I've been plodding along pretty consistently for a few weeks now (minus a couple of hiccups along the way) and I feel it's time to "up the ante" as they love to say on Aussie Idol. I'm thrilled with my results so far - kilos & centimetres lost and a new-found determination in place... but this has only made me realise that I have so much more I can improve on. My diet has been very lackadaisical (I've always wanted to use that word!) and I am FAR from working to my full potential at the gym. And so, it is time for the next chapter!
While I was away I stumbled across a "Fitness Rx" magazine and decided to buy it instead of one of my usual fashion magazines which only encourage me to spend money (that I definitely don't have right now!)... I figured this would at least have a positive impact on my life - I just didn't realise how much!
Now I haven't really mentioned it before, but I'm actually a qualified personal trainer (certificate 4 in fitness from the A.I.F. in 2005). I don't like to talk about it because firstly (and superficially), I know I haven't looked like a PT in the past, but mostly because I know my knowledge is SO limited (like a huge percentage of the fitness industry) and I want to practice what I preach before I go out and charge for my services.
I always thought I'd need to do another course to get to the point of being comfortable enough to train others again, but my lightbulb moment this week was that the knowledge is out there for everyone to find if only you take the time to look for it. This magazine was teeming with information and inspiration that I'm already putting into practice and has whet my appetite for more knowledge and therefore a more efficient and direct way to achieve my goals.
Now sure, you can lose weight knowing next to nothing about health & fitness and that's great for those who manage to do it! But my argument is: why take 6 months (or 6 years as it is in my case) to achieve what could be done in 6 weeks? Once you decide you want something, work out what you need to do to achieve it and GET IT DONE. Like the old saying goes, "Don't put off till tomorrow what can be done today." - in other words, don't drag it out forever when you could be looking and feeling amazing really soon! I'm not saying it's easy. The 6 weeks will probably to be torturous at times, but you have to ask yourself - how badly do you want it? 'Cause if it ain't high on your priority list - trust me, I've lived it - it's never gonna happen!
So where is this rant leading? Well I discovered someone in this magazine who, in my opinion, has the ideal female body and - thank you Fitness Rx - the article about her includes her training program. Now this girl is an award winning fitness model so I am aiming VERY high on this one... But I figure why not? She has achieved/maintained her amazing body while studying medicine at college (as if those things aren't hard enough to do on their own) and I am currently unemployed with a gym membership - so really I have no one to blame but myself if I don't get results!
Saying all this, I have no idea how long it's going to take to get anywhere close to her physique (she has been seriously into fitness since she was 14) but to test my 6 month vs 6 week theory, I'm going to give it everything I've got for 6 weeks and see where I end up. I will be following a 6 day work/1 day rest gym program during that time and will create a diet plan based on diets like hers and other fitness models. To track results I will do my measurements, weight, body fat & photos once a week and will also be taking notes regarding my cardiovascular fitness and strength throughout the program.
I will post the exercise program and sample diet on here for reference - if you're unsure of what the exercises are, do a search for them on YouTube where you should be able to find a video tutorial. I look forward to sharing my results!
Please remember to consult a doctor and/or fitness professional if you intend to make any dramatic changes to your diet and/or exercise program.
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