REVIEW: Adidas goes Minimalist – the adipure Trainers

Fitness enthusiasts, HEADS UP! Adidas has unveiled its latest range of training gear – the adipure Trainers. The first natural-style training shoe designed specifically for the gym, these shoes were surprisingly very comfortable to wear. And according to the guys from Adidas, the adipure Trainer promotes natural movement by harnessing the body’s natural mechanics thus activating and strengthening muscles.

Like most “minimalist training shoes”, it uses your foot’s natural power and movement that will help you strengthen muscles you never knew you had in your feet, lower legs and throughout your core. Featuring an independent toe separation design and a quarter-inch minimalistic profile, the adipure Trainer allows an athlete’s foot to be close to the ground for optimal speed, balance and agility during a workout. 

For me, one of the plus points of these adipure trainers is that it provides real comfort around the ankle and balls of the feet as you skip, do your clean and jerks and even squats. It has a nice clean and natural feel, providing protection for the skin while still maintaining solid traction with the ground and durability.

It comes in 4 different colour combinations (although I heard that the blue and red are not in stores just yet). Retailing at S$169, you can get your adipure trainers at all leading sports shops and adidas boutiques.

One should not just know how to run but also know how to be functional in your movements and training. Personally, I advocate Total Fitness rather than just being real good in a single particular sport. 

 

FITNESS: The Rickson Gracie Workout

Damn, im motivated and inspired!

Go All In and Just Do It.

Top 15 Reasons To Run

Find a Reason or two… and go run.

I’m doing it for Reasons 12, 13 & 14. Hahaha! So which ones are yours?

P.S, click on our Singapore 2012 Running Events Calendar to view the upcoming races. Should we have left out any run or races, do let us know. And together, WE can get people to start running.  

Of Sports, Fitness and Health

RUGBY:

“A ruffian’s game played by Gentlemen.” 

Honestly, having played rugby in primary school and then a season during JC days and lastly, a short stint during my NS Army days, i must say, rugby is one sport which requires team work like no other.

Every single man relies and trusts their buddies beside them to “protect them” when they get tackled. Rugby, a contact sport, requires SPEED, AGILITY, POWER, STRENGTH & BRAINS to win the game. Perfect sport for people who desire to up the fitness and physique level. I know, cause i’ve been there done that: READ HERE

But that being said, i still love playing soccer… just a little aggressive though. Like Gennaro Gattusso.

~

DISCIPLINE & REGRET: 

“Discipline is doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, when we don’t want to do it.”

Its always easy to fall to temptations and skip a day’s training or snack on an unhealthy meal just for a day thinking, ITS ONLY A DAY. But such bad habits die hard and 1 day becomes 2 days and so on. Before you know it, you’re doomed.

~

THE FAULTY FOOD PYRAMID:

“It promoted eating so many grain servings, it was promoting obesity.”

I had always suspected that something is wrong with the pyramid because it kinda lacks the essential proteins to build and pack on those muscles. Anyways, here’s to find out more: READ HERE

~

McDonalds: Still Loving it?

“McDonald’s confirms that it’s no longer using ‘pink slime’ chemical in hamburgers.” READ MORE

Its been 1 month + 5 days since i last touched a hamburger from McDonalds or any one of those fast food “restaurants” like KFC, Long John’s Silvers, Burger King etc. Well, i plan to stay on track and go fast food free for the whole of 2012.

Unless of course someone offers me $10,000 to have a bite at a new fast food burger. And that had better be a McD’s Samurai burger at least. ;P

The Skinny Of My Active Sporting Lifestyle.

Start of the 2nd month in 2012, i thought i’ll share with the newer readers: WHY I TRAIN. An old post, but nonetheless, still GOLD. And looking back at it, motivates & inspires me to work harder.

Contrary to its name, this blog has grown from merely a running blog to something which covers a wider range of sports and fitness and also health. Inspiring the uninspired to run, bike, swim and train etc. This post goes out to all those skinny guys and ANYONE who AIMS to achieve something better this year.

To be fitter, faster, stronger, better.

~

Family members, relatives and friends used to ask/tell me all sorts of questions like “Why you train so hard?”, “Concentrate on your education and not your gym/running stuff.”, “Some people people so fit also die early.” and blah blah blah. Well, this post is gonna be pretty much about me and my journey to reach my goal of achieving a the physique and fitness of a Roman God Bod.

I must say that i’ve not reached there YET. Hahaha. Slowly but surely yeah? This posts goes out especially to all the people out there who is like me, skinny and weak, and seek to have a better bod and fitness level. I feel you bro.

Anyways, I had always wanted to share my love of fitness and also my interest in weights training to achieve that physique that one can only dream of. You know, kinda like those Men’s Health front cover models. ;P I personally started gyming and understanding the different forms of exercises for different muscle groups when i was 17. Yes, i do remember it clearly because that was one of those moments in your life which you realise that your decision had made a great impact to your future self. Its like a decision to get married or to have a kid. THAT extreme? YES it is!

First and foremost, i, like many other self-claimed skinny guys out there is what scientist classify as ECTOMORPH. Also known as a “hard gainer” for our inability to gain as much weight even though we might eat the same amount as those we claim as “fat people”. We have high metabolism thus we burn more calories faster than what we take in. And guess what? Brad Pitt is an ECTOMORPH too! Yay! Got “spiritual” connection liao. Somehow, i feel like Tyler Durden (from FIGHT CLUB) and Achilles (from Troy) now.

I tried. Very hard to gain weight.

Yes, i did almost a lot of things to try and gain as much weight, but to no effect. Chin up regime when i was ard 6-7 years old didnt help much nor did eating a whole tray of rice, chicken and what nots when i was in secondary school. Okay, i was kidding about the former. Hahaha!

Basically, i was a thin and fragile kid back in my secondary school days. My weight was always fluctuating between 45-50kg AND FOR A GUY, that is kinda light. It didnt help that i was a hyperactive kid and participated in outdoor activities as well as sports. (i was a Scout Trooper from 1997-2005 & i played touch rugby from 1997-1999) As much as i tried to eat, my stomach just couldnt take in much calories and i get full very easily. *sigh sigh sigh*

2001. Scouting moments

Well anyways, i remember it as clearly as it was yesterday when back then in 2005, a female friend of mine exclaimed to me that i had a weight of a girl as we were taking our Height & Weight during our P.E lesson. There i was already having a hard time to gain weight and such, and there she was popping my confidence-balloons. Although the comments deflated me emotionally, i CHOSE to think rationally and logically and decided IT IS TIME for me to do something.

I couldnt help to see a skinny dude looking back at me whenever i look into the mirror. Could you? OMG! I bet you cant either! It sucks, really. So i decided to hit the gym and learn as much as i could from people, internet and books. Also at the same time, joining my favourite sport of RUGBY drove me to achieve a better bod and physique as (contact) rugby IS indeed a hardcore sport. Pick up a sport people. It DRIVES you to be good and serve your team/school well!

2005. JJC Cougars.

Over the course of 2 years in JC, i gained 15kg. Quite an achievement for me as on the average, i’d manage to gain only 5kg per year. Of course, i didnt become fat or bubbly as i had constant workout and high level of intensity gyming back then. But still i wasnt happy with my fitness level. Being in the army and doing all the *censored* shit out there turned out to be very useful. I grew leaner with all those morning and afternoon runs and route marches. And the constant chin-up regime before meals (even as i became a commander), propelled my physique and strength to greater heights.

2008. Post-NS days.

And as my level of fitness grew, my confidence grew too. I could wear more variety of clothing without making it look like i had an oversized jumper on me. And yes, my post NS days – when 25 chin ups were no problem and my 2.4km runs were 9min.

Fast forward to this time round, i am happy…er with what i have accomplished thus far. Participating in sports/activities ranging from  soccer to rock climbing to camp facilitating to kettlebell-ing and etc, it gave me more confidence knowing i could achieve MORE as i play the sport. I could run faster, kick harder, climb higher and lift heavier weights.

As of this current moment, the year 2012 will be a life changing year for me as i set out to achieve MORE accomplishments for myself (picking up Muay Thai & BJJ at Evolve MMA, getting my swimming fins back to work, just to name a few sports). It will be mentally draining. It will be physically tougher. It will be spiritually demanding.

End 2011. Successfully completed my personal best of 35 chin ups in one set. I plan to hit 45 by the end of 2012.

BUT hey! Playing sports and keeping fit is kinda like a drug. It makes me happy and boosts one’s confidence. And best of all, it keeps me in the company of fitness enthusiasts. Rather than wasting time sitting under the void deck, drinking, rioting, making a nuisance, might as well, i keep myself healthy and fit. I think that one great group of people whom you can train with FOR FREE (no hidden costs) is with SG TITANS. Who are they? Stay tuned to find out more. Or you can just click the SG Titans page above on my header.

And thats WHY I TRAIN.

17 years of determination and hard work. More to go.

January 2012 - Trail run cum hike from Dairy Farm Bukit Timah Hill to Kampung Chantek.

Till next time, Guten tag and lets build some hurtin’ bombs!

HEADS UP: The Men’s Health Urbanathlon

I’m all pumped up for it! Are you?

By the way, Registration closes on Wednesday, 1st Feb 2012 at 000H or when the slots are all filled up. Better hurry!

For more info, you can click here: http://urbanathlon2012.menshealth.com.sg/

New Year, New Challenge, New Me: Muay Thai @ Evolve MMA

Its 2012 and to kick start the new year, i gave myself a new challenge – to learn Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Or at least to learn and be conditioned with the basic moves. But my experience about the latter will be for another day.

So where else better than to train at Evolve MMA – Asia’s Top Martial Arts Academy. Having the most number of world champions Muay Thai fighters-instructors in the academy, the sessions were structured and most importantly, fun to be in. I’ll go on into further details the next time round.

Personally, i had always liked Muay Thai as a form of self-defense. I was inspired by Jean-Claude Van Damme‘s The Quest, a 1996 movie about martial arts particularly Muay Thai.  The “Art of Eight Limbs” as it is also known, Muay Thai uses the fists, elbows, knees and shins to strike an opponent.

But that being said, i’m a lover and not a fighter. Those who have followed this blog would know that I just love changing my fitness routine as well as experimenting with different sports because different sports would require different level of fitness. Being able to run 21km doesnt necessarily mean you would have the stamina to last a Muay Thai “fight” or even a soccer game for that matter. And my quest to be a wholesome athlete has got to encompass a variety of trainings and workouts.

I have kicked start my training over at Evolve MMA Academy last week and i must say, I’m addicted to the training. I’m so stoked to go for the next lesson! Call me crazy but I went for my 2nd Muay Thai class the day after my first! I especially love it because i CANNOT sustain a non-stop 3-min skipping portion (as part of the warm up) and i CANNOT execute a proper kick. It doesnt really help when you see younger guys, kicking the bag with a super loud “KE-PAAK! KE-PAAK!” sound. Motivates me to train harder and perform better at the next session. I cant lose to a kid can i? >.<”

With a combination of self-defense and fitness, Muay Thai is certainly one of the best ways to get lean and get a great functional physique too! #JustSaying

Stay tuned for updates on my Quest to better my fitness and YES, you should join me too in bettering yours! I dont have much pictures because obviously i cant take photos while training. But i’ll work things out soon. That being said, i’m heading for another class later today, Thursday. Can’t wait!

Man…i just love the adrenaline rush, the sweat and the feeling of satisfaction knowing you just went through 1 hour of circuit training and coming out alive.

Oh. you can also follow my updates and other fitness or sports progress/updates on Twitter: @whywerunn OR Evolve MMA’s own Twitter account @EvolveMMA.

Till next time, Kap kun khap! 

CIRCUIT TRAINING…for the Ladies!

by Guest & Fitness writer – Farhan Juan M.

No, this is NOT Farhan Juan M.

Because recently, someone commented and asked us:

“Is there any way you can write about circuit training or any circuit training groups happening in Singapore especially for ladies?”

Thus, I decided to do some research and give you ladies out there a better understanding on Circuit Training. Ladies, enjoy the read…

I am sure many of you have heard of the term circuit training (CT) and may not have a clue what it really is all about. As the name implies, it incorporates a circuit (not the electric kind though!) or a cycle of different exercises into its program; in other words, a combination of both cardiovascular and resistance training.

An important characteristic of CT is its short rest periods (15-30s) between the six or more exercises in one circuit/cycle/set. Rest between each set circuit is usually about 60 to 120 seconds. A typical exercise program works out the whole body. The high tempo nature of the program keeps the heart rate up throughout its whole duration, and burns a lot more calories.

What are the benefits of CT?

1.  Allows personalization and easy modification/interchangeable with any kind of exercise.
2. Requires only a short period of time to work out the whole body.
3. Good for muscular endurance and cardiovascular training.
4. Can be done anywhere (not limited to the gym area)

However if you are looking to build on bulk and maximal strength, this may not be the most appropriate program for you. For those doing CT, it is important to note that the right form and posture should be maintained at all times.

An example of a simple no-frills, 30-min CT program. Taking a 15 seconds rest between EACH form of exercise.:

• Push-ups X 20 (approx. 30s)
• Crunches X 20 (approx. 30s)
• Lunges X 20 (approx. 30s)
• 7. Superman X 20 (approx. 30s)
• Buddha Clap X 20 (approx. 30s)
• Jumping Jacks X20 counts of four (approx. 30s)
• 1.5 minutes of rest. (Completion of 1 circuit; approx. 6 mins total time taken)

You should perform five circuits, which will equate to 30 minutes of total full body workout. Feel free to experiment with your own combinations! Well I hope this article has been insightful to you, and now you know you have no excuse not to keep yourself fit!

Also, if you’re beginning to kick start your workout/fitness regime, do check out the VERY USEFUL TIPS to getting back on track (click link): 7 TIPS To Getting Back On Track This New Year!

Im sure for the guys, its pretty easy to head down to any gyms and complete your own circuit cause, thats just what guys do in the gym. But for ladies, here are some circuit training groups happening in Singapore especially for ladies!

1. True Fitness – Freestyle Cardio-Resistance-Based Programmes
2. Fiesta-Fitnes - Zumba^®in the Circuit
3. SWEAT – Circuit Training
4. Aidah Mobile Fitness (Circuit training is one of her specialities)

With that, hope you all have a great day! Check out the video above. Pretty intense!

7 TIPS To Getting Back On Track This New Year!

Like sand through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives... Its been days into 2012 and with such a long weekend to celebrate the new year,i wouldnt be surprised if you would feel lethargic and tired trying to “kick start” our fitness regime – be it runs or workouts or even coupling them both. I know, cause im having this post-holiday “I-am-so-lazy-to-train” mood too.

Personally, i have been on a low key on running ever since i completed my 21km at the SCMS 2011. And although i still do a little light cardio workout or runs here and there, its surely never the same as my high-key period of trainings. Perhaps, you’re like me and would love to meet your fitness resolutions that you have set for yourself this year (2012) but cant seem to get out of that rut well read on, gorgeous/hunks.

Well, here are 7 TIPS that you can incorporate into your 2012 lifestyle to make sure that you’re on the right gear to meet your (fitness) resolutions:

1) Have a positive state of mind, coming into the new year.

Its the new year. Time to start things a fresh. “NEW YEAR. NEW ME. NEW CHALLENGE.” i would say. Have a yourself set some new goals that you might want to achieve this year. For me, im looking forward to training and picking up Muay Thai (and Jiu-Jitsu) over at Evolve MMA Academy, the biggest MMA academy in town thus far. Hope i can get a leaner and beefier bod once im done with all those intense trainings! BOO-YAH!

2) Set S.M.A.R.T goals.

That being said, having new resolutions are good but having SMART ones are more important. Dont be the kind who sets ridiculous targets (like trying to lose 50kg in 4 months) when you yourself know your priorities/work doesnt quite allow you to. Although its good to set a “benchmark” you wanna achieve, 12 months is a lot of time, so plan your goals wisely. 

By the way, S.M.A.R.T stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reasonable and Time.

3) Start back small. Go easy on the training.

Yes, you may have ran 42km in under 4 hours, deadlifted 130kg or performed 200 chin ups before. But when starting up from a lull period (what more a holiday festive break), its important to give your body some time of running in. Take a slow run/jog or start with lighter weights first. You dont have to prove to anyone, really. Its all about your body, your pace. The last thing you want is to injure yourself in the early months of the year thus rendering you “crippled” from reaching your set goals.

Furthermore, if you had expected more from yourself, you would just feel demoralized and probably wont feel good about your performance. Which could make you believe that its pointless to train any more. Just saying.

4) Eat fresh & sleep tight.

Probably one of the hardest thing for most people to follow but you should start to learn and love to eat fresh foods. Out with the McBurgers or Finger lickin’ good chicken drumsticks. Eating proper food and having adequate rests really helps your body get back into that healthy shape you were in before the holidays. I once tried going Fast Food Free for 4 months and it felt REALLY REALLY GOOD. Somehow, your body would feel much more energetic and less lethargic. Well, at least for me that is and i believe it would do the same for you.

5) Get a training buddy.

As the saying goes, “If you want to go FAST, go alone. If you want to go FAR, go with a team.”. No doubt you can always train on your own at your own pace etc, but when it comes to that critical point where some “push” is needed, thats where having a training buddy comes in handy. A training buddy would make sure that both of you keep up the tempo in your training and help you if you cant lift that weight etc. Most importantly, have a training buddy who has similar goals as you do so that both of you will be moving in the same direction.

6) Be mentally prepared.

Linking back to point number 4, being mentally prepared helps your body gets in the mood to run, bike, swim, workout and whatever you have planned to do. Many times, I personally went into a gym with such low morale (not necessarily because of fitness, but it could be due to stress at work etc) and my whole training was terrible. I didnt know what to do, what am i going to train and lifting those weights felt like a chore.

I would not want you to experience the same situation as me as not only does it waste your energy but also you time, which could have been used to do something else more productive and one which would ease your mind first.

7) E-N to the JOY

en-joy (verb): to experience with joy; take pleasure in.

Lastly, it is most important that you have fun and enjoy the whole process of your training. Yes, training might be a pain in the ass, it might make your muscles sore, i might make you gasp for breath but like many other things out there, what isnt hard? The thing that would cause someone to quit training or give up on it is when he/she starts to feel that it is a great burden to work towards their goals. Dont let that happen to you.

~~~

With those 7 TIPS, i hope that you will find your 1st gear to get you going and ultimately fulfill your resolutions for the year. I know that some of these might seem layman OR simple OR EVEN what-the-hell-i-know-that-too kinda tips, but its these simple things in life that sometimes we tend to overlook/forget. And thus, never get started any time soon… Hahaha!

SO TELL ME, WHAT ARE YOUR (FITNESS) RESOLUTIONS FOR THIS YEAR?

T-Nation: Get That Squat Up!

Interesting article by Tim Henriques from T-Nation, a body-building site.

If your goal is to be strong, you’re going to have to spend time under the bar. Benches are cool and deadlifts are studly, but there’s something special about squats. They’re arguably the hardest, and I’m not ashamed to say, the scariest of the big three lifts.

But the experts are divided. Many love squats, seeing them as a cure-all for almost any physique or performance woe, while others say squats are overrated and lead to sore knees, bad backs, and waists as wide as barn doors.

I’m not hear to tell you who’s right – although you’re likely a pencil-necked geek if you believe the latter – but I will say this with absolute certainty: To get good at squats, you have to squat.

Sure you can get “strong” legs on the leg press or pushing the Prowler, but to demonstrate prowess in the barbell squat, you better spend some time doing just that. Otherwise, anything more than 400 pounds on your back will staple you to the platform no matter how many fat guys you can load on the leg press.

This routine is designed to increase your 1RM in the squat, and likely the deadlift as well. It’s a two day-a-week routine. Each day should be spaced 2-4 days apart.

Anyone with a passing familiarity with weight training programming will notice this set up is somewhat similar to a Westside lower body program. Certainly, I’m not claiming to have invented this method – I’m just presenting a plan that’s easy to follow and delivers results.

My team followed this to prepare for our last meet and average squat gains were 20-40 pounds in 12 weeks. One guy relatively new to squatting put 70 pounds on his max!

This routine is designed for the raw lifter (one not using a squat suit or knee wraps) at an intermediate to advanced level. The squatting form suggested can vary with the individual but is generally aligned with what’s in Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe.

~ READ MORE ~

P.S, By the way ladies, doing squats wont turn you into a monster-hulk like woman.