Currently we are loving the new Under Armour fluo range which is proving to be popular in the women’s range.

With spring here and summer on its way, the range offer the perfect pick me up to wear for training outside or at the gym.

For the ladies who follow this blog and shop with us, we have a great light weight ¼ zip top which you could wear on it’s own in the evening or over a tank or tee. There is a new range of shorts which compliment the range too and especially coming into holiday season would be great for days at the beach too.

If it all seems a bit too bright for you perhaps one of the new charged cotton caps might compliment your training gear and add a splash of colour you wouldn’t otherwise have.

All in all the fluo pieces from Under Armour are a great addition to your training wardrobe and these colours are in our opinion the new black!

As it comes to the end of the second week of this cover model challenge I find that I have overcome, and experienced, a lot in such a short period of time. As you all know I started the 12 week cover model challenge two weeks ago. This required me to followa strict cover model diet and training plan created by Barrie Mark Scougal (www.barriemark.co.uk), along with the use of general fitness supplements thanks to Pro-10 UK – (www.pro-10.com).

How have I found it so far? Well, starting the diet was the hardest part and although I ate quite healthy before this challenge, I really struggled with craving for things such as bread and white pasta. This craving was the case for around the first three days or so, after that I got used to it and really started to enjoy the meals.

I then discovered that in order for the whole diet plan to work my routine was going to have to change and I was going to have to be much more organised. Now I find myself for the first time in my life getting up in the morning and not only making breakfast but also my mid morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and sometimes even dinner. I hope that being organised is the key to succeeding in this transformation.

Towards the end of the second week I was finding that I was lacking in energy for some of my afternoon session. After speaking to Barrie Mark Scougal (www.barriemark.co.uk) he suggested that I increase the calorie intake slightly this meant that I was eating more vegetables with meals and also more fruit. This diet adjustment made a huge difference and helped my performance in the gym.

Supplementation is a key part of my diet too as it allows me to take in the correct amounts of protein needed throughout the day. This part of my diet would not be possible without the supplement help and support I get from the guys at Pro-10 UK – (www.pro-10.com). The supplements which I use are as follows:

Ultra Lean, Whey Protein Isolate, Glutamine , CLA, Creapure Creatine, BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acids),Pure Carbs and Time Release Protein.

Along with this here is my diet plan for one day thanks to Barrie Mark Scougal (www.barriemark.co.uk) and Pro-10 UK – (www.pro-10.com).

Every day I try to drink around 3 cups of green tea and 3 litres of water when possible.

Before Breakfast

Large glass water

Ultra lean x1

Breakfast

Porridge with blueberries and raspberries, Whey protein shake with 5g glutamine and CLA x3

Mid Morning Snack

Wholemeal Bagel with natural peanut butter and Ultra Lean x1

Lunch

Brown rice, grilled chicken, broccoli and spinach

Ultra lean x1

Mid Afternoon Snack

Natural yoghurt, nuts and mango

Pre workout

Banana

Whey protein Isolate, Creapure, 5g Glutamine

Post Workout

Straight after workout Lucozade Sport with Pure Carbs and 5g BCAA

Then within 30 mins of training

Whey Protein Isolate, 5g Creapure, 5g Glutamine

Dinner

Sweet Potato, Salmon, Broccoli

Ultra Lean x 1

Late night snack according to intake during the day

Cottage Cheese

Just before Bed

Time release Protein and 5g Glutamine

Big thanks again to Fitness Box for my training gear (www.fitnessbox.co.uk),

Barrie Mark Scougal for my training and diet plan, (www.barriemark.co.uk),

Week 2 of the transformation is complete… what do you think of the progress so far?

The 12 week cover model program.

Profile

Age: 20

Height: 5”11                                                                          

Weight: 69KG (152lb)

Target Weight: 73KG (161lb)

So this is the start for me as I have finally decided to take action and make myself become what my mind wants me to be. From now on no more looking at the front of fitness magazines and thinking I wish I could look like that and wonder how they must do it. I am now living like they do; eating like a cover model does and, hopefully, turning my body into the cover worthy shape we all see on every fitness magazine. This 12 week program which has been designed for me by Barrie Mark Scougal (www.barriemark.co.uk), aims to lower my body fat percentage whilst allowing me to gain size as best as possible.

This has always been something I have wanted to embark on but never really got round to doing. I have always gone to the gym on and off to try and stay in shape, but this is the ultimate commitment for me. For the next 12 weeks I will be working out at least 6 days a week and following Barrie Mark Scougal’s strict diet plan. Also, thanks to Pro-10 UK – (www.pro-10.com) whose supplements will be a big part of my progress.

This 12 week program will only be the start of what I plan to adapt as a regular lifestyle for myself. My aims after following this would be to at some point in the future feature on a magazine cover, and pass on what I have learned from my experience and become an example to others who are willing to be committed to a similar goal.

Make sure you check out our Facebook page (Fitness Box) to track my progress, also keep following my blog posts as I will be talking more about my progress, the positives and negatives of adopting this lifestyle, and all the ups and downs I may face along the way. As well as this on our Facebook page I will be posting training videos of some of my training sessions, weekly photos to see what progress I am making, and my meal plans as the 12 weeks go on so be sure to keep an eye out for all this.

Big thanks again to Fitness Box for my training gear (www.fitnessbox.co.uk),

Barrie Mark Scougal for my training and diet plan, (www.barriemark.co.uk),

And finally thanks to my supplement sponsor for the program Pro-10 UK (www.pro-10.com)   

It was gone for a while but it has now returned! The Under Armour Tech Tee is back and better than it was before.

For a long time the Tech Tee was one of the staples of our kit bags, a great value-for-money tee that was light, comfortable and moisture wicking. Great when you just wanted a basic tee for a run or for in the gym.  When Under Armour withdrew the tech tee we wondered what they were planning next… we now have that answer.

The new Tech Tee has stayed true to its roots. It’s really lightweight, wearing it you would almost forget you even had it on, however whilst making it so light they have still managed to make it even softer and comfortable to wear than before. To the touch it feels more like natural materials than the polyester it’s actually made of.  It is also put together with flatlock stitching so that even the seams are as comfortable as they can make them!

As you would expect from an Under Armour HeatGear tee, performance is always central to their products. The 4 way stretch fabrication means that the tee does not get in the way or work against your body while the moisture wicking design will quickly take the sweat away from your body so to keep you dry and cool. Not only that but with its anti-odor properties this is a tee that whilst it is amazingly good value for money, will not only perform but will also last and will not succumb to that nasty kit bag smell of years gone by.

All in all, I’ve been really impressed with this new Tech Tee and to be honest I just don’t know how they do it at this price!

This week we have had taken delivery of the newest and what we reckon to be the best Craft running range yet – for both men and women. Craft have always been reliable in performance apparel which is superior in style and quality but this collection combines bold colour with attention to detail in order to make all the difference.

At Fitness Box we have always liked Craft and the clothing they design. Whilst they may not be the same household name as some other sports brands, with their elegant Swedish design, high performance materials and great functionality they most definitely reward the discerning person who looks a bit further when choosing what they wear when they exercise.

As you would expect, all of Crafts’ clothing provides the performance you need when exercising, moisture wicking to keep you cool and comfortable. What they also provide that you do not necessarily find in all fitness clothing, is the great soft, comfortable feel of their material. It makes their clothes a total pleasure to wear. Just because you are at the gym is not an excuse to not enjoy wearing the clothes on your back and Craft certainly make sure their clothes are a pleasure to wear.

Possibly the highlight of this new running range is the Women’s Active Run clothing range.  When there is so much women’s fitness clothing out there that is either boring or at the other end of the spectrum far to bold, the women we have shown the new range to love what Craft have done. They have a really flattering cut, great colours and a level of detailing that makes you stand out from the crowds at the gym… for all the right reasons!

Craft Active Run - Women's Run Singlet Metro Flame

All in all, why on earth wouldn’t you give this new Craft range a test run, whether you have not previously tried their clothing or you already love their stuff!

After a week of hard training at the gym, including a particular focus on the upper body, I have been clearly reminded of the major benefits of compression clothing.

After pushing myself at the gym whether it be a back or chest evening, I initially woke up the next morning to that satisfying upper body ache to confirm to me that yes, I hadn’t been skived off and taking it easy.  However that ache was also my body telling me that it was still healing and recovering.  And when you’re training hard to reach your goals, the last thing you want is to have a longer recovery time than you need.

It is exactly for that reason that I tried combining Under Armour’s HeatGear Compression Tee whist exercising with Under Armour’s Recharge II Long Sleeve Compression Top for post-workout.

Whilst working out, the HeatGear Compression Tee gave that support to the upper body whilst the increased blood-flow resulting from the compression, held off fatigue and allowed me to push myself harder for longer.  Its moisture wicking properties also allowed my body to regulate its temperature in order to keep me cool and comfortable. Not to mention that, on a comfort level, chafing is a thing of the past whilst wearing compression wear!

After training came the second part of this compression tag-team, the Under Armour Recharge II Long Sleeve Compression Top.  This is a new addition to my kit bag and went on after the shower underneath my regular clothes.  I even slept in it as many athletes now do in order to maximise the effect and benefits of the top.

Whilst that may sound a bit extreme it was worth it. The Recharge II Long Sleeve Compression Top is optimised for even greater compression properties than a regular compression top, meaning that the body gets on with healing itself as quickly as possible. And whilst this involves the sacrifice of a little mobility compared to compression wear designed for working out in, this did not matter when I was sleeping!  The end result was that even after a hard workout, the next morning there was not that same familiar ache and instead, in its place I felt as if I could take on another workout at maximum effort.  All in all, just that is just what you’re looking for in that push to reach your goals!

We are delighted to offer the following promotion from our friends at Faster.

Advanced Functional Trainer (Performance) — 20% discount for Fitness Box blog readers £160 (normal price £200)

Ring 08455 191 615 to book

Dates: 17th & 18th March 2012 – Virgin Active, Omni Centre, 61/10 Leigh Street Edinburgh EH1 3AU

• 10am – 5pm

• 2 day live course with online support

• In-depth introduction to functional training

• Learn to screen and assess human movement plus programming

• 16 REPs points

After completing our 2-day course you will be able to:

• Bridge the divide between functional training and weight loss – an optimally functioning body, performs more effectively and therefore achieves greater weight loss

• Attract the attention of new clients and new business – who wouldn’t be interested in the brand-new tests and exercises you will be doing?

• AFT puts the ‘fun’ back into functional training – it doesn’t necessarily need a gym or any equipment, what it does guarantee is a very varied and enjoyable approach to training which anyone can do

• Create 1000s of new exercises from any movement and know which ones to use in every situation with any client

• Apply your techniques to any equipment, be it ViPR, TRX, Corestick, Kettlebell or body blade

• Take a functional approach to assessment, training and injury management. In your club or locality, you will be the ‘go-to’ expert and that means clients and other personal trainers

• Achieve results with clients – FAST

• Have an effective system to sell PT

• Design a client-specific training programme to increase functional performance no matter what the goal is

• Gain instant credibility with clients and charge more per hour

Full Description:

Performance clients (clients without injury and not in need of fixing!), high level or everyday weight loss, have a great ability to hide faulty movements and asymmetrical movements. This course is designed to help you see all asymmetrical movements in a client, without you having to restructure a programme.

This course will take you through the thought process behind the FASTER training process, via how to assess the fundamental movements in function, such as walking, lifting, turning etc and then progressing all the way to building highly effective exercises devised to access the body’s natural use of gravity, ground reaction and momentum. This is then taken a step further, with a review of how to add in resistance.

The course format is as follows:

• FASTER thought process

• Assessing a standard movement at the Hips

• Assessing a standard movement at the Foot and Ankle

• Assessing a standard movement at the Thoracic

• The acute variables of exercise

• Using function to improve performance

• Building a programme from your programmes

• Training through acute variables

• This course is almost all practical, and is designed to get you moving

Check out additional info here

The newest compression top from Under Armour has been released and it is in store now!

Whilst some people were watching the Oscars’ to see Hollywood’s stars in their glamorous gowns, we were instead watching the NFL Combine. The Combine from Indianapolis, USA offered us the opportunity to see this year’s elite college American footballer players wearing  Under Armour’s newest compression top for the first time.  Following on from the great Battle and Bolt tops, this year brings the brand new Combine Authentic Warp Speed Short Sleeve top.

As with all Under Armour apparel the Combine Authentic Warp Speed Short Sleeve top not only looks great but is built to perform!

Under Armour Heat Gear Compression Warp Short Sleeve Tee @ Fitness Box

Under Armour describes this top as having a “fully sublimated warp print, worn by the athletes of the NFL Combine, it represents a balance of speed, strength, and power… with Metallic HeatGear it adds compression to your muscles, boosting their power.”

Now that is what a guy wants – the extra help to enable you to train and perform at your best!

This top is fitted to contour your body for maximum performance and with its moisture wicking qualities will take the sweat from your skin to the fabric’s surface for evaporation rather than absorbing it helping the body temperature to be regulated. Added to keeping you dry and comfortable, the mesh fabric inserts in strategic zones help keep air circulating and you cool and dry.

As with all of Under Armour compression gear the 4-way stretch compliments the fit and improves mobility. Anti-microbial treatments provide permanent odour protection even after washing – they make sure the garment and fabric keep performing over and over for you.

The raglan sleeves and flat lock stitching makes for a chafe free work out – something which all Under Armour apparel is known for. For a structured compression garment this is the winning combination and Under Armour have used this to add to the design factor of this top.

All in all this is a top we would recommend and we know many of you who have already tried the compression ranges that Fitness Box stock, especially Under Armour, will be quick to snap these tops up! So get yours before they’re gone – the limited edition print is sure to sell though quickly!

The original cotton T-shirt has been super-charged.  With the release of their new Charged Cotton range, Under Armour have given us this amazing new training range.  A range that gives you that soft, comfortable feel you expect from cotton before it absorbs moisture but combined with the performance expected of the Under Armour range made from synthetic materials.

Under Armour Heat Gear Charged Cotton Short Sleeve Tee

So, how is it designed, how have Under Armour worked this magic?

It starts with the construction. They alternated hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers, stay with us, and the result was that they created the world’s first true performance cotton T-shirt.  This means it doesn’t absorb moisture and dries up to five times faster than your old go-to cotton tee.  The one that you continue to wear even though you know it becomes wet, heavy and uncomfortable when you work out! They also added 5% Elastane to give you a lightweight, 4-way stretch that eliminates restriction and unlocks your mobility.

This is good as it gets the feel of your original cotton tee with the Under Armour performance stamp on it.   And the news gets even better; the Charged Cotton Hoodies will soon be here…

Check it out at: http://www.fitnessbox.co.uk/under-armour-charged-cotton-mens-tee-red-cat-1-subcat-4-product-589