A little bit of this, a little bit of that. I’m sure there’s something here that might interest you or someone you know:

★ Chicken Parmigiana: a favourite of many that isn’t going to be as detrimental to the daily calorie intake.

★ Supermarket Scam – health food sections cash in on lax labelling: something we all need to be more aware of when we’re out grocery shopping.

★ Asian Summer Herbs: a lot of these guys are a staple in our fridge, they’re fresh, they’re healthy and adds heaps of flavour to a dish.

★ Deload Week – the missing link: if you’re feeling tired and fatigued maybe you need one of these included in your training program.

★ PCOS Information: for suffers like myself, in the beginning there’s a lot of questions and here’s where you can start getting the answers from.

Well today was officially my first day of the Guinea Pig training program.

As you already know we’re not permitted to go into the specifics of it so I’ll just speak generally about what I’m doing and my perspective on it all. Firstly I have to say that I’m glad I had started out doing his Maximum Strength training program first because it’s helped, a lot! I have a much better understand and appreciation of how he operates and the way he likes to do things. It’s made the transition into this training program that little bit easier so that’s all good.

I’m definitely a fan of his work and more so now than ever before. I physically have noticed the difference. My range of movement has increased by leaps and bounds, I have more flexibility then previously and my overall strength just keeps on getting better and better. I’m a hell of a lot more stronger and with that comes more confidence across the board with all my training. Just when I think it can’t possibly get any better, it does. I’m so passionate about my training and even more so for my results. What I’m doing is definitely working for me I believe and hopefully the Bodpod will confirm this at the end of the four months. Only time will tell I guess.

The greatest thing about this whole online experience are the video demonstrations. Being able to see Eric Cressey demonstrate every single thing just reassures what I’m doing and re-inforces good form and technique. So although he’s not physically here, it’s the next best thing to it.

I found today that this program makes me think about what it is that I’m doing. There’s no time to zone out whilst going through the motions otherwise I’d risk injury. Also what I thought was going to be easy was anything but, never again will I underestimate how an exercise looks on paper. Lets just say that my core was whipped into shape today and I’m feeling it now. LOL!!

So overall I’m happy, really happy with it. Getting up and hitting the gym at 0530h each morning isn’t a problem for me anymore, I’m thoroughly enjoying myself. And loving the results even more.

I’ll be updating my blog weekly with how I’m travelling on the training front on Monday’s. Train smart, not hard.

]]> http://www.liahalsall.com/2010/02/15/guinea-pig-training-program-week-1-of-16/feed/ 6 http://www.liahalsall.com/2010/02/12/maximum-strength-bodyology-2/ http://www.liahalsall.com/2010/02/12/maximum-strength-bodyology-2/#comments Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:30:27 +0000 Lia Halsall http://www.liahalsall.com/?p=6760

Previously I had posted about my Packing Day test conducted for my Maximum Strength Training Program. So due to the change of training programs from what I was currently doing to the Guinea Pig Training Program I had to do the test all over again today in preparation for my next stage. I was pleasantly surprised when I made gains across the entire board and some of them quite significant like the box squat. Here’s what I did and the gains that I made in just four weeks. Imagine the results I’ll get in four months after I finish this new program. Ay Carumbas!

1. 1RM Broad Jump ➜ 81 cm

2. 1RM Box Squat ➜ 15kg

3. 1RM Bench Press ➜ 2.5kg

4. 1RM Deadlift ➜ 5kg

5. 1RM Three-Rep Max Chin-Up ➜ 1 Plate

As for my recent experience with the bodpod here’s what was emailed to me from Andy.

“Bodyology Exercise Science Studio adopts only World Best Practice Analysis methods for the most accurate measurement and monitoring of Body Composition (Lean vs Fat Mass), Metabolic function and Aerobic Conditioning (VO2 Max). Testing Methods used include the Bodpod and Metabolic Cart technology as previously restricted to University Research, Military Applications, Hospital treatment and the Professional Sporting Realm. Exercise Scientist, Andrew Garlick services everyone from Elite and Professional athletes and sporting teams to general fitness and weight loss clients. The aim of every consultation is for clients to leave Bodyology with a detailed understanding of their results and also strategies to reach their health and fitness goals, whether they are performance, health or aesthetically based. Accurate Feedback is essential to gauging intervention effectiveness and making suitable adjustments to ensure results. Bodyology looks at truly focusing on what is most suitable for each individual moving forward with positive ideas and action. Bodyology is Results Based Science at its best. Visit www.bodyologystudio.com.au to learn more.”

I personally had the body composition and metabolism analysis done and am happy with my results. I’m booked in again in four months time at the end of my guinea pig training program. So then I’ll be able to tell or not how effective functional strength training is for me and my genetics. After all, that’s what it all boils down to in the end and that’s the science of the sport.  The testing was simple and painless, the information is invaluable. Now I just wait. If you want to take the guessing out of the equation whilst working towards your health and fitness goals then this will help. So much so hubby’s going in to get his done as well. Here’s the information breakdown of what I got:

BOD POD

★ % Fat Mass

★ % Fat Free Mass

★ Fat Mass

★ Fat Free Mass

★ Body Mass

★ Body Volume

★ Body Density

★ Thoracic Gas Volume

METABOLISM

★ Resting Metabolic Rate

★ Total Energy Output

Well that’s enough for today folks. I hope you all have a great weekend!

There’s something for everyone in today’s list of stuff you should read.

★ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Morning Cortisol Levels: Dr. James Wilson’s Adrenal Fatigue Blog’s Latest Post

★ Asian Style Poached Chicken: we all love a healthyish recipe!

★ Sucker Punch ~ Paul Chek: An interview with none other than Paul Chek.

★ Juice Plus: my favourite supplement of them all.

★ What’s in season – January : although the month has already been and gone, the seasonal fruit and vegetables haven’t. I eat organic which means it’s always seasonal so I like to know what’s there to chose from when menu planning.

Ciao for now.