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