Our fourth bodybuilding radio interview features our first female guest; bodybuilding and figure champion Coral Moody. Competing since 1997, Coral is one of the most successful Australian crossover female athletes, having won championships in two divisions.

Trip to UK so far.

Virgin Blue cocked it up from the start, they cancelled my flight to Sydney which meant I'd miss my connecting flight to th UK.

A later flight got me there but where the hell is my luggage, all I have is the clothes on my back. Pissed off is an understatement. Heads are going to roll.

All my comp gear is in my luggage, 10 months of dieting, 4 lead in competitions, miles of cardio, endless hours of weights all hanging on my bags arriving on time so I can get ready.

In the famous saying of Arnie..."I'll be back" to keep you all posted

Tired and worried

Coral

I'm very happy to say I retained my Overall Figure State Title.

After coming back from the Worlds in Greece, there was little time to relax as I had my sights set on the NABBA Queensland State to qualify for the NABBA Nationals being held in Perth, Western Ausralia.

I can't thank Di Shipway of Making Shapes enough for sticking with me and keeping me on track.

The new friend I have found in Karen Jeffrey is priceless, this Masters Legend is making great improvements in leaps and bounds. We share so much in common from our past and now current lives, she's always able to get me laughing.

This weekend on the 21st September, both Karen and I will be competing at the NABBA Australian Nationals in Perth, it's going to be a fun and exciting trip. We had a ball at last weekend's NABBA Qld, and were both back in her gym the very next day hitting a super leg session.

Do I get to rest after the NABBA Nationals? Um, no. On the 30th September, I fly out to Manchester in the UK for the NABBA 60th Anniversary Universe being held in Southport, on 4th October. This will be my second International event and I'm looking forward to it.

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Well I'm home safe and sound, jet-lagged but good.

What an adventure! 33 hours of flying, sitting in transit lounges, more flying, more tansit lounges and a lil' more flying. Got to Athens and flaked it across the road from the airport at the Sofitel Hotel.  Early start the next morning to catch another flight up to Thessaloniki, then a coach to Katerini and then a cab to Paralia. Got to Hotel Kymata and hit the shower then the shops for some groceries. The hotel room was small but pleasant and right on the beach. Beautiful place, with heaps of shops and stores to browse. They have shops selling fur coats and leather jackets like we have shoe stores, they're everywhere. The usual touristy stuff for miles.

The next day the team grouped and we went to the Mediteranian Hotel to register. Everyone had to register alphabetically by Country, so Australia was in and out of there pretty quick. 2 of the male team members had been struck down with food poisoning for 2-3 days prior to registering, but they pulled through ok, poor buggers, they were really sick.

On the day and it was a hot one at that, competitors had an outside dressing anfd pump up area, good in one way, stifling in another. But we had plenty of room.

I was first up for the Figure Class1 and during the judgeing and comparisons I was called up twice out of the 3 call outs. It was looking pretty good for me.

Once the morning show was out of the way we had a few hours to relax, the heat was starting to knock a few of the competitors being dehydrated.

The evening show kicked off a lil' after 7:30pm but the running order was changed so I didn't get back on stage till midnight. I tell ya, my tongue was hanging out, I could have sucked moisture out of an old sock, lmao.

Getting into the top 6 was great, placing 3rd was the bonus for my first International competition. Could have knocked me down with a feather and it wan't just from being so thirsty either.

Unfortunately I was the only member of the Australian team to make the top 6. The guys still put in a gallant effort, considering 2 of them had been bed ridden with upset stomaches for 2-3 days prior to the show. They still got up there and gave the boys a run for their money.

Lucky Hatzipantelis, was upgraded from juniors to Class2 on a technicality with his birthdate, but was certainly not disgraced and held his own against the older more experienced competitors of that class. He's made himself known now and the other competitors know he's coming up in the near future. I was talking with a couple of the judges the next day and they were very impressed with him as a young up and coming. They'll be keeping an eye out for him.

While I was talking with the head judge the following evening he gave me great encouragement and wants to see more of me on the International circuit. Yes I'll do it again for sure, just where and when is the next question.

So what happened at the NABBA Southern Hemisphere, I know you've been waiting to know. I placed 3rd, which I'm happy enough with, but my condition was further off than I would have liked. Congratulations to Angela Thomas from Western Australia for her win, she looked great.

I had planned to come in a lil' under done, coming in right on the mark would have made the following 3 weeks going into Greece pretty hard trying to hold condition. So the plan was, a lil' off the mark and I'd have room to make adjustments for the Worlds in Greece. What happened though is I spilled over. Hmm, ok we have the reason there sorted now, but at the time I was a bit disappointed, more in myself.

I also tried a new finishing colour, unfortunately it wasn't for me and left me looking a bit flat as my definition didn't show through so well. Well you have to try these things to see if they work. I'll be going back to my usual product which works a treat. Mind you, the new product is great for the face, it's just a bit too dense for the body.

So I've been working like a trojan the last week and a half, made a slight adjustment to diet, and will do a conservative trial run on a carb load tomorrow to see how things are going, from there my coach can gauge how best to get me to carb up in Greece. I've dropped a lil' weight, mostly water, but holding still around 68.5kg which is good.

I fly out of Brisbane Tuesday 17th June. From there it's a 7hr 55min flight to Channgi-Singapore where I have to wait 3hrs 15mins for a connecting flight to Heathrow. After another 13hrs 20mins flying I arrive in Heathrow and have to wait another 6hrs 20mins for a connecting flight to Athens.  Another 3hrs 55min flight to Athens where I'll crash for the night at the Sofitel for a much needed sleep . That part of the trip killed 33 hours. The next morning I have to get up early and jump on a flight to Thessaloniki, luckily it's only a short flight of 50mins, then grab a cab to the train station and catch the train for a trip of 1-1.5 hrs to Katerini. Hale another cab to my accommodation once in Paralia and check in. Then I can go for a walk, buy my food come back, flake it and wait for a friend to arrive. Di Hunt, you're a legend.

I'll have nearly 2 days to rest up, tan, register for the comp, then it's show time on Saturday 21st June.

After the comp I'll be staying in Katerini for a couple of days to have a look around, then go back to Athens for another coupe of days before coming home to Brisbane. The flight back is just as long but with the time changes I'll be jetlagged to the eye balls hahaha.

The closer departure date gets the more exciting and scarey it feels. I've never travelled so far and I'm doing it alone, sure wish I had someone coming with me to share the experience with.

If I don't get back to here before I leave, I'll be sure to post up all my news of adventures of Greece when I get back.

OMG its just 3 weeks to go before the 2008 NABBA Southern Hemisphere...1st June 2008, Southport RSL on the Gold Coast.

I've been refining and changing a few things as my physique evolves even further.

Who says this sport is only for the young. I was recently asked when I was going to retire or move over to Masters so as to give the younger girls a fair go. Are you kidding me!? My moving over isn't doing them any favours, c'mon girls, step up to the line. It's meant to be a competition and competition only continues to grow if the competitors meet the challenge and raise the bar. I'm not done with open class yet, so lets have it, bring in your A game.

Then less than 3 weeks after the Southern Hemisphere, I'm off to Greece, for the NABBA Worlds being held on June 21st in Katerini. Hooly Dooly, I can't believe I'm finally at a level where I can step out on stage with International competition. So much is going on right now, I'm excited, scared, toey, skitish, I got a bumble bee in my tail. OMG, the adrenaline is going to hit the roof, someone better hold me in. Heck, it's going to be a whirl wind and I'll be busting at the seams. After the competition I'll be needing the few days after exploring a lil of Athens to settle me down before I return to Brisbane lol.

I got up this morning, flicked on the TV while getting ready to head out for my morning cardio sesh. What's on, Mornings with Kerri-Anne on channel 9.

So is it something new, or have Bodybuilders and Figure competitors had it right all along. One day we will be acknowledged for what we do as beneficial and not just for looks.

Kudos to Guy Leech for stating the obvious as so simple, and for displacing the myth that weights make you huge. Unless of coarse that is your goal, then you eat and lift big 

Dr Christine Bennett and Guy Leech

He has won an amazing 7 Iron Man championships and has been named the "Fittest 40 year old on the planet". So when it comes to advice on resistance training and improving your physical fitness who better to have on the show than Guy Leech. We are also joined by Dr Christine Bennett who can tell us all the health benefits of working out with weight. 

Exercise Kit Competition

Rebel sports and Guy Leech have kindly put together an exercise kit for you to get started on your resistance training. We are giving away 10 resistance bands and 10 pedometers. All you have to do is tell us in 25 words or less:

"Why you need to start resistance training"
. 

Viewer Info:

What is resistance training?

Resistance training involves activities that use weights, machines, resistance bands or even body weight to work your muscles properly. There are a ton of sites on the internet that provide free workout routines involving resistance training. It is also known as strength training. This can be extremely helpful in achieving a healthier body. This kind of training we usually associate with athletes who have to build up their bodies to perform better. Most people would think that when resistance training is done, the body will grow bigger. Actually it does not have to. Resistance training is simply about increasing the strength of the body, not always it's size. Although we traditionally think that strength training traditionally for athletes, it can be use by anyone successfully if done correctly. Resistance training basically strengthens the muscles, and leans the bodies fat stores. It can be used by any age group to achieve specific results.

How Does Resistance Training Work?

A resistance training program will include the use of various exercise equipment and machines like the bench press, dumbbell or barbell. However, the easiest and most convenient way to train with resistance for most of us with busy lives is by using resistance bands at home. When the equipment is used, the muscles of the body will be pitted against the resistance. The cells of the body will then adapt to the extra resistance. This will then result to enlarge and increase the strength of each muscle cell to help in the muscle perform contractions more efficiently. Before doing any resistance training, it is ,of course, best to consult with a doctor. This goes especially for people who have medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease diabetes, kidney or liver disease. You should know the proper tools and proper exercises for the needs of your body. Of course, that's what www.plan-to-be-ripped.com is here for. We can give you a personalized assessment of what type of resistance training program is right for you. 

One of the best things about resistance training is that it can be done with little to no expensive equipment and does not require a large amount of space. Doing push-ups is one good example. You can do it just about anywhere where there is enough space for you to move. These type of moves really are free workout routines. This time it is your own body weight that will be pitted against the muscles. So those who are a bit constrained in the budget can still do resistance trainings.

Does resistance training help with osteoporosis?

Most people are aware of the need for calcium to maintain healthy bones, but many overlook the great benefits that exercise can yield to sustain healthy bones and prevent falls and fractures. Weight-bearing exercises, defined as activities that place compressive forces on bone, are especially helpful in preventing bone loss. Young female athletes, like runners, who engage in aerobic activities that place compressive forces on bone have greater bone mineral density (BMD) than sedentary people. In general, the intensity, frequency and duration of exercise correlate with benefits, as long as young women don't overdo it. 

A good exercise routine for healthier bones puts positive stress on multiple parts of the body. The bones at greatest risk of fracture include the spine, hip, and radius (one of the bones in the forearm). Exercises designed to put loading forces on specific sites provide a crucial workout to these most vulnerable bones. These types of exercises compress and extend the muscle groups around bones, creating loading force. 

You can get a greater increase in bone mineral density (BMD) with high-intensity resistance training compared with low-intensity. Casual walking provides a loading force equal to body weight and usually is not enough to improve BMD. Walking briskly will help a little more. Better options for high-intensity exercise (other than weights) to improve BMD include jumping, running and high-impact aerobic dance for 20 or more minutes for at least three times per week. The goal of resistance training is to load forces of three or four times body weight.

What Are the Benefits of Resistance Training?

1. Increase Bone Mineral Density 

Bones are constantly remodeling, meaning the tissues break down at the same time they build up. The peak of remodeling takes place during puberty. However, as a person ages, our bone mineral density decreases as the remodeling is not as active anymore. This is especially a problem to post-menopausal women and the elderly, but does begin to happen in the early thirties. Bone mineral density is usually supported by the hormones and stress placed on the bones. To address the problem of not having the hormones and less stress, and to maintain the bone mineral density, physical activity is the next best option. Resistance training is one physical activity that can put enough stress on the bones to stimulate remodeling and increase bone density.

2. Increase Strength 

In addition to increase in bone density and strength, muscles will grow stronger and become more developed as you progress.

3. Increase the Range of Activities 

When your body is strong enough to carry some considerable weight, then you will also be capable of doing more strenuous activities. An increase in exercise lifts the mood and you will be more interested in life and a more active lifestyle. This will really create a snowball effect on your life and activities.

4. Reduce the Body Fat 

Using and increasing the muscle mass (even a little bit) will increase the energy that is required by your body, even at rest. This also increases the energy needed by your body at during activities. The more muscle, the more energy is needed to be broken down to supply you body to function properly. This translates to more fat calories and fat being burned each minute. Thus with the decrease in body fat, you can expect the tone of the body to improve and you will become leaner....and did I mention sexy??

5. Improve State of the Elders 

For the elderly undergoing a resistance training program will help improve their health and decrease the risks brought about by the age. They can be more independent, without needing to rely on other people for doing simple things. Being able to do so will also decrease the risk of injuries in the elders

6. Improve Heart Condition 

Regular resistance training can result in a lowered heart rate and lowered blood pressure, especially after exercise. Thus, the risk of heart diseases is reduced.

Guy Leech shot to fame as a 19 year old with an extraordinary against the odds victory in the inaugural Coolangatta Gold Iron Man race in 1984 in front of 120,000 people lined along the Gold Coast and a massive television audience. Leech epitomised the bronzed Aussie with his sun bleached hair, outgoing personality, athletic talent and fighting spirit which saw him dominate Iron Man competition for the next 10 years along with his great rival and friend, Trevor Hendy. 

"Leechy" won an amazing 7 Uncle Toby's Iron Man Championships and the inaugural World Iron Man title in the event many believe to be the ultimate test of fitness. He won the Australian Marathon swimming race, represented his country in Still water swimming and triumphed in his only attempt at Molokai, Hawaii's gruelling World Ocean Kayaking championship over 56kms. In 1994 Guy was crowned "Australia's fittest Athlete" by the Australian Institute of Sport over elite athletes from our highest profile sports. Inside Sport dubbed him "The Fittest man on the Planet" the following year. He is now 43 years old and remains in phenomenal shape that Ultra Fit magazine called him the "Fittest 40 year old on the planet" in their 100th issue. 

Having run a few small companies in recent years, Guy has recently founded his "World of Fitness" company and now helps others to get fit - from his daily morning mens and womens training groups to world class athletes such as 6 time world surfing champion, Layne Beachley and Olympic Beach Volleyball Gold Medallist, Kerri Pottharst to high profile celebrities with weight and health issues such as Casey Donovan, Jono Coleman and Dicko. 

Guy feels very passionately about Australia and is going to do all he can to address the health issues that are affecting kids and adults in this country like never before - obesity and heart disease to name a couple. He has established a multi media platform from which he educates and motivates Australians about the importance of fitness and health. In conjunction with industry leaders MBF, Elite Fitness Equipment and AlphaOne Guy is developing his own range of premium yet affordable fitness equipment as well as arguably the best online personal training software in the world to make it easier for people to get fit in their own homes. 

Last November Guy won the world's first Celebrity Survivor series on Channel 7 and this year has commentated for the Nutri Grain Iron Man Series plus conducted a lot of television, radio and print media work as Australia's face of health and fitness. Guy is the ambassador for the Heart Research Institute and runs to raise awareness and money for more charities than any other Australian Celebrity. He is married to wife Helen with 2 daughters, Paloma and Phoenix.

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