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Strength Training 101

2nd January 2024

Fitness Health

2nd January 2024

By Hannah Belsham

Let’s talk strength training, where beyond pumping iron the pursuit of overall wellbeing takes centre stage - or should we say platform. In this article, we'll explore the multifaceted benefits of adding strength training to your weekly routine, and just how you can do so effectively.

What is strength training?

Strength training, also known as resistance training or weight training, is a form of physical exercise focused on improving muscular strength and endurance through resistance or weights. The primary goal of strength training is to enhance the ability of muscles to generate force, promoting increased muscle mass, improved tone, and overall functional fitness. It works by inducing controlled stress on our muscles to prompt physiological adaptations. When external resistance, such as weights or resistance bands, is applied, it creates tension within the muscle fibres and microscopic tears. During recovery, the body initiates repair processes, forming new proteins and muscle fibres to rebuild these tears and adapt the muscles. This results in increased muscle mass, strength, and endurance over time.

What equipment do you need for strength training?

Strength training can use a whole host of various equipment, including free weights, resistance bands, or weight machines, and typically involves performing sets and repetitions of specific exercises.

who should strength train?

Can Anyone Strength train?

Strength training is an inclusive and adaptable fitness option suitable for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Regardless of gender or prior fitness experience, everyone can benefit from incorporating strength exercises into their routines. From beginners focusing on form to advanced lifters pursuing various techniques, strength training accommodates diverse fitness goals.

The supportive community environment, both in-person and online, ensures an inclusive space for sharing experiences and motivation. Ultimately, strength training goes beyond building muscles; it fosters strength, confidence, and well-being for everyone.   

What are the benefits of strength training? 

The Mental Health Boost

Strength training is not just about physical gains; it's a holistic approach to health that extends to mental well-being. Engaging in regular weightlifting sessions has been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression [1]. The release of endorphins during exercise acts as a natural mood enhancer, helping to alleviate stress and improve overall mental clarity [2].

Easier Everyday:

It may seem like stating the obvious, but beyond the broader spectrum of benefits, the fundamental advantage of strength training lies in … you guessed it … enhanced physical strength! As you progressively challenge your muscles with resistance, your muscles become more efficient at generating force, allowing you to lift heavier weights and perform more challenging exercises [3]. 

This improvement in strength not only empowers you within the confines of the gym, but also translates into a newfound capability to tackle everyday tasks with greater ease and confidence.

Increased Metabolism:

Strength training isn't just about building muscle; it's a metabolic powerhouse. As you engage in resistance exercises, your body works hard to repair and build muscle tissue. This process consumes energy, boosting your resting metabolic rate. Over time, this heightened metabolism becomes an ally in maintaining a healthy weight and supporting fat loss goals [4].

Improved Posture, Joint Health & Bone Density:

Strengthening the muscles that support your spine and shoulders helps maintain an upright posture, reducing the risk of chronic back pain [5]. Additionally, targeted exercises can enhance the stability of your joints, contributing to overall joint health and flexibility [6]. Weight-bearing exercises stimulate bone growth and remodelling, making your bones denser and more resistant to fractures [7]. This is particularly significant as you age, helping to combat conditions like osteoporosis and promoting long-term skeletal health.

Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity:

Regular strength training has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity [8]. This means your body becomes more efficient at utilising insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This is not only beneficial for individuals with or at risk of diabetes but also contributes to overall metabolic health.

Better Sleep Quality:

Strength training could also be a natural remedy for those struggling with sleep issues. Engaging in regular physical activity, including strength training, has been shown to improve sleep quality for some [9]. The exertion during workouts, coupled with the positive impact on stress levels, promotes more restful and rejuvenating sleep. 

How to improve your strength training


How to Strength Train like a Pro

Strength training for beginners:

Start with the basics – master proper form and use lighter weights. Focus on fundamental exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to build a strong foundation. Don’t be afraid to ask your local personal trainer for help (that’s what they are there for!). Equally, if you’re practising at home, recording yourself and watching it back can be a great way to assess your technique - along with getting to grips with your mind to muscle connection, and making sure to feel the burn where you should!

Begin by doing 12 reps of each exercise and go through the routine for 3 sets, taking a 30-second break between each set. Aim for a weight that gives you a good challenge, making the last two reps of every set extra tough - you should be too tired to try a 13th repTop of Form! This initial phase will trigger neuromuscular adaptations, enhancing your body's ability to recruit muscle fibres efficiently for strength-based tasks.

Level Up: 

When you’ve got the hang of it, it’s time to intensify your routine. Gradually increase the weight, reps, or sets, and add variations of different exercises to keep challenging your muscles – this is called progressive overload. Consider split routines, which target specific muscle groups on different days. This will allow for more targeted training and effective recovery.

A common split routine divides training sessions into upper and lower body workouts. On upper body days, exercises concentrate on muscles like the chest, back, shoulders, and arms. Lower body sessions then emphasise exercises targeting the legs and glutes. Another approach is the push-pull split, where one day is dedicated to pushing movements (e.g., chest and triceps), and the next focuses on pulling movements (e.g., back and biceps).

Advanced Strength Training:

Now in the big leagues, strategies such as periodization come into play. Periodization involves cycling through different phases of intensity and volume to prevent plateaus and optimise performance [10]. 

Advanced lifters may experiment with techniques like drop sets and supersets to induce greater muscle fatigue and stimulate further growth. Recovery becomes paramount at this stage, so listen to your body, prioritise recovery, and make sure to fuel yourself properly for optimal results.

Summary

In the world of strength training, we've discovered its broad benefits, going beyond muscles to mental well-being, enhanced functionality, metabolism, joint health, and better sleep. Progressing through your strength training journey involves mastering form, intensifying routines, and strategic approaches. Whether you're starting or seasoned, the key is personalisation, consistency, and recovery. Building strength isn't just about weights; it's about a healthier, resilient you. So, grab those weights, start your journey, and watch transformative benefits unfold!






[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137526/
[2] https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric-Hall-4/publication/325652029_The_acute_effects_of_resistance_exercise_on_affect_anxiety_and_mood_-_practical_implications_for_designing_resistance_training_programs/links/5b1ee1ab458515270fc46b0c/The-acute-effects-of-resistance-exercise-on-affect-anxiety-and-mood-practical-implications-for-designing-resistance-training-programs.pdf
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2892859/
[4] https://pure.bond.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/36134364/AM_The_effect_of_exercise_interventions_on_resting_metabolic_rate.pdf
[5] https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-020-00181-0
[6] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269215515610039
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6279907/
[8] https://www.bewegenismedicijn.nl/files/downloads/tresierras_et_al._2009_-_rt_in_the_treatment_of_diabetes_and_obesity.pdf
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4341978/
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3438871/#:~:text=Periodization%20is%20the%20planned%20manipulation,the%20onset%20of%20overtraining%20syndrome

 

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Magnesium for Sleep: Here's What You Need to Know

Magnesium for Sleep: Here's What You Need to Know

  Sleep is one of the most important parts of the day. Feeling well, training well and moving through the day with enough energy to actually enjoy it, all rely on a good night’s sleep. Yet for many of us, it is also one of the first things to suffer when life gets busy. Late nights. Early starts. Stress. Screens. Training sessions squeezed into already full days. A mind that seems to become suddenly very active the moment your head hits the pillow. It is no surprise, then, that magnesium has become one of the most talked-about supplements for sleep. It is often linked with relaxation, recovery and the ability to switch off at night. But as with most things in wellness, the real answer is a little more nuanced than “take this and sleep better”. So, does research suggest that magnesium helps with sleep? And how do you know whether it is right for you? Let’s take a closer look. Key takeaways Magnesium supports several normal processes linked with rest, including muscle function, nervous system function and energy metabolism. Magnesium may help some people sleep better, particularly where poor sleep is connected to stress, low magnesium intake, muscle tension or poor recovery. Food should always be the foundation, but magnesium supplements can help support a consistent intake when busy lifestyles, training and irregular meals get in the way. Magnesium works best as part of a broader evening routine, alongside sensible caffeine timing, reduced evening stimulation, good nutrition and proper recovery. What is magnesium and why is it linked to sleep Magnesium is an essential mineral found in food, water and supplements that is involved in over 300 bodily processes. It acts as a mandatory helper molecule (coenzyme) for your cells. Some of the key biological functions of magnesium include: Supports energy production by helping the body convert food into usable cellular energy. Contributes to normal muscle function, including the balance between muscle contraction and relaxation. Supports normal nervous system function by helping regulate nerve signalling and neurotransmitter activity. Contributes to normal bone structure, with a significant proportion of the body’s magnesium stored in bone. Supports normal glucose metabolism, with magnesium involved in blood glucose control and insulin-related processes. While by no means an exhaustive list, this gives a wider sense of how widely it is used throughout the body. Magnesium’s connection with sleep comes from the way it supports systems involved in relaxation and recovery. As highlighted, magnesium helps regulate nerve signalling and muscle contraction, which is one reason it is often associated with calmness, reduced tension and post-training recovery. It is also commonly discussed in relation to GABA (or gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter involved in calming nervous system activity. While the relationship between magnesium and sleep is still being studied, the general theory is that healthy magnesium levels may help the body and brain shift away from a heightened, alert state and towards a more relaxed one. This matters because good sleep rarely begins the moment you get into bed. It starts earlier, as your body and mind begin to downshift. For active, busy people, this can be one of the hardest parts of the day. If your evening routine looks like finishing work, replying to messages, doing a late workout, eating quickly and then expecting your brain to instantly power down, you are asking a lot from your body. Magnesium may support the relaxation side of that process, but it works best when the rest of your routine is helping too. Does magnesium help you sleep? Magnesium may help some people sleep better, but it is not a guaranteed solution for everyone. Its value sits more in supporting the body’s normal relaxation and recovery processes than acting like a direct sleep aid. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies looked at oral magnesium supplementation for insomnia in older adults. It found that magnesium may help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. While the results were promising, the sample size was limited. Magnesium is most likely to be helpful when poor sleep is linked to factors such as low magnesium intake, stress, muscle tension, a busy nervous system or poor recovery. Someone who trains several times a week, works long days and struggles to wind down at night may find it more beneficial for sleep specifically than someone whose sleep issue is caused by an untreated medical condition, severe anxiety, chronic insomnia or an inconsistent sleep schedule. It is also worth remembering that “better sleep” can mean different things to different people. Some people want to fall asleep faster. Others wake up during the night. Some sleep for eight hours but still wake feeling flat.  Magnesium is usually discussed in relation to relaxation and sleep onset, rather than acting as a powerful sleep aid that forces deeper or longer sleep. A helpful way to think about it is this: magnesium supports the conditions that may make good sleep more likely. It does not replace the foundations of sleep itself (many of which we have discussed before). Can You Get Magnesium from Food? Yes, and this is a good place to start. Magnesium is found in a range of everyday foods, including: leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, wholegrains and dark chocolate. Pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, black beans and wholegrain products are all useful sources. Food Why it helps Pumpkin seeds Naturally rich in magnesium and easy to add to meals or snacks Almonds and cashews Useful sources of magnesium, healthy fats and plant-based protein Spinach and leafy greens Provide magnesium alongside fibre and other micronutrients Black beans and lentils Support magnesium intake while also adding fibre and slow-release carbohydrates Wholegrains A practical everyday source of magnesium and sustained energy Dark chocolate Contains magnesium, although best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet   A food-first approach also supports the bigger picture. Your body does not experience nutrients in isolation. A diet rich in magnesium-containing foods is often also higher in fibre, plant compounds and other micronutrients that support overall wellbeing. That said, busy lives do not always make consistent nutrition easy. Active people may also pay closer attention to magnesium because of its role in muscle function, energy metabolism and recovery. If you train regularly, sweat heavily, experience muscle tension or find yourself relying on convenience meals during busy weeks, your magnesium intake may be worth looking at. This is where effective supplementation can help, especially when it forms part of a wider routine rather than replacing a balanced diet. Where magnesium supplements can help Food should always be the foundation, but supplements can make magnesium intake easier to manage when life is busy. Rather than trying to rebuild your diet overnight, the right supplement can help you add consistent support around the routines you already have: morning training, post-workout recovery, evening wind-downs, or busy workdays where meals are not always as balanced as you would like. With Innermost, magnesium is included as part of wider, goal-led formulations rather than as a standalone quick fix. The Fit Protein contains 250mg of magnesium per serving, alongside vegan protein, maca, rhodiola root, cocomineral and Pink Himalayan sea salt, making it well suited to active lifestyles where performance, energy and recovery all matter. The Strong Protein contains 200mg of magnesium per serving, alongside protein, casein, creatine monohydrate, Montmorency cherries and bilberries. This makes magnesium part of a broader strength and recovery blend, supporting people who train regularly and want their nutrition to work harder around their goals. For evening recovery, The Recover Capsules are another good supplementation option, with magnesium included as part of a wider recovery-focused formula. This makes them a natural fit for people who want to support recovery at the end of the day, particularly when sleep, training and overall performance are closely connected. When should you take magnesium for sleep? Magnesium works best when it becomes part of a routine you can actually stick to. Because magnesium supports relaxation and recovery rather than acting as a sedative, timing does not need to be overly complicated. The most effective approach is usually the one you can repeat consistently. For many people, magnesium fits naturally into the evening. That might mean taking it with dinner, after training, or as part of a wider wind-down routine before bed. The aim is not to wait until you feel wired and then expect magnesium to force sleep. It is to give your body steady support at the point in the day when you want to start slowing down. This is particularly relevant if your days are busy or training-focused. When your body has been under physical or mental demand, sleep is part of the recovery process. Magnesium can support that bigger picture by contributing to normal muscle function, nervous system function and energy metabolism. Final thoughts: magnesium, sleep and recovery Magnesium has earned its place in the sleep conversation, but it deserves to be understood properly. It is an essential mineral with important roles in muscle function, nervous system function and recovery. For some people, particularly those who are active, stressed, low in magnesium-rich foods or struggling to wind down at night, supplementation may be a useful addition to an evening routine. The key is to keep expectations realistic. Magnesium is not a shortcut to perfect sleep. It is a supportive tool that works best alongside consistent habits: sensible caffeine timing, less evening stimulation, good nutrition, proper recovery and a calm bedtime routine. For Innermost, the bigger point is that form matters, but formulation matters too. Magnesium works best when it fits into a wider routine. That might mean supporting your intake through a recovery-focused product, taking supplements with food, and using them consistently rather than expecting an instant effect. References  Magnesium. National Institute for Health Professionals. Click here. Jewett, E., Sharma, S (2023). Physiology, GABA. National Library of Medicine. Click here. Mah, J., Pitre, T (2021).Oral magnesium supplementation for insomnia in older adults: a Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. Click here.
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Fibre

The Benefits of a High Fibre Diet for Energy, Gut Health & Balance

Within the fitness space there can be a tendency to think of fibre as something that’s just functional. Important, of course, but often its impact is only framed around digestion. In reality, fibre plays a far broader role in how your body performs and how you feel day to day, influencing variables like energy stability and appetite regulation through to long-term metabolic health. For anyone already investing in their training, recovery, and overall wellbeing, a high fibre diet matters more than you might think. It’s one of the simplest ways to bring more consistency to your nutrition, without adding complexity. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what fibre does, why it matters, and how to build a high fibre diet in a way that fits naturally into your routine. What is fibre and why it matters Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that is naturally sourced from foods like wholegrains, beans, nuts and more. At its core, dietary fibre is the part of plant foods your body can’t fully digest. Rather than being absorbed, it moves through the digestive system, interacting with everything along the way. This process is what makes fibre so valuable. It slows digestion, supports beneficial gut bacteria, and helps regulate how nutrients enter the bloodstream. Over time, these effects compound, influencing energy levels, hunger signals, and metabolic health. It’s worth understanding that fibre isn’t one single thing, and while it is often grouped together, different types have different roles. Broadly, fibre falls into two categories: Soluble fibre: This dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance, helping to slow digestion and regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. Insoluble fibre: This adds bulk and supports regular movement through the digestive system. Most whole foods contain a combination of both, which is why variety matters more than focusing on a single source. Why intake is often lower than expected You might read this and think you’re easily hitting your daily fibre requirements. Yet, even among people who eat relatively well, fibre intake tends to fall short. In the UK, the recommendation sits at around 30g per day, yet average intake is closer to 18–20g. This isn’t usually down to poor habits. More often, it reflects modern eating patterns: A strong focus on high-protein meals can reduce the variety of plant foods in a diet, lowering fibre intake over time. A reliance on staples like white bread and pasta contain less fibre than wholegrain alternatives, making fibre intake harder to reach. Quick, convenient meals often lack the whole ingredients needed to support adequate fibre intake. The result isn’t a complete absence of fibre, but it does lead to a gradual shortfall below the 30g recommendations. Each meal might seem balanced in isolation, but across a full day or week, intake consistently sits below where it needs to be. The Key Benefits of a High Fibre Diet  A high fibre diet supports several key areas of health at the same time: Gut health and microbiome support As previously mentioned, fibre’s most recognised role is in digestion, but its impact actually goes deeper than that. Certain fibres act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria produce compounds known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate, which plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining and regulating inflammation. A 2019 review published in The Lancet found that higher dietary fibre intake was consistently associated with improved gut health markers and reduced risk of several chronic conditions. The key takeaway wasn’t a single “superfood”, but the cumulative effect of consistent fibre intake over time. There’s also increasing interest in how microbiome diversity influences overall health. A more varied intake of fibre tends to support a more diverse gut environment, which is linked to better resilience and function. For those looking to improve their training routines and hit new PBs, a well-functioning gut is central to recovery. This is because fibre supports the gut environment, which in turn affects how efficiently nutrients are absorbed. More stable energy levels When it comes to your energy, it isn’t just about calorie intake. It’s also key to ensure your body can effectively process these calories. This is where fibre can be highly beneficial. This is because fibre slows the digestion of other carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. This helps avoid the sharp spikes and dips that can come from highly refined meals. Studies also show that diets higher in fibre are associated with improved glycaemic control, even in otherwise healthy individuals. In practical terms, this often leads to: More consistent energy across the day Fewer mid-afternoon crashes Reduced reliance on quick fixes like sugar or caffeine For those balancing work, training, and recovery, the more stable blood sugar levels provided by fibre mean more consistent energy availability. This can translate into better training sessions, particularly for longer or more demanding workouts. Appetite regulation High fibre foods tend to be more filling due to their volume and slower digestion. At the same time, they influence hormones involved in hunger and fullness, including ghrelin and peptide YY. There’s also a hormonal aspect to this. Fibre-rich foods can influence the release of satiety hormones, helping your body better recognise when it’s full. This creates a more sustainable approach to body composition. Instead of relying on weight loss restriction, your diet supports appetite regulation more naturally. Heart Health and Long-Term Outcomes In addition to the shorter-term health and wellness benefits, fibre intake also has a beneficial impact on long-term health. Soluble fibre, in particular, has been shown to help reduce LDL cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and aiding its removal. Large cohort studies have consistently linked higher fibre intake with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. This is partly due to improved blood sugar regulation and partly due to the broader metabolic benefits of a fibre-rich diet. One study in particular by the BMJ found that each additional 7g of fibre per day was associated with a 9% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. These outcomes aren’t immediate, but they reinforce the role of fibre as a long-term investment in health. High Fibre Diet Foods We’ve written about his previously (see here for our guide on high fibre foods) but in short, building a high fibre lifestyle doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your current diet. It’s instead about increasing variety and making more intentional choices within your existing routine. Below we have outlined some key foods that can help increase fibre intake. Whole grains Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and wholegrain bread provide a steady source of fibre while supporting sustained energy. They’re an easy upgrade from refined grains and tend to be more filling. Fruits and vegetables Eating more fruit and vegetable is one of the simplest ways to raise fibre intake. A useful approach is to focus on variety: Berries and apples for convenience Leafy greens for micronutrient density Root vegetables for more substantial meals Legumes Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are among the most fibre-dense foods available. They also provide plant-based protein, making them particularly useful in meals focused on satiety and recovery. Nuts and Seeds Chia seeds, flaxseeds, and almonds offer a concentrated source of fibre and can be added easily to meals. Even small additions, such as a tablespoon of seeds in a breakfast or smoothie, can make a difference over time. A Smarter Way to Think About Fibre Fibre doesn’t need to be treated as a standalone goal. It works best as part of a balanced, well-structured approach to nutrition - one that supports how you feel day to day, not just how you perform in the odd moment. For most people, that starts with whole foods. Building meals around plant variety, whole grains, and consistent habits. From there, the role of supplementation becomes more effective. The Innermost approach reflects that balance. Products like The Greens Blend can help support daily plant intake and micronutrients, while products such as The Lean Protein fit alongside a diet that prioritises both protein and fibre, rather than one at the expense of the other. Building a high fibre diet isn’t about adding or overhauling, instead It’s about making those small adjustments that bring more consistency to your routine. Over time, those shifts tend to have the biggest impact - not just on digestion, but on how your body feels, performs, and recovers. References Renolds, A., Mann, J., Cummings, J., Winter, N., MDiet, E., Morenga, L. (2019). Carbohydrate quality and human health: a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The Lancet. 393 (10170), 434-445. Click here.  NHS UK. How to get more fibre into your diet. Click here.  Hullings, A., Sinha, R., Liao, L., Freedman, N., Graubard, B., Loftfield, E. (2020). Whole grain and dietary fiber intake and risk of colorectal cancer in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study cohort. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 112 (3), 603-612. Click here. Threapleton, D., Greenwood, D., Evans, C., Cleghorn, C., Nykjaer, C., Woodhead, C., Cade, J., Gale, C., Burley, V. (2013). Dietary fibre intake and risk of cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ.347. Click here.
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