Those of us who have survived the blackboard jungle and made it to retirement are now surviving on a reduced pension, thanks to the beneficence of our political masters and the FEMPI creature spawned by the twisted logic that spurns the Apple billions while greedily milking hard pressed pensioners of their hard earned pension through the mechanism of PSPR!

No wonder many of us find it hard to draw breath!  This is why many members, your humble author being one, who have taken to pilates to build stamina.  Our tutor, Claire McGlynn, puts us through our paces rigorously, while at the same time having due regard to our age and in some cases, our general lack of fitness!

A recent article in the Irish Times  says the latest research shows that taking exercise in short bursts could be just what the doctor ordered. It’s known as high-intensity interval training (Hiit) and it is now part of any fitness instructor’s offering. Even those who can’t be bothered to go to a gym or who don’t have the time can benefit.

High-intensity training means really pushing yourself for a short amount of time, resting, then pushing yourself again. What’s shocking is how little time it can take to make a difference to your fitness.

Claire Mc Glynn, a competitive weightlifter and personal trainer at cmgfit.com in Dublin, and trainer to Dublin South RTAI, loves to use Hiit and says it is the best and quickest way to achieve positive results in your physical and mental health. “It’s very simple really – everyone knows that when you put 100 per cent of effort into something, you get the best results and there is no exception when it comes to exercise.”

Claire has been doing pilates with our members now for two years.  “Their progress has been unbelievable. Many started with me two years ago and now they are blitzing sessions of many, many squats, lunges, push-ups, plank holds for up to three minutes and so on. Their mobility, strength, fitness, self-belief and confidence has increased tenfold.”

Claire holds classes in St Judes Parish Centre in Templeogue on Mondays and Thursdays.  Currently both classes are full but vacancies may occur in the future and even if you’re not attending class, you can still work out in the privacy of your own home!