RACHEL GUY
LOCATION: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA



1. How long have you been a PICP instructor? What got you interested in Poliquins system?

I first did Biosig back in 2007 when it first became a 5 day course in Australia. I learned more about training and real nutrition in those 5 days than the previous 5 years of university. From there I read all of Charles books and most of the others he mentioned during the course from training to functional medicine and beyond. I tried and tested many training protocols on myself before implementing them with clients. Nothing teaches you more than experience! I only officially did PICP 1 & 2 in November 2010 but I had used many of the Poliquin Principles of training, periodization and programming for several years prior. I like to learn from a wide base of trainers and coaches. Every course or textbook has something to make you grow professionally as a coach. It is important to seek out a range of mentors who are the best in their field. The Poliquin system is a constantly evolving program and does produce undeniable results for gains in strength, hypertrophy and fat loss. Melb PICP 1& 2, Nov 2010 – Tired and Sore at the end!

2. What other certifications and education do you hold in regards to your profession?

I graduated from the University of Birmingham, UK with a BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy. I moved quickly into musculoskeletal sports medicine and did a few minor courses on functional anatomy, dry needling and other physio courses. I moved to Sydney in 2007, and went back to University to do post grad study in Exercise and Sports Science. From there I managed to mesh together strength coaching and conditioning with my physical therapy skills. I have certifications with FMA Strength Training, Australian Strength and Conditioning Association, Active Release Technique (A.R.T), CHEK HLC and short courses on rehab. I am planning PICP3 this year along with another A.R.T Cert. Basically anything and everything I need to work with a variety of clients! I am a self-confessed nerd and obsessive reader! I try to keep as up to date with research as possible, yet the reality is no client is the same and therefore should not be trained or treated in the exact same way. Experience and intuition counts for a lot.

My love is S&C, yet I have a gift for rehab. I primarily consider myself a trainer and strength coach who also deals with injuries. I often refer out more serious injures to my network of chiros/physical therapists.

3. When did you start training in figure contests and how many have you done? What was your placing in those shows and do you have any in the future?

I started toying with the idea of doing a show in 2005, back then I was skinny. It was 2007 before I first got on stage. I placed well. 1st in Figure Novice and 2nd Place Overall Figure. Here I am in my very first show, I have grown a fair bit since then: My First Show 2007!

I switched to IFBB Bikini/Fitness Model last year as I prefer a slightly softer look. My last show was October 2010. It was the first IFBB Bikini show in Australia and with 32 girls on stage at once – tough competition. I didn’t place but with just 5 weeks of prep time due to a hospital admission I wasn’t too disappointed with my turnout. I was prepping for a show this year in May. I pulled out 10days before the show as I didn’t feel my condition as good enough. I actually had a valuable learning experience… I started a new pill – Yasmin / Yaz. Recommended by several Biosig practitioners and doctors to be the best of a bad bunch! I had a pretty bad reaction to it over the following 3-4 months - gained 4kg, became rather emotional and depressed, lost my appetite had sleep problems and became quite withdrawn. I basically became the polar opposite person to Rachel - the outgoing social butterfly! I also consider myself to me an emotionally stable chick! However, after running out of a training session in tears one day because I hurt my wrist, I decided that the pill had to go!! 2-3 weeks later I was feeling 100x better and right into show prep mode.

I was 3 weeks behind by this stage. I just couldn’t make up the lost time. However, not all was lost, I got my body back into shape to maintain for shoots. It was a good learning curve! As far as the rest of the competitive year goes, I have no plans to do another show this year. I stay within 2-3kg of my on-stage weight anyway due to shoots more or less year round. Work is also very busy, training is hard and we are opening a second gym – Platinum Extreme #2! I also like to enjoy life with a glass of red and dark chocolate! If I get a clean 4 week run to an October show this year I will do it but it is not a priority. I need to work on my MMA for grading in December. It’s hard to combine the two!

4. Was the modeling a natural extension to figure and training or was it something that you got involved in prior to lifting?

After my first show I fell into fitness modeling and had to learn fast!! I had the odd modeling gig prior to competing but it was all fashion or hair shows. I still do hair and make up shoots, but it is mainly gym wear/fitness gear, sports nutrition ads, occasionally bikinis or tv commercials needing a fitness chick. 5. With your MMA training that our viewers can watch online what other systems do you incorporate to meet your goals? Do you ever plan to fight or is the pursuit for personal reasons? For sure. I started my own YouTube channel as a way to encourage women to find other ways to train other than using a treadmill! I started a series called “This is How I Train” inspired by my friend and fellow trainer Kat Loterzo of Woman Incredible. Here are a few of my training sessions. I feel sick watching them they were so tough! THAT is conditioning!!

                

Sure this training is tough!! If it were easy, everyone would be doing it! Stepping out of your comfort zone ensures continual development. I have a fear of stagnation! No, I defiantly have no intention of ever setting foot in a cage other than in training! Frankly the idea terrifies me, however the training is fun! I am aiming for Level 2 grading in the Pro Mai MMA Submission Fighting Syllabus run at our club. I have a lot of work to do. My stand up is good. A neck injury put back my progress on the ground. Training varies depending on the phase I am in. Currently I do 3 tough conditioning sessions, two of which are bag work/standup skills. I lift 3x/week. Heavy. 2-5reps. Hit the mats 2x/week, that needs to be up 3-4x until December grading now.
“Train to be strong, eat to be lean.” “Train like a Guy, Look Like a Girl”

6. What are your current business goals and how would you describe yourself as a coach and trainer?

 Business Goals 2011: 1) Continue 1:1 training no more than 15hrs/week 2) Set up and launch Platinum Extreme #2 3) Launch my 2nd brand (which I can’t name yet!) 4) Continue to write in mainstream mags 5) Release a training DVD for women. – Open to requests and ideas on content. I am still drafting it! As a Trainer/Coach: - Everything I do with clients I have done myself. I know how hard to push and when to back off. I hate excuses! I have heard every excuse; don’t bore me with more. If you are unhappy with something, CHANGE IT!!! I like purposeful training, sensible, flexible nutrition and positive lifestyle changes. I hate bullshit and will often find myself having “direct” words with time-wasters. Nevertheless, training MUST remain enjoyable for the general population. I train some middle aged women who like to exercise and talk about Prada handbags. That’s fine! They still work very hard and lift some impressive weights! My only rule is no talking during the set and we stick to the given rest periods.

7. I know that you are going to the BioSig during the Australian tour; but clearly you already have a head start in body composition coaching. Is this an area that you are already working in to get your clients maximal results?

Looking forward to up skilling with BioSig! As a competitive dieter over the years I have tried and tested a countless eating patterns, meal timings, weighing foods, cutting out entire food groups, counting calories (YAWN!!), low fat this, no sugar that etc etc! I can speak from experience here and say that all of the above results in temporary weight loss while feeling utterly shit, tired, cranky, and piss-weak in training. It is also stressful and you feel mildly withdrawn from society and social occasions. In the long run, for a female in the general population to stay lean, curvy and healthy year round; my top 5 tips would be: 1) Have a solid breakfast! My favorite is slow cooked lamb shanks or a chicken broth! 2) Use butter, cream and coconut oil. 3) Base each meal on lean meat and heaps of veggies/salad. 4) Limit intake of grains. 5) Eat real food and watch your portion sizes! If I am dealing with an athlete or figure competitor of course I have to be more specific.

8. Your originally Welsh, and have made the transition to Australia. Do you find the two countries culturally different in regards to personal training and fitness?

Sydney has a lot more forward thinking smart trainers who want to learn and develop professionally. However the general standard leaves a lot to be desired!! Wales has some awesome bodybuilding trainers but the over all standard of training and gyms is still behind Sydney. There are a handful of excellent coaches in Wales, the majority of which work in rugby teams.

9. What are three goals you have for yourself during the next 12months?

1) Training – 1RM Semi Supinated Chin Up + 15kg; 1RM Deadlift 90kg (my weakest lift despite my big butt!); receive level 2 ProMai MMA grading; arrive at BioSig in Dec at 10%.

2) Personal – Travel to the US, UK, Thailand and Dubai. Get a puppy called D’Arce or Gator; buy a house and a new car.

3) Professional – Continue to grow Platinum Extreme, work in the media and online, launch the new brand (the unnamed one!)

10. Tell us a little about where you coach and is there a way to get in contact with you for consultations or training?

I work at Platinum Extreme Gym in North Sydney. We are a Mixed Martial Arts facility catering for the corporate market, in addition to being the home of a successful competing fight squad. We have two studios, one of which has a cage, both matted and kitted out in Zebra and Fairtex gear. Platinum runs a full timetable of 40 classes a week from Muai Thai, MMA (technical); Open mat; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; No-Gi; Boxing; MMA conditioning/fitness; yoga, spin and boot camp etc; in addition to having a full weights room.

My website can be found here:



You can find further information at the following sites: Business Page:

      




Thanks for having me Derek!!!!!