This month's main article by Dr Jenny Tylee considers the significant problem of air pollution within the home. There is plenty of research to confirm what is perfectly obvious -- people spend many hours every week inside their homes. Add to this number the additional hours spent inside other buildings and the level of exposure poses quite a problem.

This significant risk to health is all the more worrying because it is largely silent. People just don't realise what they are exposed to and what problems can result. Many people suffer poor health as a direct result from exposure to toxins found in the air inside their own homes. Might you be one of them? What can you do about the problem?

When she first arrived, probably her first week, I took the group for a walk/run in the rain. She only had to run in 10m lots but she struggled greatly with that. As each new fortnight arrived her only wish was that someone with less fitness than her would arrive, so she wasn't always last.

Well 12 weeks later and she too reached her goal of being able to run for 10km. Not only that but she could run 2-3 times per day, averaging approximately 6-8km per session. 

It's people like this that really make my work worthwhile. She was very unfit, and although it hurt a great deal she worked hard and stayed committed. For that she has my respect!

This 'overy-pink-wearing 8-weeker' came to us at 96.5kg, and gave up smoking on the day she arrived. She was bubblt right from the start and blew many people away with her positive attitude. She definitely brought a much needed positive boost to the place at a time when it was needed. Even when her muscles ached she was still happy. She pushed herself hard, and smiled all the way.

But it wasn't all easy going. After 4 weeks, and some great results, she had a few hurdles and this really showed in her attitude. She was still happy, and still worked hard, but it seemed she had to really work at being positive rather than the easy way it just flowed at the start.

Well the end of 8 weeks is 2 days away and she is looking awesome. This unfit, obese, smoker, has left has left as a slimmer, fitter young lady who can now run 10km!

She can RUN 10km!!!!!!

I am very proud, and this girl epitomises what a trainer needs in a client: Turn up, listen, learn, implement. She really is a credit to herself and whilst we provided the atmosphere and tools, she can take credit for all the great results because it was her putting in each day.

Well Done!

Ps. HTFU? ...... Well this is how this girl motivated herself. When she knew she needed to lift for a session she would wear the cap she brought for times like that. It just had HTFU across it (Harden The F*** Up)

This week was no different and 2 ladies in particular have made a stunning (psychological) transformation over the course of the week. One in particular running our 5km Mordi Beach run, which includes many stairs and ramps. This was the first time she had run in many years.

It takes a lot of courage to turn up here and face your demons. I have nothing but respect for those that do! 

Well, back to work!

As usual we have answers to questions posed by readers. This month we have a brief follow-up to last month's discussion about managing allergic responses.

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