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The menopause and strength training: Why training is now more important than ever
Every woman goes through the menopause. Hot flushes, poor sleep, lower energy levels and a body that suddenly reacts differently: many women feel as though they’re strangers in their own bodies during this phase. The good news is that you have far more control over the situation than you realise. One of the most effective ways to manage this is strength training. In this article, you’ll find out what changes during the menopause, what Dr Stacy Sims’ research says about it, an

Mary Carmen Argast


From desire to goal: Why good goals are the driving force behind your motivation
Motivation doesn’t just fall from the sky. In personal training, one of my most important tasks is to guide and motivate my clients. And that doesn’t start with the very first squat, but much earlier: with setting the right goal. In this article, you’ll find out why a wish isn’t the same as a goal, how to set goals that really drive you forward, and how we work on this together in our personal training sessions in Basel. A wish or a goal? A small but crucial difference Right

Mary Carmen Argast


Fullbody workout or split routine: which suits you best?
A full-body workout, or would you prefer a split routine where you train different body parts on different days? As a personal trainer in Basel, I’m often asked this question, and the honest answer is: it depends. Which approach makes more sense for you depends largely on your current fitness level, your ability to recover, and what your daily routine is like. The first step: an honest assessment of the current situation Before you even decide whether full-body training or a

Mary Carmen Argast


How many times a week should you exercise to build muscle?
Twice a week? Three times? Or perhaps every day, so that you finally see some results? If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone. As a personal trainer in Basel, I hear this from almost every new client. And I’ll let you in on a little secret right from the start: there’s no such thing as the perfect number that applies to everyone. But there is the right number for you. The short answer For an effective training plan aimed at building muscle, I recommend at l

Mary Carmen Argast


How much does personal training really cost?
The question of price is almost always the first one asked. And that’s a good thing. If you’re seriously considering working with a personal trainer, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into. Here’s an honest overview: how much personal training with me costs, what factors influence the price, and why the investment is worth it for many people. Factors affecting the price Not all personal training is the same. Three things make the difference: Qualifications and experien

Mary Carmen Argast


How training strengthens your brain not just your body
You train to have a fit body but did you know that the right kind of movement has just as strong an effect on your brain? Current neuroscience shows: targeted training doesn't just improve strength and endurance, it also sharpens focus, memory, and mental clarity in everyday life. In short: your brain benefits most from a training mix of easy endurance work, intense intervals, slow strength training, and explosive movements. How these four building blocks work together and ho

Mary Carmen Argast


Sticking with It despite setbacks -my unicycle lesson for life
These days, the fast and constant availability of everything and everyone has made us used to being impatient especially with ourselves. We expect results instantly, and when something doesn't work on the first try, we give up quickly. My own journey shows just how much real perseverance can achieve. In short: skill isn't built from talent alone, but through patience, repetition, and how you deal with setbacks. A story from my childhood taught me that early on and it still sh

Mary Carmen Argast


Improving your health without training, how is that possible?
When it comes to our health, we often think far too big: a new gym membership, a complete overhaul of our diet, exercising every single day. What we tend to overlook is that small everyday adjustments can already bring about a big positive change without a single workout. The short answer: yes, it's possible. Three of the most powerful levers for your health are in your hands every day, completely independent of training: good sleep, enough water, and a diet that gives your b

Mary Carmen Argast


Why heavy strength training matters and how it protects against osteoporosis
“I'll start strength training once I'm older” as a personal trainer in Basel, I hear this more often than you'd think. But actually, the opposite is true: the earlier you start strength training, the better you protect yourself against a problem that often only becomes visible decades later osteoporosis. In short: heavy strength training places targeted stress on your bones, prompting them to build up. If you train today, you build a reserve of bone and muscle that benefits y

Mary Carmen Argast
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