Blogged Health

From Smoker to Athlete!

2008-10-16T03:21:00Z

Imagine turning up to a weight loss retreat at 114kg, approx 172cm tall, and smoking 1 pack of cigarettes a day. Well thats what one of our recent 'graduates' did, she gave up the smokes and committed to imrpoving her health. It was tough at the beginning but she had a 'can do' attitude and just persevered. That's not to say I didn't get my fair share of death-stares along the way but she was strong, and kept moving forward.

When she first arrived, probably her first week, I took the group for a walk/run in the rain. She only had to run in 10m lots but she struggled greatly with that. As each new fortnight arrived her only wish was that someone with less fitness than her would arrive, so she wasn't always last.

Well 12 weeks later and she too reached her goal of being able to run for 10km. Not only that but she could run 2-3 times per day, averaging approximately 6-8km per session.

It's people like this that really make my work worthwhile. She was very unfit, and although it hurt a great deal she worked hard and stayed committed. For that she has my respect!

H.T.F.U!!!!

2008-10-09T20:34:00Z

Just thought I'd take the opportunity to reflect on a great experience I've had since coming to The New Me. This week is another Intake Week, but it's not like the others. We have 2 girls leaving after being here 12 weeks, and 1 leaving after 8 weeks. These guys have been truly inspirational and just wanted to make mention about 1, but will discuss the other 2 in a few days.

This 'overy-pink-wearing 8-weeker' came to us at 96.5kg, and gave up smoking on the day she arrived. She was bubblt right from the start and blew many people away with her positive attitude. She definitely brought a much needed positive boost to the place at a time when it was needed. Even when her muscles ached she was still happy. She pushed herself hard, and smiled all the way.

But it wasn't all easy going. After 4 weeks, and some great results, she had a few hurdles and this really showed in her attitude. She was still happy, and still worked hard, but it seemed she had to really work at being positive rather than the easy way it just flowed at the start.

Well the end of 8 weeks is 2 days away and she is looking awesome. This unfit, obese, smoker, has left has left as a slimmer, fitter young lady who can now run 10km!

She can RUN 10km!!!!!!

I am very proud, and this girl epitomises what a trainer needs in a client: Turn up, listen, learn, implement. She really is a credit to herself and whilst we provided the atmosphere and tools, she can take credit for all the great results because it was her putting in each day.

Well Done!

Ps. HTFU? ...... Well this is how this girl motivated herself. When she knew she needed to lift for a session she would wear the cap she brought for times like that. It just had HTFU across it (Harden The F*** Up)

Another Great Week!

2008-10-03T23:18:00Z

Well lately I could start a post like this at the end of each week! We had 3 girls leave, and 3 come in. As always the new people come in quite guarded, and try to protect themselves by giving us loads of excuses as to why they can't do this, or can't do that. We listen, but we continue as we normally would and they always come out at the end of the program blown away at what they actually can do.

This week was no different and 2 ladies in particular have made a stunning (psychological) transformation over the course of the week. One in particular running our 5km Mordi Beach run, which includes many stairs and ramps. This was the first time she had run in many years.

It takes a lot of courage to turn up here and face your demons. I have nothing but respect for those that do!

Well, back to work!

Record Breaking Weigh In at The New Me!

2008-09-29T14:29:00Z

Yesterday was an amazing day which saw us say goodbye to 3 inspiring individuals, once again with their own story. One, halfway through her journey but still with a great (self-belief) hurdle to overcome, came through the 2 weeks with a re-newed belief in herself and walked out of the house 6.3kg lighter. Another lady came with a history of muscular injuries, and once again a lack of self belief, but walked out of the house just over 10kg lighter. This was the greatest amount a female had lost at The New Me......until the final lady weighed in. Our current record holder, who left the house just over 11kg lighter, is just at the start of her journey. Lacking fitness and mobility and having a history of serious illness, she pushed herself in the sessions and so deserved the result she got.

I know I keep mentioning the transformations, but it is hard not to be blown away by the change in people. I'm not just talking about the physical change, it's the psychological change that is most impressive. These 3 ladies were different people when they left. This is not always a comfortable place to be. You are constantly taken out of your comfort zone, but these 3 (like many others) perservered.

For that that have my respect!

I Think I Can't, I Think I Can't, I Think I Can't...

2008-09-22T07:04:00Z

One thing that never changes at The New Me is that new people coming in have very little confidence in their own ability to complete any set task that can be categorised as 'Exercise'. As they complete each day (and achieve little goals along the way) you see the changes in them. It's great when you're running along and they're telling you how they just can't do it, then they realise: They Are!!!

It really is amazing what we can do when we set our mind to it. The human body is a very resilient piece of work and quite often it's the brain that is the weakest link. If we needed to we could walk for weeks on end, if our life depended on it, and we'd do it without a complaint. But give us a choice and all of a sudden it gets too much.

Helping people get through this mind block is the trainer's greatest challenge. Once this is achieved it's pretty much smooth sailing. But you have to want it, and until you do there's nothing anyone can say or do to help.

One guest commented today that one thing The New Me program shows is that when planned properly, obese people can perform what they would usually consider high levels of exercise.

So now it all comes down to: what is your excuse?

Is it time? What is really more important than your health?

Is it money? It doesn't cost anything to exercise!

Or is it your mind?

Heart Rates, Calories, and Butcher Boys!

2008-09-17T19:09:00Z

For some here, their whole day can become: "How many calories can I burn?" and " How many calories is in that food?". Which is why it's important for us to provide varied exercise programs to keep their minds fresh and restrict the chance of injury, and varied meal plans so that they'll be able to order food out in the real world without having to scramble for their Calorie Counter booklet.

The guys here have been working very hard and yesterday was a bit of a recovery day for most, just an opportunity to refresh their body and mind. When setting out on a crusade of weight loss it's important to know when to drop the intensity. Not for long, just enough to light that fire within you again.

Well this morning I'm off for our famous beach run. It's approximately 5km of flats, stairs, and ramps, and has become a bit of a measuring stick for those that visit The New Me. Of course all start out walking, but those here long enough soon take the challenge and see how fast they can finish it in.

And Butcher Boys? Well let's just say that for some here running past the local shops can be a simple way of raising the heart rate!

Ray

8 Weeks on......

2008-09-16T12:34:00Z

Well I was planning on posting here every few days but there has been a lot happening. Since posting 8 weeks ago I've made a number of new friends, and seen some amazing transformations! I really wish I had taken the time to make mention of each of them as it was happening as they all had their own story, with each of them giving so much. They've earned my respect!

In the 8 weeks, I've had about 3 trips to Sydney, and 2 to Brisbane, we've had A Current Affair and New Idea at The New Me doing stories, I've released my new book "Winners Do What Losers Don't", and I've been involved in stories for Womans Day, and Slimming and Health. Phew!!! It really has been a busy time!

But I am loving it.

I just wish you could see the people that visit us, what they give and what they go through. It's a special place.

I promise to make the posts more regular now. Until then, you can visit us at http://www.TheNewMe.com.au , or http://www.WinnersDoWhatLosersDont.com

My First Full Day At The New Me

2008-07-21T09:25:00Z

I've just finished my first full day at Adro's weight loss retreat, The New Me. It really is a great place and it's so inspiring working alongside people who have really bitten the bullet and are ready to do whatever it takes to change their lives. I took 1 full session today, and also took 2 of the fitter girls for a session as well. Training the 2 girls was great as they were telling me beforehand that they are now much fitter (after being there for 6 weeks) and are having trouble getting their heart rates up enough to burn sufficient calories. I love a challenge so did a bit of an interval session and almost doubled what they'd usually been burning.

The group session was good as well, and the training comprised of a medicine ball circuit in our big sandpit (it's the size of a tennis court!). The group worked really hard. I'm looking forward to seeing the changes in them over the coming weeks.

Ray

Blacktown Hit Squad

2008-07-09T09:56:00Z

I've been working with a number of professional boxers at Blacktown Hit Squad. These guys have shown that they are truly a bunch of professionals: listening, asking questions, and putting what they've learnt into practice.

If you get a chance to get to one of their promotions do it. I've been to 2 so far and they are great nights. The highlight of the last one for me was sitting ringside with rugby legend Jonah Lomu.

Keep an eye out for these fighter at Blacktown Hit Squad:

Laurence Tauasa

Pradeep Singh

Will Tomlinson

Kariz (Peter) Kariuki

The New Me - Weight Loss Retreat

2008-07-09T09:48:00Z

Next week I'll be moving down to Melbourne and taking on a role at Adro's The New Me weight loss retreat. I went down on the Easter long weekend and really enjoyed myself. The guys they had staying there were really motivated to make a change and their results showed that too.

Since starting back at Easter, the guys who have visited The New Me have lost an average of 3kg each week. The systems have shown that they are successful so far and we'll looking to build on those to make a better experience for all.

Hope to see you there!

Books In Homes

2008-04-06T03:55:00Z

I've mentioned before that I am involved with a great charity called 'Books In Homes'. It's a program where children at a disadvantaged school recieve 9 books of their choice each year. It all stems from the findings that the majority of those in prison come from disadvantaged areas, and have poor reading and writing skills. Books In Homes is all about getting thee kids interested in education, so they can make a better future for themselves.

Part of the program is the book giving ceremony, where the corporate sponsor, and a role model go out to the school and present the kids with their new books.

Well last week I was invited to be the role model at Doonside Public School. To be asked to do this was humbling to say the least, given that last year they had Michael O'Loughlan (Sydney Swans), and the Govenor General!

The coorporate sponsors for Doonside Public School are MainFreight, and they had 2 representitives from their company in attendance. It must be said that Mainfreight not only provide books at Doonside, but also at many other schools across Australia and New Zealand.

The assembly was formed and there I was standing in front of all those gazing eyes. The excitement in these kids were unbelieveable! I told them my story, about my achievements and how important education has been in my life. I explained how cool physics and biomechanics can be (Did I just say that!), and gave examples of how these subjects relate to the sports they enjoy playing. I then asked around the room, to see what they dreamt of being when they are older: teachers, archiologists, marine biologists, and captaining the Australian Rugby Team, were just a few. I remember being that old, and attending a school very similar. I really didn't want to sit back down!

The assembly finished and I was given a series of 'hi fives' as I left the assembly. We went back for some morning tea with the teachers in the staff room and I hadn't had a sip of my tea, when I was challenged to a game of handball by a group of students. I was warned that they were pretty good (and that the rules change very regularly :), but I remember being pretty good back in the day so took my suit jacket off and headed down to the 'arena'. There were 6 squares, with a line up of about 15 reserves, and apparently this is what it is like at every break. Well I held my own, but was certainly given a lesson by a couple of the older boys (Lol, 11 years old!).

The kids really seemed to love the interaction and I always had at least on standing next to me telling me their story, about where they're from, what they'd like to do in the future, or why they chose the books they did. We even had one of the more troubled students following the principal around asking a series of jokes from the joke book he had just recieved (yes, they were sick jokes, and yes I laughed at every one of them!)

I am being totally honest when I say it one of the best things I've done in years. I walked into that school thinking that I had few stressful situations to deal with during that week, but left with a whole new perspective. I couldn't get the smile off my face, and there was no event in my life at the moment that was even the slightest challenge. How could I think otherwise after seeing these kids, and the joy they had at just recieving these books?

Now I know these kids will go back to their normal lives, some probably have minimal love and supervision, or not even the essential 3 meals a day. But now they have these books, and I have no doubt that there will be some in that group that will one day look back on the Books In Homes program, and wonder where their life might've ended up without it!

I can't wait to go back!

The Best Tattooist in Sydney

2008-03-06T09:37:00Z

Les Rice, the best tattooist in Sydney. Well I think so anyway!

I'd been looking to get a short sleeve on my arm for the past 2 years but had found it hard to find a good tattooist. Eventually I emailed Paul Braniff who is quite well known in the Australian tattoo scene. The only problem was he is based on the Gold Coast. Anyway, I was willing to travel if he could fit me in.

A few weeks after I sent the email I heard back from him telling me about Les and how he was just kicking off again in Sydney. You may have heard of the Rice name in tattooing as his father, sister, and brothers are all in the trade.

I would later learn that Les is also an award winning artist, last year winning the world's richest portrait prize, and this being a finalist in the Archibald Prize.

I had my first 3 hour sitting on Wednesday where I got the outline and shading done, and I'll be back in 10 days for the next stage. It's looking awesome so far and can't wait to see it with a bit of colour!

You can check out Les' work at: http://www.artintimidatinglife.com

So You Think You Can't Run?

2008-02-04T10:02:00Z

The next time you use the excuse that you can't do something, have a thought about an old friend of mine.....

A few years back he was riding his bike training for a triathlon when he was hit by a semi-trailer. He went right under it and he was pretty f***ed up. He broke many bones and was in a coma.

When he came around there was little hope of him ever being able to get out of a wheelchair.

Well recently he completed his first triathlon since the accident. He still doesn't have great use of both legs but he rode his bike with one leg, swam using his upper body, and did the run using crutches.

Just think about that for a second. Completing a run (well, kind of run..) using crutches, after a long ride and a swim. Imagine how much discomfort, pain, or negative thoughts must have gone through his head during training. How many excuses do you think he would have come up with over the past few years? Who would've blamed him if he ever gave up?

It's a pretty awesome achievement but I know this is not where his story will end.

Anyway, something to think about next time your mind tries to sabotage you!

Ray

Caroline Porter's Song!

2008-01-28T01:48:00Z

Happy New Year to all!

This is my first post of the year and wanted to show everyone a song my 15 year old niece wrote.

She learnt to play the guitar only a year ago! She had never performed it in front of anyone before that night.

I apologise in advance for the background noise in the first 1:28, but it's wiped out after that.

Check it out here: http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=27076214

Ray

Books In Homes - Great charity!

2007-12-13T20:05:00Z

A program to help disadvantaged children has been brought to my attention over the past week and it's something I think deserves greater support and awareness throughout the community. 'Books in Homes' was initially started in New Zealand by Alan Duff (author of 'Once Were Warriors') and is now being promoted by Brett Kingston here in Australia.

So what is it?

Basically, these guys have seen that most inmates in jail have poor literacy skills, and usually came from a family with the same problems. So what they are trying to do is break this cycle and instill a love of learning into kids whilst they're still young. Book in Homes send a load of catalogues out to a school, then EVERY child in that school gets to choose 3 books. These books are then ordered and are returned to the school with a famous role model to hand them out (sports star, media personality, etc). Each book also has the name of the student printed inside (Yes, the kids now own the books!).

And it doesn't stop there.

The kids also recieve rewards for good behaviour throughout the year, in the form of books, donated by Books in Homes. They also get to choose another 3 books each year!

Since the inception of the program teachers have reported:

increased reading ability
better behaviour at school
increased attendance

They are always looking for support as they are totally funded by donations. If you know any famous people who would be interested in helping out get them to contact Brett through this website: http://www.biha.com.au/ or if you're a business that wants to help out a wonderful program then I'm sure they'd love to hear from you as well.

Ray