I can’t believe it is July already! We have been very busy here at Strength For You, not only getting you in top shape but preparing for the opening of our private studio in the Macedon Ranges. My partner Valeri Stoimenov will also be joining the team. Val’s experience includes 12 years of AFL strength and conditioning along with privately training elite athletes such as Penny Taylor from the Australian Opals/Phoenix Mercury and  Liu Zige who is the current women’s 200m butterfly World Record holder and former Olympic champion (2008). Stay tuned to our website in the coming month for Val’s full profile details along with some great photos of our new studio.
Just a reminder, I am off to the Australian Equipped Powerlifting Championships in Townsville tomorrow and will be taking a short break, returning to Windy Hill on the 17^th July. Be good and train hard without me!

Kind regards
Rikki

P.S. If you would like help staying motivated through the winter months click here to take me up on my FREE SMART Start offer. Valued at $100, this obligation free offer includes a health and lifestyle chat, SMART goal setting and trial training session.

John Slavin, 52yrs old, Health/Medical Professional
Join the gym, put some weights in your hands, wave them around and get fit. It's not really that easy, after a while it can become a bit routine and you plateau out. When you are younger there are plenty of organised sports and activities to participate in and fitness is naturally easy but as you get older fitness requires more effort but brings important, long term rewards.
I needed to step up a level so I decided a Personal Trainer, as a coach, could provide that extra guidance, set challenges, maximize efficiency and bring an element of accountability to my training. (In other words doing it solo was ok but I needed someone to kick my butt.)
I had seen Rikki working with her clients and I was impressed by her focused and professional approach and this seemed to bring out the best in people. My wife, Carolyn organised some sessions as a present and Rikki formulated a program and then - I found out what hard work really was. After the first session I finished up with Elvis legs- All shook up and shaking all over. There is satisfaction in doing a good session and results have followed. Rikki has the knowledge to mix it up and sessions are lots of fun she takes an interest in, supports and listens to her clients and will work with you to help you improve your performance. (Rikki managed to modify and adjust my program on the occasions when I was coming back after a fall from my bike)
I have noticed simple daily activities are easier with better fitness and there is a definite feeling of general well-being that goes along with sticking to a fitness program. A little weight loss and a gain in strength were also advantages of pushing that bit harder.  I have participated in World Masters Games in swimming, rode in Around the Bay in a Day bike ride and done a few fun runs not too competitive but I would like to beat some younger competitors.
A long term aim is to stay active and in good health. This means on-going work, so make it fun and enjoy the benefits.  If you are thinking about Personal Training I would say take the opportunity you will love it, Rikki and Val from Strength For You have the experience and understanding to get you going.

Click here to see how Rikki's programs have worked for people just like you!
 

A common line of questioning over the years is in relation to diet and nutrition. I am not surprised when clients are confused, especially when I start listening to the media. “Don’t mix carbs and protein, only eat fruit in the morning, rice will make you fat” the list goes on. The fact is eating for peak health and weight loss is simple and easy! Here is the final piece of the pie in Rikki’s 5 Simple Steps to Healthy Eating.

Step 5 – Keep a healthy attitude towards food.
I see it all the time, the “all or nothing” approach to diet (and exercise for that matter). It is an attitude which guarantees to set you up for eventual failure. Allowing yourself a “treat” every now and then will help stop you from becoming obsessed with what you are not allowing yourself to have. This obsession usually eventuates in binge eating and the thoughts that now you have broken the “rules” you might as well give in to your cravings and start to be “good” again at a later date (usually Monday or New Year’s Day!)

• Allow yourself a day off – try to follow your eating guidelines during the week and treat yourself on the weekend or when you know you will be eating out. You will find the better you eat (and train) during the week the less tempted you will be by your old cravings.
• If you have indulged or given into temptation don’t beat yourself up about it. Put it in the past and keep trying to do your best, what is done is done.
• Remember food nourishes you to live – live your life rather than live to eat.

Did you miss out on Steps 1 to 4? Just email Rikki to receive your e-copy of Rikki’s 5 Simple Steps to Healthy Eating at rikki@strengthforyou.com.au
 

I am always on the lookout for new clients just like you who are looking to improve their health and fitness. My increased availability now allows me to offer a variety of new session times.

Why not take me up on my FREE Smart Start offer valued at $100. This obligation free offer includes a health and lifestyle chat, SMART goal setting and trial training session. For more information or to get started just call Rikki on 0400 062 875 or email rikki@strengthforyou.com.au