Richard Thomson PT

17/07/2022

There's an important intersection for me between two things I'm really passionate about - health and fitness on the one side, and equality on the other. Women's health has been shamefully belittled, sidelined and ignored for too long. This is a great (short, clear) podcast I recommend you all (regardless of gender or age) listen to because all of us - whether we think we have a reason to or not - should just know more about this.

Menopause affects more than half of the world's population. It is rarely discussed and scientific research that exists on it is limited. We're changing that.

22/08/2021

With holidays comes holiday reading...I've been a big fan of Susie Orbach for quite a while and have been meaning to read this for a decade (yes: I'm so old) and I'm delighted finally to have read it. The sub-heading to the book is "The Anti-Diet Guide" and I couldn't help but agree with most of what's in there. I've always hated all those "Get thin now by eliminating X or only drinking juice/soup" diets which prove only that - who knew! - if you starve yourself, yes, you lose weight. But what happens when you start eating normally again? Which is why my approach has always been to encourage clients who look to change their eating habits (and not all want this - which is beyond ok) to adopt a very long-term, sustainable approach to their eating. My rule of thumb is don't make a change you can't make forever. This book has, for me, been a confirmation of how damaging those quick-fix diets are. I'm not here to "fix" your "problem". I'm here to - if you would like - help you make incremental changes that make you healthier and happier.

29/10/2020

From my other life...

10/10/2020

Do no harm. It's a principle that guides my work, a principle I take really seriously. Before reopening the gym several weeks ago I took a few additional measures to make sure I'm staying true to that through these strange times.

1. Trainer AND client wear mask and gloves throughout. (Plenty of opportunities for you to step out for air!)

2. Doors to gym fully open

3. Fan on low to circulate air but not blow any nasties directly downwind

4. One client at a time in the gym

5. Dettol on all touched surfaces after every client in a strict 15 minute gap left between each client, allocated specifically for clean-down

6. Don’t I work out there by myself? Yes. Again, door open. Mask and gloves on the whole time. Every time.

7. Still not comfortable? No problem. Zoom sessions available

This is what a covid-safe gym looks like.

20/03/2020

Just to say remote bootcamps are starting next week...Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am for 45 minutes. All you'll need is yourself, a (free) zoom account and a booking through

Remote training. Receive personal training and home bootcamps delivered online. Fitness at home with coronafituk.

17/03/2020

1. Wash hands. 2. Stay home. 3. Get fit. Come join my mini online revolution (pompous? moi?) in a bid to stay sane and see if we can't even have something good come out of this at www.coronafit.uk. Online bootcamps and PT from the comfort of your own home. No previous experience required. No kit required. Just a desire not to go crazy. Please share...

Remote training. Receive personal training and home bootcamps delivered online. Fitness at home with coronafituk.

03/02/2020

Yet more drivel from my mouth. Please like/share/ignore at will...

I love carrying a bottle of water around. It lets everyone I see in the street know that I'm someone who takes my hydration seriously. And that means I must

02/12/2019

Another day, another blog post. Please have a read, and if you enjoyed it, do the facebook thing and like or share...

Listen to your body. It's the kind of comment that turns a lot of people off, that makes them think of what Boris Johnson would call "uncooperative cru

06/09/2019

And the site is now live - check in for regular thoughts. Or don't. The choice is yours...

Rich Thomson is a personal trainer in Harpenden specialising in pre and post natal training and rehab, working around injuries, weight loss and getting in shape. I believe in sustainable change that lasts long after your time with me, and offer nutrition coaching as well. richthomson.com

20/05/2019

Day 1 of DisneyWorld 0630 so obvs I’m out playing “find the perfect spot for the TRX”. And then I did: perfect tree with perfect pull up branch and perfect view and oh...

06/05/2019

See me in my other job tonight (as 1st AD Adam, sadly not a ghost) on BBC1 at 9.30...

Desperate for cash, Mike and Alison rent the house to a film crew making a period drama.

02/05/2019

Delighted to have been nominated for a Muddy Stiletto Award for best fitness instructor in Herts and Beds. If you agree, please head over here to vote for me: https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/vote/fitness-instructor. If you don't, head here: http://www.rickastley.co.uk where there are some excellent value album bundles available.