Front crawl has always been an art that has plagued my life. At the back of my mind, I had this nagging thought that I had never really mastered effortless swimming. I'm not naturally buoyant and probably used my African genes as an excuse. So I decided to follow the Fit School principles and overcome this through expert coaching and a road map to success. So I hired a swimming coach.
The question Ray asked me was where I wanted to go with this. I want to be able to swim a mile front crawl, pretty quick and not need CPR when I get out. I wanted to master effortless speed. I also watched a lot of swimming over the summer and it hit home how slow I was! My coach, Ray, straight away hit me with some information. In his opinion, black people not being able to swim is more soci-economic than genetic. The buoyancy of the American swimming team was tested they were no more or no less buoyant than the average person. So buoyancy isn't a prerequisite to becoming a better swimmer. He believes that there will be more black swimmers at future games and they will challenge and overtake their white colleagues. Just like everything I bang on about in my job. It comes down to technique. If you are less buoyant, you can't get away with poor technique.
I was down at Swim Canary Wharf where they have an endless pool with underwater cameras. The jets from the pool accentuate your poor technique and when you get it right, you feel the water stream beneath you. I have to say, that after one lesson, I was already feeling more streamline in the water and less like I needed an oxygen mask when I got out. Ray told me my drills and how often I needed to practice them. He was quite clear. Do this and get that.
I have to say that I fully trust my coach. Why? He is in control of the goal I have given him. A lot of people don't like being told what to do and the notion of a coach jars with them. People often say, "you should know it yourself..." or " what can they tell me that I don't know myself..." He's only doing what I am telling him to do except his is getting out of me what I can't do myself. He's also putting all the information into an order that makes sense to me. I have no doubt that I could Google all the drills he has given me, but they wouldn't make sense and I probably wouldn't do them properly. I really haven't got the time to waste doing things halfheartedly. The majority of athletes have coaches, it would be more uncommon to not have one. So if you want results, why would getting a coach seem strange?
So the take home lessons are you can't beat expert coaching. Technique is everything. You need a programme and a road map for success. Also a personal goal for me could be to see where this goes and try to get more adults and black people swimming. One thing that hasn't changed though. After swimming, I was absolutely STARVING!!
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Super soup 3
This is one of my favourites from "The Primal Blueprint Cookbook. It is a great way to get your greens in.
Ingredients.
2 tablespoons of butter
1 small onion
1 large garlic clove, chopped
250 ml of chicken stock/broth*
1 head of broccoli**
1 carrot
1 cup of coconut milk
*When using stock cubes, it will create a saltier taste so taste as you go along and if necessary, add more broccoli or carrots.
**Preferably you want to steam the broccoli while the onions are being cooked but if you boil them, only boil them for 3 minutes maximum.
Heat the butter in a saucepan. Add the onions and cook slowly. Don't let them burn. When translucent, add the garlic and cook for a few minutes. Do not let them burn.
Add the broth/stock and carrots. Turn the heat up high to a boil. Then add half the steamed/boiled broccoli and cook for a few minutes until the veg is soft. Turn off the heat and blitz the lot with a blender. Be careful as hot soup will splatter as you blend it.
Once it is in a smooth consistency, return to the heat, add the remaining broccoli and the coconut milk. Cook for a few minutes then serve!
Ingredients.
2 tablespoons of butter
1 small onion
1 large garlic clove, chopped
250 ml of chicken stock/broth*
1 head of broccoli**
1 carrot
1 cup of coconut milk
*When using stock cubes, it will create a saltier taste so taste as you go along and if necessary, add more broccoli or carrots.
**Preferably you want to steam the broccoli while the onions are being cooked but if you boil them, only boil them for 3 minutes maximum.
Heat the butter in a saucepan. Add the onions and cook slowly. Don't let them burn. When translucent, add the garlic and cook for a few minutes. Do not let them burn.
Add the broth/stock and carrots. Turn the heat up high to a boil. Then add half the steamed/boiled broccoli and cook for a few minutes until the veg is soft. Turn off the heat and blitz the lot with a blender. Be careful as hot soup will splatter as you blend it.
Once it is in a smooth consistency, return to the heat, add the remaining broccoli and the coconut milk. Cook for a few minutes then serve!
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Top soups for winter
The Long Johns are on and it's starting to get cold so I thought I would dig out some soup recipes that I have made over the years. Homemade soups are great for not only getting a lot of vegetables in, but mixed with some good carbohydrates, they can make a complete meal for you or your family. They are a million times better than the ones you buy from the supermarket as you can control what you put in them and you can also tweak the flavour to suit your taste.
Have a go at some of these and let me know of any tweaks you made to suit your taste.
Pea, mint and bacon soup.
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- a small knob of butter
- 1/2 onion
- 4 bacon rashers
- 1 garlic clove
-150g of frozen peas
- 150-250 ml of vegetable stock (depending on taste)
-1-2 handfuls of chopped mint (depending on taste)
Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onions and butter and fry gently so they aren't coloured.
Add the bacon and cook until it goes golden. Add the garlic at the end but be careful not to burn it. It will make the soup taste rancid.
Add the peas, vegetable stock. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes (add the mint at this point) until the peas can be easily squashed.
Blitz the whole lot and add more water if you want it more runny. Also add pepper to taste.
If you want more pea taste, just boil a few more peas and add them to it. Next time use the larger quantity stated in the recipe.
Enjoy, there are more to come!
Have a go at some of these and let me know of any tweaks you made to suit your taste.
Pea, mint and bacon soup.
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- a small knob of butter
- 1/2 onion
- 4 bacon rashers
- 1 garlic clove
-150g of frozen peas
- 150-250 ml of vegetable stock (depending on taste)
-1-2 handfuls of chopped mint (depending on taste)
Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onions and butter and fry gently so they aren't coloured.
Add the bacon and cook until it goes golden. Add the garlic at the end but be careful not to burn it. It will make the soup taste rancid.
Add the peas, vegetable stock. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes (add the mint at this point) until the peas can be easily squashed.
Blitz the whole lot and add more water if you want it more runny. Also add pepper to taste.
If you want more pea taste, just boil a few more peas and add them to it. Next time use the larger quantity stated in the recipe.
Enjoy, there are more to come!
Monday, 1 October 2012
In defence of BMI
Every trainer in the land chokes on their carrot stick when they hear the letters BMI. I used to be one of those trainers too. What exactly is it and why do trainers get their knickers in a twist?
BMI is a calculation which divides a person's weight by the square of their height. A score of 25-29.9 puts you in the 'overweight bracket' and anything over 29.9 classes you as obese. It was originally invented in the 1800's and its purpose was to see what the average man looked like and had very little to do with health. A guy called Ancel Keyes studied this relationship between height and weight (originally invented by Adolphe Quetelet). After looking at different formulas, he determined that this was the best one and it became known as the Body Mass Index. However, Keyes rubber stamp came with a warning. It shouldn't be used for individual diagnosis as it ignores a lot of other factors. Factors which many trainers and are in uproar about. Here are some of the issues trainers have.
Your BMI will go down if you get taller but stay the same weight. It will also go down if you get lighter. You aren't going to get taller as an adult. In fact, you will get shorter as you age. Also, it doesn't take into account sex, ethnicity, genetics, amputees....the list goes on. So it's pretty obvious to see some of the flaws. It was only meant to be used as a guide and further tests would need to be done to ascertain health issues. Now it is used by Doctors, insurance companies, weight loss companies.....the list goes on. So should it be ignored? I used to think so, but now I'm not too sure.
When you collect data together like this and try to see any relationships between the group, people will always get missed off the edges. In the last week I have heard one guy say "BMI is rubbish because I'm apparently obese yet i'm 5ft 8", weigh 13 stone and 5% bodyfat." Well your argument falls flat on your face mate. How many people are that lean? You'd be lucky to do skinfold measurements on 10 random guys in the street and get an average bodyfat reading under 20%. Then you have the slim guys who are TOFI shaped(Thin outside fat inside). They will have an apparently healthy BMI yet may be less than healthy (higher levels of visceral fat around internal organs). Again, in today's society, this isn't indicative of the average person (TOFI shaped people, not high levels of visceral fat).
So what am I getting at? Trainers and other critics of BMI seem to have helped convince those who have dangerously high bodyfat levels that there is nothing to worry about. I agree that it is a pretty arbitary measure and never use it myself. I'm classed as overweight on my BMI. Howver the reality is if your BMI says you are obese, there is a high probability that you need to do something about it. BMI is pretty useful in telling people who are kidding themselves that they need to take action. Not everyone can get their bodyfat checked or get their health checked in a few minutes. However, you can get your BMI done in a matter of minutes. Any trainers who think BMI is nonsense should think about doing the following study. The average person does not exercise 3 times a week and is not muscular (in the western world). So this group should not be included. You'll need an 'average range' for heights of men and women. Anyone very tall or a lot shorter than the average shouldn't be included either. Finally, very thin people shouldn't be included. In the group that is left, any person who they start training who has a BMI score over 29.9, send them off to get some health checks. When they get the results, either put a tick or a cross next to BMI. I guarantee that you will have more ticks than crosses.
BMI is a calculation which divides a person's weight by the square of their height. A score of 25-29.9 puts you in the 'overweight bracket' and anything over 29.9 classes you as obese. It was originally invented in the 1800's and its purpose was to see what the average man looked like and had very little to do with health. A guy called Ancel Keyes studied this relationship between height and weight (originally invented by Adolphe Quetelet). After looking at different formulas, he determined that this was the best one and it became known as the Body Mass Index. However, Keyes rubber stamp came with a warning. It shouldn't be used for individual diagnosis as it ignores a lot of other factors. Factors which many trainers and are in uproar about. Here are some of the issues trainers have.
Your BMI will go down if you get taller but stay the same weight. It will also go down if you get lighter. You aren't going to get taller as an adult. In fact, you will get shorter as you age. Also, it doesn't take into account sex, ethnicity, genetics, amputees....the list goes on. So it's pretty obvious to see some of the flaws. It was only meant to be used as a guide and further tests would need to be done to ascertain health issues. Now it is used by Doctors, insurance companies, weight loss companies.....the list goes on. So should it be ignored? I used to think so, but now I'm not too sure.
When you collect data together like this and try to see any relationships between the group, people will always get missed off the edges. In the last week I have heard one guy say "BMI is rubbish because I'm apparently obese yet i'm 5ft 8", weigh 13 stone and 5% bodyfat." Well your argument falls flat on your face mate. How many people are that lean? You'd be lucky to do skinfold measurements on 10 random guys in the street and get an average bodyfat reading under 20%. Then you have the slim guys who are TOFI shaped(Thin outside fat inside). They will have an apparently healthy BMI yet may be less than healthy (higher levels of visceral fat around internal organs). Again, in today's society, this isn't indicative of the average person (TOFI shaped people, not high levels of visceral fat).
So what am I getting at? Trainers and other critics of BMI seem to have helped convince those who have dangerously high bodyfat levels that there is nothing to worry about. I agree that it is a pretty arbitary measure and never use it myself. I'm classed as overweight on my BMI. Howver the reality is if your BMI says you are obese, there is a high probability that you need to do something about it. BMI is pretty useful in telling people who are kidding themselves that they need to take action. Not everyone can get their bodyfat checked or get their health checked in a few minutes. However, you can get your BMI done in a matter of minutes. Any trainers who think BMI is nonsense should think about doing the following study. The average person does not exercise 3 times a week and is not muscular (in the western world). So this group should not be included. You'll need an 'average range' for heights of men and women. Anyone very tall or a lot shorter than the average shouldn't be included either. Finally, very thin people shouldn't be included. In the group that is left, any person who they start training who has a BMI score over 29.9, send them off to get some health checks. When they get the results, either put a tick or a cross next to BMI. I guarantee that you will have more ticks than crosses.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Train like an 18 month old for superior results.
My son is true champion. He puts myself and other trainers to shame with his approach to life. He understands training better than I do without reading a single book and we should all take note if we want to get superior results. Here is his programme.
1. In order to get real growth (bone, vital organs) not just muscle like those dumb-ass grownups try to do, you need to get some decent sleep. When I really want to grow, I'll have 2 sleeps. 3 hours during the day and at least 12 at night. How do you expect to grow when you are moving around so damn much?? You grow when you rest.
2. Where possible, get someone to carry you around to save vital energy. When I'm tired, i just get into my pram or get my dad to carry me. He's a sucker for my open arms.
3. Don't play it safe. Push yourself in different ways when you train. I'll try to climb the sofa, do some stairs and improve each time. I fell off the other day though, but you don't make an omelet without breaking some eggs.
4. Stay flexible. It makes movement easier and gets you out of tight spots when you get stuck trying to squeeze between the cupboard and the dishwasher. I'll do yoga and Pilates a few times a day
5. Eat like a horse, but listen to your body. When I really want to grow, I eat tons. Not everyday, as I will feel sick, but luckily I don't have to clear it up. Each meal I eat a bit more than normal but I make sure it is all healthy. I probably could eat garbage but it wouldn't be a smart move. However, sometimes I don't feel like eating, so I don't eat.
6. Try a variety of foods. I'll eat different coloured vegetables and protein sources. Recently, I have tried slugs and beetles. A bit chewy, but a nice addition.
7. Work on your grip strength. I'll often swing from my parents hands or try to climb up the side of my cot. I can probably hold myself by my hands which helps me to get to places that my parents would rather I wasn't.
8. Do interval training. I'll move around really quickly for a few minutes then just chill with some toys. Repeat AMRAP.
9. Study movement. I often watch what people are doing so I can learn how to move better. It's how I learnt to walk. I like watching the men on telly running really fast. However, I would find someone who you want to be like otherwise if you copy the wrong person, it will ruin your development.
Friday, 27 July 2012
Anyone seen the glute?
What do the 2 pictures have in common? Both are endangered species but one lives in Africa and one used to live in the back of your trousers. The poor glute has been hunted to extinction by sitting down, taking the lift/escalator, partial squats, lack of sprinting or weight training and general lack of activity. Now, just like a multi-storey car park being built on the land that the red eared nose spotted monkey used to live on, low slung, ill fitting jeans have moved in where the poor glute used to live.
The fella above actually has some glutes. It is unfortunate that his trousers are trying to squeeze the hell out of them. The reason why people can carry off the fashion wear above is because we don't use the glutes for their proper function. Have you ever seen someone wearing the low slung trousers run, climb the stairs or squat?? They immediately have to adjust their trousers as their glutes are fighting for their survival.
With all seriousness, the glutes are an integral part of the human body. If there was one muscle I wouldn't want to lose (this isn't a chapter from 50 shades ladies) it would be my glutes. So i'm doing a glute awareness week next week on my Facebook page which I will convert to a blog. It will be exercises and tips to prevent your glutes from becoming an endangered specie. If it does, you will probably be paying a physio a lot of money when you get older, but more of this next week.
Long live the glute!
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Age is an excuse.
I was discussing the age old issue of age and exercise with some fellow trainers and thought I would make it into a blog. Even though most don't want to think about it, it will affect all of us at some point.
A lot of older people often ask tongue in cheek if I am still doing my job. Part of it is a misunderstanding as to what I actually do. I don't pound the streets, or teach 100 classes a month. I used to play competitive sport and have had my fair share of operations and injury. A younger Chris sat in my doctor's surgery with a frozen shoulder at the age of 16 reminds me of how I need to respect my body!!
Older people will always moan to those younger than them. A 90 year old will still moan to an 80 year old that they aren't as old as them!! It's quite funny when you hear it. Mostly it's the need to feel superior. Sometimes, it is regret or feeling sorry for themselves. I know, I have done it. However, I am noticing the 'age' argument coming into play with younger and younger people. Before we accept the age argument, I need to point out a few things.
Most people are out of shape and have poor condition. By condition, I mean readiness for activity. Exercise doesn't have to be a 10 mile run. It could be running for the bus, or playing with your kids. So when this group of people complain about age, we have to treat the sample population as a poor one. We can't base our beliefs and opinions on a society of people who can't negotiate their own body weight very well. We certainly shouldn't be making statements based on false conclusions either. "You look much younger than a 35 year old." When actually, you look EXACLTY like a 35 year old. The problem is, other 35 year old's look like they're 10 years older. Mainly because their diet is terrible and they don't exercise. The main thing all of my clients were told then they lost weight was how much younger they looked. However, there are other age related factors which we can't necessarily escape.
Your ability to build muscle mass.
VO2 max.
GI levels.
Fertility.
Enzymatic activity.
cognitive processes or capacity.
Myelination.
Reduction in IV disc space.
Wow, there is a lot to feel sorry for in the list above. However, Just because they are in decline, doesn't mean that they all cease to function. At first glance, one might think that we are screwed. However, despite those who think exercise, gyms and training are for those who are vain, there are scientists scrambling to replicate the effects of staying fit and active into old age. One example of this is muscle atrophy. Scientists have discovered that elderly people have less blood flow than younger people which seems to affect the supply of nutrients as well maintaining muscle mass and an optimum balance of hormones. The study showed after following a 20 week resistance training program, 3 times a week, the participants were able to restore the blood flow to that of a much younger person. This increase nutrient absorption and your ability to maintain muscle mass. The last thing you want to do is lose too much muscle mass as you age because it means you are getting weaker. Despite the perception of muscle, it has a function other than vanity.
Similarly, Myelin, which insulates nervous pathways to improve efficiency, drops off around the age of 50. However, you don't lose this ability completely. This isn't specific to exercise. It could be learning a language. Our body is able to keep itself young so long as it is exercised in the right way. I think it is crazy that in one corner, scientists are trying to reduce the aging process to improve health and fight disease. Then there are younger people who have the ability to do this but chose not to because they would rather just wait and get old. I think it is a sad waste.
I had a chat with a 72 year old and this is what he said. "Until recently, I used to lift heavy weights, but I still train. I also go rambling with other elderly people. I exercise my mind by reading and I'm still waiting for the decline to happen. I haven't felt a thing." Even though, life can deal us the unexpected, to do nothing, will take you closer to a life of degeneration. Quit with the excuses. It's ok to feel sorry for yourself, but don't blame your age. Change your expectations, get in the gym and start giving your body what it wants.
P.s My oldest client who is 65 bangs out 50 press ups.
Chris.
A lot of older people often ask tongue in cheek if I am still doing my job. Part of it is a misunderstanding as to what I actually do. I don't pound the streets, or teach 100 classes a month. I used to play competitive sport and have had my fair share of operations and injury. A younger Chris sat in my doctor's surgery with a frozen shoulder at the age of 16 reminds me of how I need to respect my body!!
Older people will always moan to those younger than them. A 90 year old will still moan to an 80 year old that they aren't as old as them!! It's quite funny when you hear it. Mostly it's the need to feel superior. Sometimes, it is regret or feeling sorry for themselves. I know, I have done it. However, I am noticing the 'age' argument coming into play with younger and younger people. Before we accept the age argument, I need to point out a few things.
Most people are out of shape and have poor condition. By condition, I mean readiness for activity. Exercise doesn't have to be a 10 mile run. It could be running for the bus, or playing with your kids. So when this group of people complain about age, we have to treat the sample population as a poor one. We can't base our beliefs and opinions on a society of people who can't negotiate their own body weight very well. We certainly shouldn't be making statements based on false conclusions either. "You look much younger than a 35 year old." When actually, you look EXACLTY like a 35 year old. The problem is, other 35 year old's look like they're 10 years older. Mainly because their diet is terrible and they don't exercise. The main thing all of my clients were told then they lost weight was how much younger they looked. However, there are other age related factors which we can't necessarily escape.
Your ability to build muscle mass.
VO2 max.
GI levels.
Fertility.
Enzymatic activity.
cognitive processes or capacity.
Myelination.
Reduction in IV disc space.
Wow, there is a lot to feel sorry for in the list above. However, Just because they are in decline, doesn't mean that they all cease to function. At first glance, one might think that we are screwed. However, despite those who think exercise, gyms and training are for those who are vain, there are scientists scrambling to replicate the effects of staying fit and active into old age. One example of this is muscle atrophy. Scientists have discovered that elderly people have less blood flow than younger people which seems to affect the supply of nutrients as well maintaining muscle mass and an optimum balance of hormones. The study showed after following a 20 week resistance training program, 3 times a week, the participants were able to restore the blood flow to that of a much younger person. This increase nutrient absorption and your ability to maintain muscle mass. The last thing you want to do is lose too much muscle mass as you age because it means you are getting weaker. Despite the perception of muscle, it has a function other than vanity.
Similarly, Myelin, which insulates nervous pathways to improve efficiency, drops off around the age of 50. However, you don't lose this ability completely. This isn't specific to exercise. It could be learning a language. Our body is able to keep itself young so long as it is exercised in the right way. I think it is crazy that in one corner, scientists are trying to reduce the aging process to improve health and fight disease. Then there are younger people who have the ability to do this but chose not to because they would rather just wait and get old. I think it is a sad waste.
I had a chat with a 72 year old and this is what he said. "Until recently, I used to lift heavy weights, but I still train. I also go rambling with other elderly people. I exercise my mind by reading and I'm still waiting for the decline to happen. I haven't felt a thing." Even though, life can deal us the unexpected, to do nothing, will take you closer to a life of degeneration. Quit with the excuses. It's ok to feel sorry for yourself, but don't blame your age. Change your expectations, get in the gym and start giving your body what it wants.
P.s My oldest client who is 65 bangs out 50 press ups.
Chris.
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