Clare Clowes Coaching

June 26, 2026

How to Train for the Firefighter Fitness Test: Advice from a Firefighter & Personal Trainer Passing a firefighter fitness test isn't just about ticking a box—it's about proving that you're physically capable of doing one of the most demanding jo...

June 04, 2026

Training for a Role or Training for Training?

Walk into almost any gym and you'll see the same exercises being performed every day. Bench press. Bicep curls. Lat pulldowns. Leg press. There's absolutely nothing wrong with these exercises. They build strength, muscle, and fitness. But if you're ...

June 04, 2026

Can You Do HYROX or DEKA Training If You Have Lower Back Pain?

One of the biggest misconceptions in fitness is that having lower back pain means you should avoid challenging exercise altogether. Many people assume that events like HYROX and DEKA are only for individuals with perfectly health...

May 29, 2026

RDL vs Deadlift vs Stiff-Leg Deadlift: What's the Difference and Which One Should You Be Doing?

Walk into any gym and you'll likely hear someone mention deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts (RDLs), or stiff-leg deadlifts. While these exercises may look similar at first glance, they each serve a different purpose and target the body in slightly differ...

May 10, 2026

Tips for Sled Push & Pull (Functional Training)

The sled push and pull are two of the most decisive stations in HYROX and DEKA FIT. They look simple on paper - just push, just pull - but in reality they expose pacing errors, weak positioning, and wasted energy faster than almost an...

May 10, 2026

Why Now Is the Best Time to Start Functional Training (And Why HYROX & DEKA Are a Good Thing)

Functional training has gone from a niche gym style to one of the fastest-growing approaches in fitness. With events like HYROX and DEKA FIT gaining serious popularity, more people are running, lifting, carrying, and training lik...

May 03, 2026

Nutrition Basics Most People Overlook (and How to Work Out What You Actually Need)

Most people in the gym don’t fail because they’re not training hard enough—they fail because they either misunderstand nutrition or ignore the basics completely. They jump into complicated diets, random meal plans, or supplements without ever learni...

Clare Clowes - Personal Trainer May 01, 2026

Starting the Gym for the First Time: What to Expect, What Matters, and How to Set Yourself Up Right

Walking into a gym for the first time can feel intimidating. You’ve got unfamiliar equipment, people who look like they know exactly what they’re doing, and that quiet pressure of feeling like you should already understand it all. That mix of nerves...