Written by Tracey Walker, Sept 27th 2010
Charles Poliquin's Body Composition Internship through the eyes of a student.
Whilst attending PICP L1-3 at the Poliquin Strength Institute in Rhode Island, I was extremely fortunate to win an internship of my choice. I decided upon Charles's Body Composition Internship being held at the Eleiko Centre in Halmstad, Sweden. As many of you will know, Eleiko is world famous for their precision engineering of Olympic Bars. Eleiko is to me is the Gucci or Prada of the weightlifting world. I did not hesitate to book flights and accommodation for my European adventure.
Like many students I had to travel, and as I live in sunny Australia that involved a trek halfway around the globe. To be precise, 3 planes, 2 taxis and a train, 28 hours later I arrived in Halmstad a little tired but happy to be there. Having never been to Sweden before and being extremely ignorant of the language, I did not know what to expect. However I need not have worried, the country is beautiful and the people are quiet, yet friendly and helpful. I have to add, I have never seen so many naturally slim and beautiful women as I did in Halmstad.
I stayed at the recommended accommodation, the Norre Park Hotel, which was excellent. The service was great and staff very nice. I was met with a beautiful smile and a "hey hey" (hello) every morning. All breakfasts and evening meals as well as internet access were complimentary. Eating in the dining room with my fellow students was very entertaining. We had many discussions and a lot of laughs whilst dining. I would not hesitate to recommend staying there. Apart from excellent rooms and service, it is also within walking distance all of the shops and restaurants.
The Eleiko Centre was amazing. However, I have to say not a good as the PSI in terms of equipment, but an experience not to be missed none the less. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff there and t
he manner in which we were looked after. They could not do enough for us and were warm and kind hearted. We were also lucky enough to see where all the barbells and weight plates are mad I have never seen so many plates and bars; very impressive.
The Internship itself was worth the six month countdown. Charles was on form and worked us hard with two punishing workouts a day. Anyone who has attended any of Charles PICP courses will know they were not easy! It took me a week to get up the stairs without wincing in pain (thankyou Charles
J) around the morning and afternoon workouts we attended class, and in true Poliquin style we were subjected to much of Charles's witty humour. As is usual when you participate in any of Charles's courses the information was flowing and I learned many valuable gems of information which can only be found when attending Poliquin courses. We covered everything from supplements for fat loss to brain nutrition. Charles left nothing out and I certainly came away with notebooks full of invaluable information.
One of the benefits of attending any of the Poliquin internships/seminars or courses, is the people you meet. Over the last 18 months I have met many like-minded students who are driven and passionate about the strength and health aspect of the fitness industry. These brilliant people have now become good friends and some mentors also.
I am fortunate enough to have a global network of amazing people who I can call upon for anything from advice to a simple chat. You cannot put a price on that.
The experiences, friendships and knowledge learned are unique and priceless; the gain far outweighs any monetary cost. For me, it has been a worthwhile investment that has enriched my life.
I would urge anyone thinking of attending any of Charles Poliquin's courses to read this and in the famous words of Nike " JUST DO IT" What have you got to lose?!
