Lean & Mean

I am shooting for CK promotions mid-October - this will result in a 4-page Editorial spread for Calvin Klein related print ad (magazine) campaigns in Australia. I'm told a female model will be flown from Switzerland! I'm very excited.

Thus, in the meanwhile, I have to train like never before - though my general physique should stay "lean & mean" - agent's request. Lol. Basically, the muscle areas that look good on pictures need to be emphasized - abs, chest, biceps, obliques, upper-legs.

And models are not supposed to be too big. Which, for now, I'm content with.

Eventually, I want to bulk-up for fitness modeling. For now, "lean & mean" is perfect.

I am however participating in fitness-related projects - to promote the industry in South Africa. More details to follow. (Watch this space in October!).

*I've attached 2 pics from gym this morning.

Last week I attended the Men's Health annual menswear show - Urban Tree (Sandton); and the event was awesome! I shot video clips for our TV programme as well (V_Entertainment).

The latest edition of Men's Health (South Africa; October 2010) features some of the items that were on display. Our insert will be shown this Friday on Vuzu Dstv 123 (or check it by Monday online: www.vuzu.tv).

Business Conduct - in general

There is a specific (unwritten) 'code of conduct' in business which has truly inspired me - and it doesn't only apply to people that work in 'business' (strictly speaking).

'Business conduct' - for lack of a better term - is actually more about the way you interact with other people; how you run your daily life; and how organised you are (i.e. ability to plan ahead).

I'd like to make a few points:

Firstly, you need to understand how to work with people. Something as simple as greeting someone properly. Also, speaking in terms of other people's values, so that they don't feel that you are making them do something for your own benefit - but to the benefit of the 'team'/company/ group/etc

Be presentable - if you dress smartly, you immediately value yourself better.

Have a diplomatic conversation - this means, work with your colleagues and suggest solutions - this will teach your team to think in terms of solutions and not problems.

*Always see every problem as an opportunity to learn from - and guide your thoughts towards solutions - it will almost certainly ease your stress levels, since you won't fear a problem ever again!

Being organised is about planning ahead. A business woman once told me: the best advice I can give you, is to plan ahead. Planning, planning, planning!

Finally, going to gym and eating healthy is more important than what most people would believe. I cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you're overweight and feeling depressed, you simply don't want to make the effort. In most cases, people become locked in a routine and (subconsciously) refuse to make any effort in following a healthier lifestyle. It's a choice. Seriously. End of story.

If you'd only pull through, and feel the benefits of gym, healthy eating, etc you'd be happy you made the effort!

Gotta be off to another shoot for our TV show.

Have a blessed day!

X

30 minute work-outs AND my daily diet!

I think I have found one of the best work-out programmes - and, of course, it all depends on what you prefer, or what your goal is.

Training twice a day for 30 minutes per session has certainly helped me to start pushing harder, and see better gains. Mornings are normally for cutting, and I never do any cardio, since I'm already lean and my goal is to bulk. After a full day of eating well, and enough, your body will have sufficient fuel to focus on heavier weights if you train later in the day/early evening again. It's imperative for me to go as heavy as possible, even if that means only doing 4 reps per set.

If you're in doubt as to what exactly you need to do; check out fitness websites - guys like Rob Riches, Scott Herman and several others write about (and create video clips) the correct form in gym.

Rob Riches:

http://www.robriches.com/home.html

Scott Herman:

http://www.scotthermanfitness.com

My 30-minute work-outs are shorter than most sessions, but intense, and I can easily focus on specific muscle groups.

My daily diet consists of carb-loading foods- the ones that suit my digestive system (each person's will differ):

2x cups of brown rice, cooked

2 avo's

1 pk green beans

Lots of goat's cheese

Water / Ginger water

Buttermilk

Butter

It really works for my - and I supplement with Salmon Oil and Zinc tablets.

No other supplements used right now.

My daily routine seems strange, but it's honestly helped me to build the right muscle, stay lean, and healthy. It's taken me since school - 1999 - to figure out a diet that works for my body. And no one can ever follow exactly the same diet as another person. However, by trial & error you will find the suitable plan that works for you - and stick to it!!

Best wishes!!

On my way, to Calvin Klein ...

Finally, a chance to write here again.

My Calvin Klein shoot is happening in September and I'm currently on a mission to build a little extra muscle (bulking) and get in top-shape for the shoot. (See pic attached from gym this morning).

My key focus areas include:

Arms (biceps/triceps); upper legs and shoulders.

Of course, in the process, I'd like to add more muscle to my upper chest as well.

I'm told dumbbell incline presses are the best to get them pumped!

On that note, please check out a friend's new Facebook group, and if you're in Cape Town, feel free to ask him for advice. Andri Joubert.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136500596386974

August is also a very exciting month with a few movie premieres that we're covering for our TV show. The most exciting being the release of the new A-Team movie. Starring a fellow South African (Sharlto Copley - "Wicus van der Merwe" from District 9). Then there's also Angelina Jolie's new release "Salt." On the 28th of Aug I'm traveling to Cape Town for my grandmother's 80th birthday - a momentous occasion (especially since she's been such a role model in my life, being a journalist herself). I'm very blessed to have a great family!

Will keep posting back regarding any new shoots coming up.

XX

Make 'someday' happen now!

One of my favourite magazines is 'Entrepreneur' and gives plenty insight for the business-minded guy/girl that are currently thinking of starting their own venture.

An article written by Rory Cohen in the July2010 edition is titled "Make someday happen now." Quoting Aristotle's statement of "being entelechy," the article addresses the potential of every living organism (human being) to express itself to its fullest potential. In other words, you are not supposed to stay bland and be unsuccessful. Ha!

Cohen suggests that you only need 10 minutes a day to get your creative energy flowing and seeing some real results!

Herewith the steps that the article outlines:

1. Consider your 'someday' dreams carefully; What is your life calling for?

Write a list of all the things you've been thinking about doing but haven't done.

2. Choose one thing on that list to experiment with. It doesn't matter which one you choose.

3. Spend ten minutes focusing on what you have selected. Imagine that you have successfully achieved whatever dream you've chosen. Fuel the fantasy with as much positive energy as you can. For example: Ask yourself, what would you be feeling if you woke up this morning and that dream had come true? That's the feeling you want to focus on. If you do nothing else with your 'someday' dream but spend ten minutes everyday doing this exercise, you will see results.

It might take a little discipline, but ten minutes a day is not asking much. And, hey, you're planning YOUR life and making it BETTER!

Louis D Botha Sample Shots

Thanks for these shots from photographer Louis D Botha - it will soon feature on his new website. Once it's up and running I will post a link. He is certainly a photographer to be watched!

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Please check out his website here:

http://www.louisdanielbothaphotography.com/