Author Archives: Michelle Carroll

The Effectiveness of Glute Activation

Any gym gal worth her Gymshark leggings will likely have some form of glute activation as a precursor to leg day. I myself love a good banded warm-up, but I haven’t actually looked into how effective it is. So, I thought I would investigate the literature to determine whether the Instahuns have led us down the path to glute gains or not.

I Read “The Daily Stoic” Every Day For A Year, And It Changed Everything

I used to be an asshole. Some would say I still am (and they’d be right, but I’m markedly less of an asshole now). I used to talk shit about people, blame them for my unhappiness and be an all round geebag. I was also an asshole to myself, anxious and extremely self-critical. I hadContinue reading “I Read “The Daily Stoic” Every Day For A Year, And It Changed Everything”

The Accuracy of Fitness Watches

The fitness watch is like a tracking bracelet for fitfam: it makes us easy to identify, and keeps us on the straight and narrow. You may be considering purchasing one, have one already or just have some concerns about how accurate they are. We’re going to run through some common misconceptions and delve into just how accurate they are.

BCAA Supplementation: Placebo Juice

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) hold a special place in my heart. AS THE BIGGEST WASTE OF MONEY EVER. This coming from the girl who once bought apple cider vinegar because it uPs uR mEtAbOLiC rAtE. So you know this shit is serious. I have seen a few PT’s posting on Instagram about the benefits of BCAA supplementation, and it occurred to me just how much misinformation there is out there. And, given the amount of money I wasted on them in the past, I hold a personal grudge against these glorified Boleros, as in my case I didn’t need them at all.

The Hip Thrust & Its Potential for Injury Reduction in Female Field Athletes

In my opinion, the hip thrust is one of the most underutilized weapons in the arsenal of training female athletes. With potential transferable benefits in performance, injury prevention and lower body strength, it is hard to believe that it isn’t the cornerstone of most female strength training programmes.
This article will discuss the biomechanics that predispose us lowly girlos to lower limb injury, and how the hip thrust may address these.

Resistance Training, Radiography & Reducing the Risk of Injury

Radiography is a growing profession, particularly in Ireland. As of 2019, there are 2,301 practicing radiographers in Ireland[1]. As the profession has grown, so has the demands placed on the health service, and consequently, radiographers. In this article, I will outline the main musculoskeletal injuries (MSK) faced by radiographers, and why I think strength training can benefit almost all radiographers.

The Hip Thrust: The Secret to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Success?

The hip thrust is an exercise revered by Instagram huns, athletes and celebrities such as the Rock. Aside from seemingly being the key to glutes worthy of a Women’s Best sponsorship, what if the humble hip thrust offered the opportunity to build muscle and strength to aid athletes recovering from injury?

Preparing Yourself for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction As A Female Athlete

A common injury (unfortunately) amongst female field athletes, tearing your ACL is every bit painful psychologically as it is physically. It is common to feel helpless and overwhelmed after suffering such an injury. Whilst you cannot untear your ACL, you aren’t powerless to help yourself. I thought I would put together this article to give you an indication of what to expect. Having torn my ACL twice, and had three surgeries, I feel I have a wealth of experience on the subject, and I wish I had something like this to help me when I was going for surgery.

Education in Review: Optimum Nutrition’s Sports & Exercise Nutrition Course

Over lockdown, Optimum Nutrition kindly offered this course for free and I happily took them up on this. The course is still available, and I thought I would run through my thoughts and experience with the course.