What were you doing last Saturday night? Out on the town partying hard to ... Read More

What were you doing last Saturday night? Out on the town partying hard to dance the working week away? Enjoying a relaxing meal with good food, good wine, and great friends? Or maybe you were one of the 11 million people who couched themselves in front of the telly for the opening episode of this year’s X Factor.

I’m not blaming you. I’ve done it myself. Last year’s series had me glued to the TV almost every week with my friends, gazing in horrified fascination at those little twerps Jedward jumping about the television screen. My friends and I are musicians; we should know better. But somehow the hypnotic charm of Cowell’s big top spectacle is kind of irresistible, even to those who work on the inside of his dirty industry.

Last week’s launch scooped nearly a 50% share of the night’s television, and only three days after the start of the series headlines are already bursting with news about the show. The huge buzz right now centres around the controversial use of auto-tune on auditioning contestants; internet forums exploded less than 20 minutes into the show as viewers picked up on the odd live auto-tune effect and rushed to the blogs to confirm their suspicions. Has somebody blown a whistle? Pulled the rug out from under the Ringmaster’s feet? Not likely. The effect was so obvious that viewers with no music production experience whatsoever noticed it. Why would Simon Cowell suddenly make the effect (which one ‘whistleblower’ told the Evening Standard had always been used) so obvious when it had never previously been heard? Well one thing’s certain: anyone who might have missed theX Factor launch certainly knows about it now. It’s so ubiquitous it’s even being written about here.

I’m not blaming Cowell, exactly. Everybody knows that X Factor is not about singing. All you need to do is listen to Britney Spears singing minus all the post-production effects usually slathered over her vocal cords to realise that pop is a package relying very little on actual musical talent. But what is so distasteful about X Factor is not that it’s a massive PR stunt, or that it feeds the corporate green-machine more than eating at MacDonalds or shopping at Tesco; it’s that the success of the whole shebacle lies not with talent, competition or audience-participation (Strictly Come Dancing anyone?) but in mockery.

X Factor is 2010′s answer to the Colosseum. Spectators line up in their thousands to watch with eager thirst the humiliation and degradation of auditionees. We sit through the good, the half-decent and the interesting, with occasional pauses to applaud the great, waiting avidly for the next squirmingly awful oddball, high on delusions fed to them by the pre-panel auditioners. We sit on the edge of our seats, eyes lighting up when we see some deluded hopeful walk on with a weird face and charity shop MJ clothes, awaiting with baited breath the look on their face that precise moment their dreams shatter to dust.

I attended one of the London auditions earlier this year in the huge docklands arena. The effect of the judges on the crowd was stunning. Simon strolled out, a stream of make-up artists in his wake, emanating sex appeal like a swaggering Mick Jagger, closely followed by an ice cool Cheryl and chirpy Louie. And then they proceeded to play the game of ‘judging’ the contestants; playing dumb to ham up the confused auditionees, playing strict to damn the mistake-makers, playing lenient and humane to the ‘unexpected’ young talents – as if there were any humanity in parading people’s raw and real emotions in front of millions of watchers. There was one man, an African, who had immigrated recently and communicated with difficulty. He had left his backing CD at home, so proposed to sing unaccompanied a song of his own making. His voice was strong, his song a combination (he explained) of African traditional music and modern Western pop. Cowell, playing confused at the man’s accent, meaning, and music, reduced the poor guy to a silent, humiliated laughing stock. It reminded me irresistibly of a playground bully. But the worst bit was the audience. I expected, and hated, Cowell’s deliberate mocking of the unfortunate; it was the audience’s ready, ruthless, cruel response that took me by surprise. It felt like standing around the gladiator ring shouting for blood.

For myself, I’d like to see Simon get up there and prance about in front of millions. Then maybe when he’s tasted a little humiliation himself he’d be less inclined to dish it out so easily.

Am I being too harsh? Or has X Factor really gone far enough? Let us know in the comments at our blog.

It’s noon, first day of your new, dream job. You’ve just popped out to ... Read More

It’s noon, first day of your new, dream job. You’ve just popped out to buy your lunchtime panini (humous and watercress) when suddenly your blackberry buzzes in your pocked. It’s your new boss, beeping you for some vital documents from an office ten tube stops away. “What?” you gasp. “But I’ll never make it in time!”

What to do? How can you save your job, your career, your pride? Three weeks ago, nothing. But now, fear not, my friend! Your salvation sits just around the corner, docked in a little row of metal racks with his brothers. Thank goodness for the Barclays Cycle Hire Bicycles!

Yes, the time has come. July 30th the initiative finally launched, amidst a circus of attention and buzz. For those of you who haven’t been party to the news (where have you been? Living under a log?), they’re all part of a brand spanking new initiative launched here in London town by ‘our Boris’. The Barclays Cycle Hire bikes – sponsored, rather unsurprisingly, by Barclays bank – are mayor-owned bicycles docked in about a million spots around central London which anyone can use. It works, currently, via membership: you sign up and get given a key, which you can then use to unlock a bike from its rack, ride to your destination, and dock in the nearest rack (which will be pretty near – take another look at that link of locations). The first thirty minutes of every ride is free, and after that the prices rise – quite steeply – from £1 (for an hour’s use) to £50 (for 24 hours). There is, on top of this, an annual membership fee of £45, plus £3 per key (you can have up to four for family rides).

So how well does this grand scheme of green work? Well, it’s all a bit of an enigma still, really. No one knows quite how it’s going to go down. Most reviewers (such as that nice chap James Cridland) think it works pretty well, with the most frequent complaint being that the basket is too small (but at least it has one) and that it’s pretty heavy (but that’s because it contains a dynamo to work the lights, and everything is packed inside to limit vandalism). There’s no lock to chain it up, but you don’t need one – before you pop into the shops, leave your bike at the nearest dock (they don’t have to go back to the same one) and get another one out for the ride home if you fancy it.

The biggest problem is still that you need to be a member to get one out, but all that will change very shortly when casual hire is made possible. Then all you’ll need is a credit card and off you whizz.

What do you think? An all round success or an accident waiting to happen? Great for the green future or a waste of green dosh? Let us know in the comments over at the Total Fitness Music wordpress blog!

Yes! Now is a good time to be British. England are tearing up the ... Read More

Yes! Now is a good time to be British. England are tearing up the South African pitch with their passion and zeal, Rooney is on his third hat trick already, and our boys are dancing into history with the thunderous chants of victory, glory and vuvuzelas in their ears...well, no, all right then. We can't bring everything to rights, but we can bring a little joy into your life this summer. We at Total Fitness Music have been working slavishly behind the scenes (or something) in order to bring you lovely people not one but TWO brand new album releases!

Total Workout Running Vol. 3: Power Run 5k & 10k is a cool 90 minutes of pumping club hits from the likes of Deadmau5, Chris Lake, Robert Gaez and Michael Woods. These tunes are so fresh from the scene they're still spinning, and they are guaranteed to get you running with new energy and motivation. The album splits into two mixes (so really we're giving you three new releases!) geared to either a 5k or a 10k power run. The first, with tunes from Gary Caos, South West Beats, Michael Woods and more, lasts 40 minutes and aims to get you breezing through those 5k. The second features Deadmau5, Nic Fanciulli, Robert Gaez and Mikel Carino, and lasts 50 minutes.

Download your copy in minutes from iTunes or have a look at the full track listing and more info on our here, and be sure to check out the other mixes in our Total Workout Running series here:

Total Workout Running

Total Workout Running Vol. 2

As if that weren't enough to get you squealing in your running shoes and shaking those World Cup blues, we've collaborated again with Men's Health magazine to bring you yet another in our hugely popular Playlist series. Men's Health Workout Playlist Vol. 6: 10k Stamina Mixed By Chicane is a 19-track frenzy of rhythm, melody and motivation, with massive tunes from the likes of Groove Armada, Calvin Harris, William Orbit, Deadmau5 and of course Chicane. Use this album to inject a little pod-given assistance into your workout. Dr Costas Karageorghis, the man behind the research into heartbeat-synced bpm workout mixes, has calculated the exact bpms to get your legs race-ready for a 10k conditioning workout; Gareth Cole, much sought after strength and conditioning coach at the Third Space gym in London, has put together an accompanying non-stop interval workout session that's perfect for summer toning; and trance hero Chicane takes charge of your iPod to ensure you get the right beats.

Take a look at the 'what's new' section on our website for the full track listing, and click below to find the other mixes in the Men's Health series:

Men's Health Workout Playlist Vol. 1: Aerobic Base mixed by Judge Jules

Men's Health Workout Playlist Vol. 2: Vo2 Max mixed by Tom Middleton

Men's Health Workout Playlist Vol. 3: Metabolism Kick mixed by Seamus Haji

Men's Health Workout Playlist Vol. 4: Endurance Booster mixed by Richard Durand

Men's Health Workout Playlist Vol. 5: Fat Burning mixed by Erick Morillo

The new mix by Chicane is out July 5th.

So! Whatever the weather this Wimbledon (and doesn't it look like sunshine? Look! Flying pigs!), give your long suffering ear drums a break from those vuvuzelas and freshen them up with a brisk 5 or 10 kilometre run, to the sound of Chicane, Deadmau5 and the rest of all those final fellas above. And don't say we never give you nothing!

Summer – time for hot tunes and even hotter bodies. We’re helping you get ... Read More

Summer – time for hot tunes and even hotter bodies. We’re helping you get both with our latest release, Men’s Health Playlist Vol. 6: 10k Conditioning, mixed by the indomitable Chicane. The songwriter/producer has worked with the likes of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Adam Young (of the smash hit ‘Fireflies’), and William Orbit and BT in this year alone, and his previous list of collaborators reads like a celebrity A list: Bryan Adams, Tom Jones and Cher are among them.

In 2006 he had a massive hit collaborating with that infamous Welshman, Mr Tom Jones, with ‘Stoned In Love’. This year sees him release a new studio album entitled ‘Giants’, so you’ll be able to squeeze plenty of his tunes on your iPod what with that and the Men’s Health-Total Fitness Music release. Men’s Health Playlist Vol. 6: 10k Conditioning is released on July 5th 2010, and is available with the August issue of Men’s Health. Check out our existing Men’s Health Playlists, available for download from iTunes:

Men’s Health Playlist Vol. 1 – Mixed by Judge Jules

Men’s Health Playlist Vol. 2: VO2 Max – Mixed by Tom Middleton

Men’s Health Playlist Vol. 3: Metabolism Kick – Mixed by Seamus Haji

Men’s Health Playlist Vol. 4: Endurance Booster – Mixed by Richard Durand

Men’s Health Playlist Vol. 5: Fat Burning – Mixed by Erick Morillo

Flaming hot pop-punk band All Time Low, already a big hit in their native ... Read More

Flaming hot pop-punk band All Time Low, already a big hit in their native stateside, seem to have lit a spark across the pond in the UK this past month. Their debut UK single, 'Lost In Stereo' reached no. 3 in the UK Rock Chart, and is still sitting there in the top ten after 10 weeks in the chart. Everyone's talking about the Baltimore band, from their dark, guitar-heavy tunes to their cheeky American grins to their sweat-drenched, frenzied live shows.

This June they're hitting the road with a 29 date tour of the US before crash landing at the UK festival scene, so you can catch them live on your home turf if you're quick with the tickets. This summer they play Reading and Leeds with classic punk-pop gods Blink 182, Cypress Hill and Paramore - or if you're hungry for some more All Time Low tunes, check out our latest album, Runner's World: Rock 'N' Run, which has their massive track, 'Let It Roll', not featured on their most recent album 'Nothing Personal'.

There's not a lot by now that the Icelandic volcano which erupted last Wednesday ... Read More

There's not a lot by now that the Icelandic volcano which erupted last Wednesday hasn't interfered with. Airports across twenty countries have shut down for the past six days solid, leaving an estimated 100,000 Britons stranded across the world, and thousands more from other European states. Now the volcano - which began spurting out another cloud of ash across Britain yesterday - is interfering with the London Marathon.

Travellers from across the world are searching for ways to cross the channel which don't involve flights. Not all of them have been successful. Last year's winner, Kenyan Olympic gold medallist Sammy Wanjiru, is travelling to Nairobi to be airlifted to Spain, before trying to catch a flight to London. He is concerned a longer journey involving trains and cars would negatively affect his countrymen and his performance.

"I think travelling by road or train from Spain to London may be too long for us," said Wanjiru. "Fatigue may affect us during the race and my agent has indicated to me that another jet will pick us in Spain."

Last year's second place, Mara Yamauchi, has even further to travel as she is based in Japan. She has driven a hire car from Madrid and will cross the channel via the channel tunnel from Paris. Defending women's champion Irina Mikitenko will travel via rail from her home in central Germany.

Experts who have analysed the volcanic ash have said the fine layer which coats London should not negatively affect runners' breathing.

Race For Life have announced the launch of a new event to be held ... Read More

Race For Life have announced the launch of a new event to be held in June in memory of reality TV star Jade Goody. The event has been organised by Goody's four bridesmaids to coincide with what would have been her 29th birthday. Goody died in March last year after battling cervical cancer.  In her final months she used her celebrity to raise awareness.

Jennifer Smith, one of Jade's best friends and bridesmaids, said: "It's been a year since Jade died and we all miss her every day. We know that Jade's cancer battle raised awareness of cervical cancer, especially among younger women, and we're eager to ensure that more people are educated on the signs, symptoms and risks of cancer.

"Cancer Research UK's Race for Life series raises around £60m a year for vital research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer. We are honoured to launch this Race for Life Basildon event in memory of Jade."

The race will take place in Basildon on Sunday June 6th at 17.30. The official Race For Life albums with Lucy Wyndham-Read are available from the links below, and 10% of net profit goes to cancer research.

RACE FOR LIFE BEGINNER'S WALKING ALBUM

RACE FOR LIFE BEGINNER'S RUNNING ALBUM

Are you a fan of Sport Relief? Even if you’re not big on charity ... Read More

Are you a fan of Sport Relief? Even if you’re not big on charity fests, you’d have been hard pushed not to enjoy the BBC’s annual Sport Relief extravaganza last week. Guest spots from David Walliams, Gavin & Stacey’s Smithy, and marathon-running Eddie Izzard  brought on the belly laughs, and celebrity spots from Alan Shearer, Robbie Williams (who sang the official Sport Relief single, ‘Morning Sun’) and Kelly Holmes brought smiles to faces.

But the best part of the evening, as ever, was the inspirational stories told by dozens of ordinary Sport Relief participants. This year The One Show presenter Christine Bleakley raised a staggering £1,321,623 with her challenge, in which she water skied across the channel. Former England rugby union captain Lawrence Dallaglio raised a further £926,127 with his impressive Cycle Slam, and infamous Eddie Izzard, £1,152,510.

The overall total for Sport Relief so far is £31,622,091. Were you one of the thousands taking part? Did you enjoy the night on BBC?

He was one of the most influential musicians of all time in popular music, ... Read More

He was one of the most influential musicians of all time in popular music, and one of the few legendary artists awarded the title ‘king’, up there with Elvis. Following his death nine months ago (can it really be that long?), Michael Jackson has sold 31 million albums – an unprecedented and frankly amazing feat in today’s music industry where album sales continue to plummet by drastic degrees. Now, his estate have agreed a deal with Sony Music (who have made a significant amount those 31 million copies already) which blows every other massive music deal out of the water. Remember the fuss everybody made back in 2002 when EMI signed a contract with Robbie Williams for £80 million? Yeah. Not even in the same stratosphere.

For over a whopping $200 million (that’s £133 million), Sony have secured the rights to release a further ten albums over seven years. Sources say one of these albums will be the soundtrack to the hit film ‘This Is It’ which contained footage from rehearsals for Jackson’s sell-out UK comeback tour. Other albums will feature the dozens of new tracks Jackson left behind him when he died, as well as revamped old ones.

“During his life Michael’s contracts set the standard for the industry,” said John Branca, co-administrator of the Jackson estate. “This agreement with Sony demonstrates the lasting power of Michael’s music by exceeding all previous industry benchmarks.”

Rob Stringer, chairman of Sony Music’s Columbia/Epic Label Group, added, “We’re dedicated to protecting this icon’s legacy and thrilled that we can continue to bring his music to the world for the foreseeable future.”

The record deal should go a long way to paying off Jackson’s debts, which are estimated at $400 million (£264 million).

Thinking of joining the 730,000 women taking part in Race For Life this year? ... Read More

Thinking of joining the 730,000 women taking part in Race For Life this year? Then get yourself in peak physical condition with the official 5k Race For Life Walking Workout album. Race For Life have teamed up with Total Fitness Music and top fitness consultant Lucy Wyndham-Read to create a digital music fitness package to inspire and help train participants, downloaded straight to your iPod for ease of access.

The album contains thirteen top tracks handpicked for their motivational value, inspiring energy and feel-good factor. The album also contains a 6-week specially designed training plan, carefully crafted by Lucy Wyndham-Read, author of ‘The No-Gym Workout’ and ‘The Unfit Mother’. Lucy has put together an easy-to-follow workout plan to take you from out-of-breath to fit and free, making your Race For Life pleasure instead of pain. The plan gently works up from 12 minute walking sessions to longer 25 minute workouts, helping you to your physical peak for the day itself.

The album contains classic tracks ‘I’m Every Woman’, ‘Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves’ and modern hits Scouting For Girls’ ‘She’s So Lovely’ and Calvin Harris’s ‘I’m Not Alone’.

“I have carefully selected 13 tracks that are all motivational and inspiring to help to keep listeners energised throughout each of their workouts,” explains Lucy. “The benefit of working out to music is that it emulates the pattern of physical performance, which means music can improve your walking technique and make your workout more efficient.”

10% of net profit goes to Cancer Research. Preview and buy the album here.

According to new research undertaken in Virginia, air pollution levels frequently negatively affect the ... Read More

According to new research undertaken in Virginia, air pollution levels frequently negatively affect the running times of women in marathons. Linsey Marr, a civil and environmental engineer, conducted the studies in association with the US army on the sites of major US marathons in New York, Boston and Los Angeles, where pollution tends to be highest. The finishing times of female athletes were compared with male athletes, taking into account several factors including weather and air pollutant concentrations in seven races over 28 years. Marr found the higher pollutant levels affected women's race times negatively while men were unaffected.

"Previous research has shown that during a race, marathon runners inhale and exhale about the same volume of air as a sedentary person would over the course of two full days," said Marr. "Therefore, runners are exposed to much greater amounts of pollutants than under typical breathing conditions. Although pollution levels in these marathons rarely exceeded national standards for air quality, performance was still affected."

It is thought that women's smaller tracheas may be the reason they pick up more pollutant particles than men.

Modern life can feel like one long, late chaotic rush. So much has to ... Read More

Modern life can feel like one long, late chaotic rush. So much has to be done, and most of it by yesterday, that we end up dashing about like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, tapping out mad replies one-handed on our blackberries at the same time as boarding a train, talking on the phone and scalding our tongues with our too-hot caffeine 'breakfast'. Where in all that rush is there time for exercise? And before you say it, no, fast typing does not count. Being in good shape helps you focus better, stay less stressed and get more out of your day. It's in everybody's interests to exercise - but finding even thirty minutes to set aside each day can be a big challenge.

Here's the answer: short workouts. Not convinced? Read on to find out the top benefits of shorter sweaty slots...

1. Ease of Practice. You don't need a treadmill or a big machine to work out for ten minutes; jumps can be done just about anywhere, dumbbells don't require a great amount of space and all you need for med ball tosses is a brick wall.

2. Interest. Ever find yourself lagging mentally during a long workout? Not through lack of motivation (our morale-boosting mix albums will put an end to that!) but through - well - boredom. Spending sixty minutes performing exactly the same routine - or worse, exactly the same movement in the same place, treadmillers - can be a drag unless you're in the zone. Short workouts keep your interest piqued and stop you giving up halfway through from sheer dull desperation.

3. More Effective. Experts are finding more and more evidence that short, intense workouts actually benefit your health and fitness levels more than long sustained workouts. Rather than working out solidly for thirty minutes, work out for fifteen first thing in the morning, and another fifteen at lunch or after work; you'll burn more fat. The secret is that brief, intense workouts with long rest periods in between raises your metabolism and keeps it elevated for longer, so you end up burning more calories. Studies have shown that as little as ten minutes of intense exercise benefits the body.

So now you have no excuse: spread out your exercise routine across the day and keep yourself entertained by mixing up the workouts you do. Not only will you stay interested, you'll be working on different muscle groups. So that's your exercise sorted - now there's just that overflowing inbox to see to...

Shaun White, the superstar Californian snowboarder, wowed judges, audiences and the Guinness Book of ... Read More

Shaun White, the superstar Californian snowboarder, wowed judges, audiences and the Guinness Book of World Records today with his most impressive gold run yet. White took the medal in the Men's Halfpipe with his first run, in which he scored an impressive 46.8, the score with which he bested Ross Powers' record for highest score in halfpipe in 2006. His nearest competitor, Finland's Peetu Piiroinen, could only manage  45.0 - a sound score for anyone who isn't White.

But not content with keeping his record and taking gold, White proceeded to smash his own record in his final run with a jaw-dropping 48.4, in a showstopping self-proclaimed 'victory lap' containing his signature move, the Double McTwist 1260. Fans - of which he has a multitude - went wild, and critics are already decribing the run as 'epic'.

"I wanted a victory lap that would be remembered," said the 23 year old. "I achieved that. I know I have it in me, but the Olympics is pretty heavy. I was sweating it a little."

The only question now is what new tricks he can pull out of his seemingly bottomless bag to wow fans next.

Historically, Mexican-Americans have been classified as one of the least active socio-racial groups in ... Read More

Historically, Mexican-Americans have been classified as one of the least active socio-racial groups in America, but a report published last week has shown that contrary to popular belief, Mexican-Americans are fitter, more physically active and more likely to meet the national goal of at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous activity three days a week.

Researcher Sandra Ham explained why previously the group has been underestimated in their activity levels. "Mexican-Americans and other Latinos may not report all of their activity on surveys because they often have jobs that require manual labor and most national surveys do not ask about physical activity at work. They also may walk and use public transit more often than other groups because their rates of car ownership are relatively low."

The 27% of Mexicans who meet the national goal compares to 20% of non-Hispanic whites and 15% of blacks.

Every first lady has a cause - and for Michelle Obama, the latest in ... Read More

Every first lady has a cause - and for Michelle Obama, the latest in that long and prestigious line, that cause is childhood obesity.

One in three American children are obese or overweight, and there are over 3 times as many obese children in the US today than there were thirty years ago. For the first time in American history, doctors are warning that this generation might have shorter life spans than their parents: a chilling reminder of the health risks obesity can lead to.

Michelle Obama and the doctors, athletes, schools, farmers and the food industry professionals she has rallied have pledged to solve this problem within a generation, to cut dead the so-called 'epidemic' and make America a healthier nation. "I would move heaven and earth to give my kids all the chance in the world for them to be at the top of their game in every way, shape and form," said the First Lady. "We're determined to finally take on one of the most serious threats to their future, and that's the epidemic of childhood obesity in America today."

Part of her 'Let's Move' campaign is aimed at fighting the sedentary culture most children live in today. By funding schools, communities and sports centres, as well as educating and helping parents and teachers, Obama wants to encourage kids off the sofa and on to the sports field.

The world of competitive athletics is complex, addictive and - well - competitive. Men ... Read More

The world of competitive athletics is complex, addictive and - well - competitive. Men and women spend their entire lives crafting and cultivating their bodies into perfect submission in order to become the best at one particular discipline: say, jumping with a pole, or running very quickly for precisely four hundred metres. With the World Indoor Championships kicking off today, we thought we'd take a look at the exacting disciplines that mark out indoor competitions from the rest.

To begin with, there's the obvious difference of size. Crowds are much closer to competitors and events are held simultaneously right next to each other, which means distraction can be a real issue. In the minutes before your critical gold medal make-or-break moment, your all important mental warm-up routine is impeded by deafening crowd noise and the fuss of the high jump going on ten metres away. During Jessica Ennis' biggest height attempts for the high jump at January's events in Glasgow, a lot was happening at the long jump right next to her. Her mental discipline, the ability to shut out the world around her and focus on nothing but her body and its aim, really came into play in that moment.

For track, an entirely different set of skills is needed. Rather than long-legged sprinters like Linford Christie or Carl Lewis, indoor 60m favours compact, muscular runners with a shorter, more explosive stride. Jamie Baulch, 1997/9 World Indoor 400m champion comments of the 60m, "It's all about raw power and the first 20 metres. If you have a short stride length and quick leg turnover, you can get out of the blocks faster. Over 100m the taller, leggier guys would come through from 60m onwards as their longer stride length kicks in. But indoors, that's too late.

"To win the 400m, you have to get to the bell first or second, even if it means blasting the first 200m. Beyond that, you're going to struggle. I used to run 21.1 seconds for the first 200m of a 400m indoors, and my 200m personal best outdoors was only 20.8 seconds. In other words, I went as hard as I could."

A lot of the same principles hold true over 800m, where Meadows will start as one of the favourites to make the podium after breaking the British indoor record last month."You have to be much more tactically aware running 800m indoors than out," says Baulch, "because it's that much harder to overtake. If you watch Kelly Holmes when she won Olympic 800m gold in Athens, she did it all from lane three. That wouldn't have worked indoors."

The events in Doha will be held from 12th - 14th March. British favourites include Jessica Ennis, Dwain Chambers, and Jenny Meadows.

If you've been pounding the treadmill for months with little or no result, you ... Read More

If you've been pounding the treadmill for months with little or no result, you could be one of the 20% of people carrying what fitness researcher James Timmons has dubbed the 'unfitness genes'. According to a report published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, up to one in five of us have DNA containing the eleven genes which limit oxygen uptake, however hard and fast we have been working out.

Researchers tracked the aerobic fitness levels of 600 people, and found that 120 of them had a combination of genes negatively affecting their oxygen uptake, which indicates the heart's ability to pump blood and is a key componant of a long and healthy life. Scientists predict these findings will lead to blood tests able to tell us whether or not we carry these genes, and consequently informing trainers and instructors on the best way to exercise. For those carrying the genes, aerobic workouts will make little or no difference, and other exercise methods will need to be explored.

In 10% of testees, on the other hand, the researchers discovered the opposite: these lucky exercisers saw a massive improvement in aerobic fitness over the same time period. It's alright for some, eh?

The British World Champion has announced her decision to pass up the Commonwealth Games ... Read More

The British World Champion has announced her decision to pass up the Commonwealth Games this year in order to focus on her winter training for the European Championships, which will be held in Delhi next July.

The last Games in Melboune four years ago saw her take bronze and her absence will be a knock to British hopes. "October is a difficult time to peak," Ennis explained in an interview to the BBC yesterday. "In July for the Europeans and then again in October. It's when I begin my winter training so we sat down and decided the main focus is the Europeans this year."

Ennis kick started her 2010 with an impressive victory over American champion Lola Jones in the 60m hurdles in Glasgow on Saturday. The 24 year old British team captain set personal bests in all five pentathalon disciplines at the Aviva International Match. She took the victory in a speedy 7.95 seconds, which is not only a British record but the fastest time in the world this year.

Remember that time David Walliams, the nation's favourite if slightly odd comic, surprised us ... Read More

Remember that time David Walliams, the nation's favourite if slightly odd comic, surprised us all and swam the 22 miles of the English Channel? Or when Eddie Izzard (another faintly bizarre comedian) suddenly decided to run around the entirety of Great Britain, a total of 1100 miles, completing the equivalent of a marathon a day, six days a week, for seven weeks? Of all British celebrities, those two were the last (probably also in their own minds) we would have chosen to complete such feats. And why did they do it? One reason: Sport Relief.

Yes, it's that time of year again when ordinary people all around the country start preparing themselves to do slightly less ordinary things. From 19th - 21st March, Britain will go slightly mad for activity, as thousands of people join in to raise money for disadvantaged people living in the UK and across the world's poorest countries. This year, the Beckham family have got together (kids included) to design the official Sport Relief t-shirt range, and Sainsbury's are sponsoring the infamous Sport Relief Mile. It's easy to get involved: hundreds of events are taking place around the country and you can find support from a number of charities as well as the official Sports Relief website.

FitMix have got a whole range of albums to get you in the running mood. So pull on your running socks, whip out the sponsorship form, and get running!

Seeing as we've just entered the 10th year of the new millenium, and as ... Read More

Seeing as we've just entered the 10th year of the new millenium, and as we're still feeling that hang over of good will from Christmas, we've decided to give you a list of the top ten charity runs of 2010. Some of them are classic causes you'll have heard of; others are smaller but worthy of greater attention. These charities have guaranteed places at almost all major runs this year, so if you're considering running them, why not join a team and raise some cash for them while you're at it?

1. Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Join them at the Brighton Marathon, the Great North Run, Flora London Marathon and more.
2. BUPA (BUPA London 10k). Join them on the Great Manchester Run on 23rd May, or (more aptly) at the BUPA London 10k on 31st May.
3. Athsma UK. Every seven hours somebody dies from athsma, but 90% of those deaths are preventable. Join Athsma UK this year at the Great North Run, Flora London Maratahon or London Triathalon to help prevent those deaths.
4. Cancer Research UK (Race For Life). Join the Race For Life this year and help beat cancer. There are hundreds of 5k and 10k runs across the country between May and July so it's easy to get involved.
5. Diabetes UK. Guaranteed places at British 10k, Great Manchester Run, Great North Run and more.
6. Macmillan Cancer Support. Support this amazing cause at Run To The Beat, Leeds 10k Run For All, York 10k Run For All.
7. Help The Hospices. Running at the Edinburgh Marathon, Adidas Womens UK, Great North Run, Great South Run, Flora London Marathon and more.
8. Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC). Know an arthritis sufferer? Then you'll know how painful this condition can be. Arthritis is the single biggest cause of disibility in the UK. Join them at Great Manchester Run, Great North Run, Great South Run, Flora London Marathon and London Triathalon.
9. Scope. Scope works nationally with sufferers of Cerebral Palsy. Join them at the Great North Run, Great South Run, Great Manchester Run, Flora London Marathon and British 10k.
10. RSPCA. Raise money for the protection and treatment of animals across Britain by joining the RSPCA in the British 10k, Hydro Women's Active 5k, Great Manchester Run, London Marathon and more.

Enjoy the runs even more with our specialist running mixes - check out our Run To The Beat and Runner's World playlist Volume 1: Running Classics compilations now.

Feeling stuffed? Once Boxing Day has been and gone, you can practically feel the ... Read More

Feeling stuffed? Once Boxing Day has been and gone, you can practically feel the Christmas calories clinging to you. Luckily, we've teamed up with Mens Health magazine once more to bring you the fifth in our Workout Playlist series. This time, house legend Erick Morillo has taken to the decks exclusively for you, to bring you a burning soundtrack that will push you to your limits with its hot, pumping tunes, including the infamous 'I Like To Move It' and featuring classic vocals from the likes of Barbara Tucker, Duane Harden and more.

Morillo has packed out dancefloors the world over, and he has previously taken up residencies at Pacha in New York and Ibiza. Though he admits he is often asked by friends to put together workout mixes, this is his first official workout mix. "I really enjoyed doing it," he said. "[A good workout CD has] something that you can warm up to, work out to and cool down to, and I think this CD does the job perfectly." 

Catch Erick Morillo at Pacha in NYC on Dec 18th, or Ministry of Sound in London on Dec 19th. Check out the album here, or download it from iTunes. PLUS, download the free training guide here.

Running in winter, essential for those preparing for spring marathons, can be a definite ... Read More

Running in winter, essential for those preparing for spring marathons, can be a definite trial at times. For one thing, the narrow window of daylight makes it more difficult to find a good time to train, particularly for those of us who have day jobs that start early in the morning. What's more, the change in temperature can affect not only our athletic ability but also our motivation; who wants to get up shivering for an early morning run in the cold and dark?

But winter workouts can also be a blessing in disguise. The change in daylight hours and weather forces us to change our training patterns, and shake ourselves out of those complacent habits we've got into. Don't hibernate over winter: use the opportunity to raise your fitness, ready for the new year.

Hal Higdon, author of Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide, has put together a specialist winter training schedule that doesn't simply maintain your fitness level, but aims to improve it. So grab your warmest workout gear, stick on your favourite FitMix running mix to get your heart pumping, and get out there!

Look out for our first release with Runner's World magazine - out soon.

Winter, as we all know, is the season of long nights, shivery mornings and ... Read More

Winter, as we all know, is the season of long nights, shivery mornings and dark, drawn out evenings. Perfect for stretching out in front of the fire with your loved ones in front of a film; not so perfect for getting out your front door with your running kit on! Running over winter is essential for those in training for spring marathons, and the season of mince pies and chocolate is not the one to choose to take training leave from. But the diminishing daylight hours can put many runners off. Darker evenings can mean that we are less visible to cars and other hazards, and lone female runners can feel more at risk.

But rather than give up your training entirely, take instead these few simple precautions:

1) Choose well-lit, populated areas. For the sake of ease, as well as your own peace of mind, run where you can see where you're going and plenty of people can see you. It's worth the five extra minutes you take avoiding the dark common, for safety's sake.

2) Get yourself some high visibility gear. Research show a 168% increase in pedestrian fatalities in November, just after the implementation of Daylight Saving Time. Make yourself visible by choosing bright or white clothing, and invest in some reflective gear. Night-Gear.com offer a range of reflective clothing from gloves to jackets, and check out the Doberman Power Button Personal Alarm, designed to wrap around a runner's upper arm to ward off attackers or attract attention.

Don't let the dark keep you trapped inside your house: put on your high visibility gear and get out there!

Check out our wide selection on running soundtracks here.