keeping fit – Models Direct https://www.modelsdirect.org.uk Models Direct modelling agency has been bringing models and clients together since 1990. Welcome to the Models Direct business blog. Wed, 03 Jun 2020 15:46:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8 https://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-siteIcon512x512-32x32.png keeping fit – Models Direct https://www.modelsdirect.org.uk 32 32 Keep Your Kids Fit During Lockdown https://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/keep-your-kids-fit-during-lockdown/ Wed, 03 Jun 2020 15:46:55 +0000 https://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/?p=1418 We all know how important exercise is for our physical and mental health but ensuring your youngsters are keeping fit during this difficult time can be a real chore.

Whether they are child models or simply lively little ones, you will want to find increasingly innovative ways of tiring them out.

Try finding programmes and routines online that they enjoy, and you can make a regular part of your day.

Body coach Joe Wicks is leading daily PE sessions live on YouTube throughout the weeks that schools are closed.

If these do not suit your child, however, browse YouTube for other videos that might.

Where possible attempt to lead them in an exercise session every morning and afternoon.

Once a week take them on a long walk through the area surrounding your home and allow them to take turns in deciding which route you will follow.

Try taking them out on their bicycles while you are walking or running – you will find it easier to ensure they are social distancing and they will enjoy the fun of it.

Time them while they do laps of your local park or playing field either on their bikes or running.

If the space is fairly empty, you could even set up a makeshift obstacle course by suggesting they run around certain trees, posts or benches as they go.

If you are lucky enough to have a garden or outside space, then try setting up an obstacle course there too.

You could also play mini tennis, badminton or keepie-uppies if you have the right equipment.

Try encouraging them to take part in at least two of these shorter sessions during the day at home.

When the weather is poor or you feel a change is in order, why not switch some music on and organise a dance-off.

Keep them interested by playing different kinds of music and perhaps even teach them some funny dance moves.

Organise a daily competition to see who can do the funniest dance throughout an entire song.

Take turns at leading a PE class of your own at home. 

Let each child plan and lead a class once a week. Everyone else has to join in and follow the moves.

]]>
The Incredible Bulk https://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/the-incredible-bulk/ Mon, 20 Apr 2020 15:20:39 +0000 http://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/?p=1377 How to pile on quality muscle

If you’re a model looking to shred excess fat and gain a few pounds of muscle, now is the perfect time to begin your fitness regime.

When a modelling job requires models of a certain build, there are several basic principles which will have your muscles primed and in peak condition. The aim is not a rapid Arnold Schwarzenegger-like transformation – more a safe, gradual modification that’ll benefit you in the long term. There’s a danger of wanting too much too quickly which, whilst understandable, is not the healthiest of ways to add on muscle. Read our concise guide to bulking up and you could be booking yourself a hot new modelling contract this summer.

1. Eat plenty of protein. As obvious as it sounds, protein is vital for muscle gain, but the amount is crucial. As protein is essential for muscle production, it’s better consumed in relatively small but frequent amounts throughout the day. Generally speaking, aim to eat about 1-2 grams of protein per pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 200lbs, a daily protein intake of 150 grams is ideal. Protein is composed of building blocks known as amino acids – think of them as bricks building a house…the more building blocks you use, the larger the house. Foods to concentrate on include beef, chicken (without the skin), egg whites, semi-skimmed milk and whey. 

2. Count the calories. A typical male should consume about 2,000 calories daily. Aim to double that, but increase the number of your meals. If you want to consume 4,000 calories / day, try eating six meals – at an average of 650 calories / meal. 

3. Don’t skip on carbohydrates. Yes, protein is essential, but carbohydrates are required for fuelling exercise, so that these are used for energy instead of protein. 

4. Eat “good” fats. Fats are important in muscle growth, but only certain types will aid bulk. Steer away from saturated fats commonly found in sugary items like cakes and biscuits. Instead, try eating foods high in mono / polyunsaturated fats like nuts, vegetable oils and fatty fish.

5. Prepare a pre-work out meal. Eating a designed meal prior to exercise / lifting weights is also key in bulk gain. Try foods rich in slow-burning carbohydrates like brown rice and pasta. Slow-burning carbohydrates take longer to convert into glucose, thus maintaining consistent sugar levels, allowing you to train longer.  

6. The basics. There are two rules of thumb that everyone should know / adhere to: drink lots of water, and allow yourself plenty of rest. One pound of muscle can hold up to three pounds of water – it’s a no-brainer! As is rest – if you deprive your body a period of rest  / repair, it’ll have long-term detrimental effects that could undo the good work you’ve been putting in. Don’t push it, and stick to a regular regime of sleep, quick naps and water consumption.

7. Supplement your food intake. There are plenty of effective (and legal) food supplements on the market, from fat burners to protein shakes. Read the ingredients carefully, as well as the instructions. Creatine powders are also useful, as they help muscle’s grow to their fullest, and also delay fatigue. 

Increasing exercise and lifting weights in accordance with the above guidelines will increase muscle bulk. Models Direct advises all “first time” muscle gainers to seek advice from a nutritionist or GP before embarking on their bulking up regime. Don’t expect miracles overnight, and stick to it – you will be rewarded.

]]>