Learn tips and techniques to living a healthy holistic life

Michael Hannon

My name is Michael Hannon. I have been passionately involved in helping people reach their health and fitness goals for 6 years. I specialize in achieving fat loss through resistance training and healthy eating habits.

By using my knowledge from the latest scientific research, drawing from my thousands of hours of one on one client work and my constant pursuit of learning from the best in fitness and holistic health care, I am able to achieve consistent, safe and healthy fat loss in my clients

Working in the top 3 fitness centres in London I have had the chance to encounter, and help individuals from all walks of life from Accountants, CEO'S, Lawyers, Models to other health care professionals such as Doctors, Nutritionists and other Personal Trainers.

I am currently traveling Asia, seeing marvelous sights, meeting wonderful people and studying Martial Arts along the way.

I will be contributing as many articles as I can to Michelle. I hope they serve well those who read them and that they are enjoyed.

As well as the articles, I have a blog that you may benefit from and enjoy reading.

"The meaning of life is to truly endeavor to reach ones potential, and to understand that life is perception"
~Michael Hannon

"The experience you create is a statement of who you are-and who you want to be"
~Neale Donald Walsch, author of Conversations with God.

Health, Wealth and Happiness,

Michael Hannon

Articles Contributed by Michael Hannon
Michael Hannon shares his many years of experience as a personal trainer in this thought provoking and witty article on exercise and weight. Is Exercise Making You Fat?

He has also contributed several other articles where you will find the same insight, thought and humor:

Ask The Expert

Want to ask Michael a question about Personal Training, Health or Exercise?

Well here is your chance, just click on the link below "Click here to add your own comments" and put your question in the comment block. Michael will be happy to answer your health and fitness related questions.

Comments for
Michael Hannon

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

May 29, 2008
Rating

Question about Chronic Illness and Exercise
by: Anonymous

Hi Michael,

I am dealing with a chronic illness and would like to add some moderate exercise to my daily routine.

I have difficulty with exerting myself, my blood pressure drops whenever my heart rate gets too high. Do you have any suggestions.

Thanks!

May 30, 2008
Rating

Answer Chronic Illness and Exercise part 1
by: Michael Hannon

Hi, I would first like to preface this with, please seek advice from your medical physician before undertaking any exercise program.

I am imagining someone who is ill enough not to work, maybe in slight pain, lacks an abundance of energy and may not have access or like going to the gym.

Firstly exercise does not mean falling to the floor in a heap, covered in sweat, puking your guts up. Exercise is movement with a direct purpose of attaining something beneficial for either your mentality, physicality, spirituality, or all the aforementioned. What this means is if the movements you are doing are causing pain, discomfort, lethargy, dizziness, nausea etc. It has stopped being beneficial so thusly is not exercise but merely torture. Point is, never torture yourself.

Your purpose as someone with a chronic illness is to improve energy levels, maintain what you have, mentally stay positive and focused on recovery. Exercise is fantastic way to do this and if applied correctly helps in the healing process.

I have no details of your symptoms so my suggestions will be general.

Walking

Walking is a fantastic movement and can be done by most people with relative ease. Don't worry about speed walking or adding ankle weights or anything else, simply walk. Go somewhere with lots of natural surroundings and preferably with only the sounds of nature. I personally find if I'm out of balance or my mind is not clear I go to nature in silence and just admire the beauty. I believe our eyes, ears, nose, skin and brain are designed to observe nature and to use the sights, sounds, smells and energies for our benefit.

X Close Editor

May 30, 2008
Rating

Submitted by: Michael Hannon

Title

Comment
Hi, I would first like to preface this with, please seek advice from your medical physician before undertaking any exercise program. I am imagining someone who is ill enough not to work, maybe in slight pain, lacks an abundance of energy and may not have access or like going to the gym. Firstly exercise does not mean falling to the floor in a heap, covered in sweat, puking your guts up. Exercise is movement with a direct purpose of attaining something beneficial for either your mentality, physicality, spirituality, or all the aforementioned. What this means is if the movements you are doing are causing pain, discomfort, lethargy, dizziness, nausea etc. It has stopped being beneficial so thusly is not exercise but merely torture. Point is, never torture yourself. Your purpose as someone with a chronic illness is to improve energy levels, maintain what you have, mentally stay positive and focused on recovery. Exercise is fantastic way to do this and if applied correctly helps in the healing process. I have no details of your symptoms so my suggestions will be general. Walking Walking is a fantastic movement and can be done by most people with relative ease. Don't worry about speed walking or adding ankle weights or anything else, simply walk. Go somewhere with lots of natural surroundings and preferably with only the sounds of nature. I personally find if I'm out of balance or my mind is not clear I go to nature in silence and just admire the beauty. I believe our eyes, ears, nose, skin and brain are designed to observe nature and to use the sights, sounds, smells and energies for our benefit.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

May 30, 2008
Rating

Answer Chronic Illness and Exercise part 2
by: Michael Hannon

Breathing.

You maybe surprised that I have added this but I believe breathing to be the no.1 functional movement and yet no-one takes note of it. It influences everything; your posture, digestion, white blood cell count, activation of your autonomic nervous system, serotonin levels, cortisol levels, psychological states, and the list goes on.

A simple breathing exercise is to sit or stand but preferably stand. Pretend there is a string attached to the top of your head and it's pulling you up, keep the chest up, a slight gentle bend at the knees and a slight tightness of your abs. Hands can be by your side or right over left upon your lower abs. Breathe in, inflating your stomach. Not forcefully, this should all be done with ease, calm and focus. Breathe out bringing in your belly button. After 10 or so breaths start to rock slightly forwards when breathing in and rock slightly backwards when breathing out. This is a very small movement. If someone was to observe you, they would not necessarily see the rocking. Once you feel comfortable, close your eyes.

To be done between 5-10 min, at a slow comfortable pace either in doors in the dark or in nature.

The Squat

Have feet wider than shoulder width or wherever is comfortable. Have hands out in front for balance. Breathe in, hold breath for a second, begin to breathe slowly out whilst at the same time bending your knees and lowering your hips to a point that you are able to maintain good technique i.e knees are aligned with the second to third toe, spine is in upright position and not flexed and your weight is evenly distributed. Once you reach that point breathe in again, hold your breath for a second then begin to rise up whilst breathing out slowly.

Start with 10 reps and build up. 1 set of 50 is more than enough.

You can use a chair or box with a cushion on it to be guide of depth and to avoid falling.

Caution; if you have low blood pressure do not come up or breathe out to quickly. If you have any orthopedic conditions what so ever speak to your medical professional about this movement.

X Close Editor

May 30, 2008
Rating

Submitted by: Michael Hannon

Title

Comment
Breathing. You maybe surprised that I have added this but I believe breathing to be the no.1 functional movement and yet no-one takes note of it. It influences everything; your posture, digestion, white blood cell count, activation of your autonomic nervous system, serotonin levels, cortisol levels, psychological states, and the list goes on. A simple breathing exercise is to sit or stand but preferably stand. Pretend there is a string attached to the top of your head and it's pulling you up, keep the chest up, a slight gentle bend at the knees and a slight tightness of your abs. Hands can be by your side or right over left upon your lower abs. Breathe in, inflating your stomach. Not forcefully, this should all be done with ease, calm and focus. Breathe out bringing in your belly button. After 10 or so breaths start to rock slightly forwards when breathing in and rock slightly backwards when breathing out. This is a very small movement. If someone was to observe you, they would not necessarily see the rocking. Once you feel comfortable, close your eyes. To be done between 5-10 min, at a slow comfortable pace either in doors in the dark or in nature. The Squat Have feet wider than shoulder width or wherever is comfortable. Have hands out in front for balance. Breathe in, hold breath for a second, begin to breathe slowly out whilst at the same time bending your knees and lowering your hips to a point that you are able to maintain good technique i.e knees are aligned with the second to third toe, spine is in upright position and not flexed and your weight is evenly distributed. Once you reach that point breathe in again, hold your breath for a second then begin to rise up whilst breathing out slowly. Start with 10 reps and build up. 1 set of 50 is more than enough. You can use a chair or box with a cushion on it to be guide of depth and to avoid falling. Caution; if you have low blood pressure do not come up or breathe out to quickly. If you have any orthopedic conditions what so ever speak to your medical professional about this movement.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

May 30, 2008
Rating

Answer Chronic Illness and Exercise part 3
by: Michael Hannon

Downward dog into upward dog

Downward dog

This is a yoga movement. Have your hands and feet on the floor. The wider your feet the easier it becomes. Push your butt up, legs straight and chest towards the floor slowly whilst at the same time breathing out slowly. Your body ends up looking like a triangle.

Upward dog

From the downward dog position lower your hip towards the floor, lifting your chest up whilst breathing in slowly.

Start with what feels comfortable and build up slowly. 1 set of 20 is good.

Be careful of over arching the spine. Keep the abs tight to protect the spine.

With any of the exercise if you find you lose your breath take a break and if you feel up to it complete another rep.

Caution, if you have low blood pressure do not come up or breathe out to quickly. If you have any orthopedic conditions what so ever speak to your medical professional about this movement.

If you do have access to a gym keep it simple and use the x-trainer for 10-30min at a slow pace. Meaning you are able to hold a conversation whilst exercising. Join classes such as tai chi, gentle forms of yoga such as Hatha and chi kung.

All that I have recommended can be done daily. Best to build up volume and frequency at a slow pace to fully benefit.

Whatever I or anyone else says, your body and mind are the ultimate judges, listen to them.

I don't know if this is what you wanted or not. If you have a chronic illness you have to be extra selective in your choice of movements. Choose ones that give energy and not take it away. All movement has the ability to give energy or take it away but it all depends on where your vitality level is at the time.

Remember, chronically ill or not always exercise smarter not harder.

I've said it already but I'm going to say it again, speak to your MD (doctor), ND (naturopath), OD (osteopath), anyone who is directly and on a professional level involved in your health before undertaking an exercise program.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
The Buddha

Health, Wealth and Happiness

Michael

X Close Editor

May 30, 2008
Rating

Submitted by: Michael Hannon

Title

Comment
Downward dog into upward dog Downward dog This is a yoga movement. Have your hands and feet on the floor. The wider your feet the easier it becomes. Push your butt up, legs straight and chest towards the floor slowly whilst at the same time breathing out slowly. Your body ends up looking like a triangle. Upward dog From the downward dog position lower your hip towards the floor, lifting your chest up whilst breathing in slowly. Start with what feels comfortable and build up slowly. 1 set of 20 is good. Be careful of over arching the spine. Keep the abs tight to protect the spine. With any of the exercise if you find you lose your breath take a break and if you feel up to it complete another rep. Caution, if you have low blood pressure do not come up or breathe out to quickly. If you have any orthopedic conditions what so ever speak to your medical professional about this movement. If you do have access to a gym keep it simple and use the x-trainer for 10-30min at a slow pace. Meaning you are able to hold a conversation whilst exercising. Join classes such as tai chi, gentle forms of yoga such as Hatha and chi kung. All that I have recommended can be done daily. Best to build up volume and frequency at a slow pace to fully benefit. Whatever I or anyone else says, your body and mind are the ultimate judges, listen to them. I don't know if this is what you wanted or not. If you have a chronic illness you have to be extra selective in your choice of movements. Choose ones that give energy and not take it away. All movement has the ability to give energy or take it away but it all depends on where your vitality level is at the time. Remember, chronically ill or not always exercise smarter not harder. I've said it already but I'm going to say it again, speak to your MD (doctor), ND (naturopath), OD (osteopath), anyone who is directly and on a professional level involved in your health before undertaking an exercise program. "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." The Buddha Health, Wealth and Happiness Michael

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Jun 01, 2008
Rating

Thank You
by: Anonymous

Michael,

Wow, thank you for your in depth response to my question and for taking the time to share your expertise and thoughts.

You have given me a lot to think about as well as motivating me to try and move my body as often as I can. Although some of the exercises are likely to trigger my disorder (because of standing in an upright position) I can probably alter them and do some of them sitting down.

This quote alone will do wonders for my health!

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
The Buddha

My best to you....

Aug 21, 2008
Rating

Question about Meat
by: Dave

I saw on your blog that you recommended eating meat to a vegetarian you met, but you did not go into much depth as to why. Could you expand a little for me.

Much appreciated

Dave

Aug 25, 2008
Rating

Answer to Dave- Meat part 1
by: Michael Hannon

Hi Dave, thanks for the question.

On my blog i did mention that i did recommend meat to a vegetarian. We had a long discussion and she ended up rethinking her "meat is bad" position.

If you check out my article " Does Your Fat stomach Bother You" I mention some of the benefits of consuming a full protein like meat.

But here are a few more things to consider if you don't eat meat because you thinks it's unhealthy, because of the chemicals, you have the "all I need is grains" mentality and/or some sort of misplaced spiritual reason:

1) We have been eating the flesh of animals for millions of years well before Cancer, Heart Disease and Diabetes became the norm. Our evolution is based on this and it's what our genes have grown accustomed to.

2) Everything eats everything. Considering nothing is eliminated from the universe but simply changes you can look at the "wheel of life" and see nothing in it is strictly vegetarian. The cow dies, it's energy is returned to the Earth (essentially the grass is feeding from the cow), another cow eats the grass that is essentially built from bugs, bird feces, the Suns energy and dead cows.

3) A man by the name of Weston A.price went around the world in the early 1900's studying native people and there traditional diets. He found when meat was available, people ate it. The only reason they did not eat meat was for one reason or another it was not available. He found that these people were unbelievably healthy and robust and he even found cases where one identical twin or sibling ate a traditional diet and the other left the village and moved to the city and ate a more modern diet. Presumably less meat and more grains. The differences can quite obviously be seen as the lacking of a traditional diet meant a more narrower face, smaller mouth and an increased susceptibility to illness. The traditional diet produced a more healthy twin or sibling. Remember this was the early 1900's. Before the influx and popularity of fast food and processed grain consumption.

4) Protein is actually essential for life. It's what you're made of. You are not made of carbohydrates. Though your brain does need glucose to function it can use protein and fat to fuel this. This is why their are essential amino acids and essential fatty acids but no essential carbohydrates because they are not essential to life.

5) What about energy? You may ask. It's ironic but I have personally found that the people who eat the most calories coming from carbohydrates (grains; rice, pasta, noodles) are actually, for the most part, the most fatigued.

X Close Editor

Aug 25, 2008
Rating

Submitted by: Michael Hannon

Title

Comment
Hi Dave, thanks for the question. On my blog i did mention that i did recommend meat to a vegetarian. We had a long discussion and she ended up rethinking her "meat is bad" position. If you check out my article " Does Your Fat stomach Bother You" I mention some of the benefits of consuming a full protein like meat. But here are a few more things to consider if you don't eat meat because you thinks it's unhealthy, because of the chemicals, you have the "all I need is grains" mentality and/or some sort of misplaced spiritual reason: 1) We have been eating the flesh of animals for millions of years well before Cancer, Heart Disease and Diabetes became the norm. Our evolution is based on this and it's what our genes have grown accustomed to. 2) Everything eats everything. Considering nothing is eliminated from the universe but simply changes you can look at the "wheel of life" and see nothing in it is strictly vegetarian. The cow dies, it's energy is returned to the Earth (essentially the grass is feeding from the cow), another cow eats the grass that is essentially built from bugs, bird feces, the Suns energy and dead cows. 3) A man by the name of Weston A.price went around the world in the early 1900's studying native people and there traditional diets. He found when meat was available, people ate it. The only reason they did not eat meat was for one reason or another it was not available. He found that these people were unbelievably healthy and robust and he even found cases where one identical twin or sibling ate a traditional diet and the other left the village and moved to the city and ate a more modern diet. Presumably less meat and more grains. The differences can quite obviously be seen as the lacking of a traditional diet meant a more narrower face, smaller mouth and an increased susceptibility to illness. The traditional diet produced a more healthy twin or sibling. Remember this was the early 1900's. Before the influx and popularity of fast food and processed grain consumption. 4) Protein is actually essential for life. It's what you're made of. You are not made of carbohydrates. Though your brain does need glucose to function it can use protein and fat to fuel this. This is why their are essential amino acids and essential fatty acids but no essential carbohydrates because they are not essential to life. 5) What about energy? You may ask. It's ironic but I have personally found that the people who eat the most calories coming from carbohydrates (grains; rice, pasta, noodles) are actually, for the most part, the most fatigued.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Aug 25, 2008
Rating

Answer to Dave - Meat part 2
by: Michael Hannon

6) Are you no-eyeist? ( sorry could not think of a better word) Some vegetarians say that we should not kill life. It's bad or something. But these same individuals are quite comfortable cutting down a plant and ripping it apart with there teeth. A plant is a living being. It breaths, feels, and does it utmost to live. This is why it reaches out for nourishment with it's roots and always leans towards the Sun. All living things have a Soul. A consciousness running through derived from God. So vegetarians are no-eyeist. As long as you don't have eyes they are perfectly happy about taking your life. Selecting what you kill does not make you any more spiritual, just a selective killer.

7) As for cruelty to animals and the steroids and antibiotics in meat, simply buy Organic or Biodynamic if at all possible.

I honestly believe meat should be part of a healthy diet, but I will add though we have been eating animals for millions of years we also ate there organs which are filled with all sorts of goodness not found in the flesh. An animal condenses all it's nutrition down into its being (organs). We eat mostly herbivores, so all that vegetation they eat is condensed and concentrated in there body especially there organs. This is why when I return back to London I'm going to find an organic butcher and start eating organ meat. Eskimos are extremely healthy people and have especially healthy hearts and all they eat is seals (protein and fat). The seal eats vegetation from the sea beds and there organs which the Eskimos eat are filled with vitamins, minerals and lots of goodness. When eating just the flesh I would use at least 2:1 ratio. That is 2 pieces of veg (green) to every 1 piece of meat and consume/add oils such as Cod liver oil, fish oils, olive and coconut oil to the meal.

We have evolved off meat, vegetables and fruit. It's that simple.

I hope that helped and at the very least made you think.

Health, Wealth and Happiness

Michael

Websites that should be checked out:

http://www.westonaprice.org/tour/index.html

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/does-your-fat-stomach-bother-you.html

http://michaelhannonexercisespecialist.blogspot.com/

X Close Editor

Aug 25, 2008
Rating

Submitted by: Michael Hannon

Title

Comment
6) Are you no-eyeist? ( sorry could not think of a better word) Some vegetarians say that we should not kill life. It's bad or something. But these same individuals are quite comfortable cutting down a plant and ripping it apart with there teeth. A plant is a living being. It breaths, feels, and does it utmost to live. This is why it reaches out for nourishment with it's roots and always leans towards the Sun. All living things have a Soul. A consciousness running through derived from God. So vegetarians are no-eyeist. As long as you don't have eyes they are perfectly happy about taking your life. Selecting what you kill does not make you any more spiritual, just a selective killer. 7) As for cruelty to animals and the steroids and antibiotics in meat, simply buy Organic or Biodynamic if at all possible. I honestly believe meat should be part of a healthy diet, but I will add though we have been eating animals for millions of years we also ate there organs which are filled with all sorts of goodness not found in the flesh. An animal condenses all it's nutrition down into its being (organs). We eat mostly herbivores, so all that vegetation they eat is condensed and concentrated in there body especially there organs. This is why when I return back to London I'm going to find an organic butcher and start eating organ meat. Eskimos are extremely healthy people and have especially healthy hearts and all they eat is seals (protein and fat). The seal eats vegetation from the sea beds and there organs which the Eskimos eat are filled with vitamins, minerals and lots of goodness. When eating just the flesh I would use at least 2:1 ratio. That is 2 pieces of veg (green) to every 1 piece of meat and consume/add oils such as Cod liver oil, fish oils, olive and coconut oil to the meal. We have evolved off meat, vegetables and fruit. It's that simple. I hope that helped and at the very least made you think. Health, Wealth and Happiness Michael Websites that should be checked out: http://www.westonaprice.org/tour/index.html http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/does-your-fat-stomach-bother-you.html http://michaelhannonexercisespecialist.blogspot.com/

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Article Submission

Most Talked About
Articles

-The Spin on Aspartame

-Neurally Mediated Hypotension

-Oil Pulling

-Healthy Food List

-MSG Reaction/MSG Allergy

-7 Stages of Grief

-Words to Comfort Someone Grieving

WIN Disability Benefits

SSDI Tips

Learn All About Disability

This site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice, legal advice or professional services. If you feel that you have a medical problem, you should seek the advice of your Physician or health care Practitioner.

Michael Hannon

Ask The Expert

Comments for Michael Hannon

Comments for
Michael Hannon