Latest news with #RebeccaStewart
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Trainers Say These Are The Best Workout Splits For Every Fitness Goal
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." If you've ever walked into the gym and drawn a blank on what to do, you're not alone. But instead of just whipping out a few reps on whatever piece of equipment is free, let us introduce you to workout splits. As the name suggests, workout splits divide your workout sessions for the week based on body part, body region, or movement type, says Rebecca Stewart, CPT, a certified personal trainer, mobility coach, and pain-free performance specialist. 'Splits are a way of organizing your workouts that's most effective for your goals and lifestyle,' she explains. For example, someone focused on strength gains can plan their workouts around the big three lifts like squats, bench press, and deadlifts, while someone focused more on aesthetics, such as bodybuilders, might split their workouts by body part. Meet the experts: Rebecca Stewart, CPT, is a certified personal trainer, mobility coach, and pain-free performance specialist. Sarah Pelc Graca, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and founder of Strong with Sarah Weight Loss Coaching. Workout splits are also great for those who want to progress specific lifts or get stronger in certain areas, which they may not be able to do as quickly with full-body training, Stewart says. (Although the full-body split exists, too.) Plus, divvying up your workouts into splits prevents overtraining issues like fatigue and muscle breakdown since each body part is allowed adequate time to recover (at least 48 hours). Ready to get stronger? Here are the 5 best workout splits to try based on your lifestyle and goals, according to trainers. Best For Beginners Monday: Push day (chest, shoulders, and triceps)Tuesday: CardioWednesday: Legs and coreThursday: RestFriday: Pull day (back and biceps)Saturday: Cardio or recovery (yoga, stretching, etc.)Sunday: Rest The push/pull/legs split is a great beginner workout plan that builds strength and muscle while still allowing generous recovery time. 'Push/pull/legs is super effective because it's built around how your body naturally moves, instead of just isolating one muscle at a time,' says Sarah Pelc Graca, CPT, a certified personal trainer and founder of Strong with Sarah Weight Loss Coaching. It makes your workouts more efficient, mimicking everyday functional movements, like lifting groceries, pushing a heavy door, or climbing stairs. The workout structure also allows for better recovery since you're not overworking the same muscles day after day, though you're still training them frequently enough to see great progress, Pelc Graca says. Allows for ample recovery Builds strength and muscle mass No overlap in muscle groups Focuses on weaker muscles with more intensity Typically requires more equipment May take longer in the gym Less flexibility Best For Weight Loss Monday: Lower body (hinge focus) Tuesday: Upper body (push focus) Wednesday: Cardio or recovery (yoga, stretching, etc.)Thursday: Lower body (squat focus) Friday: Upper body (pull focus) Saturday: RestSunday: Rest The upper/lower split can help with weight loss for a few reasons. First, 'since you're alternating muscle groups in an upper/lower split, your body gets just enough recovery while still staying active most days of the week,' Pelc Graca says. Plus, these workouts usually include big compound moves that work multiple muscles (like squats, rows, and push-ups). So, you'll 'burn more calories and build lean muscle' very efficiently, she says. Also, when you organize upper/lower workouts by movement patterns like push, pull, squat, and hinge, you're hitting your body in a well-rounded way which will help you increase strength, gain muscle, and lose fat, Stewart adds. Join Women's Health+ today for member-exclusive workout and meal plans. Builds strength and muscle mass Weekends are free Hits each muscle group twice a week Allows for adequate recovery between muscle groups Lack of flexibility Skipping a workout can create gaps in your progress May take longer in the gym Best For Those With A Busy Schedule Monday: Full bodyTuesday: RestWednesday: Full bodyThursday: RestFriday: Full bodySaturday: Rest Sunday: Rest The full body split focuses on working all major muscle groups in each session. 'It's ideal for those with limited time who still want to see meaningful progress in strength and muscle development,' says Pelc Graca. 'For a lot of people, especially those short on time, this is one of the most efficient and effective ways to train because two to three full-body workouts a week leads to great results when you're consistent and focused on quality movement,' Pelc Graca says. Efficient for busy schedules Great for beginners and general fitness Promotes full-body strength and muscular balance Easy recovery with rest days between workouts Workouts may be lengthier because they cover the full body Limited exercises per muscle group compared to more targeted workout splits 4. Body Part Split Best For Hypertrophy Monday: BackTuesday: Chest and absWednesday: Lower bodyThursday: RestFriday: ShouldersSaturday: Arms and absSunday: Rest This one is often referred to as a 'bodybuilder split' due to the emphasis on training each part of the body individually, says Stewart. 'This split promotes muscle growth because you're able to train each portion of the body with more intensity and more reps and sets than you could in a full-body workout,' she explains. That said, this split is lengthier and if you miss a workout, it can throw off your entire plan. 'I'd generally only recommend this plan for advanced lifters that want to dedicate more time to the gym,' Stewart adds. Benefits: Allows for adequate recovery Focuses on training muscle groups individually Builds strength and muscle mass Helps identify and fix muscle imbalances and weaknesses since it works the different areas evenly Downsides: May require more time in the gym Lack of flexibility Skipping a workout can throw off the plan Less suitable for beginners Best For Experienced Lifters, Athletes Training For Performance, Or Those Training For Longevity Monday: Full body pull day (hinge focused)Tuesday: Full body squat and push dayWednesday: RestThursday: Rotational core work (such as Russian twists and planks)Friday: Full body carrying and conditioning (such as farmer's carry and sled pushes)Saturday: RestSunday: Rest The functional training split is structured around movement patterns you normally do in everyday life (instead of isolating individual muscle groups). This split is helpful for athletic or performance-based training, and those who want to train to move well for as long as possible 'since it blends strength and function for real-life application,' says Pelc Graca. So, when you train a farmer's carry, it may mimic bringing in a heavy load of groceries, and when you do a sled push, it'll make pushing a shopping cart or bulky piece of furniture easier IRL. Just note that functional splits can be a bit more complex, which is why they're usually better for folks who have some lifting experience. 'These workouts are built around how we move in real life using complex moves—lifting, rotating, carrying, and bracing—instead of just working individual muscles, so they often involve more coordination and full-body control,' Pelc Graca says. Builds functional strength and coordination Improves athletic performance and injury prevention Activates the core in most sessions Less traditional, so may feel unfamiliar for gym-goers used to body part training Requires thoughtful programming to balance volume and intensity While a lot comes down to your personal preferences and goals, here are a few tips to consider when thinking about your optimal training split: Whether you're aiming for muscle growth, weight loss, or overall fitness, select a plan that best suits your specific goals right now, says Stewart. For example, push/pull/legs splits are excellent for muscle growth, while upper/lower splits are typically best for weight loss, she adds. Decide how much time you can realistically dedicate to exercise each week and choose a plan accordingly, says Stewart. 'A training schedule is going to be very different for someone who can train two to three days for 30 minutes, versus someone who wants to spend an hour in the gym five to six days a week,' she adds.$75.00 at Reebok If you have a shoulder injury, a whole day dedicated to shoulders isn't going to be in your best interest, says Stewart. On the flip side, if you want to grow your bicep strength, for example, having a dedicated arm day might be better for your goals, she adds. Listen to your body and find a plan that feels best. Depending on the demands of your job and lifestyle, you may need more or less recovery time. 'Rest days away from the gym are important not only physically but also mentally so you don't get burnt out on your training schedule,' says Stewart. Plus, regardless of the split chosen, Pelc Graca says it's important to incorporate deload weeks (where you dial things back, whether it's lifting lighter weights, doing fewer sets, or focusing on easier movement) or rest weeks every four to eight weeks to support long-term progress and injury prevention. No matter what results you want to achieve or how experienced you are, workout splits are the key to organizing your exercise schedule to ensure you hit your goals. But here's the ultimate secret: The most effective split is the one that best suits you and your lifestyle. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
WATCH: Hartford HealthCare's 33rd annual Black & Red Gala
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The 33rd annual Black & Red is Hartford HealthCare's biggest night. On Saturday, May 10, celebrate and raise money for the Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI). Professionals there have been teaching lifesaving techniques for decades in their choking, CPR, and stop-the-bleed classes. Participants learn everything from technique to pressure on realistic medical mannequins and how to operate an external defibrillator. They can hang on to these vital skills that could make a difference if the worst happens. Hartford Hospital's Black & Red Gala to raise record-breaking $3 million The idea of CESI first came to be in 1999, but it wasn't anything like it is today. It started in a room at 800 square feet, but now it's 56,000 square feet. Join News 8's Dennis House and Rebecca Stewart from Hartford HealthCare at 7 p.m. Saturday. Watch the 2025 Black & Red live on News 8, and the News 8 streaming app. While tables were full for the 33rd edition of the Black & Red, you can still contribute to the cause by donating online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
All You Need Is A Medicine Ball And 20 Minutes To Sculpt Every Muscle Group
If you're looking to revamp your workouts, you might try different training methods or switching up your equipment. And with the rise of functional training and low-impact strength options that you can do at home or at the gym, medicine ball workouts are having a major moment. Instead of only grabbing (beloved) dumbbells and kettlebells, it's time to spice things up with a medicine ball. Once you do, there are oh so many benefits waiting for ya. 'Training with a medicine ball develops explosive power, increases body strength, increases speed, and provides more versatile movement in different planes,' says fitness coach Tatiana Lampa, CPT,. That's why many athletes train with a medicine ball. The versatility of the ball helps you nail down mechanics and ultimately perform better. Meet the experts: Tatiana Lampa, CPT, is an personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and creator of the Training With T app. Rebecca Stewart, CPT, is a personal trainer, mobility coach, and pain-free performance specialist. Gina Newton, CPT, is a personal trainer and holistic body coach. Medicine ball workouts are also great because they engage the *entire* body in all three planes of movement, says Rebecca Stewart, CPT, a personal trainer, mobility coach, and pain-free performance specialist. 'The majority of people complete exercises in only the sagittal plane (front to back and up and down movement like squats, deadlifts, and pushups), while neglecting the frontal (side to side movement) and transverse (rotational and twisting movements) planes,' she says. Training in all planes of movement helps reduce the chance of injury, especially in the case of balance, coordination, and core strength, says Stewart. In fact, medicine ball workouts significantly improve static and dynamic balance which is key for preventing falls and instability, found a study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science. Another perk: Most medicine ball exercises have little to no impact, making them ideal for all fitness levels—especially women ages 30 to 60 looking for joint-friendly, total-body conditioning that still packs a punch. So, it's no wonder these powerhouse tools are trending in functional fitness, right? If you're a newbie, grab a light ball that weighs 4 to 6 pounds. If your goal is speed, start with a light ball that weighs 4 to 6 pounds. If your goal is power, use a heavier ball that weighs 8 to 12 pounds. Now, you may be wondering…why can't I just use plain hand weights for these exercises? They are both weighted tools, but there are major differences in what you can do with them. 'You can't slam the weights to generate power the way you can with a medicine ball,' Lampa says. 'You are definitely working muscles differently with weights and the medicine ball in different planes.' Build functional, full-body strength. Medicine ball exercises mimic real-life movements, helping you develop strength that's useful both in and out of the gym. Boost power and explosiveness. Throwing, slamming, and tossing a med ball trains your body to generate force quickly—a key ingredient for athletic performance. Improve core stability and coordination. Nearly every move challenges your abs and forces your body to work as one strong, connected unit. Add fun and variety to your workouts. Mixing up your routine with dynamic med ball drills keeps training fresh and keeps motivation high. Ready to power up your workout with all those perks? Below, the best medicine balls and exercises for challenging your entire body and building explosive power, recommended (and demonstrated!) by Lampa herself. Yes4All 10-40 lb Medicine Ball ProsourceFit 5-50 lb Medicine Ball Check out our full guide of tested and vetted best medicine balls for more info and picks. Time: 18 to 25 minutes | Equipment: 8 to 12 pound medicine ball | Good for: Total body Instructions: Choose six moves below. Do as many reps as you can in 45 seconds, then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat that three to four times. Then continue to the next move. Why it rocks: This move targets your glutes, quads, core, and upper body, says Gina Newton, CPT, a personal trainer and holistic body coach. "It also elevates your heart rate for a killer cardio workout." How to: Stand with feet hip-width, holding a medicine ball. Lower the medicine ball to the floor and press into it with both hands as you jump (or step) legs back into a high plank. From here, quickly jump feet towards the ball, into a squat position. Drive through heels to stand back up, squeezing glutes and returning medicine ball to starting position. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: Kneeling medicine ball slams are an awesome exercise that develop rotational core strength. That skill is important for everyday functional movements, says Stewart. They also work your glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, lats, core, chest, and shoulders, so you really get a bang for your buck. How to: Stand in a lunge position with left leg front, holding a medicine ball near right hip. Circle ball up and overhead to forcefully slam down toward outside of left leg as hard as possible. Pick up ball. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: Looking for a low impact move with big results? Newton says bent-over medicine ball rows are your go-to because they work your upper back, chest, and arms, while also silently torching your legs and glutes. How to: Grab a medicine ball and stand with feet shoulder-width, knees slightly bent. Bend over from hips until back forms a 45-degree angle with floor. Row medicine ball up close to chest, squeezing shoulder blades together. Pause, then lower back to start. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: This is a great move for athletes to develop dexterity and proprioception (AKA the perception of location, movement, and action of your body parts), says Stewart. It also targets your glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, and core. How to: Stand in a wide split stance, holding ball at chest. Bend both knees to lower into a lunge, simultaneously moving ball to inside of front leg and quickly pass it under leg from hand to hand. Pass ball back over leg as you straighten both legs. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: The weight of the ball increases the load on your core to fire up your abdominals, says Stewart. How to: Lie on back with knees bent. Hold medicine ball directly above chest. Curl upper body, and at top of crunch, rotate torso so left elbow meets right knee. Extend left leg simultaneously, while pedaling. Return to start and repeat on other side. That's 1 rep. Pro tip: Engage your lower abs to ensure you're not overcompensating with your hip flexors, says Newton. Why it rocks: The deadlift is a great compound lift, meaning it works muscles across multiple joints in your body, says Stewart. "For this move, you can expect your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and lats to be on fire." How to: Hold medicine ball with arms extended in front of thighs. Stand with feet hip-width and knees slightly bent. Engage core. Maintaining a soft bend in knees, bend at hips, and lower torso until it's almost parallel to floor. Pause, then squeeze glutes and raise torso back to starting position. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: By setting the ball on the floor between reps you start from a dead stop and have to increase your speed and strength from the floor with no assist from momentum, says Stewart. The move also strengthens your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and lats. How to: Hold medicine ball at arm's length in front of thighs. Stand with feet hip-width and knees slightly bent. Engage core. Softly bend knees, hinge at hips, and lower until thighs are almost parallel to floor. Pause, then squeeze glutes and raise torso back to starting position. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: 'I love this move for the cardio aspect and the core work,' says Newton. It also works the quads, glutes, and hamstrings, she says. How to: Stand with feet together and hold medicine ball in front of chest. Keeping core tight and chest tall, hop right knee up so high that it touches medicine ball. Lower right leg, and immediately hop left knee up to touch medicine ball. Lower left leg. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: This is a lower impact variation of high knees that fires up your core for stability. Not to mention, you're also working your shoulders, obliques, hip flexors, and glutes. How to: Stand on right leg, left leg placed behind you with toes balancing on floor. Hold medicine ball out in front of you, so it almost forms a straight line with back leg. Drive left leg toward chest and bring medicine ball down to meet it. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: 'This is extra tough on the core because the medicine ball throws off our stability,' says Newton. 'This is primarily working the core, but also benefits the upper body, glutes, hamstrings, and quads.' How to: With hands pressing into medicine ball on floor, start in a high plank position.. Body should form a straight line from head to ankles. Keeping core tight and back flat, bend right knee and raise it toward chest. Reverse movement to return to start, then repeat with left leg. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: This move is extra tough on your glutes because the added weight requires you to engage your bum while lowering down in order to stay stable and supported, says Newton. The move also requires killer balance. How to: Stand on left leg with right leg bent and foot in line with left knee. Hold a medicine ball in front of chest. Extend bent leg and press ball forward while squatting as far as you can. Driving through left heel, stand up and bring ball back to chest. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: When you lift one arm off the floor to tap the ball, that causes your core to work overtime to keep you stable, says Stewart. "This is a full body move that you'll feel primarily in your core, back, and shoulders." How to: Place medicine ball near fingertips and lower into a forearm plank, elbows directly below shoulders, legs shoulder-width straight behind, spine neutral, abs and glutes engaged. While keeping body still, tap ball with right hand. Place right forearm back on floor. Repeat on left side. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: 'Adding a deficit to your pushup increases the range of motion, which in turn increases your strength and flexibility,' says Stewart. The move also targets your chest, biceps, triceps, back, and core. How to: In a high plank position, place right hand on top of medicine ball and left hand on floor, feet shoulder-width. Do a push-up, lowering chest until left arm forms a 90-degree angle. Once back to a high plank, roll ball from right to left hand. Repeat movement on left side. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: This move is an excellent antidote to a sedentary lifestyle and can combat tight hips and lower back pain, says Newton. How to: Sit on floor with knees bent and feet in air, parallel to floor. Hold medicine ball in front of chest. Lean back so torso is at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Brace core and rotate left as far as you can. Pause, then reverse your movement and twist to right side as far as you can. That's 1 rep. Pro tip: Modify with feet resting on the floor if needed for support. Why it rocks: The medicine ball allows you to work through a greater range of motion than a traditional pushup, says Stewart. That creates added upper body challenge. How to: Place medicine ball under one hand, and place knees on floor. When upright, ensure body is in a straight line from head and shoulders to knees. Slowly bend elbows and lower body down until left arm is at a 90-degree angle. Pause, then press up to return to start. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: Adding a medicine ball to your situp increases the intensity while building strength in your core and hip flexors, says Stewart. How to: Lie face-up on floor, knees bent and feet planted flat. Hold medicine ball in both hands in front of chest. Raise to a sitting position, keeping ball steady. Slowly roll down to lower torso to starting point. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: This is an extra tough move because it trains balance and stability while simultaneously strengthening your core, adductors, and legs, says Stewart. How to: Lie face-up on floor, holding a medicine ball between your hands above chest. Bring knees into chest, shins parallel to floor. At the same time, lift torso and bring arms overhead and toward legs. Place the medicine ball on shins. Pause, then lower torso to floor while balancing the ball on shins. Then rise back up, and grab the ball. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: This is a small movement, but the weight of the ball engages your upper abdominals, chest, and shoulders, says Newton. How to: Lie face-up on floor, and bring legs into air, creating a 90-degree angle with floor. Hold medicine ball above head. Lift shoulders off floor, reaching ball toward feet. Reverse movement to return to start. That's 1 rep. Pro tip: Avoid using momentum so you properly activate your core and use it to stay in control, Newton says. Why it rocks: 'The addition of an overhead press at the top of the situp makes this a great complex exercise to strengthen your core, hip flexors, and shoulders,' says Stewart. How to: Lie face-up on floor with knees bent and feet planted flat. Hold medicine ball in both hands in front of chest. Raise torso to a sitting position, then extend medicine ball overhead. Slowly lower ball down to chest, then lower torso to starting point. That's 1 rep. Pro tip: Level up the upper body challenge with a heavier medicine ball, Newton says. Why it rocks: This is a super challenging move that strengthens your core, hip flexors, and the deep abdominal muscles, says Stewart. How to: Lie face-up on floor with legs and arms straight. Hold medicine ball in both hands above chest. In one movement, lift torso and legs and reach ball as if you're trying to touch toes, creating a "v" in the air with torso and legs. Slowly lower back down to starting position. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: Unilateral exercises are important to maintain balance in the body and ensure that one side isn't working harder than the other, says Stewart. Plus, this move torches your glutes, hamstrings, lower abs, and quads, she says. How to: Lie face-up on floor with arms out to sides, knees bent, and feet hip-width. Place medicine ball under left foot and, keeping thighs aligned, straighten and elevate right leg so that toes point up. Squeeze glutes to lift hips evenly off the floor, then lower. That's 1 rep. Why it rocks: This move engages muscles all over and also boosts cardiovascular strength, coordination, and balance, says Stewart. How to: Hold medicine ball in front of chest, standing with feet hip-width and planted flat on floor. Cross right leg behind left leg while bending left knee into a half-squat position. Keep medicine ball in front of chest. Then, repeat in other direction. That's 1 rep. Continue alternating side to side. Why it rocks: By increasing explosive power, this move helps boost your overall athletic performance, says Stewart. Your glutes, adductors, hamstrings, quads, and calves are all in on the action. How to: Stand with feet hip-width, toes pointed forward, holding medicine ball in front of chest. Bend knees, then explosively jump as high as you can. Land softly on balls of feet and immediately lower into next squat. That's 1 rep. What weight medicine ball should I use? It depends on your goals—but a good rule of thumb is picking a weight that challenges you without wrecking your form. For most strength and power exercises (like slams or throws), start with something between six and 12 pounds. If you're using the ball for core work or high-rep moves, go even lighter (trust—you'll still feel the burn). You want the ball to feel heavy enough to work, but not so heavy that you lose control mid-rep. Can you build muscle with a medicine ball? Short answer: heck yes! While a medicine ball won't completely replace heavier resistance training, it's an awesome tool for building power, coordination, and functional muscle. Moves like med ball slams, rotational throws, and weighted squats light up multiple muscle groups at once, helping you get stronger in a super dynamic way. Plus, it can be way more fun than another set of dumbbell curls or plain ol' lunges. What's the difference between a slam ball and a medicine ball? Think of a slam ball as the tougher, grittier cousin of the medicine ball. While certain designs can look super similar, slam balls are specifically designed to be thrown, slammed, and abused—they're made with a thicker, and importantly: non-bouncy, so they don't ricochet off the floor (or your face). Traditional medicine balls, on the other hand, are usually lighter and a little bouncier, making them You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mums say 'contaminated land' legal bid is last resort
More and more children at Rebecca Stewart's east London playgroup are using asthma inhalers she says. It was about one in 40 - but now, she says, it is more like one out of every four. "I do think it's due to the fires," Ms Stewart tells BBC News. "When the fires are burning, we can't let the children enjoy [the outdoors]. It's part of their development that they're missing out on." The fires she describes are caused by a former illegal landfill site known as the Rainham Volcano for its constantly smouldering underground blazes. Havering council decided last year that the site wasn't contaminated. Clear the Air Havering, founded by three mothers is legally challenging that decision today. Decades of dumping has filled Arnold's Field with about 40,000 cubic metres of unregulated waste, two storeys deep. Campaigner Ruth Kettle-Frisby says legal action is a "last resort" for locals who have fought "for decades, to no avail". Arnold's Field spans 17 hectares, equal to London's Emirates Stadium. Since 2019, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has attended fires there 121 times - but because it has not been formally designated contaminated and is privately owned, the council has no obligation to clear it. Last year, a council report said the landowner should do the work. Jerry O'Donovan, says his company has been negotiating the land's development since buying it, but the council has been "blocking" his plans. The landowner says he wants to build on the land and will clear it once it has planning permission to do so. "We bought this disastrous site as we foolishly thought we could do some good for the local council/community, as well as have our own business premises to be able to expand and employ/train local people." "We have asked to have this site removed from the green belt as it's no benefit to the green belt," Mr O'Donovan tells BBC News. The council says it has not received a formal planning application yet. Ms Kettle-Frisby's group, Clear the Air in Havering, says the council must take responsibility. "This is a crisis", she says, "and with no accountability, and responsibility ping-ponging over 20 years at least, between the landowner and the council, we need someone to sort it out." Ms Kettle-Frisby fears fumes from the fires are particularly harmful to adults with existing health conditions and to children. "In deprived areas like Rainham, children, who are just as valuable as children anywhere, don't get that right to something as basic as the air that they breathe," she says. The group crowdfunded the money for its legal claim. "I really hope we are listened to," Ms Kettle-Frisby adds. The site has a chequered past, with many years as an illegal dump and, under a previous owner, home to an underground drugs factory. Locals say lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are worsened by the smoke, which they fear could be toxic. Babs Thwaites says the summer fires exacerbate her COPD, trapping her indoors, unable to visit friends or walk her dog. "The particles sit in the air and I can't breathe," she says. "It's like you're gasping for air, you're trying to grab hold of it. "So, for me to cope, the best way is not to go out. "I really do feel sometimes that I'm imprisoned in this house." Ms Thwaites says her husband, who died in 2021, also had COPD. "It started when we moved here," she says. "That's when he got COPD. "And I believe that developed because of the fires." Coral Jeffery says she has developed asthma in the past six years and her daughter, Ms Stewart, who runs the playgroup, has noticed children's health deteriorating. LFB says there were 24 fires at Arnold's Field last year alone, some lasting for days, particularly in the summer, and residents had to keep their windows closed. And a Havering Council report noted a modest "increased risk of GP attendance by those with existing long-term respiratory conditions (such as asthma or COPD) on the day of a fire". The council does not believe the fires are the cause of diseases among residents. Shaun Newton, from Rainham Against Pollution, believes fires constantly burn underground, even if they do not ignite on the surface. In winter, snow does not settle because the ground is so hot. And a thermal drone recorded a ground temperature of 176C even when the fires were not obviously burning. "I felt the heat when I was on the ground," Mr Newton says. "I felt the heat through my shoes. "I dread to think what's down here. "People are going to be stunned to the core." Havering Council says decontaminating the site could cost millions. Its leader, Ray Morgon, tells BBC News the council "absolutely sympathises" with residents and is "committed to trying to resolve this problem" but does not have the power to "dictate" what happens to the land. Instead, he says: "The onus is on the private landowner... to come up with what he believes is a way of remediating the land, making it safe and, obviously, putting on the site the development he wants." Emily Nicholson, who is representing the three mothers at court, says illegal landfills are a "huge" problem across the UK and there are "other communities suffering". The case will look in detail at current contaminated-land statutory guidance and court findings "may well have impact for future cases". "What this case will do... if successful, is show other councils that you can't hide behind the fact that it is private land - and when you're assessing whether or not it's contaminated land, you need to take into account the guidance fully and properly," Ms Nicholson adds. Additional reporting by Naresh Puri and Tara Mewawalla
BBC News
18-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Mums take on council over Rainham Volcano landfill-site fires
More and more children at Rebecca Stewart's east London playgroup are using asthma inhalers she says. It was about one in 40 - but now, she says, it is more like one out of every four. "I do think it's due to the fires," Ms Stewart tells BBC News. "When the fires are burning, we can't let the children enjoy [the outdoors]. It's part of their development that they're missing out on."The fires she describes are caused by a former illegal landfill site known as the Rainham Volcano for its constantly smouldering underground blazes. Havering council decided last year that the site wasn't contaminated. Clear the Air Havering, founded by three mothers is legally challenging that decision today. Attended fires Decades of dumping has filled Arnold's Field with about 40,000 cubic metres of unregulated waste, two storeys deep. Campaigner Ruth Kettle-Frisby says legal action is a "last resort" for locals who have fought "for decades, to no avail". Arnold's Field spans 17 hectares, equal to London's Emirates 2019, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has attended fires there 121 times - but because it has not been formally designated contaminated and is privately owned, the council has no obligation to clear it. Last year, a council report said the landowner should do the work. Jerry O'Donovan, says his company has been negotiating the land's development since buying it, but the council has been "blocking" his plans. The landowner says he wants to build on the land and will clear it once it has planning permission to do so. "We bought this disastrous site as we foolishly thought we could do some good for the local council/community, as well as have our own business premises to be able to expand and employ/train local people""We have asked to have this site removed from the green belt as it's no benefit to the green belt," Mr O'Donovan tells BBC News. The council says it has not received planning permission yet. Ms Kettle-Frisby's group, Clear the Air in Havering, says the council must take responsibility. "This is a crisis", she says, "and with no accountability, and responsibility ping-ponging over 20 years at least, between the landowner and the council, we need someone to sort it out."Ms Kettle-Frisby fears fumes from the fires are particularly harmful to adults with existing health conditions and to children."In deprived areas like Rainham, children, who are just as valuable as children anywhere, don't get that right to something as basic as the air that they breathe," she group crowdfunded the money for its legal claim."I really hope we are listened to," Ms Kettle-Frisby adds. The site has a chequered past, with many years as an illegal dump and, under a previous owner, home to an underground drugs factory. Locals say lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are worsened by the smoke, which they fear could be toxic. Babs Thwaites says the summer fires exacerbate her COPD, trapping her indoors, unable to visit friends or walk her dog. "The particles sit in the air and I can't breathe," she says."It's like you're gasping for air, you're trying to grab hold of it. "So, for me to cope, the best way is not to go out. "I really do feel sometimes that I'm imprisoned in this house." Ms Thwaites says her husband, who died in 2021, also had COPD. "It started when we moved here," she says."That's when he got COPD."And I believe that developed because of the fires." Coral Jeffery says she has developed asthma in the past six years and her daughter, Ms Stewart, who runs the playgroup, has noticed children's health deteriorating. LFB says there were 24 fires at Arnold's Field last year alone, some lasting for days, particularly in the summer, and residents had to keep their windows closed. And a Havering Council report noted a modest "increased risk of GP attendance by those with existing long-term respiratory conditions (such as asthma or COPD) on the day of a fire". The council does not believe the fires are the cause of diseases among residents. Shaun Newton, from Rainham Against Pollution, believes fires constantly burn underground, even if they do not ignite on the surface. In winter, snow does not settle because the ground is so hot. And a thermal drone recorded a ground temperature of 176C even when the fires were not obviously burning. "I felt the heat when I was on the ground," Mr Newton says."I felt the heat through my shoes."I dread to think what's down here. "People are going to be stunned to the core." Havering Council says decontaminating the site could cost leader, Ray Morgon, tells BBC News the council "absolutely sympathises" with residents and is "committed to trying to resolve this problem" but does not have the power to "dictate" what happens to the land. Instead, he says: "The onus is on the private landowner... to come up with what he believes is a way of remediating the land, making it safe and, obviously, putting on the site the development he wants."Emily Nicholson, who is representing the three mothers at court, says illegal landfills are a "huge" problem across the UK and there are "other communities suffering".The case will look in detail at current contaminated-land statutory guidance and court findings "may well have impact for future cases"."What this case will do... if successful, is show other councils that you can't hide behind the fact that it is private land - and when you're assessing whether or not it's contaminated land, you need to take into account the guidance fully and properly," Ms Nicholson adds. Additional reporting by Naresh Puri and Tara Mewawalla
