Rowing Archives - Aberdeen Voice

Aberdeen Private Clinic Supports ‘Moon Travellers’

Aug 112017

With thanks to Gemma Setter, PR Account Executive, Frasermedia.

A private clinic in Aberdeen is supporting a local duo with a challenge that will take them around the moon.

Temple Medical, a private aesthetic clinic, is providing professional medical support as two businessmen take on a gruelling fitness challenge to complete the circumference of the moon in six months.

Chris Robinson, 38, and Sean Gordon, 25, are cycling, running and rowing the circumference of the moon during 2017 – a total of 10,921km, in aid of local charity, Charlie House.

They aim to complete 27km per day between June and December 2017.

Temple Medical, owned and managed by respected GP, Dr Sam Robson, will monitor the pair throughout the challenge using the company’s in-house state-of-the-art body composition analysis equipment, the InBody770.

Temple uses the InBody 770 to help monitor progress on its Alevere weight loss programme, It provides essential feedback on fat % and guides the clinical staff when advising on nutritional changes required to keep patients healthy and on track with their weight loss journey

This machine provides medical grade analysis of their body composition, and is also commonly used to support world-class athletes.

The InBody 770 analyses the body’s water, body fat, bone minerals and muscle mass. The detailed biometric results will be reviewed every six weeks by Temple’s Dr Jo Green. She provides guidance and advice on an ongoing nutritional plan with an aim to ensure the men are eating appropriately to manage the Moon Challenge. Her goal is to keep them in the best physical shape to avoid injury and excessive fatigue.

Dr Green said:

“27km per day will undoubtedly be an enormous challenge for their bodies, so our main goal is to keep them healthy and ensure that they are able to reach the end of the challenge in full fitness.

“Monitoring them regularly will allow us to keep a close eye on their metabolic rate and ensure that they understand what changes to make to their diet and exercise regime so that they don’t lose muscle.

“Throughout the challenge, they will be doing plenty of cardio exercise but also need to incorporate some resistance exercise in order to build muscle. Their nutritional requirements involve good hydration, good protein and good carbs – if they struggle physically, they will struggle psychologically.”

Chris Robinson said:

“I knew the challenge would be tough on my body and I wanted to make sure I could do the miles without any lasting damage. The In-Body analysis is fascinating. The first report told me I was in better shape than I had thought and gave me a real insight into my current levels of fat and muscle. Temple Medical gave me a nutritional plan and the team is working with my personal trainer to help me get through the long distances that I must cover.

“When the challenge finishes, we will work together to develop a maintenance plan so that I can sustain my fitness levels and improved body composition. The body analysis and nutritional advice has been essential in helping me achieve the miles every day, and I can already see real benefits in terms of my body shape and energy.”

The inbody machine is instrumental in helping people to reach their fitness goals as part of the Kick Start programme. This entails providing the biometric analysis as described alongside nutritional advice and exercise guidance to help improve their body composition.

Dr Sam Robson, owner of Temple Medical, added:

“Our Kick Start programme gives a real in-depth look at what’s going on inside your body, and how to make improvements for long term health.

“Technology can play a huge part in helping people make changes for the better, and can enable ordinary people like Chris and Sean to take on a huge challenge in a safe manner.

“The reports we provide are very detailed, and at each review session we can see in detail the benefits our nutritional advice and training has had. We’re delighted to be part of the support team for the challenge and we wish Chris and Sean good luck as they set off around the moon.”

Temple Medical is a private medical clinic, concentrating on non-surgical or minimally-invasive procedures addressing problem skin and the effects of ageing. The clinic also offers Alevere weight management and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

Dr Sam Robson is a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, and a fully qualified GP, who has over 13 years’ experience of aesthetic medicine. Temple Medical clinic has been recognised nationally and internationally with several industry awards, including Best Cosmetic Doctor, 2017 and 2015, in the Scottish Medical Cosmetic Awards; What Clinic customer service award 2016, and My Face My Body Best Non-surgical Makeover (2014) and Best Customer Experience (2012).

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Four In A Row For RGU

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Mar 272015

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Tricker PR.

Robert Gordon University has won the 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Boat Race. They won with a time of eight minutes and 30 seconds, beating rivals the University of Aberdeen by one and three-quarter lengths for the fourth consecutive year.

Runners up the University of Aberdeen completed the course in a time of eight minutes and 36 seconds.

Hundreds of spectators lined the banks of the River Dee to cheer on the universities as they tested their mettle on the water.

Emily Geddes, president of Robert Gordon University Boat Club, says,

“We are all absolutely delighted to have won the boat race, especially as it enters its 20th year. I am really proud of everyone who took to the water this year – all those early mornings and late nights really paid off. Continuing our winning streak into its fourth year feels fantastic!

“We’d like to thank Aberdeen Asset Management for their continued support of the boat race, and Tom and the crew from the University of Aberdeen who gave us a run for our money, as always. We’re already looking forward to next year’s rematch!”

The alumni boat race was won by Robert Gordon University by one and a third lengths in a time of eight minutes and 56 seconds. The universities’ second crew boat race was won by the University of Aberdeen in a time of two minutes and 32 seconds.

After a tense heat between the BBC and Original 106fm, the latter went on to compete against reigning champions the Evening Express in the media challenge. Original 106fm came out on top, winning in a time of one minute 20 seconds. They raced 300m in coxed ‘tub’ pairs.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, says,

“I would like to offer the winning crew from Robert Gordon University our warmest congratulations. I would also like to commend the University of Aberdeen for their efforts on the water. Both teams gave it their all today, and the hard work they put in training showed when it mattered. At Aberdeen Asset Management, we are proud to continue supporting Scotland’s oldest boat race.”

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, principal of Robert Gordon University, says,

“Everyone at RGU is absolutely delighted with the win today. The crew have worked incredibly hard over the last few months, and deserve every bit of their victory. I would also like to congratulate the crew from the University of Aberdeen who put up a valiant effort, and proved themselves to once again be worthy competitors.”

Follow the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Facebook or on Twitter @2015boatrace

Rowing Club President Targets Four in Row

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Mar 202015

With thanks to Cate Gordon, Tricker PR.

Emily Geddes (20) from Aberdeen, President of Robert Gordon University Rowing Club has been encouraging her team to train harder than ever to ensure victory in the fiercely contested race between Robert Gordon University and University of Aberdeen in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race.

This year’s race takes place on Saturday 21st March along the River Dee and is set to be a very closely fought race.

As President of the rowing club, Emily has been tasked with selecting members of the club to form the crew which will give Robert Gordon University the best chance of crossing the finishing line in the fastest time.

Last year’s race was won by Robert Gordon University in a time of seven minutes and forty seven seconds.

Emily, an applied sports and exercise student is a very experienced rower, practicing the sport since the age of 13 and has won double gold medals at the British Championships at J18 category. She is hoping her passion and aptitude for rowing will be translated into a fourth win in a row for Robert Gordon University at the event.

Emily is determined to win this year’s boat race,

“Both universities crossed the finish line in record breaking times last year, which made the win even more special for our university team. Every member of our 2015 team has been working incredibly hard to ensure that we are fully prepared for this race. Bring on race day!”

Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management comments:

“the hard work and dedication put in by all rowers involved in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race is consistently impressive. Now in its 20th year, the event proves to be as exhilarating to partake in as it is to spectate.”

Follow the 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race at www.facebook.com/AAM BoatRace and at http://twitter.com/2015Boat Race

Aberdeen Students Keen To Compete In Boat Race

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Jan 102014

Three Aberdeen students studying at Robert Gordon University are hoping to make the cut and compete in the 19th Annual Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, Scotland’s equivalent of the Oxford Cambridge boat race, in March. With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Tricker PR.

Aberdeen students Christie Duff (19), Iona Riley (21) and Lewis McCue (18) are all eager to be a part of the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race.

The event will see the University of Aberdeen go head to head with the Robert Gordon University on Saturday 1st March.

Despite having career ambitions outside of sport, the three hopefuls would all love to take their rowing careers to the next level having attended the World Championships and even trialled for the Great British rowing team in 2013.

Christie, who studies Architecture, says:

“2013 was a fantastic year for me. Being able to witness such significant UK rowing events will stay with me for many years to come.

“I first started rowing in secondary school after spending my youth doing gymnastics and trampolining. These sports gave me a solid foundation and understanding that strict, controlled training often secures great results.

“My proudest achievement in rowing so far is winning at the Henley Royal Regatta, and I would love to be selected to compete in the 2014 Boat Race team.”

Applied Sport and Exercise Science student Iona also began with another sport, in her case netball, before turning her hand to rowing.

A Silver Medal winner at the World Under 23 Rowing Championships, she says:

“When I was in Primary 7 my teacher took the class down to the river to try rowing. I was hooked from there and have been on the water ever since.

“To encourage other young enthusiasts, I coach at every available opportunity. It can be difficult to balance studying with coaching but it’s just so rewarding that I can’t give it up.”

For Sports Science student Lewis, there is a history of rowing in his family. He says:

“My grandfather rowed for Oxford in the Boat Race, so it would be fantastic to carry on the family tradition and represent Robert Gordon University in the Aberdeen Boat Race. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep university work and rowing both up to scratch, but it’s all about learning that balancing act.”

The final crews will be selected in early 2014 by each team president – Robert Gordon University Boat Club’s (RGUBC) Gillian Paterson and Aberdeen University Boat Club’s (AUBC) Lauren Cammaert – who will look at performance, ability and determination of potential team members when making their decisions.

To prepare for the March race, both clubs have already undergone months of gruelling training, including 6a.m. starts on the river.

Each of the 16 rowers will take just under 300 strokes in the course of the 3.5km race and, along with the crew coxes, will push their physical and mental endurance to the limit. The race stretches along the River Dee in Aberdeen, from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club and in 2013 (RGUBC) won the race against (AUBC) by two and a half lengths in a time of 8 minutes and 18 seconds.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, comments:

“The University boat club presidents have a difficult job ahead of them, with a number of talented individuals in both clubs vying to compete in what is Scotland’s oldest and possibly most fiercely competitive boat race.

“Aberdeen Asset Management continues to show its dedication to fostering young talent, and we hope that the 2014 Boat Race will inspire more future athletes to take up rowing.”

You can follow the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace or on Twitter at @2014BoatRace.

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The Only Recipe For A Great British Row Off

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Jan 022014

A dollop of determination
A spoon full of courage
A bucket load of The Dee
… And one red velvet cupcake.

The only recipe for a Great British Row Off. With thanks to Jennifer Kelly.

(L-R) Lauren Cammaert and RGUBC president, Gillian Paterson

Bellowing orders at her cowering crew as they power down the River Dee, Lauren Cammaert isn’t your average 5ft 3 cox; as behind the façade of ruthless competitor, the Aberdeen Universities’ Boat Club president swaps her one-piece for her pinny at every available opportunity.

And she’s not alone.

It would appear that for this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, Lauren has an army of keen bakers behind her, all inspired by the nations on-screen fascination; The Great British Bake Off (GBBO).

This new generation of university students spend their evenings adding their own touches to the latest Delia Smith recipe, baking artisan bread and designing wedding cakes. And this pastime isn’t gender specific, even 6ft 3 Alexander Hutchinson takes pride in his homemade bread.

It’s just as well they all have such a stringent exercise regime, and youth on their side.

However, 23 year old Lauren went one step further than other adoring GBBO fans and applied to be a part of the 2013 Great British Bake Off. Diligently, she pulled her application together, consisting of 12 original recipes and a 35 question-long interrogation form. After submitting, she awaited a response eagerly.

Weeks came, and passed, and the realisation that she was not successful became reality.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed, as it took me weeks to put my application together, but I was not going to be disheartened. I can dedicate my baking skills to other causes- like bribing my crew out of their warm beds at 6am on very cold mornings!” says Lauren.

The Canadian born competitor first discovered her passion for cooking during the winter months of her childhood. Inspired by her mother and sister, Lauren followed suit and baked her way through the chilly festive months. She explains how it all began,

“Where we stayed in Canada, the winter months were perilous and there were often days that we were barricaded inside by snow. To relieve our boredom, my mom taught my older sister and I to bake. I was instantly fascinated and spent the rest of my junior years with sticky fingers, covered in flour and icing sugar.

“My baking was pretty mediocre to start, but, like anything, it improved with time. I like adding my own little twists onto recipes just to see what happens. Sometimes it’s disastrous but that’s part of the fun.

“My signature bake is a batch of red velvet cupcakes where I take elements from Nigella Lawson’s recipe and add my own cream cheese icing recipe. When I’m not too busy, I take orders for wedding cakes which have definitely proven to be my biggest, but most rewarding, challenge yet.”

For 2014, Lauren will be swapping spatula for oar in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Saturday March 1st. Lauren moved to Aberdeen when she was eight years old and started at Robert Gordon’s College. From there, she progressed to Aberdeen University to study medicine where she hopes to graduate as a doctor next year.

She describes her early rowing career,

“I started off rowing for a couple of years, inspired by the stellar reputation of Aberdeen University Boat Club, but decided that my petite frame was better suited to coxing. My mom rowed during high school, my dad at college in Cambridge so it definitely runs in the family … and my boyfriend also coaches.

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race is a fantastic student event but don’t be fooled, the competitive atmosphere is so electric it could pass for a professional competition. I am always touched by how many local supporters turn up on the day to cheer us on. Hopefully this year will achieve results that Aberdeen University can really scream about.”

Although she was involved in last year’s race, Lauren views her recent presidency as a chance to step up to the plate and bring Aberdeen University to victory once more. She jokes:-

“If I have to bribe them all with fresh red velvet cupcakes to train all winter then that’s what I’ll do!”

Lauren had hoped to re-apply for the 2014 GBBO but the filming falls at the same time as the race, and there is no competition as to which she is determined to see through. Her last year at university will hopefully one filled with delicious cakes and rowing triumphs.

Keep an eye out as Lauren on 1st March 2014 as swaps her pinny for one-piece, spatula for oar and coxes her crew to victory for Aberdeen University.

Follow the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Universities’ Boat Race and show your true colours at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace and at https://twitter.com/2014BoatRace.

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