Concussion has recently dominated the news cycle. Whether referred to as a “head knock” by those downplaying the seriousness, or as “CTE” (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) by attorneys engaged in potential lawsuits, brain injuries are a critical conversation in sports and beyond.

Rest has never been a negative concept, especially when it comes to top performers who have earned a break. For athletes training at the highest intensity, giving their all requires recovery before the next challenge. The mantra was clear: “Training should be harder than the game.” In fact, the game was meant to be the easiest part of the week. For some players, though, rest was the hardest part—they were addicted to work, and this obsession sometimes got in the way.

Fitness trends come and go, but not all workouts are created equal. No one appreciates this more than fitness gurus and coaches Malcolm and Rebecca, who know which exercises target key muscles, keep your bones healthy as you age, and improve your heart health. Each exercise can be done at home, and most require minimal equipment. And don’t worry — only one of them is a burpee.

Many midlifers focus on cardio or train intensively and relentlessly. But what’s key is retaining muscle mass.

Let’s start with the unusual: give the verdict before hearing the case. Why? Because we’ve been so indoctrinated and behaviour-modified into thinking a certain way that a total uncluttered "Road to Damascus" moment is required on this issue. We must not let a previously brainwashed good story get in the way of the facts!

The following is written without any intention to sway you, simply to answer a few questions as to why we did not beat Samuel or Sally in the sprint or marathon but won the occupational race, often against the odds.

Eight factors to consider when buying the best training shoes for your needs.

When members of the public are unable to make a Sophie’s Choice (an extremely difficult decision), or they make a choice that turns out to be illegal, we turn to those at the peak of reasoning to deliberate and provide opinion. Who said it was easy being a judge?

Our wellness coach, Malcolm Hood, explains how stress isn’t always bad for us.

Malcolm and Rebecca round out the year with a practical guide to increasing our strength. I can tell you, this absolutely works! Why? Before, and then after my total knee replacement on 1 November, I entered their strength training programme and I'm a convert. It’s simple and it works! Thanks to them, while I’m not exactly bending it like Beckham yet, I soon will be!! 

Sunshine is a word that activates emotions — usually good ones. In large part we are offered comfort from being in the warmth and reflected glory of our biggest and brightest star, the sun. But why do New Zealanders suffer so much sunburn?