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What exactly is fitness?

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By Rob Cussen from Activate Fitness

I was sitting down having a coffee last week when a group of people came running past the window. One person at the table next to me turned to their friend and said "aren't they so fit". This got me thinking about how we define "fitness" and more importantly health.

I'll start with a question, who is fitter? Ayshea Ullah - four time Ireland's strongest woman, or Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United's ageless superstar. The answer is actually both because in their own particular sports they are incredibly "fit".

Different sports or activities will require a different component of fitness; some may require more than one and all of them can be trained and improved with an appropriate programme.

There are five health related components of fitness. These are; Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Flexibility, Cardiovascular Endurance and Body Composition.

Over the next few weeks I'll be talking you all through these different components; what they mean, why do you need them, and how can you improve them.
This week we'll be starting with muscular strength.

What is muscular strength?

Muscular strength is the maximum amount of force you can produce one single time. To put it simply, how heavy an object can you lift once. Think of a strongman attempting a super heavy single deadlift.

Why do I need it?

Muscular strength is one of the two components that make up overall muscle health, the other being muscular endurance. Healthy muscles can aid in injury prevention and overall better quality of movement.

How can I maintain or improve it?

This is the question I face most often as a coach. The answer is probably not one that you always want hear - "it depends". It is completely person dependent. There is no one size fits all. However, an appropriate form of resistance training is a good starting point.

Next week I'll be talking about muscular endurance, but if you have any questions between now and then you can drop me an email me at rob@activate.ie.

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Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre

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Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.


The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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