Author: Jamie Pickett, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Health Facilitator, & Founder of My Movement Medicine. Length: minute read Category: Heart Mag, Heart Health, Dietetics, Nutrition The Protein + Fibre “Default Meal” Method (and what a calorie deficit actually means) Most people don’t struggle with weight management because they “lack discipline”. They struggle because their meals don’t keep them full, life is busy, and the plan is too complicated to repeat. This guide g

UK government physical activity guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days per week, and for older adults (and those at risk of falls), balance and coordination work at least 2 days per week. This guide shares a “minimum effective” plan you can actually stick to: two 20–30 minute sessions per week with warm-up, simple strength moves, and MMM Balance Level 1 (supported) or Level 2 (unsupported) drills, plus clear progressions and SMART challenges.

Heart Mag - May 2026 focuses on blood pressure — one of the biggest “silent” risk factors we can improve with routine. This post shares a simple BP-friendly plan: how to check properly without obsession, walking most days (talk but not sing), strength training twice per week, salt/food default swaps, and recovery habits that keep you consistent. Includes a realistic weekly template and two SMART challenges.

Strength training is one of the most effective “bang for your buck” habits for heart health — and UK national guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activities at least twice per week. This post gives a simple plan that works: 2 x 20-minute sessions with warm-up/cool-down, safe intensity guidance (talk test + Borg RPE), and clear progressions so you build strength without overdoing it. Ideal for beginners, returners, and anyone who wants a routine that actually sticks.

April is Stress Awareness Month. This Heart Mag issue shares a calm, repeatable plan for heart health: 3 anchors (day starter, movement minimum, evening close), a realistic weekly template, and two SMART challenges for April. It also links back to March’s guides on walking, resistance bands, the clock change, and reducing doomscrolling.

Doomscrolling isn’t just “bad news” — it’s the pattern of scrolling past your own stopping point, often for reassurance or distraction, then feeling worse. This post shares a simple 3-Switch Plan (time windows, no notifications, replace one scroll with movement), plus “move while you scroll” tips and a 5–7 minute posture reset for phone neck and rounded shoulders.

Can music help in cardiac rehabilitation? This guide looks at the research behind music in exercise and coronary heart disease, explains how My Movement Medicine playlists are structured from warm-up to cool-down, and includes key studies on adherence, self-efficacy, and exercise experience.

Heart Mag - March 2026 is all about walking. This post explains how to make walking count for heart health using a simple session structure (warm-up, steady walk, cool-down), Borg RPE and the talk test, plus a gradual progression plan that avoids doing too much too soon. It includes a 7-day walking streak and a 4-week base-building challenge.

Sleep is a health multiplier. Start with a consistent wake up time, add a simple wind down routine, and protect your bedroom environment. If sleep is persistently poor, CBT I is the most effective evidence based approach for chronic insomnia.

Happy New Year from My Movement Medicine. If you’re working on your heart health in 2026, you don’t need a dramatic reset, you need small steady habits. Start with 10 to 20 minutes a day at a comfortable to moderate effort, then build a simple 12 week routine with strength, cardio, and mobility. If you’d like support, you’re welcome to join us in person or online, free trial options available.

As we reach the end of the year, I wanted to share a short update and thank you for being part of My Movement Medicine. Whether you’ve attended sessions in person, joined online, or followed along in the background, your support has helped build a service that prioritises safe, evidence-based exercise and a genuinely supportive environment. Just as importantly, MMM has continued to grow into a community — a place where people feel welcomed, understood, and able to rebuild co

Staying Heart-Healthy During the Festive Season December is a joyful month filled with celebrations, family time, and well-earned rest. But it can also bring challenges: colder weather, busier schedules, indulgent meals, and changes in routine can all make it harder to keep moving and prioritise heart health. This guide will help you enjoy the festivities while still feeling energised, confident, and well — without missing out on the things you love. “Take care of your body.

November is the perfect moment to pause, reset and steady the pace. Focus on light–moderate movement, longer warm-ups, simple routines, and stress reduction. Small steps now make December feel calmer and more manageable.