#baldyschallenge 2012 was just a bit of fun. I challenged people to do 1 press up on New Year's Day and add one on each day and see how far they could get.
There were quite a few joining in and sharing their progress through Twitter and Facebook. I think only two or three people made it into February though!
I've been asked to do one again this New Year but I've decided to make it more useful and helpful this time, doing more of a home workout program for people to join in and start feeling the benefits from.
It'll be 5 days a week, and starting off with 14 minute workouts that include a 5 minute rest break. It's mainly for beginners and works all areas of the body and will help people to tone up, lose weight and start feeling confident again.
Each week we'll be stepping it up a bit but it still allows for you to do it at your own pace and against your own targets.
On rest days, I'll post lifestyle and nutrition tips to help you make small, positive changes to your life as you go. I'm looking forward to hearing about the results and what it's helped people to achieve.
If you are competitive, you can always post your scores and compare with others doing #baldyschallenge and if you are experienced or elite level, it's a fun bolt-on to what you are already doing! (I'll be weight training, as well as doing the home workouts).
Please let me know if you want to join in by tweeting me at @graham_lay and share with your friends who want to make a start on getting fit, losing weight and toning up!
Here's an example of one of the workouts:
Day 1 - thighs and bum
Today's workout is a bodyweight squat interval session, lasting 14 minutes.
From a standing position, feet about shoulder width apart and feet pointing slightly outwards, bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor and extend your arms straight out in from of you. Then extend back up to the standing position. Focus on pushing your bum out and backwards as you go down and keep your back straight. This is 1 squat. You will be recording the total number of squats so have a pen/pad or smartphone handy.
Set a timer to 14 minutes and do:
30 seconds of squats, 30 seconds rest.
Repeat this for 5 sets, until timer says 9:30 to go.
5 minute break - use the time to walk around, stretch, write your scores down, get your breath back and prepare for the second set!
When timer says 4:30 to go, do your second set of 5 x 30 seconds on/off.
Score = total number of squats done in the work time.
As a guide, I did 160 today (16 per 30s rep). I expect scores to range from about 50 (total beginners) to 300 (elite athletes).
My legs felt pumped and I was sweating a bit plus out of breath in the second half of each set. The idea here is not to kill yourself in week one, just go at a pace that you feel is fairly testing but not pushing yourself to the limit just yet!
You can start upping the ante when you learn more about your fitness level and are feeling more energetic and confident.
You should recover within a few minutes but still feel it in your legs for a while after. Your body's metabolism rate is raised by this type of workout, so you will continue to burn calories for some time after you've finished!
Here's a link for a video intro to the challenge, please share with friends/family/colleagues so they can decide if they want to join in too!
http://youtu.be/3X7Ljmyrq_c?a
Thanks for reading, looking forward to doing this with you all!
@Graham_Lay #baldyschallenge
Http://baldyschallenge.webs.com
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Range Rover Vogue For Sale. 4.6L V8 Petrol
I've decided to change my car for a newer model. It's with some reluctance that I'm selling it as it's been by far the best car I've owned - luxurious, spacious, comfortable and reliable.
2002 Range Rover Vogue (P38 model)
4.6 litre V8 Petrol Engine - 83077 miles
Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7TX
£5,745
(MORE PHOTOS TO FOLLOW!)
- 4WD, Automatic Gearbox
- Green Exterior, Full Cream Leather Interior
- Power Steering, Traction Control, ABS
- Coil Spring Suspension Conversion
- Electric Mirrors, Windows, Sunroof, Seats
- Air Conditioning, Satellite Navigation
- Radio / CD with multi-changer box, upgraded Kardon Speakers
- Full Service History, 83077 genuine miles.
- 12 months MOT and TAX included
- 218 BHP, 0-62 mp/h 9.6s, mpg 17.9 - 22.9
The boot is huge and the rear seats can fold down if required. The condition is excellent throughout, very little wear and tear. The Range Rover is also the perfect winter car with immense grip, 4WD, traction control and ABS making for a safe and confident drive in snow/ice conditions.
£5,745 - the first to view will buy at this price. Same year models are selling for £6,750 - £7,000 in Autotrader. There's nothing wrong with the car, it's just that I bought it at a good price so I can justify letting it go at this price.
Tweet me on @Graham_Lay or E-Mail me on grahamlay@hotmail.co.uk in the first instance with any questions you have and leave me your number and a convenient time for me to call you back. No time-wasters, canvassers or stalkers please!
If it isn't quite what you are looking for, or it's too far away for you to consider, please share the link for this page for others.
Thank you!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
BMAF Pentathlon Preview
Tomorrow I've got a competition - the British Masters Pentathlon Championships at Horspath Stadium just outside Oxford.
There are 6 entrants in my category (35-39 yr olds). On paper, I am ranked 6th. I haven't trained much recently so can't expect too much of a performance, but I still have some targets I want to beat:
Long Jump - 5.00m - (PB is 5.95 in 1994, but last year 4.93m)
Javelin - 50m - (PB is 63.14m from 1994 but in recent years have thrown 51-54m)
200m - 27.5s - (100m PB is 13.01s last year - no idea how it should equate)
Discus - 35m - (PB is 32.23m set in Decathlon last year, from standing)
1500m - Under 7 mins! - (last year I did it in 7:05, hobbling to the line nursing injuries)
If I can match those targets, that will earn me a total of 2020 points. Anything less than 2000 will be a disappointment, but anything over will be a pleasant surprise. If I can try and catch 5th or 4th place, that would be awesome!!
Setting off before 9am and competing in the afternoon, will try to Tweet progress and get some video footage for the comedy value!
My match write up may be Monday if I'm home too late tomorrow,
Thanks for reading!
p.s. - Here's my write up of last year's decathlon for charity: http://grahamlay.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/decathlon-2011-uk-masters-for-rays-of.html
There are 6 entrants in my category (35-39 yr olds). On paper, I am ranked 6th. I haven't trained much recently so can't expect too much of a performance, but I still have some targets I want to beat:
Long Jump - 5.00m - (PB is 5.95 in 1994, but last year 4.93m)
Javelin - 50m - (PB is 63.14m from 1994 but in recent years have thrown 51-54m)
200m - 27.5s - (100m PB is 13.01s last year - no idea how it should equate)
Discus - 35m - (PB is 32.23m set in Decathlon last year, from standing)
1500m - Under 7 mins! - (last year I did it in 7:05, hobbling to the line nursing injuries)
If I can match those targets, that will earn me a total of 2020 points. Anything less than 2000 will be a disappointment, but anything over will be a pleasant surprise. If I can try and catch 5th or 4th place, that would be awesome!!
Setting off before 9am and competing in the afternoon, will try to Tweet progress and get some video footage for the comedy value!
My match write up may be Monday if I'm home too late tomorrow,
Thanks for reading!
p.s. - Here's my write up of last year's decathlon for charity: http://grahamlay.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/decathlon-2011-uk-masters-for-rays-of.html
Saturday, June 9, 2012
100m statistics
Usain Bolt is widely regarded as being the fastest man who ever lived, and to some, unbeatable.
His 9.58 seconds World Record is 0.11 seconds faster than anyone else has ever run.
In the build up to the London 2012 Olympics, I thought I'd have a look at where the contenders stand in terms of track record and see just how far ahead he is of the rest of the field.
There are 3 athletes contending who stand out from the rest in terms of their PBs:
9.58 Usain Bolt
9.69 Tyson Gay
9.72 Asafa Powell
Number of races under 9.80:
Usain Bolt - 9 times
Asafa Powell - 8 times
Tyson Gay - 7 times
Usain's 9.58 is the only one time anyone has ever run faster than Tyson Gay's PB, including Usain Bolt.
Asafa Powell is the sprinter who has clocked the most sub 10.00 races ever (over 80 times!)
The current rankings for this year:
9.76 - Usain Bolt
9.85 - Asafa Powell
10.00 - Tyson Gay (first race back since injury, into a 1.5m/s headwind)
In the latest Powell v Bolt race, Powell had the better start and led up to the half way mark before Bolt came through with a strong last 30m - a sign that he isn't as far ahead as many believe.
Usain and Asafa have both run sub-10 3 times so far this year. So has Justin Gatlin who recently prompted controversy by hinting that he could be the man to beat Bolt. Yohan Blake is another contender with a 9.84 clocking this year.
Providing Bolt, Powell and Gay make it through to the final, injury free (we all hope), it could just be the most amazing race we've ever seen, and perhaps not the runaway victory for Bolt that many people expect....
Here's the second fastest run of all time - Tyson Gay after a terrible start. What could he run if he nails his start?
His 9.58 seconds World Record is 0.11 seconds faster than anyone else has ever run.
In the build up to the London 2012 Olympics, I thought I'd have a look at where the contenders stand in terms of track record and see just how far ahead he is of the rest of the field.
There are 3 athletes contending who stand out from the rest in terms of their PBs:
9.58 Usain Bolt
9.69 Tyson Gay
9.72 Asafa Powell
Number of races under 9.80:
Usain Bolt - 9 times
Asafa Powell - 8 times
Tyson Gay - 7 times
Usain's 9.58 is the only one time anyone has ever run faster than Tyson Gay's PB, including Usain Bolt.
Asafa Powell is the sprinter who has clocked the most sub 10.00 races ever (over 80 times!)
The current rankings for this year:
9.76 - Usain Bolt
9.85 - Asafa Powell
10.00 - Tyson Gay (first race back since injury, into a 1.5m/s headwind)
In the latest Powell v Bolt race, Powell had the better start and led up to the half way mark before Bolt came through with a strong last 30m - a sign that he isn't as far ahead as many believe.
Usain and Asafa have both run sub-10 3 times so far this year. So has Justin Gatlin who recently prompted controversy by hinting that he could be the man to beat Bolt. Yohan Blake is another contender with a 9.84 clocking this year.
Providing Bolt, Powell and Gay make it through to the final, injury free (we all hope), it could just be the most amazing race we've ever seen, and perhaps not the runaway victory for Bolt that many people expect....
Here's the second fastest run of all time - Tyson Gay after a terrible start. What could he run if he nails his start?
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Six Day Diet App
When I lost 14.5lbs in 6 days I was totally surprised. That was in 2009 when my personal trainer devised a diet with me to give me a kickstart. I ended up losing 3 stone in 3 months using the principles from the diet and it transformed my life.That's no flowery marketing gumph, it's a real story and one that has prompted hundreds of people to ask me to share the diet with them.
Recently, I decided I'd have a go at making an Android App to share the diet on the open market. It cost me £16 to register as a Google Developer, the Buzztouch website was FREE and helped me to learn how to go about it and download all the necessary bits n bobs. It took a couple of weeks to learn, develop and then publish the app - not too bad, only a few frustrations along the way!
Anyway, here it is: Six Day Diet App
Thursday, May 31, 2012
6 Day Diet App - Testers Required!
Some of you will remember the 6 day diet I did in 2009 where I lost 14.5lbs in 6 days.
I've just done it again and lost 10lbs, and dozens of others have tried it with success ranging from 5lbs to 15lbs. I keep getting asked - "Have you got that diet handy G?" so I thought I'd have a bash at creating an app that provides details of the diet and some tips.
It's a basic android app, and I need some people to test it to make sure it works (you can try the diet too if you want). Here's a link to the app in its FREE testing phase. Once it's ready for publishing I'll make a small charge to the general public to cover the cost of making it and hosting it.
PLEASE have a go and let me know if it works (ANDROID only at this stage).
THANK YOU FOR HELPING! Let me know how it goes, any problems, etc
Monday, April 23, 2012
How Do I Downgrade my LinkedIn Account from Premium to Free?
I upgraded my LinkedIn Account to Premium a few months ago whilst I was job hunting and forgot about it until my wife reminded me that it was costing £20 per month or thereabouts.
It took me about 30 minutes to work out how to downgrade from Premium to Free and I noticed that there were hundreds of people who had posted questions and problems with how to do this.
Here's what I discovered, and how to do it quickly and easily:
Log into your LinkedIn Account.
Go to the top right of the screen where your name is and choose the drop down item "Settings"
In the box below your picture, there are options regarding your Account.
Choose "Cancel or Downgrade" and it will take you to a 3 step process for cancelling. Each step you will be reminded of the services and asked if you are sure. It was easy to do and it told me I had cancelled, effective of the last day of my current month's subscription.
Hopefully, that is that and you will have managed to cancel as quickly as me.
Let me know if you have any issues or comments below?
@Graham_Lay
(free Twitter account)
It took me about 30 minutes to work out how to downgrade from Premium to Free and I noticed that there were hundreds of people who had posted questions and problems with how to do this.
Here's what I discovered, and how to do it quickly and easily:
Log into your LinkedIn Account.
Go to the top right of the screen where your name is and choose the drop down item "Settings"
In the box below your picture, there are options regarding your Account.
Choose "Cancel or Downgrade" and it will take you to a 3 step process for cancelling. Each step you will be reminded of the services and asked if you are sure. It was easy to do and it told me I had cancelled, effective of the last day of my current month's subscription.
Hopefully, that is that and you will have managed to cancel as quickly as me.
Let me know if you have any issues or comments below?
@Graham_Lay
(free Twitter account)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Anti-Fail - A Route For Success!
Here's a simple yet effective method of brainstorming new ideas for business projects, personal development, organising great parties - whatever you want to achieve in fact!
Think of as many ways to make the business fail and write them down. Encourage your group to keep firing ideas, no matter how silly they may sound.
E.g.
"Don't make calls to our customers so they have no idea about the sale this weekend"
"Make sure the posters are wrinkled and faded, or missing!"
"Sound bored or dismissive about the party night to discourage as many people from coming as possible"
"Do nothing"
"Make change for the sake of it"
When you have exhausted your team with a long list, have a break so they can have their giggles and when they return, go through each item and think of the opposite! Work out what's possible/practical and then shortlisted your ideas for success.
You'll be surprised at how many great ideas are spawned, and best of all, from your own team members. This way, there will be a much higher buy-in rate and more success to follow.
Have fun, enjoy trying it out!
Think of as many ways to make the business fail and write them down. Encourage your group to keep firing ideas, no matter how silly they may sound.
E.g.
"Don't make calls to our customers so they have no idea about the sale this weekend"
"Make sure the posters are wrinkled and faded, or missing!"
"Sound bored or dismissive about the party night to discourage as many people from coming as possible"
"Do nothing"
"Make change for the sake of it"
When you have exhausted your team with a long list, have a break so they can have their giggles and when they return, go through each item and think of the opposite! Work out what's possible/practical and then shortlisted your ideas for success.
You'll be surprised at how many great ideas are spawned, and best of all, from your own team members. This way, there will be a much higher buy-in rate and more success to follow.
Have fun, enjoy trying it out!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Twitter VIPS and #baldyschallenge Day 44
Have you made my Twitter VIP list?
I've been using Twitter on and off for nearly 3 years now. I've enjoyed some great conversations and made some very interesting friends through it. It's also been funny, useful and interesting.
Here are just a handful of my favourite Tweeters, with a brief reason why. Please don't be annoyed if you are not listed - let me know if I missed you and why you should be on the list! ;-)
@dougielawson - Dougie - first person who tweeted me, indoor rowing pal, top geek!
@ravards - Ruby - Bonkers, funny, witty, celeb stalker extraordinaire!
@gregjrutherford - Greg - Olympic Athlete, Ginger, Pie Eater, Challenged me to decathlon last year!
@katharinemerry - Katharine - TV presenter, ex Olympian, friendly, funny, genuine top lady!
@domsdads - Robert - Chef, Twitter Pal, positive, friendly, rubbish at Words with Friends!
@iwanrunner - TV presenter, ex Olympian, overlord of #rubbishjokes, looks like Riddian, top bloke!
@deanmacey - ex Olympian, TV, decathlete, angler, looks like me but not as handsome!
@kevp - Kev - indoor rowing pal, puke-inducing training partner, Sir, wears lycra onesies!
@thunderthumbs @jowivipe @juicyjulesrocks - original twitter gang members!
@welshrower - Niall - indoor rower, shares all the interesting stuff, genuine guy, #baldyschallenger!
@thelawns - Richard - King of Twitter
@kellysotherton @louisehazel @j_ennis - Babes with 7 times the power!
@winceywillis - Queen of Twitter, ex weathergirl
@trude103 - Princess of Twitter
@lolasnu @vixter1982 @witterbird84 @27sarahjane @gothiechick @christineleith @jayneyrus - Top Birds!!
@yorkie2906 - Stu - incredible life changing loser of weight! friend met from indoor rowing
If you are following any of them - let them know they are listed here? The ones you are not currently following, perhaps follow them and tell them where you found out about them?
VIP A LIST ENTRIES
#Baldyschallenge - Day 44
On new year's day I suggested that we do 1 press up and 1 sit up and then add one rep each day. We added squats recently and are now on 44 press ups, 44 sit ups and 44 squats. Once you've done them, Tweet it using the #baldyschallenge tag and FB status update it (even though your FB mates won't know what you're on about!).
I've been using Twitter on and off for nearly 3 years now. I've enjoyed some great conversations and made some very interesting friends through it. It's also been funny, useful and interesting.
Here are just a handful of my favourite Tweeters, with a brief reason why. Please don't be annoyed if you are not listed - let me know if I missed you and why you should be on the list! ;-)
@dougielawson - Dougie - first person who tweeted me, indoor rowing pal, top geek!
@ravards - Ruby - Bonkers, funny, witty, celeb stalker extraordinaire!
@gregjrutherford - Greg - Olympic Athlete, Ginger, Pie Eater, Challenged me to decathlon last year!
@katharinemerry - Katharine - TV presenter, ex Olympian, friendly, funny, genuine top lady!
@domsdads - Robert - Chef, Twitter Pal, positive, friendly, rubbish at Words with Friends!
@iwanrunner - TV presenter, ex Olympian, overlord of #rubbishjokes, looks like Riddian, top bloke!
@deanmacey - ex Olympian, TV, decathlete, angler, looks like me but not as handsome!
@kevp - Kev - indoor rowing pal, puke-inducing training partner, Sir, wears lycra onesies!
@thunderthumbs @jowivipe @juicyjulesrocks - original twitter gang members!
@welshrower - Niall - indoor rower, shares all the interesting stuff, genuine guy, #baldyschallenger!
@thelawns - Richard - King of Twitter
@kellysotherton @louisehazel @j_ennis - Babes with 7 times the power!
@winceywillis - Queen of Twitter, ex weathergirl
@trude103 - Princess of Twitter
@lolasnu @vixter1982 @witterbird84 @27sarahjane @gothiechick @christineleith @jayneyrus - Top Birds!!
@yorkie2906 - Stu - incredible life changing loser of weight! friend met from indoor rowing
If you are following any of them - let them know they are listed here? The ones you are not currently following, perhaps follow them and tell them where you found out about them?
VIP A LIST ENTRIES
#Baldyschallenge - Day 44
On new year's day I suggested that we do 1 press up and 1 sit up and then add one rep each day. We added squats recently and are now on 44 press ups, 44 sit ups and 44 squats. Once you've done them, Tweet it using the #baldyschallenge tag and FB status update it (even though your FB mates won't know what you're on about!).
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
#BaldysChallenge - Day 24 and a NEW exercise
For those who don't know what #baldyschallenge is, here's a quick explanation:
On New Year's Day, whilst most of the world was in bed sleeping hangovers off, I got chatting to a few people who wanted to start getting fit. It struck me that an easy way for people to get into a new routine was to start bit by bit, and gently get the body used to exercise. Mentaly, it's easy to take small steps and have lots of short term goals that get you towards your longer term goals. So I proposed #baldyschallenge.
Jan 1st = 1 Press Up, 1 Sit Up
Jan 2nd = 2 Press Ups, 2 Sit Ups
and so on, just adding 1 rep to each exercise a day.
There have been dozens of people following and doing the challenge, either as their exercise for the day, or as an extra set of exercises to their normal training.
Last night, my friend David Speed recommended we add bodyweight squats to work on the lower body. Sounds like a great idea, and not impossible for people to add in at this stage.
So, today's challenge is:
JAN 24 = 24 Sit Ups, 24 Press Ups, 24 Bodyweight Squats
Once you've done it, either like my status with this Blog Post link so that others can see you're still with us, or if you are a Tweeter, ReTweet my Tweet with this link.
If you have any comments or questions about the challenge so far, leave one below!
Stay with me people, you should really start to feel the benefits next month. Toned bum and thighs, pert pecs, no bingo wings - who needs surgery?!
On New Year's Day, whilst most of the world was in bed sleeping hangovers off, I got chatting to a few people who wanted to start getting fit. It struck me that an easy way for people to get into a new routine was to start bit by bit, and gently get the body used to exercise. Mentaly, it's easy to take small steps and have lots of short term goals that get you towards your longer term goals. So I proposed #baldyschallenge.
Jan 1st = 1 Press Up, 1 Sit Up
Jan 2nd = 2 Press Ups, 2 Sit Ups
and so on, just adding 1 rep to each exercise a day.
There have been dozens of people following and doing the challenge, either as their exercise for the day, or as an extra set of exercises to their normal training.
Last night, my friend David Speed recommended we add bodyweight squats to work on the lower body. Sounds like a great idea, and not impossible for people to add in at this stage.
So, today's challenge is:
JAN 24 = 24 Sit Ups, 24 Press Ups, 24 Bodyweight Squats
Once you've done it, either like my status with this Blog Post link so that others can see you're still with us, or if you are a Tweeter, ReTweet my Tweet with this link.
If you have any comments or questions about the challenge so far, leave one below!
Stay with me people, you should really start to feel the benefits next month. Toned bum and thighs, pert pecs, no bingo wings - who needs surgery?!
Monday, January 9, 2012
#baldyschallenge Day 9 #in
So it's day 9 of #baldyschallenge !
We started on New Year's Day with an easy way to ease yourself into getting fit and toning up. The plan was to do just 1 press up and 1 sit up and then add 1 rep each day throughout the year and see how far we can get.
Anyone can join in at any time, just do the challenge and then Tweet about it using the tag #baldyschallenge so you can share with and check on the others doing it. Who knows, we may get hundreds of team mates by the end of the year?
So far, those doing it (from twitter) are:
@Graham_Lay
@RealEyesIt
@domsdads
@ElGaulio
@welshrower
@27sarahjane
@athleticsmum
@JayneyRus
@ZebrafacePaint
@yorkie2906
@VikingJohnny
@christineLeith
@welshemmam
By the time we get to New Year's Eve we'll be doing 366 press ups and 366 sit ups in a day! Imagine how toned your arms will be and the six pack you'll have!!!
Come on, join in and share with your friends
9 press ups, 9 sit ups and Tweet #baldyschallenge Day 9 done!
We started on New Year's Day with an easy way to ease yourself into getting fit and toning up. The plan was to do just 1 press up and 1 sit up and then add 1 rep each day throughout the year and see how far we can get.
Anyone can join in at any time, just do the challenge and then Tweet about it using the tag #baldyschallenge so you can share with and check on the others doing it. Who knows, we may get hundreds of team mates by the end of the year?
So far, those doing it (from twitter) are:
@Graham_Lay
@RealEyesIt
@domsdads
@ElGaulio
@welshrower
@27sarahjane
@athleticsmum
@JayneyRus
@ZebrafacePaint
@yorkie2906
@VikingJohnny
@christineLeith
@welshemmam
By the time we get to New Year's Eve we'll be doing 366 press ups and 366 sit ups in a day! Imagine how toned your arms will be and the six pack you'll have!!!
Come on, join in and share with your friends
9 press ups, 9 sit ups and Tweet #baldyschallenge Day 9 done!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
#BaldysChallenge - You can do this!!
Join me and the others who are setting out to do this challenge over this coming year!
Day 1 - 1 x sit up, 1 x press up (January 1st)
Day 2 - 2 x sit ups, 2 x press ups
and so on...
When you have done it each day, simply Tweet:
"#baldyschallenge Day 1 done!" (obviously change the day accordingly)
We are going to add 1 rep each day, so at the end of January for example, we'll be doing 31 sit ups and 31 press ups. There, not too difficult is it? Imagine how you will feel when we get to Christmas and you are doing over 300 situps and 300 press ups a day!!
This is for beginners, or for extreme athletes to add onto their existing training. You can join in at any time, but it's easier if you start now.
So come on - do your 1 sit up and 1 press up and Tweet about it using the #baldyschallenge tag so we can track others doing it with us!
BALDYSCHALLENGE MEMBERS!
GET FIT THE EASY WAY
Day 1 - 1 x sit up, 1 x press up (January 1st)
Day 2 - 2 x sit ups, 2 x press ups
and so on...
When you have done it each day, simply Tweet:
"#baldyschallenge Day 1 done!" (obviously change the day accordingly)
We are going to add 1 rep each day, so at the end of January for example, we'll be doing 31 sit ups and 31 press ups. There, not too difficult is it? Imagine how you will feel when we get to Christmas and you are doing over 300 situps and 300 press ups a day!!
This is for beginners, or for extreme athletes to add onto their existing training. You can join in at any time, but it's easier if you start now.
So come on - do your 1 sit up and 1 press up and Tweet about it using the #baldyschallenge tag so we can track others doing it with us!
BALDYSCHALLENGE MEMBERS!
GET FIT THE EASY WAY
2012 - Make it Count!
Thanks for reading and sharing my blog, the support over the last year particularly for my waffling has been humbling, and a tad mystifying! lol
London Olympics, Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 366 leap year days, uncertainty in the global economy and instability in some key countries.
Lots going on this year but I wanted to talk about you, me, your friends, your family members, your Twitter 'mates', your colleagues, the lady down at the post office - the people around you and the things within your control.
None of us, alone, can change the climate, fix the economy, stop the wars, eliminate crime. What we can do is make small changes that will affect our lives and the people around us. Spending time and energy on matters that you can influence brings with it a renewed confidence, improved lifestyle, better relationships, success at work, etc.
It's time to focus on something, or things that you can get results from and achieve your own 'Gold Medal'. Those athletes training hard every day for years will soon be giving it their all in their bid for a medal at the Olympics. It's no suprise they are there because they have dedicated themselves to one thing and committed to doing what is necessary to succeed.
So, take some time to think about what matters most to you and make a shortlist of things you want to change or improve. Then reduce the list to no more than 5 things you want to focus on - there's no point having a list of dozens and dozens of things, you simply won't be able to focus on them all unless they are a tick list of achievable items for you to work through one by one.
For each change, set yourself goals. This is the important bit. When setting a goal - have the end result in mind and set shorter term goals to tick off along the way. For example, if you want to lose 3 stone - set yourself a realistic end goal (by 1st July for example). Then set intermediate goals of say, 6lbs lost in first month, 1 stone by end of February, 2 stone by 1st May, etc.
Remember those thermometer style charts outside churches for their roof repair fund? Do one for yourself to stick on the fridge door so you can fill it in each week and see how you are doing compared to your goals. Ideally you want to tick off the goals by the deadline you set. If you miss a deadline - adjust the remaining goals accordingly. No point falling behind and getting into a situation where it's not going to happen, you'll just get demoralised and lose conviction.
Enlist the support of people you trust. Family, friends, strangers with common goals, etc. Share your goals with these people and let them know how you are doing from time to time. The best supporters will ask you before you tell them. You'll find their support a great boost in terms of motivation yourself and sharing your success with them as you progress.
Reward yourself. Set some rewards for hitting your targets. If it's weight loss you are aiming for, don't set eating a whole chocolate fudge cake as a reward! Perhaps go out to watch a film, or go bowling, or share a nice dinner with one of your friends. If it's stopping smoking, don't reward yourself with a big fat Cuban cigar! Perhaps buy yourself a present, or better - buy a gift for someone else with some of the money you saved, or donate to charity.
These are just some tips for how to go about setting and achieving your goals. I hope it's been useful in terms of helping you to start making some decisions and improvements to your life. Whether it's to do with health, or how you treat other people, or achieving in sport or work, as long as it matters to you and you can do something about it, you can do it!
Here's some extra support for those looking to Lose Weight or Stop Smoking - I made these free websites for people to come together and help each other:
http://www.lose-weight-together.com
http://www.stop-smoking-together.com
So,whatever you decide to do this year, make it count!
All the best, and shout if you need support or motivation - @Graham_Lay
So, 2012 is here!
London Olympics, Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 366 leap year days, uncertainty in the global economy and instability in some key countries.
Lots going on this year but I wanted to talk about you, me, your friends, your family members, your Twitter 'mates', your colleagues, the lady down at the post office - the people around you and the things within your control.
None of us, alone, can change the climate, fix the economy, stop the wars, eliminate crime. What we can do is make small changes that will affect our lives and the people around us. Spending time and energy on matters that you can influence brings with it a renewed confidence, improved lifestyle, better relationships, success at work, etc.
It's time to focus on something, or things that you can get results from and achieve your own 'Gold Medal'. Those athletes training hard every day for years will soon be giving it their all in their bid for a medal at the Olympics. It's no suprise they are there because they have dedicated themselves to one thing and committed to doing what is necessary to succeed.
So, take some time to think about what matters most to you and make a shortlist of things you want to change or improve. Then reduce the list to no more than 5 things you want to focus on - there's no point having a list of dozens and dozens of things, you simply won't be able to focus on them all unless they are a tick list of achievable items for you to work through one by one.
For each change, set yourself goals. This is the important bit. When setting a goal - have the end result in mind and set shorter term goals to tick off along the way. For example, if you want to lose 3 stone - set yourself a realistic end goal (by 1st July for example). Then set intermediate goals of say, 6lbs lost in first month, 1 stone by end of February, 2 stone by 1st May, etc.
Remember those thermometer style charts outside churches for their roof repair fund? Do one for yourself to stick on the fridge door so you can fill it in each week and see how you are doing compared to your goals. Ideally you want to tick off the goals by the deadline you set. If you miss a deadline - adjust the remaining goals accordingly. No point falling behind and getting into a situation where it's not going to happen, you'll just get demoralised and lose conviction.
Enlist the support of people you trust. Family, friends, strangers with common goals, etc. Share your goals with these people and let them know how you are doing from time to time. The best supporters will ask you before you tell them. You'll find their support a great boost in terms of motivation yourself and sharing your success with them as you progress.
Reward yourself. Set some rewards for hitting your targets. If it's weight loss you are aiming for, don't set eating a whole chocolate fudge cake as a reward! Perhaps go out to watch a film, or go bowling, or share a nice dinner with one of your friends. If it's stopping smoking, don't reward yourself with a big fat Cuban cigar! Perhaps buy yourself a present, or better - buy a gift for someone else with some of the money you saved, or donate to charity.
These are just some tips for how to go about setting and achieving your goals. I hope it's been useful in terms of helping you to start making some decisions and improvements to your life. Whether it's to do with health, or how you treat other people, or achieving in sport or work, as long as it matters to you and you can do something about it, you can do it!
Here's some extra support for those looking to Lose Weight or Stop Smoking - I made these free websites for people to come together and help each other:
http://www.lose-weight-together.com
http://www.stop-smoking-together.com
So,whatever you decide to do this year, make it count!
All the best, and shout if you need support or motivation - @Graham_Lay
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Weight Training, Commonwealth Games
Still have severe doms in quads and glutes from front squats two days ago but as I can't train until Saturday made myself go:
5 mins cycle
3 x 5 x 140kg shrugs
3 x 5 x 160kg shrugs
2 x 5 x 160kg deadlift off half rack (knee height)
3 x 5 x 200kg "
2 x 5 x 160kg shrugs
10 x 110kg shrugs
2 x 5 x 70kg hang cleans
2 x 8 x 70kg bentover rows
5 x 8 x 35kg upright rows
3 x 8 x reverse flyes, varying weight
1k row 2:10/500m pace
5 mins cycle
Going to focus more on Shot Put training as I've been too varied in my training to get any decent results.
Hope to go 15m plus next year and then be in contention for Commonwealth Games in 2014. I missed out in 1994 just - Scotland asked me to throw 67m in javelin and they would have taken me to Victoria. I threw 63.14m and then two weeks after the games did 72m in training...
Tall ask, I'll be 38 when the Games cone round, but Shot put isn't quite as injury prone as javelin or decathlon so I hope I'll be able to have a good run at it, provided I don't do this too often:
Http://bit.ly/MyFunnyAccident
5 mins cycle
3 x 5 x 140kg shrugs
3 x 5 x 160kg shrugs
2 x 5 x 160kg deadlift off half rack (knee height)
3 x 5 x 200kg "
2 x 5 x 160kg shrugs
10 x 110kg shrugs
2 x 5 x 70kg hang cleans
2 x 8 x 70kg bentover rows
5 x 8 x 35kg upright rows
3 x 8 x reverse flyes, varying weight
1k row 2:10/500m pace
5 mins cycle
Going to focus more on Shot Put training as I've been too varied in my training to get any decent results.
Hope to go 15m plus next year and then be in contention for Commonwealth Games in 2014. I missed out in 1994 just - Scotland asked me to throw 67m in javelin and they would have taken me to Victoria. I threw 63.14m and then two weeks after the games did 72m in training...
Tall ask, I'll be 38 when the Games cone round, but Shot put isn't quite as injury prone as javelin or decathlon so I hope I'll be able to have a good run at it, provided I don't do this too often:
Http://bit.ly/MyFunnyAccident
Sunday, December 11, 2011
How Not to Power Clean! Fail
This morning I decided to do some weights before a sprint rowing session.
I did some decent bench pressing and then moved on to Power Cleans. I was doing well and decided to try 105kg. I've done more than this before (110kg) so I didn't quite expect this to happen!
Haha! Oops, what a mistake to make.
Glad a few people found it funny anyway! I only hurt my wrist slightly, but it's ok this evening thankfully.
I did some decent bench pressing and then moved on to Power Cleans. I was doing well and decided to try 105kg. I've done more than this before (110kg) so I didn't quite expect this to happen!
Haha! Oops, what a mistake to make.
Glad a few people found it funny anyway! I only hurt my wrist slightly, but it's ok this evening thankfully.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Baldy's Stats
Not sure why my blog has had such an increase in views - perhaps it's just purely down to the dynamic layout design as opposed to being funny, interesting or having a loyal following!
5000 this month and a steep climb - wonder if it'll grow to 10,000 next month?
More importantly - what does it matter?! It doesn't really, but I do love stats!!!
More importantly - what does it matter?! It doesn't really, but I do love stats!!!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
iPhone
For my birthday, my wife got me an iPhone.
Before this, I had a Nokia E63 and wondered what all the fuss is about with the iPhone. Now, I can see what it was all about. I'm still getting to grips with it but have managed to download a few apps I found and a few that were recommended to me by friends.
Within a few days, my phone now provides:
Phone
Free Video Call Phone
Camera
Video Camera
Calculator
Personal Organiser
Diary
Torch
Heart Rate Monitor
Business Reference Tool Kit
Social Networking Gadget
E-Mail
Free Instant Messenger
Games Console
Calorie Counter and Fitness Checker
Stopwatch
Weather Forecaster
Sat Nav Tool / Navigations
Radio
TV
Stereo
Sleep Inducer
It makes you wonder what all the gadgets around the house are for!
The quality of the photos is great, the speed of navigation from app to app is great, the download speed is quicker than the PC (using the same Wi-Fi broadband router).
When I received a free video call from my parents today, who are abroad, and we can see and talk in real-time for free it just compounded all the reasons why it is a fantastic piece of kit.
If you have been thinking of getting one, I'd say go for it. Just get a case to protect it. The one my wife got me is a case with a leather flap that folds down like a policeman's notebook style so it can go into your pocket without getting damaged and it's easy enough to open it up when you need (all the time!)
Before this, I had a Nokia E63 and wondered what all the fuss is about with the iPhone. Now, I can see what it was all about. I'm still getting to grips with it but have managed to download a few apps I found and a few that were recommended to me by friends.
Within a few days, my phone now provides:
Phone
Free Video Call Phone
Camera
Video Camera
Calculator
Personal Organiser
Diary
Torch
Heart Rate Monitor
Business Reference Tool Kit
Social Networking Gadget
Free Instant Messenger
Games Console
Calorie Counter and Fitness Checker
Stopwatch
Weather Forecaster
Sat Nav Tool / Navigations
Radio
TV
Stereo
Sleep Inducer
It makes you wonder what all the gadgets around the house are for!
The quality of the photos is great, the speed of navigation from app to app is great, the download speed is quicker than the PC (using the same Wi-Fi broadband router).
When I received a free video call from my parents today, who are abroad, and we can see and talk in real-time for free it just compounded all the reasons why it is a fantastic piece of kit.
If you have been thinking of getting one, I'd say go for it. Just get a case to protect it. The one my wife got me is a case with a leather flap that folds down like a policeman's notebook style so it can go into your pocket without getting damaged and it's easy enough to open it up when you need (all the time!)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Birthday Blog - New Horizons
Birthday
It's my 36th birthday today and it's been an enjoyable one so far. Went for a walk around the harbour at Torquay and had a bite to eat. Luckily the sun came out which made it rather pleasant. Later, a few friends are coming round for dinner which will be nice. Gone are the days of going out clubbing and having a blow-out. I've had over a hundred birthday greeting messages today which is amazing and I'm grateful for all those who took a moment or two to let me know. I am a positive person and it's great to see such positivity from the people I am acquainted with.
New Horizons
I mentioned new horizons in the title because I have made a big decision which involves work and home life. After 4 years of managing and developing the team and park at Devon Hills Holiday Village, I am now looking for a fresh career challenge for 2012 and beyond. Whilst the park still has room for further expansion, I feel it is time to move on having learned a great deal and having brought it a long way from what it was to what it is now. After all, I've been here for a quarter of my working life!
I have a lot of experience within the holiday park industry but I am not going to limit my search to the industry alone. This, for me, is the perfect opportunity to explore new avenues with an open mind. I have already had some interest shown in me from the Far East and I'm excited to learn more about that particular project as it sounds just the type of thing I could get my teeth into. Other than that, I can look at any geographical location in the UK or abroad.
The best birthday present you could give me would be to share this blog post to help put me in front of people who may be looking for a positive and ambitious manager with great experience and skills. Why would you do this? If you are a helpful and positive person, it only takes a moment and you could be responsible for life changing results!
General Management - team of 50, all aspects of holiday park management. Health and safety compliance, employment law, marketing, recruiting, training and development, product development, P&L management, cost control, business strategy, project management, complaint handling, identifying team satisfiers and dis-satisfiers, appraisal and personal development plans, culture change management,
Sales Management - recruiting, training and motivating teams of sales executives to sell high value luxury products from £25k to £150k plus all aspects of stock management, web based and direct marketing campaigns, legal compliance, budget management, performance monitoring, business network development.
Full details of my experience, qualifications and skills are on My Profile on LinkedIn
To contact me directly, my e-mail is grahamlay@hotmail.co.uk
Thank you for taking the time to read and share. I hope positive things come back to you in return, as they tend to have a habit of doing!
It's my 36th birthday today and it's been an enjoyable one so far. Went for a walk around the harbour at Torquay and had a bite to eat. Luckily the sun came out which made it rather pleasant. Later, a few friends are coming round for dinner which will be nice. Gone are the days of going out clubbing and having a blow-out. I've had over a hundred birthday greeting messages today which is amazing and I'm grateful for all those who took a moment or two to let me know. I am a positive person and it's great to see such positivity from the people I am acquainted with.
New Horizons
I mentioned new horizons in the title because I have made a big decision which involves work and home life. After 4 years of managing and developing the team and park at Devon Hills Holiday Village, I am now looking for a fresh career challenge for 2012 and beyond. Whilst the park still has room for further expansion, I feel it is time to move on having learned a great deal and having brought it a long way from what it was to what it is now. After all, I've been here for a quarter of my working life!
I have a lot of experience within the holiday park industry but I am not going to limit my search to the industry alone. This, for me, is the perfect opportunity to explore new avenues with an open mind. I have already had some interest shown in me from the Far East and I'm excited to learn more about that particular project as it sounds just the type of thing I could get my teeth into. Other than that, I can look at any geographical location in the UK or abroad.
The best birthday present you could give me would be to share this blog post to help put me in front of people who may be looking for a positive and ambitious manager with great experience and skills. Why would you do this? If you are a helpful and positive person, it only takes a moment and you could be responsible for life changing results!
General Management - team of 50, all aspects of holiday park management. Health and safety compliance, employment law, marketing, recruiting, training and development, product development, P&L management, cost control, business strategy, project management, complaint handling, identifying team satisfiers and dis-satisfiers, appraisal and personal development plans, culture change management,
Sales Management - recruiting, training and motivating teams of sales executives to sell high value luxury products from £25k to £150k plus all aspects of stock management, web based and direct marketing campaigns, legal compliance, budget management, performance monitoring, business network development.
Full details of my experience, qualifications and skills are on My Profile on LinkedIn
To contact me directly, my e-mail is grahamlay@hotmail.co.uk
Thank you for taking the time to read and share. I hope positive things come back to you in return, as they tend to have a habit of doing!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Who are you?
Who actually reads my blog?
Over 4,000 views in the last month, never thought that many people would be interested in Baldy Blogs. It's just a middle aged baldy having a go at sport and having some quirky ideas and thoughts!
Perhaps you'd be so kind as to leave a comment and tell us how you came about my blog - that would be awesome, thanks in advance to those who do!
Over 4,000 views in the last month, never thought that many people would be interested in Baldy Blogs. It's just a middle aged baldy having a go at sport and having some quirky ideas and thoughts!
Perhaps you'd be so kind as to leave a comment and tell us how you came about my blog - that would be awesome, thanks in advance to those who do!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Rain Power - Reclaim Energy For Free!
On a long car journey yesterday my mind started wandering as I glimpsed a large wind turbine. I started thinking about ways of harnessing energy from natural occurrences.
From regenerative braking in vehicles to hydro-electric power in the home, I came up with some wacky ideas!
My favourite was to collect the rain that falls onto the roofs of buildings and channel them into a storage tank. From the tank, a pipe would run towards the ground and through a turbine before it is made available as a hosepipe or into a butt. The pressure of the falling water through the pipe would generate electrical energy from the turbine that could be transferred to a storage battery and used later, reducing the energy requirements of the house/building.
How much energy it would produce, I have no idea, but I like the idea! An easy after market solution would be to fit small cheap turbines to the bottom of existing guttering.
Today, I did some Googling and found out that, unsurprisingly, I am not the first person to think of this idea. There are a few other papers, blogs and forum posts talking about the same thing. The fact that I haven't seen a DIY fit it yourself kit probably means it is not a viable option. Who knows?!
I had a wacky idea that could save fuel but I won't disclose that yet as I did a patent search and couldn't find one that mentions it anywhere so I'll try and see if it is a viable option before going down the route of getting a patent and then licensing it to Honda, BMW or Volkswagen for millions!
I'm interested to know of more ideas that could be developed - list them here if you have one? (I promise I won't steal it for profit!)
From regenerative braking in vehicles to hydro-electric power in the home, I came up with some wacky ideas!
My favourite was to collect the rain that falls onto the roofs of buildings and channel them into a storage tank. From the tank, a pipe would run towards the ground and through a turbine before it is made available as a hosepipe or into a butt. The pressure of the falling water through the pipe would generate electrical energy from the turbine that could be transferred to a storage battery and used later, reducing the energy requirements of the house/building.
How much energy it would produce, I have no idea, but I like the idea! An easy after market solution would be to fit small cheap turbines to the bottom of existing guttering.
Today, I did some Googling and found out that, unsurprisingly, I am not the first person to think of this idea. There are a few other papers, blogs and forum posts talking about the same thing. The fact that I haven't seen a DIY fit it yourself kit probably means it is not a viable option. Who knows?!
I had a wacky idea that could save fuel but I won't disclose that yet as I did a patent search and couldn't find one that mentions it anywhere so I'll try and see if it is a viable option before going down the route of getting a patent and then licensing it to Honda, BMW or Volkswagen for millions!
I'm interested to know of more ideas that could be developed - list them here if you have one? (I promise I won't steal it for profit!)
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