VIDEO: Transform your Fitness with David McCabe

Like a glove

By following my columns over the last four weeks, you’ll have already decided why you want to transform your fitness regime, set yourself a goal and chosen the best place to exercise that meets your needs. Now you need to determine which training style is right for you.

Does your goal centre around weight loss, toning, muscle building or increased stamina? Are you training towards a marathon, iron-man or body building competition? This will dictate the most suitable style of training for you. Go with what feels right for you. While it’s important to challenge yourself as you transform your body, you need to choose a training style that you will stick with. Before long it will feel like second nature.

Personally I love all aspects of weight training, body dynamics (how your body moves), plyometrics (a technique designed to increase muscular power and rapid energy release). On the other hand, I don’t like cardiovascular (also known as cardio) exercises such as running or swimming. However, I do incorporate a little of these exercises into my training through Hyper- Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T) – it allows me to merge cardio and resistance (load-bearing) exercises together so I get a full workout. This way my training allows me to achieve my goals of strengthening my bones, building muscle and increasing my level of fitness.

Once you get started you will find a happy medium. Just remember, it’s important to challenge yourself in order to revamp your body. Keep testing your ability and your strengths. Can you walk for an extra kilometre or for another 10mins? Can you add another weight or do one more set of sit-ups? The secret is to make your mind work for you not against you. The only person standing between you and your goal is yourself. You can do it. To paraphrase Barack Obama, ‘Yes you can!’

Make sure your training programme has a purpose. There’s no use doing random exercises. Decide what you’re going to do before you start. Are you going to do a full-body work out in each of your three weekly sessions? Alternatively you might find it more effective to focus on different areas for each session; Day 1: Back & Biceps, Day 2: Chest & Triceps and Day 3: Legs & Abdominals. Keep in mind what you are ultimately trying to achieve. So, challenge yourself and transform your body!

Next week I’ll be revealing the most critical aspect of your transformation – it will make or break your chances of success. I hope you are enjoying our videos and recipes. Check out this week’s video and try my recipe for peanut protein paste.  If you need extra inspiration have a look at Claire Mumford our Transformer of the Week, you can see her before & after photos on www.transformfitness.ie , find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @TransformFitPT for more updates. Before making any changes to your diet, taking supplements or embarking on an exercise regime always consult your doctor.

“The mind always fails first, not the body. The secret is to make your mind work for you and not against you”- Arnold Schwarzenegger

WEEK 5 VIDEO

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