the first place, follow this handy step-by-step guide to overcoming flat tyres on your bike ]]>
                                                                                                            </description>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2022 05:36:08 +0000</pubDate>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <category><![CDATA[Cycling]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
                                                                                                                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[ Charlie Allenby ]]></dc:creator>                                                                                    <dc:source><![CDATA[ http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZrWLbP7Tp4QREjsFRoJqTG.jpg ]]></dc:source>
                                                                <dc:description><![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Charlie Allenby is a London-based journalist with more than a decade of experience writing across various topics for &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/aug/24/great-ridgeway-cycle-path-dorset-to-norfolk-by-bike-ancient-walking-trails&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Guardian&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.independent.co.uk/author/charlie-allenby&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Independent&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Time Out London&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://mensfitness.co.uk/author/charlieallenby/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Men’s Fitness&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;UK and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cyclingweekly.com/author/charlie-allenby&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Cycling Weekly&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, among others. For Coach, he contributes features and buying advice about cycling, and is Coach’s dedicated turbo trainer reviewer. He is also Coach’s chief whey and casein protein powder tester, trying as many brands&amp;nbsp;as possible.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Charlie graduated with an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and began his career in contract publishing, working on magazines and websites for brands such as Vitality and Waitrose. Since 2018, he combined his passion for pedalling with his career, first as a staff writer for &lt;em&gt;Road Cycling UK&lt;/em&gt;, and now as a contributor to the likes of &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bikeradar.com/author/charlieallenby/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;BikeRadar&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.t3.com/author/charlie-allenby&quot;&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;em&gt;T3.com&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;and&lt;em&gt; Rouleur.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;He has covered everything from&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/chris-froome-recovery-interview&quot;&gt; &lt;u&gt;interviews with multiple Tour de France winners&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/cycling/7427/cycling-to-work-guide&quot;&gt; &lt;u&gt;round-ups of the latest commuting gear,&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and his first book, &lt;a href=&quot;https://uk.bookshop.org/books/bike-london-a-guide-to-cycling-in-the-city/9781788841030&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;em&gt;Bike London: A Guide To Cycling In The City&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, was published in 2021. He’s also never one to shy away from putting his own abilities on the line in the name of journalism, whether that’s &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bikeradar.com/features/zwift-academy-diary-one/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;&lt;u&gt;entering a training platform’s search for cycling’s next big star&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/cycling/9165/ridelondon&quot;&gt;&lt;u&gt;reviewing a 100-mile sportive&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Not content with sticking to one form of cardio exercise, he’s a keen runner and has a marathon PB of 3hr 7min. He has signed up for the 2023 Manchester Marathon and has a sub-3hr time in his sights, while a long-distance triathlon is on his bucket list.&lt;/p&gt; ]]></dc:description>
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <media:description><![CDATA[Reinflating tyre]]></media:description>                                                            <media:text><![CDATA[Reinflating tyre]]></media:text>
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                                <p><a href="https://www.coachmag.co.uk/cycling/7427/cycling-to-work-guide">Commuting by bike</a> is one of the most convenient, quick and fun ways of getting to and from the office. Until you get a puncture. If you’ve been riding for long enough, there’s a good chance you’ll have encountered the dreaded moment when one of your tyres goes squishy and you find yourself Googling “how to fix a puncture with no puncture repair kit” by the side of the road.</p><p>If you’re in a city, you might be lucky enough to be close to a local bike shop that can get you back up and running in no time at all. But if you’re not, that straightforward journey to or from work becomes a nightmare where you have to somehow transport yourself and your bike to your destination.</p><p>It doesn’t have to be this way though. Using a combination of prevention, preparation and practice, you’ll be able to fix your next puncture in a matter of minutes, turning that flat tyre into a minor bump in the road.</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-avoid-getting-a-puncture"><span>How To Avoid Getting A Puncture </span></h2><p>As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and there are a number of quick, easy strategies that can help to minimise your risk of getting a puncture in the first place.</p><p>First ensure that your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure, which will be printed on your tyre. Using a pump with a gauge on it, inflate each tyre to somewhere within the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) range. This will help minimise the risk of pinch punctures – when the inner tube gets trapped between the wheel’s rim and a hard, sharp edge like a pothole or dropping down from a curb. It’s worth checking your bike’s tyres once a week to ensure they are correctly inflated.</p><p>If you’re keeping your tyres inflated and still suffering from repeated punctures, it might be time to get some new tyres. After all, a worn, previously punctured tyre offers up a weaker defence than a shiny, new one.</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-be-prepared-for-a-puncture"><span>How To Be Prepared For A Puncture</span></h2><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="cnEnAzqiEsShoGU9FqFxi5" name="tools-to-repair-a-bike-puncture-GettyImages-519592805.jpg" alt="Items to carry on a commute to fix a puncture" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cnEnAzqiEsShoGU9FqFxi5.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Essential items to help you fix a puncture on your commute. Clockwise from top left: Patches, tyre levers, multi-tool, bike pump, inner tube. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus / angelsimon)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Even if you do keep your commuter bike’s tyres topped up and in a good condition, a small piece of glass, thorn or flint might manage to pierce through your tyre and puncture your inner tube.</p><p>Rather than accepting defeat and taking your bike to a shop to get fixed, it is possible to repair or replace a punctured inner tube in no time at all (more on which below). But first, you’ll need to have some tools at hand:</p><p>The quickest way to fix a flat tyre is to completely replace the inner tube with a new one. Stock up on the ones that match your bike’s wheel diameter (generally 700c for most commuter hybrid bikes) and your tyre’s width (again, this will be on the tyre and is generally shown in mm), and make sure to stuff a couple in your commuter <a href="https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/6660/the-best-cycling-backpacks-for-commuters">backpack</a> or <a href="https://www.coachmag.co.uk/cycling-gear/8593/best-pannier-bags-commuters">pannier</a> – you don’t want to be stuck if you get <em>two</em> punctures on your way to work, after all.</p><p>A more compact method than lugging around spare inner tubes is to pack a puncture repair kit in your commuter backpack. Patching an inner tube is more time-consuming than simply swapping it out for a new one – what with finding the puncture, repairing it and waiting for the glue to dry – but could be a more practical solution than carrying around multiple inner tubes.</p><p>This is an essential item that should be taken on all rides. Make sure it is compatible with the valve of your inner tube (Presta is the thin type common on most modern bikes, Schrader the wider type found on older or off-road bikes), and finding one with a gauge is a bonus.</p><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="pbYvEEJRmnC3KHdubxv8Lk" name="bike-inner-tube-valves-presta-schrader.jpg" alt="Inner tube valves. Presta is thinner with a screw at the top. Schrader is thicker and shorter." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pbYvEEJRmnC3KHdubxv8Lk.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Inner tube valves: Presta, left; Schrader, right. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus / angelsimon)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Most modern bikes will feature a quick-release axle that allows you to remove and reinstall the wheel with no tools required – if there’s a little lever where the wheel is secured to the bike’s fork or frame, then it’s quick-release. Some single-speed or older hybrid bikes don’t have quick-release wheels, though, so you will need to carry a spanner; the most common size is 15mm, but check before buying.</p><p>These thin levers will help you get your tyre on and off. Two are better than one, and it’s worth looking out for a set that is plastic coated but reinforced with metal. The plastic will minimise any sharp points puncturing an inner tube, while the metal stops them snapping when confronted with a seriously tight tyre.</p><p>Not essential, but things can get greasy.</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-fix-a-puncture"><span>How To Fix A Puncture</span></h2><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:66.48%;"><img id="fcztXY55F2eorPvREg5vrY" name="removing-inner-tube-from-tyre-GettyImages-1071355936.jpg" alt="Removing inner tube from tyre" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fcztXY55F2eorPvREg5vrY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1280" height="851" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus / ZimaNady_klgd)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The guide below assumes that you have a standard inner tube and wheel set-up. If you have a tubeless set-up, the below is still useful if the hole in your tyre is too big for the sealant to plug.</p><p><strong>Step 1: </strong>Undo the quick-release skewer (or unscrew the axle’s bolts). If you have rim brakes, you might need to open the brake release lever. If the puncture is in the rear wheel, it’s a lot easier to remove the wheel if you change gear so the chain is on the smallest chainring at the front and smallest cog at the back. Remove the punctured wheel from the bike.</p><p><strong>Step 2: </strong>Use the tyre levers to prise one side of the tyre off the wheel’s rim.</p><p><strong>Step 3: </strong>Slide the punctured inner tube out from the rim and remove it completely. To do this you will need to remove the dust cap and unscrew the nut that holds it in place, then push the valve up and through the hole in the rim.</p><p><strong>Step 4: </strong>Run your hand carefully around the inside of the tyre to check for any sharp objects that might have caused the puncture. Remove anything sharp that you find.</p><p>(If replacing the punctured inner tube with a new one, skip to step 6)</p><p><strong>Step 5: </strong>Find the hole in the punctured inner tube. The easiest way is to inflate it slightly before squeezing it and popping it in a bucket of water and looking for bubbles, but unless you’re commuting to your job as a window cleaner that’s not much help mid-journey. Try squeezing the inflated inner tube and pass it past your ear – the sound of air escaping should help you locate the hole. Follow the instructions on the puncture repair kit to patch the hole.</p><p><strong>Step 6: </strong>Slightly inflate the repaired inner tube, insert its valve into the hole in the rim and slide the inner tube into the rim bed.</p><p><strong>Step 7: </strong>This is the tricky bit. With the valve at its furthest point from you, use your tyre levers to lever the bead (the edge of the tyre) back onto the inside of the rim. Work your way around the tyre until it’s back on. If you’re left with a stubborn part that just won’t go on, try pushing the valve up into the rim. This will hopefully give you more room to work with and make it easier to ease the tyre back on.</p><p><strong>Step 8: </strong>Check that there aren’t any parts of the inner tube trapped between the bead and the rim and inflate slightly. If there are any bulges, your inner tube is trapped, so it may need a bit of massaging to get it sitting correctly.</p><p><strong>Step 9: </strong>Once clear, you’re all set to inflate the tyre using your pump to the recommended pressure shown on the tyre. Pop the nut and dust cap on the valve, reattach your wheel, check your brakes and off you roll.</p>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ How To Do The Dumbbell Squat ]]></title>
                                                                                                                                                                                                <link>https://www.coachweb.com/exercises/dumbbell-exercises/dumbbell-squat</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ The dumbbell squat is a useful stepping stone towards the barbell squat, and a great lower-body exercise in its own right ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2022 06:05:52 +0000</pubDate>                                                                                                                                <updated>Tue, 29 Mar 2022 06:07:17 +0000</updated>
                                                                                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Dumbbell Exercises]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Exercises]]></category>
                                                                                                                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[ Nick Harris-Fry ]]></dc:creator>                                                                                    <dc:source><![CDATA[ http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ubQK7QTvNbZx9G8fcc4xZL.jpg ]]></dc:source>
                                                                <dc:description><![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Nick has been a journalist since 2012, most of which have been spent writing about health and fitness with Coach and other publications. Nick was the news editor of Coach magazine when it launched in 2015 and joined the website team in 2017.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick has covered all aspects of health and fitness for Coach, interviewing experts and celebrities, trying fitness classes and running marathons, all in the name of providing readers with the information they need to get the most out of an active lifestyle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick ran his first marathon after six weeks of training for a magazine feature and subsequently became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 29min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K, and is almost always in training for his next marathon PB attempt. Nick runs 70-110km a week and races regularly with his club Orion Harriers, which gives him a lot of opportunity to test out &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/running-gear&quot;&gt;running gear&lt;/a&gt;: &amp;nbsp;he reviews &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachweb.com/gear/running-shoes/best-running-shoes&quot;&gt;running shoes&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/fitness-trackers&quot;&gt;fitness trackers&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/fitness-trackers/6279/the-best-running-watches&quot;&gt;running watches&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/sports-headphones&quot;&gt;sports headphones&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/treadmills&quot;&gt;treadmills&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/exercise-bikes&quot;&gt;exercise bikes&lt;/a&gt; and all manner of other kit for Coach.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick has also written for other websites including &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/authors/nick-harris-fry&quot;&gt;Expert Reviews&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wareable.com/author/n.harris-fry&quot;&gt;Wareable&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.getsweatgo.com/author/n.harrisfry&quot;&gt;Get Sweat Go&lt;/a&gt;. He is also the co-founder of YouTube channel &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBM9FasII4dKbyE_HKkbjw&quot;&gt;The Run Testers&lt;/a&gt; and co-hosts The Run Testers podcast.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick graduated from the University of York in 2010 with a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and worked in the NHS for three years, during which time he completed his NCTJ Diploma in Journalism at News Associates in London. Before starting on Coach and moving into health and fitness, Nick worked as a football journalist and lived in Kathmandu, Nepal for two years.&lt;/p&gt; ]]></dc:description>
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                                <p>It’s rare to walk into a gym and not see someone performing a squat, and with good reason – it’s one of the best exercises you can do, working pretty much every part of your lower body.</p><p>Your quads, glutes, calves, hamstrings and a host of smaller stabilising muscles are worked when you squat. It’s also good for your core strength and cardiovascular fitness, because powering through a set of squats always gets the heart pumping.</p><p>Most people start with an <a href="https://www.coachmag.co.uk/exercises/leg-exercises/193/squat-tips-for-perfect-form">unweighted squat</a>, which is a terrific bodyweight exercise that’s easy to do anywhere. In the gym the <a href="https://www.coachmag.co.uk/barbell-exercises/6705/how-to-master-the-barbell-back-squat">barbell squat</a> is perhaps the other squat you’re most likely to see. There’s no doubt that the barbell squat is a fantastic <a href="https://www.coachmag.co.uk/fitness/leg-exercises">leg exercise</a>, but it can be an intimidating progression to go straight from bodyweight to barbell, especially in packed gyms where you may have to queue for the squat rack and then exercise while being observed.</p><p>The dumbbell squat is a great alternative for those who want to do weighted squats but aren’t sure about using a barbell yet. It’s hard to lift as much weight with dumbbells as with the barbell, but you can certainly still challenge your lower body, and make big strength and size gains with the exercise.</p><h2 id="how-to-do-the-dumbbell-squat">How To Do The Dumbbell Squat</h2><p>The basics of the dumbbell squat are simple: you perform a squat while holding a dumbbell or dumbbells. If you’re just using one weight it’s best to hold it in both hands in front of your chest, a variation known as a goblet squat.</p><p>If you’re using two dumbbells the simplest way to hold them is at your sides, but you can also rack the weights by holding them by your shoulders with your elbows pointing forwards.</p><p>Once you have your dumbbells in position, lower into a squat by imagining you’re sitting back into an invisible chair, pushing your hips back and bending your knees. Lower until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground, then drive through your heels to come back up to standing. Keep your chest up throughout the move and don’t let your knees cave inwards – you can loop a small <a href="https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gym-equipment/7802/the-best-resistance-bands-for-your-home-workouts">resistance band</a> around your legs and hold it taut to ensure your knees aren’t moving in.</p>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ How To Do The Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift With Perfect Form ]]></title>
                                                                                                                                                                                                <link>https://www.coachweb.com/leg-exercises/8130/how-to-do-the-single-leg-romanian-deadlift</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ Strengthen your posterior chain and prevent common sports injuries by learning the correct form for the single-leg Romanian deadlift ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2019 05:37:16 +0000</pubDate>                                                                                                                                <updated>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 06:08:04 +0000</updated>
                                                                                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Leg Exercises]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Free-Weight Exercises]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Exercises]]></category>
                                                                                                                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[ Sam Rider ]]></dc:creator>                                                                                    <dc:source><![CDATA[ http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kSkdvDrmENvf4rLvoPrkFh.jpg ]]></dc:source>
                                                                <dc:description><![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Sam Rider is an experienced freelance journalist, specialising in health, fitness and wellness. As well as writing features, Sam is also Coach’s designated reviewer of &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/9107/massage-guns&quot;&gt;massage guns&lt;/a&gt; and fitness mirrors developing expertise in those product categories.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For over a decade he&#039;s reported on Olympic Games, CrossFit Games and World Cups, and quizzed luminaries of elite sport, nutrition and strength and conditioning.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Through it all, Sam has come to understand how fitness and wellness can be a force for positive change. From the individual, in transforming one’s physical and mental health, confidence and self-worth, to the collective, in championing sustainability, diversity and equality.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sam is also a REPS level 3 qualified personal trainer, online coach and founder of&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://bit.ly/CoachMagSamRider&quot;&gt;Your Daily Fix&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; ]]></dc:description>
                                                                                                        <dc:contributor><![CDATA[ Nick Harris-Fry ]]></dc:contributor>
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <media:description><![CDATA[Two women performing the single-leg Romanian deadlift with kettlebells in the gym]]></media:description>                                                            <media:text><![CDATA[Two women performing the single-leg Romanian deadlift with kettlebells in the gym]]></media:text>
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                                <p>The standard <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/barbell-exercises/3725/how-to-deadlift">deadlift</a> and <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/exercises/leg-exercises/3720/romanian-deadlifts-unlock-your-leg-muscles">Romanian deadlift</a> are superb <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/fitness/leg-exercises">leg exercises</a> that build strength along the full length of your posterior chain, from your hamstrings and glutes to your lower back. But once these moves are perfected, it’s worth layering on a single-leg variation to develop your lower-body strength in a more functional, sports-specific way. </p><p>Step forward the single-leg Romanian deadlift (or single-leg RDL for short). Whether performed with just your bodyweight or loaded with a dumbbell, kettlebell or barbell, it’s a challenging, technical exercise that will boost your coordination and balance, while evening out any imbalances of strength between your left and right side.</p><p>To drill down into all the dos and don’ts of this tricky exercise, and provide regressions and progressions to suit all levels, we spoke to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wazashayer/?hl=en">Waz Ashayer</a><strong>, </strong>trainer at fitness app <a href="https://fiit.tv/">Fiit</a> and group fitness manager at <a href="https://www.equinox.com/">Equinox</a>, NYC. </p><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What is the single-leg Romanian deadlift good for?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>Ashayer is a big advocate of the single-leg RDL. “It’s a fantastic move to strengthen the hamstrings in a lengthened position while creating a high stability demand that builds resilience,” says Ashayer, adding that this translates very well to sport, making it an essential exercise for anyone with athletic aspirations.</p><p>The single-leg RDL is especially useful for runners—or any sport that involves running for that matter—as working one side of your body at a time will improve the stability in your ankles, knees and hips, helping to make you more resistant to injury. </p><p>What’s more, your core will be working overtime during the exercise to resist rotation and help keep your balance, so your abs and lower back will be getting a good workout too. </p></article></section><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-do-the-single-leg-romanian-deadlift"><span>How To Do The Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift </span></h2><p>Here we will describe how to do the exercise with a barbell, but it can also be done with a dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand or just one, or without any weight at all. It’s certainly worth trying the bodyweight version first to get used to the movement and improve your balance. Doing the move with just your bodyweight is also ideal as a warm-up to prime the muscles before adding weight. Of course, whichever type of free weight you end up using, you’ll want to use far less weight than you would lift in the standard deadlift or Romanian deadlift when you have both legs planted on the ground.</p><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="high" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/plcU3-k6fao" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><section class="howto-block">                    <h3>The Set-up</h3>                                        <p><p>To start, hold a barbell by your thighs with an overhand grip and your hands shoulder-width apart. “The single-leg RDL is a hip-dominant exercise so every inch of the movement should be steered by your hips shifting back,” says Ashayer, rather than by allowing the weight to pull you forward.</p></p><p><p>Begin with your feet together, keeping the bar tight to your thighs and close to your center of gravity throughout to minimize any strain on in your lower back. Maintain a slight bend in your knees, move your shoulder blades back and down, and take a deep breath to brace your core.</p></p>                </section><section class="howto-block">                    <h3>The Hinge </h3>                                        <p><p>To initiate the movement, think about lifting one leg high behind you. This will naturally trigger you to hinge forward at the hips. Focus on keeping your back flat, letting your eyes look down to the floor as you move through the exercise to keep your neck in a neutral position.</p></p><p><p>It’s vital to keep your hips level, rather than letting them twist or rotate. To help resist this rotation, Ashayer suggests thinking about keeping your shoulders square to the floor throughout, which will help your hips follow suit.</p></p><p><p>You should feel tension in the hamstrings of your standing leg as you lower the bar. Only lower it as far as you can—such as to just below the knees—while maintaining a flat back.</p></p>                </section><section class="howto-block">                    <h3>The Return</h3>                                        <p><p>From this lowest position, reverse the movement by bringing your hips forward to standing, exhaling as you go. You can maintain a slight bend in your standing leg but try to keep it relatively straight to work the full length of your hamstrings.</p></p><p><p>“Concentrate on keeping your center of gravity directly through the middle of your standing foot so that you push off the ground evenly,” says Ashayer. </p></p><p><p>Immediately continue into the next rep, maintaining tension in the back of the thighs and glutes of your standing leg.</p></p>                </section><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-common-single-leg-romanian-deadlift-mistakes"><span>Common Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift Mistakes</span></h2><p>Due to its complexity, the single-leg RDL can be a tricky move to get right. Here are some of the most common mistakes Ashayer sees creeping in for both novices and experienced gym-goers. </p><h2 id="rotating-your-hips">Rotating Your Hips</h2><p>Losing your balance is a telltale sign that the hips have shifted out of position and your bodyweight is lopsided. Ashayer has three easy fixes. </p><p>First, practice this exercise in a B-stance stance, with the toe of your back foot in contact with the floor throughout—also known as a kickstand RDL, a variation that’s detailed below. </p><p>Second, perform as in the form guide above but hold onto a support, like a low bench. </p><p>Third, lower or ditch the weight and focus on keeping your core rigid to solidify your stability.  </p><h2 id="holding-your-neck-in-an-unnatural-position-xa0">Holding Your Neck In An Unnatural Position </h2><p>Craning your neck to look forward is another common error that can afflict all deadlift practitioners, likely to keep an eye on their form in the weights room mirror. Rather than looking forward throughout, keep your neck neutral, allowing your gaze to track with your movement. If you must check your form, record a few reps with your phone and watch it back to see where you can improve.</p><h2 id="rounding-your-back-xa0">Rounding Your Back </h2><p>“If you’re unfamiliar with the technique required to load a deadlift through the hips and posterior chain, a common side effect is a rounding of the spine,” says Ashayer. This puts undue pressure on the lower back and negates the focus of the move. To fix this, he says, remember to keep your back locked in position from your hips to your shoulders, pivoting only from the hips. </p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-single-leg-romanian-deadlift-variations-progressions-and-regressions"><span>Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift Variations, Progressions And Regressions </span></h2><p>Few exercises will mimic the unilateral demands of the single-leg RDL, but if you find this version altogether too challenging, even when using just your bodyweight, Ashayer recommends two things. </p><p>Work on your bilateral posterior chain strength with the regular Romanian deadlift, and unilateral glute and hamstring strength with the kickstand RDL, single-leg glute bridge or single-leg gym ball hamstring curl. Once you’re ready to step it up a notch, a staggered stance kettlebell swing or snatch are his go-to progressions to train power and speed in the same movement. </p><h2 id="romanian-deadlift-xa0">Romanian deadlift  </h2><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/bT5OOBgY4bc" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a barbell in front of you with your hands shoulder-width apart. Keeping your back straight throughout, move your shoulder blades back and down, take a deep breath to brace your core, then sit your hips back to lower the bar down your thighs to just above or below your knees, depending on your flexibility. You should feel a deep stretch in your hamstrings at this point. Pause, then press the floor away and drive your hips forward as you exhale to stand tall. Pause, squeeze your glutes hard, then repeat. </p><h2 id="kickstand-romanian-deadlift-xa0">Kickstand Romanian deadlift </h2><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/mKze3D0crY8" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>Adopt an off-set stance by stepping one foot slightly behind the other, keeping your front foot flat on the floor and your rear foot on its toes. Your weight should be in your front leg. Maintain a slight bend in your front knee, holding a dumbbell or kettlebell in the hand on the opposite side to your leading leg, then push your hips back to lower the weight. Perform all the reps on one side, then switch sides. </p><h2 id="single-leg-glute-bridge">Single-leg glute bridge</h2><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/sVfp4LN9niA" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>Lie on your back with one knee bent and foot flat on the floor, and the other leg straight, raised off the floor, with your knees aligned. Press your lower back into the floor, then drive your hips up as high as you can, squeezing your glutes hard. Pause, then lower to tap the floor and repeat. Perform all the reps on one side, then switch sides. This move can also be performed with your feet elevated on a low box or bench for a greater challenge. </p><h2 id="single-leg-gym-ball-hamstring-curl">Single-leg gym ball hamstring curl</h2><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/1zyNfalL3qc" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>Lie on your back with your arms resting on the floor at the sides and your knees bent and heels resting on top of a gym ball. Lift your hips off the floor so your weight is supported by the ball and your upper back. Extend your legs to roll the ball away from you, then lift one heel off the ball, keeping that leg extended while you bend the knee of your other leg to roll the gym ball towards you. You should feel this targeting the hamstring of your bent leg. Extend your leg fully, rolling the gym ball away while keeping the other leg elevated, and repeat.Perform all the reps on one side, then switch sides.</p><h2 id="staggered-stance-snatch-xa0">Staggered stance snatch </h2><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/eHvQg21UNS0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>Adopt an off-set stance by stepping one foot slightly behind the other, keeping your front foot flat on the floor and your rear foot on its toes. Your weight should be in your front leg. Maintain a slight bend in your front knee, holding a dumbbell or kettlebell in the hand on the opposite side to your leading leg. Push your hips back to lower the weight, then drive your hips forward with power to generate momentum to begin lift the weight. As the weight passes your hips shrug the weight up and as it passes your shoulder punch the weight straight up and extend your arm overhead. Carefully return the weight to the start and repeat. Perform all reps on one side, then switch. </p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-about-our-expert"><span>About Our Expert</span></h2>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ How To Do The One-Arm Dumbbell Row ]]></title>
                                                                                                                                                                                                <link>https://www.coachweb.com/dumbbell-exercises/7380/how-to-do-the-one-arm-dumbbell-row</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ Beef up your back with this classic unilateral lift ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2019 11:33:28 +0000</pubDate>                                                                                                                                <updated>Mon, 20 Nov 2023 07:03:05 +0000</updated>
                                                                                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Back Exercises]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Dumbbell Exercises]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Exercises]]></category>
                                                                                                                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[ Harry Bullmore ]]></dc:creator>                                                                                    <dc:source><![CDATA[ http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WDEERTHCSY4R3f929fJ2U7.jpg ]]></dc:source>
                                                                <dc:description><![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Harry covers news, reviews and features for &lt;em&gt;Coach&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.fitandwell.com/author/harry-bullmore&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Fit&amp;amp;Well&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.livescience.com/author/harry-bullmore&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Live Science&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. With over a decade of training experience, he has tried everything from powerlifting to gymnastics, cardio to CrossFit, all in a bid to find fun ways of building a healthy, functional body.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Prior to his current role, Harry wrote health and fitness product reviews for publications including &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.menshealth.com/uk/author/720219/harry-bullmore/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Men’s Health&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Women’s Health&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/author/720219/harry-bullmore/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Runner’s World&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, crafting candid critiques of rowing machines, massage guns and more. Before this, he spent three years working as a news reporter, and broke stories of international interest on the Coronavirus pandemic in his local area. In his time as a reporter, his byline appeared in more than 70 national and regional newspapers.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When not occupied with a Biro or barbell, he can often be found trying to exhaust his ever-energetic puppy.&lt;/p&gt; ]]></dc:description>
                                                                                                        <dc:contributor><![CDATA[ Nick Harris-Fry ]]></dc:contributor>
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <media:description><![CDATA[Man performs one-arm dumbbell row in gym]]></media:description>                                                            <media:text><![CDATA[Man performs one-arm dumbbell row in gym]]></media:text>
                                <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Man performs one-arm dumbbell row in gym]]></media:title>
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                                <p>There’s a particular type of exercise you should rely on to build a stronger back: rows. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of variations of this fundamental <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/fitness/back-exercises">back exercise</a>. </p><p>The king of rows is the <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/exercises/back-exercises/177/bent-over-row">bent-over barbell row</a> and it fully deserves its preeminent status thanks to the massive back-boosting benefits it provides. However, you could argue that the one-arm dumbbell row is even better for your back. That’s because using one arm at a time allows you to focus your efforts on the lats, rhomboids and other back muscles called upon by this <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/fitness/exercises/pull-exercises">pull exercise</a>.</p><p>Using dumbbells instead of a barbell also prevents you from relying on one side of your body to do the bulk of the work, and can highlight any strength imbalances that you need to work on. The one-arm row also allows for a greater range of motion than the barbell bent-over row, enabling you to target more accessory muscles around the scapula. </p><p>To help you master this move, we spoke to experienced strength and conditioning coach and sports scientist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/horton_barbell/" target="_blank">Ryan Horton</a> of <a href="https://hortonbarbell.com/" target="_blank">Horton Barbell</a>. Read on for an expert guide on how to perfect your one-arm dumbbell row form, along with its chief benefits and the common pitfalls to avoid. </p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-do-the-one-arm-dumbbell-row"><span>How To Do The One-Arm Dumbbell Row</span></h2><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/6KNmHxw-SpE" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><section class="howto-block">                    <h3>The Set-Up</h3>                                        <p><p>There are two popular ways to set up the one-arm dumbbell row. “Either variation is fine,” says Horton. “It’s really down to personal preference.”</p></p><p><p>The first option requires a weight bench, although you could also sub in a couch if training at home. “Place one hand and one knee on the same side of your body on the raised surface,” says Horton. “To row with the right arm, put your left hand and knee on the bench.”</p></p><p><p>Keep your left arm straight, with your hand directly beneath your shoulder and your left knee directly beneath your left hip, while placing your other foot on the floor outside your right hip to create a stable base. This, Horton explains, will ensure you have a “nice, tight, engaged back”.</p></p><p><p>For the second set-up option, keep both feet flat on the floor and rest one hand in front of you on a sturdy raised surface, like a chair, bench, dumbbell rack or plyo box that’s between knee and hip height.</p></p><p><p>“Place one hand on this surface with a straight arm while keeping both feet flat on the floor, about shoulder-width apart, to create a solid base,” says Horton. To get the idea, think about creating a tripod position with your feet and hand.</p></p>                </section><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2116px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.24%;"><img id="dJPXdun37bCgghZWnZvMuU" name="woman-one-arm-dumbbell-row-GettyImages-699084305.jpg" alt="Woman performs the one-arm dumbbell row in a gym" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dJPXdun37bCgghZWnZvMuU.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2116" height="1190" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Inti St Clair / Getty Images)</span></figcaption></figure><section class="howto-block">                    <h3>The Movement</h3>                    <figure>                            <p class="bordeaux-image-check">                                <img    src="http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zzFwwkQgCNMtmWQ7aQSxXe.jpg"                                        alt="Woman performs single-arm row with dumbbell"                                        onerror="this.parentNode.replaceChild(window.missingImage(),this)"                                        data-pin-media="http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zzFwwkQgCNMtmWQ7aQSxXe.jpg"                                        class="expandable van-old-layout-image">                            </p><div class="credit">(Image: © Getty Images / Juan Algar)</div></figure>                    <p><p>Next, pick the dumbbell off the floor, keeping your arm straight. Retract your shoulder blade on the working side to engage your upper-back muscles. From here, pull the weight until it’s level with your torso, keeping your elbow tucked in close to your body.</p></p><p><p>“Your hand should finish around the top of your stomach,” says Horton. “From here, control the weight back down until your arm is fully extended, and repeat.”</p></p>                </section><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-common-form-mistakes"><span>Common Form Mistakes</span></h2><p>The one-arm row is not a complex exercise, so don’t overcomplicate it. “Assume a solid base, keep your core tight, grab a dumbbell and row. If you follow that instruction, 95% of the time it’s going to be spot-on,” says Horton. That said, there are a few common mistakes that can creep in and undermine your progress. </p><h2 id="1-starting-wrong">1. Starting Wrong</h2><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="v3YuGVchjm4ZH6esMCx2tE" name="single-arm-dumbbell-row-GettyImages-1282045101.jpg" alt="Man in starting position for one-arm dumbbell row" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v3YuGVchjm4ZH6esMCx2tE.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Getty Images)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Rounding your back and positioning your feet too close to your center of gravity is a typical error Horton sees all too often. “If your set-up position is garbage—your back is rounded, your feet are too close together—you’re going to be all hunched up and off-balance,” he says. </p><p>Instead, focus on setting up with a solid platform. “Remember to maintain a wide base with your feet, a flat back, a tight core and keep everything square. Get that right and the row, for the most part, will take care of itself.”</p><h2 id="2-flaring-your-elbows">2. Flaring Your Elbows</h2><p>Another common mistake is to flare your elbows out to the side when performing a one-arm dumbbell row. Instead, keep your elbow tucked into your body.</p><p>“If you get into a proper set-up position, keep your elbow tight to your body and use a weight that’s heavy enough to be challenging, then when you row towards the top of your stomach you’re naturally going to use the correct range of motion,” says Horton. </p><h2 id="3-twisting-your-torso">3. Twisting Your Torso</h2><p>The final pitfall is overly rotating or twisting your upper back at the top of each rep and shifting the focus of the exercise away from the target muscle groups. </p><p>“You’re not starting a lawnmower,” says Horton. “Don’t twist your torso and turn as you row. Keep everything tight and your back flat to work the right muscle the right way.”</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-benefits-of-the-one-arm-dumbbell-row"><span>Benefits Of The One-Arm Dumbbell Row</span></h2><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>Which muscles does the one-arm dumbbell row work?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>Although it works only one side of your body at a time, the one-arm dumbbell row is an effective multi-joint <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/full-body-exercises/7552/the-best-compound-exercises-for-all-levels-of-gym-goer"><u>compound exercise</u></a> for the upper body. It primarily targets the broad latissimus dorsi muscles of the mid back, which are chiefly responsible for manipulating the scapula, or shoulder blade, along with the rhomboids of the upper back.</p><p>Horton notes that because of the pulling movement involved, the one-arm dumbbell row targets the biceps muscles of the upper arm too. “The lats are going to get hit, the rhomboids are going to get hit, and the biceps are going to come into play as well,” he says. </p><p>Combined with <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/exercises/full-body-workouts/2534/10-pull-variations"><u>pull-ups</u></a> and <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/back-exercises/6699/how-to-do-the-upright-row"><u>upright rows</u></a>, the dumbbell row is an ideal exercise for adding size and strength to the mid and upper back region. </p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>Are one-arm dumbbell rows better than barbell rows?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>Generally, if you’re looking to build strength, the better lift is the one that allows you to shift the most weight. In this case, that’s the barbell row—but this situation might be the exception. </p><p>“With a barbell row, you’re probably going to be able to use more weight than a dumbbell row, but because you don’t have an off-hand to brace, the lower back is working really hard to be able to maintain that body position,” Horton explains.</p><p>“Whereas with a one-arm row, you can use your other hand to do most of the work to brace your position, allowing you to fully focus on rowing and moving as heavy a weight as you can handle. Therefore, from a rowing standpoint, the dumbbell variation is an unbelievably good strength-builder.”</p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>Are one-arm dumbbell rows good for building muscle?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>As we’ve covered in the dumbbell row versus barbell row grudge match, the one-arm dumbbell row is an excellent option for building strength in your back and biceps, because, as Horton reiterates, “you can set up in such a stable position, it allows you to really brace and move heavy weight”. </p><p>By extension, the dumbbell variety is equally well suited to adding size as part of a comprehensive <a href="https://www.coachmag.co.uk/full-body-workouts/8735/hypertrophy-training"><u>hypertrophy training</u></a> program, enabling you to safely vary the tempo for each stage of the exercise to promote muscle growth. </p><p>But the benefits of this exercise don’t end there. Horton, who specializes in training athletes, says the move is a staple in his training programs because it has such tremendous carry-over for a wide variety of sports.</p><p>“Whatever sport you play, whether you’re playing football, basketball, baseball or rugby, you need to have a strong back,” he says. “And this is one of the best moves for building back strength. I would use it for any athlete.”</p><p>Thanks once again to the fact that you support your bodyweight with your non-working arm, this move is also better than most other rowing exercises at saving your lower back from fatigue. This, says Horton, means you can attack other <a href="https://www.coachweb.com/full-body-exercises/7552/the-best-compound-exercises-for-all-levels-of-gym-goer"><u>compound exercises</u></a> in your program with a greater intensity without an elevated risk of injury to the muscles and tendons of your posterior chain. </p></article></section>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ How To Make Perfect Coffee No Matter Which Coffee Maker You Choose ]]></title>
                                                                                                                                                                                                <link>https://www.coachweb.com/healthy-eating/5243/how-to-make-perfect-coffee-no-matter-which-coffee-maker-you-choose</link>
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                            <![CDATA[ Make a fantastic cup every time with this comprehensive guide to using five different types of coffee maker ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Mon, 06 Nov 2017 09:27:22 +0000</pubDate>                                                                                                                                <updated>Fri, 10 Dec 2021 09:31:32 +0000</updated>
                                                                                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
                                                    <category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
                                                                                                                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[ Nick Harris-Fry ]]></dc:creator>                                                                                    <dc:source><![CDATA[ http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ubQK7QTvNbZx9G8fcc4xZL.jpg ]]></dc:source>
                                                                <dc:description><![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Nick has been a journalist since 2012, most of which have been spent writing about health and fitness with Coach and other publications. Nick was the news editor of Coach magazine when it launched in 2015 and joined the website team in 2017.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick has covered all aspects of health and fitness for Coach, interviewing experts and celebrities, trying fitness classes and running marathons, all in the name of providing readers with the information they need to get the most out of an active lifestyle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick ran his first marathon after six weeks of training for a magazine feature and subsequently became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 29min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K, and is almost always in training for his next marathon PB attempt. Nick runs 70-110km a week and races regularly with his club Orion Harriers, which gives him a lot of opportunity to test out &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/running-gear&quot;&gt;running gear&lt;/a&gt;: &amp;nbsp;he reviews &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachweb.com/gear/running-shoes/best-running-shoes&quot;&gt;running shoes&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/fitness-trackers&quot;&gt;fitness trackers&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/fitness-trackers/6279/the-best-running-watches&quot;&gt;running watches&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/sports-headphones&quot;&gt;sports headphones&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/treadmills&quot;&gt;treadmills&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.coachmag.co.uk/gear/exercise-bikes&quot;&gt;exercise bikes&lt;/a&gt; and all manner of other kit for Coach.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick has also written for other websites including &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/authors/nick-harris-fry&quot;&gt;Expert Reviews&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wareable.com/author/n.harris-fry&quot;&gt;Wareable&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.getsweatgo.com/author/n.harrisfry&quot;&gt;Get Sweat Go&lt;/a&gt;. He is also the co-founder of YouTube channel &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBM9FasII4dKbyE_HKkbjw&quot;&gt;The Run Testers&lt;/a&gt; and co-hosts The Run Testers podcast.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick graduated from the University of York in 2010 with a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and worked in the NHS for three years, during which time he completed his NCTJ Diploma in Journalism at News Associates in London. Before starting on Coach and moving into health and fitness, Nick worked as a football journalist and lived in Kathmandu, Nepal for two years.&lt;/p&gt; ]]></dc:description>
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <media:description><![CDATA[coffee]]></media:description>                                                            <media:text><![CDATA[coffee]]></media:text>
                                <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[coffee]]></media:title>
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                                <p>Legend has it that we have restless Ethiopian goats to thank for coffee. As the story goes, a goat herder called Kaldi spotted a link between his goats eating berries from a certain tree and being too energetic to sleep at night, so he investigated the berries himself. From there, word of coffee’s magical taste and energising qualities spread first to the Arabian peninsula and then eventually to Europe in the 17th century.</p><p>Coffee is now everywhere and the <a href="https://www.coachmag.co.uk/nutrition/3589/is-coffee-good-for-you">health benefits of drinking it</a> evidently extend well beyond an extra jolt of energy. You can expect to enjoy those benefits whichever method you use to make your morning cup, but how you brew it does result in big changes to coffee’s flavour and strength.</p><p>We’ve explained the most popular methods of making coffee below, but before we get into specifics, let’s go over some basics with Simon Lewthwaite of specialist coffee company <a href="https://www.caravancoffeeroasters.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Caravan Coffee Roasters</a>.</p><h2 id="what-are-the-different-methods-of-making-coffee">What are the different methods of making coffee?</h2><p>There are three principles that underpin every method of making coffee – immersion, pressure or drip.</p><p>“Immersion is the soaking of coffee in hot or cold water for a period of time,” says Lewthwaite. “The intensity or flavour is altered by changing the dose [amount] of coffee used, the length of time you immerse it for and also the coarseness of the grind on the coffee. Once immersion is complete, you remove the coffee from the liquid and serve.”</p><p>“Pressure is when force is applied to the coffee. The highest being espresso at 9bar or so, and then down to AeroPress which varies based on how hard you press the coffee through the filter. An AeroPress actually combines both immersion for the brewing part and pressure for the press part.”</p><p>“Drip methods include your basic filter pot or American diner-style brewed coffee, Chemex, V60 and Kalita. This method uses gravity to pass the water through coffee grounds. The flavour is altered mostly by changing the dose of coffee and its grind consistency. A fine grind takes longer to filter through and is more intense in flavour, and a coarse grind takes a shorter time, with much less body produced.”</p><h2 id="what-is-the-best-water-temperature-to-brew-coffee-with">What is the best water temperature to brew coffee with?</h2><p>If you’re boiling a kettle and splashing it straight into a cafetière, you’re doing coffee wrong.</p><p>“Generally around 92-94°C, but at times I brew with an AeroPress at home using 84-85°C water,” says Lewthwaite.</p><p>“The hotter the water, the faster and more intense the transfusion of flavour will be. Too hot can create a unpleasant cup; too cold, and the coffee will not react with the water and there will be less flavour or intensity in the resulting cup.”</p><h2 id="do-different-styles-of-making-coffee-require-different-grinds">Do different styles of making coffee require different grinds?</h2><p>If you purchase your coffee from a specialist establishment like Caravan, you can often ask for the beans to be ground to the appropriate coarseness for your preferred method of coffee making.</p><p>“Generally, the shorter the drink, the finer the grind,” says Lewthwaite.</p><p>“You’re creating an intense flavour in a much shorter time. Whereas when you are making a large batch filter, the grind will be a lot coarser because it will be in contact with water for a much longer time.”</p><h2 id="what-are-the-pros-and-cons-to-different-styles-of-coffee-making">What are the pros and cons to different styles of coffee making?</h2><p>“There are no cons when you make it well!” says Lewthwaite.</p><p>So to avoid doing it wrong, here are Lewthwaite’s six essential factors for brewing coffee, whatever your favourite method is.</p><ol><li>Quality coffee</li><li>Clean water</li><li>Freshly ground coffee</li><li>Water-to-coffee ratio (you can’t go wrong with 60g/1,000ml)</li><li>Appropriate brewing method for the coffee and grind</li><li>Appropriate filtration method – the right thickness and style of filter</li></ol><p>Got all that? Good, then let’s look into each of the five main methods of brewing coffee more closely.</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-cafetiere"><span>Cafetière</span></h2><p>The classic immersion method – no home is complete without a cafetière (also known as the French press) in the kitchen cupboard.</p><p>“You want a coarse grind of coffee, brew for four minutes with 90°C water (boil the kettle then let it sit for two minutes before pouring),” says Lewthwaite. “Use 60g of coffee per litre of water. After four minutes, decant the coffee into another vessel to stop the brewing process.”</p><h2 id="the-best-cafeti-xe8-re-bodum-chambord">The Best Cafetière: Bodum Chambord</h2><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bodum-CHAMBORD-Coffee-Maker-1-0/dp/B00008XEWG?&tag=coachmag-21"><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:620px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.16%;"><img id="VWaojP2rAsvbGVXzpCqenf" name="best-cafetiere-bodum-chambord.jpg" alt="The Best Cafetière: Bodum Chambord" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VWaojP2rAsvbGVXzpCqenf.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="620" height="621" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Unknown)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>When it comes to the French press, you really can’t go wrong with Bodum. The classic Chambord cafetière is simple, stylish and fit for all your immersion coffee needs. <em>RRP £39 (1 litre model), </em><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bodum-CHAMBORD-Coffee-Maker-1-0/dp/B00008XEWG?&tag=coachmag-21" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>check price and buy on amazon.co.uk</em></a></p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-drip-filter-machine"><span>Drip Filter Machine</span></h2><p>An office staple, filter coffee gets a bad rap generally because people don’t take enough care when making it. Not to mention the fact many colleagues “forget” to refill the jug when they finish it.</p><p>“Use a coarse grind and the appropriate paper filter,” says Lewthwaite. “Check the volume of water the machine will hold and adjust your coffee dose to that, keeping to 60g per litre.”</p><h2 id="the-best-drip-filter-machine-ninja-coffee-bar">The Best Drip Filter Machine: Ninja Coffee Bar</h2><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ninja-Coffee-Auto-iQ-Brewer-Thermal/dp/B01LXJDMJU?&tag=coachmag-21"><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:620px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="sfxQgzuZgxi22BK3PTBeXC" name="best-drip-filter-machine-ninja-coffee-bar.jpg" alt="The Best Drip Filter Machine: Ninja Coffee Bar" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sfxQgzuZgxi22BK3PTBeXC.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="620" height="620" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Unknown)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>A raft of customisable features – including two strength settings, four size of brew options, and a timer that allows you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee – set this machine apart from the drip filter pack. <em>RRP £180, </em><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ninja-Coffee-Auto-iQ-Brewer-Thermal/dp/B01LXJDMJU?&tag=coachmag-21" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>check price and buy on amazon.co.uk</em></a></p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-espresso-machine"><span>Espresso Machine</span></h2><p>You can spend a lot of time perfecting your espresso with a proper machine. It’s one of the best ways to pass a lazy Sunday, in fact… Or you can use this cheat sheet.</p><p>“Use a 2:1 ratio of water to coffee. If your dose is 16g, then you can expect a good extraction at around 32g of coffee – note not 32ml,” says Lewthwaite. “You’re looking to balance three things: sweetness, bitterness and acidity.”</p><h2 id="the-best-espresso-machine-de-x2019-longhi-scultura">The Best Espresso Machine: De’Longhi Scultura</h2><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00C23551W/?&tag=coachmag-21"><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:620px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="6vp337aR6bXH5GUUm7ubea" name="best-espresso-machine-de-longhi-scultura.jpg" alt="The Best Espresso Machine: De’Longhi Scultura" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6vp337aR6bXH5GUUm7ubea.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="620" height="620" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Unknown)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>An easy-to-use and stylish machine that consistently produces impressive espresso shots, the Scultura is a great pick at an affordable price. <em>RRP £200, </em><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00C23551W/?&tag=coachmag-21" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>check price and buy on amazon.co.uk</em></a></p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-aeropress"><span>AeroPress</span></h2><p>The (relatively) new kid on the block, the AeroPress is beloved by coffee obsessives worldwide for its ability to create smooth, strong coffee anywhere you take it.</p><p>Here’s <a href="https://www.caravancoffeeroasters.co.uk/pages/learn-2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Caravan Coffee Roasters’ precise step-by-step guide to using the AeroPress</a>.</p><ul><li>Put a filter into the AeroPress screw cap, then attach it to the AeroPress and pour boiling water through it (this removes any slight paper taste).</li><li>Add 16g of medium-grind coffee (consistency of table salt). If you really want to be exact, you can now place the whole set-up on a set of scales, then tare/zero them ready to put in the perfect amount of water.</li><li>Pour in 250g of water (ideal temperature is 91-94°C), quickly stir the mixture and pop the AeroPress plunger into the tube – it needs to create a vacuum seal to stop water leaking through the filter.</li><li>After 1min 15sec, start pressing the plunger down to push the coffee through into a mug. This should take 30sec, for a total brew time of 1min 45sec.</li></ul><h2 id="the-one-and-only-aeropress-aerobie-aeropress">The One And Only AeroPress: Aerobie AeroPress</h2><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Maker-Storage/dp/B0018RY8H0?&tag=coachmag-21"><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:620px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:55.97%;"><img id="XnyNJHuU9PkymL8Qy4QfgC" name="aeropress.jpg" alt="The One And Only AeroPress: Aerobie AeroPress" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XnyNJHuU9PkymL8Qy4QfgC.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="620" height="347" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Unknown)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>No options here, there’s only one AeroPress on the market, so instead a fun fact; Aerobie only makes two things – the AeroPress and frisbees. A masterclass in diversification, that. RRP <em>£30, </em><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Maker-Storage/dp/B0018RY8H0?&tag=coachmag-21" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>check price and buy on amazon.co.uk</em></a></p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-stove-top-espresso"><span>Stove-Top Espresso</span></h2><p>Another pressure method to make coffee, but with a stove-top espresso maker water is forced upwards through the coffee. Here’s Lewthwaite’s step-by-step guide to nailing stove-top coffee.</p><ol><li>“Fill the base to just below the valve with filtered water.”</li><li>“Fill the coffee reservoir with a fine grind (close to espresso) and pack it in with the back of a spoon.”</li><li>“Place on the stove top, but only on medium or just under medium heat. This will take longer, but it’ll stop the water boiling and burning the coffee inside.”</li><li>“Keep a close eye on the brewing coffee. Once it starts extracting through into the top, do not let it spray and spit through. Instead reduce the temperature to allow it to flow nicely.”</li><li>“As soon as the colour of the coffee becomes lighter, wrap a cold wet cloth around the base. This will stop the extraction and take away the risk of overbrewing. This bit is hard to master, but it’s super obvious when you nail it!”</li></ol><h2 id="the-best-stove-top-espresso-maker-bialetti-moka-express">The Best Stove-Top Espresso Maker: Bialetti Moka Express</h2><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bialetti-Moka-Express-Espresso-Maker/dp/B00004RFRU/?&tag=coachmag-21"><figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:620px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="X8g8sKT5zbtiC4W4bNuMvT" name="best-stove-top-espresso-maker-bialetti-moka-express.jpg" alt="The Best Stove-Top Espresso Maker: Bialetti Moka Express" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/X8g8sKT5zbtiC4W4bNuMvT.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="620" height="620" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Unknown)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>As Bodum is to cafetières, Bialetti is to stove-top espresso makers. The original Moka Express model was created in 1933 and millions have used it to make perfect coffee since. <em>RRP £35 (six cup model), </em><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bialetti-Moka-Express-Espresso-Maker/dp/B00004RFRU/?&tag=coachmag-21" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>check price and buy on amazon.co.uk</em></a></p>
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