When, as opposed to if, I get a place to live I'll be stockpiling and 'prepping'. This weeks panic at the pumps is an indication of silliness. I've seen it before when we had the floods in Gloucester. People leaving ASDA with trolleys full of water, another with nothing but milk and yet another with bread. News crews filmed idiots a few hundred yards from where I lived at the time hauling away trays full of free water.
It's also an indicator, perhaps of mine too, of the mind set during a recession that stock piling seems like a good idea. When a major US TV channel (NatGeo) does a series of programs on prepping... perhaps we should take up the cause.
So as and when you come round I may well have a years supply of toilet tissue and more in stock... and no you can't borrow a roll.
Not my stash but someone elses:
In my case I'll peruse the net with a view to recommended lists but will almost certainly be adding to my supplement stash. So they'll be 2-3 months worth of protein powder and Creatine stashed away somewhere cool., dark and dry.
I do get it - I really do. I understand 100% why gym owners have some issues with certain members. But man oh man when I get my own place with space for weights again I will be using chalk. And I wont be moaning about belt buckles. I'd go into the specifics but that gives too much away and for the sake of a quiet, for now, life I'll just say that it feels like a pain the arse.
Sure gym owners have to clear crap up, more so in full on mainstream, middle market commercial gyms. So using chalk, especially throwing it around without a care in the world is annoying. Equally if you're ignorant enough to have some big ass buckle and lean on bench pads so as to tear them up like your few quid allows carte blanche then you need to go somewhere else but why me? I'm a good guy. I use chalk in super tidy gyms over a towel and make sure it's not making a mess and I DO NOT lie face down on equipment with a belt on (why would you need a belt if your back is supported anyway).
That said it IS a good motivator being nagged for some shit you haven't done - grrr!
It's not that long now until the muscle and fitness fest that is Bodypower 2012. Year on year growth sees aprox 30000 expected over the 3 day weekend (Fri-Sunday). Up a day from last year. It'll be interesting to see if this VAT issue makes for some chatting and a half among the companies attending.
Me? I'm working, as last year, with UltimateGrip (also at Seni later the same month I think). I'll be with the nut job (in a nice way) that is Rod 'Rambo' Lenette as the ''faces'' so expect us to goof about a little to get your interest.
I'm also keen to play my part, as last year, along with Denny Felix over on the strength arena on Sunday afternoon with the 2012 British Rolling Thunder championships. Last year I tied for 2nd with the (as now) World's Strongest Man 2012 winner Brian Shaw. Mark Felix, world record holder, won. Recent efforts of Laine Snook aren't to be sniffed at.
So what am I thinking... assuming I don't knacker myself by squeezing grippers all weekend for pay like last year and still coming 2nd I plan on doing better. In spite of the 'no chalk' rule at Beef's Gym here in Strood where I am temporarily staying (looking for a new home to move to - Wales preferred) I am finally able to get the 2011 Ironmind Rolling Thunder handle a workout. It's well used and I did some BIG numbers on it during the last session. Not quite to Laine's level yet but there's enough time. Fancy winning some goodies in the amateur event? Come on down!!
Starting with the VAT ON SPORTS DRINK PETITION This petition is for those of you who think the most recent UK budget in which some ass at the treasury decided, in their wisdom, to suggest that us supplement users pay 20% more. Yep due to what I think is some stupid decision making tribunal decision (but who knows for sure) on sports drinks becoming mass market and drunk for refreshment they have now decided to include protein drinks too.
Now, as has been argued, it's one thing to suggest that an isotonic drink such as well known Lucosade, Powerade et al, might be found (as they are in your local shops chilled drinks cabinet and is drunk1) cos it tastes nice and 2) cos it's refreshing but not 3) cos of it's nutritional content. Fair enough says I. They have super-ceded their former sports drink only status and fallen into, by virtue of growth and acceptance, common 'cold drink' status.
But can the same be said of a protein drink that you mix and shake YOURSELF!! Seriously. I don't drink 100g of Bulkpowders unflavoured whey mixed with water and 3 sweeteners for it's refreshing qualities. Nor as a 'beverage' like tea. I drink tea and coffees for tea and coffees above mentioned qualities - that and the caffeine.
My gut instinct is the industry has grown. When companies like GSK buy (again - about the 3rd or 4th time MM has sold or been brought out) Maximuscle for what - £85million? When MyProtein was purchased (not quite 100%) for what gave it a value of £60m and when the industry itself, not health food, seeds and nuts but just sports supplements only, was suggesting a gross of around £300m in 2005, 2006 or 2007 (I forget which) then HM Gov seizes on an opportunity to garner some cash during this recession. HMG suggest, via their own C&E site that the wedge only amounts to between 10 and 12 million quid. Hardly seems worth it.
That's without the questions, as asked by others - but hell include me in agreement, asking about how an industry which supports and promotes, for the most part, a healthy lifestyle. Throw in the 2012 Olympic year and you ask why guys and gals that train, typically earn more (yesterdays Daily Mail suggested that those hitting the gym 3 or more times a week earn more - or was it those earning more hit the gym more...), think of their health and are looking to lose weight or become lean muscle beasts, then get charged more to carry on? Does HMG want us to be fat, not in the gym, don't give a damn slobs?
Just on the business aspect alone the margins, as many wholesalers and retailers in the industry have pointed out , on high protein drinks are NOT big. As a former seller of the same I agree 100%. You're not looking at 30% margins in the bulk sector. Now throw 20% on top... damn!!
So sign and share, share and sign. Or get out your hankies now and weep when the time comes - you'll only have your indifference to blame.
