Swindon’s fitness and conditioning coach, a former Peterborough and Orient player with a degree in Sport Science.

For years I jogged on grass and concrete, but it started to cause me problems so I’ve started to do 45 minutes jogging on a mini trampoline. Will this have the same effect?
Froggy, via e-mail
In terms of your muscles and joints jogging on a mini trampoline is good – there’s a lot less impact compared to running on grass or concrete.

This is a decent form of exercise but ultimately it comes down to what your end goals are. If you’re looking to lead a healthy lifestyle this is perfect, but if you’re looking to improve VO2 max (the maximum capacity of an individual’s body to transport and utilise oxygen during exercise) I’m not sure it will work as effectively as jogging.

It will get you fit, but not match fit. Much depends on the intensity of the work out. I wouldn’t use this form of training at Swindon.

We do use a trampet for progress eccentric training and injury rehabilitation. In terms of fitness training for football, you’re probably better off going into a gym and using a cross trainer, a bike or a rowing machine.

You could use each machine during a work out – go high intensity, break – next apparatus, high intensity, break and so on and so forth. Very low impact, but still very effective.


"Is it a bird? Is it plane? No it's Swindon Town's next super striker!"

What is the best time of the day to exercise?
Josh Spencer, via e-mail
If you’re working a 9am – 5pm job then you’re going to be tired by the time you get home in the evening.

Obviously, for some people this is the only time they get a chance to exercise, which is great, but if you could fit something in during the morning or on your lunch you’d probably get a better quality of work out because mentally and physically you won’t be as drained.

If you do an office job where you spend most of your time sitting, your body has no need to work hard and your metabolism slows considerably.

To burn calories you need to raise your metabolic rate, the rate at which your body burns energy.

Going for a run would be ideal and it has been found that your body’s muscles are more receptive to weight training in the morning.

Ideally if you could fit in a gym session in the morning, concentrating on strength training, and then have a jog or a swim in the afternoon during your lunch that would be great.

A multiple work out is ideal for your metabolism and calorie burning. Also by working towards this sort of programme you actually feel more awake and refreshed during the day and then you can relax in the evening.

Although it is important to not over do it – rest and recuperation is important.


The early bird catches the worm. And gets lost.

What’s better for you – road running or a treadmill?
Rhys Owen, via e-mail
They’re virtually the same. With regards to treadmill running, it has been found scientifically that if you increase the gradient by 1.5 per cent it makes it more realistic to actual road running.

The impact is also better on your muscles and joints. A lot of people find running on a treadmill easier because you’re running a consistent, flat, soft surface, it can set your pace and you’re in a controlled indoor environment.

Outside, there’s wind resistance, varying surfaces and temperatures to contend with. I would chose to run outside and use a heart rate monitor.

This will help you set your pace and running outside keeps your body accustomed to the impact of harder surfaces and is more realistic to a football environment.

Other factors to consider include boredom and mental endurance, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference, rather than what’s best. Running is running.


Members of the band OK Go practice their goal celebrations on treadmills