It was cold outside

WORDS AND

BY CHRIS COOK

This month’s hockey fixtures were hit by a weekend of exceptionally cold weather, yet it remained another action-packed month full of ups and downs.

The Men's 1st Team has had a disappointing run of form, losing all three of their matches this month and dropping to second from bottom in their division.

The Second Team secured a convincing win over Milton Keynes with a scoreline of 5-1, and with draws against Henley and Amersham, they have ascended the table to 7th position.

The Men's Third Team saw two fixtures cancelled due to icy conditions but still claimed victories over Oxford and a significant 5-1 win over Banbury, propelling them to 4th in their league.

The Fourth Team emerged as the Men's Team of the Month, netting 19 goals and conceding only 5, with wins over Oxford, Reading, and Leighton Buzzard, elevating them to third place in the league.

The Men's Fifth Team faced a challenging month, securing just one point from their three games—a draw with Wycombe. However, defeats at Stoke Green and against league leaders Marlow see them positioned at 7th in their division.

The Men's Sixth Team was the only one to play all their fixtures this month, with wins over Wycombe, Yateley, and Amersham. A loss in the freezing conditions at Slough places them in 2nd in

December fitness

the league.

The Ladies' First Team enjoyed a profitable month with away wins at Marlow and Havant and a draw at home against Alton, leaving them in a solid 4th position in the division.

The Ladies' Second Team's fortunes improved significantly this month with two away wins at Phoenix Reading and Marlow, an exhilarating 3-3 home draw with Sonning, and a penalty shootout victory in the cup over Eastcote. They currently lie in 7th place in the league.

The Ladies' Third Team had a less favourable month, with only a 1-1 draw at Reading and defeats to Newbury and Wallingford, dropping them to 11th in the league. However, they ended the month on a high note with a 2-1 cup win over Havant.

The Ladies' Fourth Team were somewhat more successful, securing draws against Amersham and Reading and, despite an away defeat at Staines with a close 3-2, they remain top of their division.

The Ladies' Fifth Team enjoyed a

About Aldine

strong month with resounding victories over Wycombe 6-0 and Slough 6-1, and a goalless draw against Wycombe's other team in the division.

The ladies maintain the top spot by a 5-point lead halfway through the season.

The season now pauses until the action resumes on the 13th of January.

December, the time to miraculously fall off the wagon as you party, feast and drink many a night away? Can you really focus on improving your health and fitness in this chaotic busy period or should you just surrender to the brandy and mince pies and deal with the consequences come January?

I’ve got one thing for you to consider helping you long term and that’s what achievable habits you take forward into 2024.

Now isn’t the time to completely overhaul your nutrition and training .... but then neither is January in my opinion. Healthy and fit people live by the old adage that consistency is key so my question to you is, what can you do on a daily and weekly basis to feel a little better day by day?

Some things you can incorporate now are upping your steps by squeezing in a daily walk, identifying and perfecting a couple of staple healthy lunches, exercising enough discipline to have a good night out that involves one glass of wine instead of the whole bottle or finding a friendly gym or exercise class you know you can attend at least twice a week. It’s all about being realistic and setting yourself up for success.

Make this December work for you by relishing the challenge of making 2024 your best year yet. You’ve got this!

Aldine is a coach, mother of three and pro bikini competitor with over 10 years’ experience in the industry. She trains women to feel confident on the inside and out, getting strong in mind and body in the process. Having been several sizes larger and struggled with self-image and health, Aldine advocates building a lifestyle that supports your goal. “I coach my clients to get results by building confidence in the gym and learning about the foods that matter. Feeling good on all levels and having excellent health and mobility are essential to feeling your best."

You can find Aldine at Energie Fitness Wokingham or by contacting her via email aldinepreisner@gmail.com or via Instagram @trainwithaldine