Spaceship Belinda

From January to June this year I swam 1km 6 days a week.  Then I stopped because I had to reduce my cardio to help build up some muscle size.  Back then I could swim 50 metres in 45 seconds, on my best days.  Today I jumped in the pool and just for fun timed myself - even though I hadn’t swum for over 6 weeks.  I came up with 40 seconds.  I couldn’t believe my eyes so timed myself again, 40 seconds.  Bottom line, the extra body strength has significantly increased my performance despite no training and no cardio.  Now if that isn’t a testament to weight training I don’t know what is.

Thank you to everyone who has voted for me in the Flex competition. I have been overwhelmed by your support and generosity of time.  Thank you also for your emails of encouragement.  I wanted to reply to you all individually but tonight as I was doing that I accidently deleted all the emails from my inbox, stupid!  I tried to recover them but they were lost into the black hole of cyberspace.  So, here I am saying a huge "thank you" for everything! It has been a great source of motivation to keep training hard. Belinda 

I had a big session with Mr.Smith today.  Sets of 12, 10, 8 with increasing weight, squatting just beyond the 90% point.  Incredible.  It was a new training technique for me focusing on using power.  The feeling was amazing. I could feel the strength surging through my whole body.  All the muscles working together.  Wow, I guess this is what it’s all about. Rest day tomorrow, Pilates, oh yeah. Belinda

After a little rest I have started a new program to put on some size.  We have been working at it now for about 2 weeks.  More rest, more food, more intense sessions.  I have learnt so much.  We start with abs!!! Killer ab workout.  Then we train either upper or lower body but very specific on the muscles targeted.  There is very little rest between sets, only enough to catch my breath and let the pain subside a little.  But we are getting results, 1 inch bigger in my thighs, hips and waist, and 1/2inch in my calves and arms. No I dont think it is all fat! And the back of my legs and gluts are developing nicely.

 It takes a lot of mental discipline, I admire all of you who train so hard every week all year around, you guys are such an inspiration to keep training hard.  Anyway, I just also wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has emailed and messaged me with encouragement and thank you for all your votes for the Flex Comp.  Just that makes all the sweat worth it!!! Thank you so much!! Belinda

 http://www.flexonline.com/2008bikiniModelSearch/images/august/benn.htm

I have entered the Flex Online Bikini competition, voting goes to the 15th of August 2008. It would be really appreciated if you took a moment to very kindly vote for me.  I am 13 rows down, the last one on the right - the girl with the speargun!!! 

www.flexonline.com/flexmodelsearch/august

 You can vote as many times as you like, it all goes towards the total.

Thank you so much for your support - you may like to check out the new photos I have uploaded to my gallery too…….

 Thank you! Belinda

You set yourself one goal, run your little heart out, cross the finishing line, look up exhausted - only to see the next challenge ahead!  

So I achieved my goal of entering the Flex Magazine Online Bikini Model Search.  Voting starts on the 1^st of August and goes for 2 weeks.  The top 5 girls go before a panel of judges and the winner gets to compete in the finals at Las Vegas during the Mr. Olympia. 

My goal was to do my best.  I exceeded that goal in my own mind.  From here on in everything else is cream on the cake.  Right now I have a new trainer and we are working well together.  I see new races ahead already.  But right now, I just want to stop and savor the moment.  I really appreciate all the people on here who took the time to write little messages of encouragement over the last 3 months.  Thank you.  I am cheering you on in your race too!! 

I have started with a new trainer and we have set a goal of increasing my muscle and size, mainly in the legs and gluts but also working on the abs.  This means only 3 sessions a week, less cardio, resting and eating a really prescriptive diet.  He assured me that the session would be very intense and I would need to rest afterwards, and he was right!  So far we have have trained lower and upper body.  Upper body is always reasonable easy for me. Today it was just as hard as legs.  And my legs are still hurting from the first session.  So results will come, no idea what I will look like but hopefully in a month we will have some idea.  Here we go again………

Today I have a meeting with my new trainer.  I am really excited.  We are going to talk about diet, training goals and my plan for the next 2 months.  I have had the last 2 weeks off, resting, eating, sleeping, eating, relaxing, eating, drinking, and did I mention eating??? Anyway, time to start working out again, today will be just a bit of cardio and maybe some light weights, just to get the oil moving thru the cogs again……..

and right now it is my time to rest, eat and recover.  My first ever fitness/body building photo shoot is over.  I thought it was going to be fun.  But it was just plain "#$%&/(¡* hard work, physically and mentally.  Now I know why some people get paid money to have their photo taken!  Anyway, today I had some sun, a little swim and a massage.  Tomorrow I have a friend visiting from Australia.  Time to relax, slow down and smell the roses.  The weights will always be there……..

Two months ago I decided to try and get in the best shape of my life. I knew nothing about bodybuilding but after researching online I found this website.  Little did I know what a key resource it would be - of information and motivation.  Looking back I now realise I have been trying to do crash course in everything in an incredibly short period of time.  But one thing is for sure, I have been humbled by the members here, their honesty, dedication and hard work.  I never realised how much is required, mentally and physically to train seriously with weights and build your body.  I admire you for doing it and being here to share your experiences!