EVENT: Strongman Challenge 2012 – Strength in Pictures

Saturday, 24th March 2012 - Strongman Challenge 2012 finals kicked off to a great success with Jen Li Sheng & Sophia Ong Hwee Szee being crowned as Singapore’s Strongest Man and Woman 2012 respectively. Over 2000 spectators and supporters turned up for the event held at Toa Payoh HDB Hub, the same venue where it was held last year. This year’s event sported some new segments and of course, the Strongest Woman Challenge too, first of its kind here in Singapore.

From pulling a Mazda car to lifting 300kg metal barrels to even flipping a 350kg tyre six times, these finalist are indeed champions already. You think that carrying those groceries for your mum is heavy, now i guess you got no excuse for that. Anyways here are some of the spectacular highlights by the finalists:

Wani pulling the Mazda CX-7.

Sulaiman with the 120kg logs each.

Sophia Ong with the 2 x 50kg logs.

Pulling the Red Rhino + Police vehicle. Total weight: 6 tonnes

350kg tyre. He's gonna "eat" it, right.

Hayati from Alphafit lifting the 150kg tyre. Check her out at http://www.alphafit.sg/

The Yoke Walk. 300kg of metal. Unlimited amount of strength and determination.

Time to put those 100kg tin cans into the slots.

Team Titans.

The Bodybuilding segment. BEEFCAKE! Just the boys doing their thing.

All smiles and happy faces here at the Strongman Challenge finals!

(All photos are taken by 2 of our photographers of the day Bahk and Ardi)

In other Regional Strongman news, Ahmad Taufiq from Singapore won the “Orang Kuat Sabah” or Sabah’s Strongest Man competition held in, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. He beat 21 other Strongmen to claim the title. The defending champion proved he was the man to beat by leading in Day 1 of the competition. And in Day 2, the champion held his position and pipped Farizus Lakong from Brunei by 1 point to win competition.

Taufiq who trains at SG Titans and The Pit is a well known Strongman in the community. Despite his win and many other personal achievements, the Strongman remains humble and is often seen sharing his knowledge and tips of fitness with the younger, newer guys. Truly, a great sportsman he is. Congratulations Taufiq!! :D

Ahmad Taufiq - Orang Kuat Sabah Champion! Again!

Check out his post on HUMILTY done sometime back. A very good read: Humility….a prized asset.

EVENT: The Strongman Challenge Finals 2012 is BACK!

EVENT: GRAND FINALS OF STRONGMAN CHALLENGE 2012

DATE: SATURDAY, 24TH MARCH 2012

LOCATION: TOA PAYOH HDB HUB

TIME: FROM 1000H

WHAT: A competition to test a man’s ultimate physical strength, mental strength and endurance. With the likes of new finalists in the top 10 this year and a NEW FEMALE CATEGORY, one can expect an explosive and interesting finals this year. It doesnt matter if you’re a runner, a triathlete or even a rock climber, checking out and learning more about new sports and mixing around with fellow athletes, would certainly open up your eyes and mind to a whole new spectrum in sports.

These men AND women have trained and prepared themselves for over a year just to qualify and make it through to the finals. From flipping a 350kg tyre to pulling a red rhino during the preliminary rounds, you know it doesnt get any bigger than this. Or could it? Come on down to Toa Payoh HDB Hub on the 24th of March and see for yourself the crowning of Singapore’s Strongest Man and Woman 2012. So See you there!

WEBSITE: http://www.strongmanchallenge.sg/

Other great reads from my fellow Strongman friends:

http://www.facebook.com/StrongmanchallengeSG

http://www.facebook.com/StrongmanchallengeSG

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. :P

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. :P

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. :P 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!

A Weight Loss Journey – Difficult but Achievable

(Article shared by our friends at SG TITANS)
I was all along big. The weight kept on increasing especially after I gave birth to my eldest son in 2002. The heaviest that I ever reached was 80 kg in June 2007. I was not active at all during those years.
Sonia 200706 A Weight Loss Journey   Difficult but Achievable
Sonia in June 2007 at 80kg

I even tried to get conceive again but was not successful. Friends and family members advised me to shed some weight. Eventually, a friend of mine introduced me to a weight management doctor and I manage to shed about 15 kg. I was 65 kg. Then, I found myself pregnant. I was so happy with my second pregnancy and ballooned up to 90 kg just before delivery.

After 6 months of delivery, I could not go back to my pre pregnancy weight to 65 kg. I was 74 kg then. I felt depressed as I could not fit in my clothes yet again. Thus, I went back to the weight management doctor again early January 2009. However, I only manage to shed about 2 kg after a month. I was even more depressed.

Sonia 200901 A Weight Loss Journey   Difficult but Achievable
Sonia Jan 2009 at 74kg

In January 2009, my husband, Shaiful, told me about this new workout he heard of at his training ground. He said it will be good for me to start on exercise if I really want to look good. I started laughing when he showed me a 4 kg kettlebell and ask myself what can that bell do for me? I was very apprehensive back then.

He showed me some exercises like swings and squats. Initially, I laughed while doing as I could not see the benefit of kettlebell. As I kept on doing, I can feel that my heart was really pumping hard and I was perspiring as though I was jogging. I kept on doing these two exercises and found myself to be losing even more weight. As my interest in kettlebell increased, I searched for videos on Youtube and even got myself the Kettlebell Goddess DVD by Andrea Du Cane, Master RKC. I was happy with my progress. I changed my diet too. I read some articles about dieting and found that if I want to increase my metabolic rate, I should eat more but smaller portions.

As for the kettlebell workout, I increase my exercise duration from 15 to 30 minutes a day. I did lots of swings and squats. My husband even taught me the core exercises like windmill and Turkish get up. I followed the exercise routine he set for me faithfully. From the DVD, I learnt a few abdominal exercises like the Russian Twist and Slow Kettlebell twist.

Sonia 200912 A Weight Loss Journey   Difficult but Achievable
Sonia Dec 2009 at 54kg

To my surprise, I manage to make my waist even smaller and still losing more weight. I was extremely happy as I could fit in size 10 by July 2009. I was a size 16 in January 2009.
Besides kettlebell, I did join kickboxing class, aerobics class, yoga and went for hike at Bukit Timah with my husband and his group of friends.

Early 2010, my husband advised me to take up kettlebell certification. YES! I took it up and now I am a Certified Kettlebell Teacher (CKT) Level 1. Thanks to him I am what I am today. I owe my success to him and to this “small little iron” the Kettlebell.

Currently, I am doing trainings with the other CKTs at SG Titans in Woodlands. To those who really want to shed those kilos, I would advise you to take up kettlebell as part of your exercise regimen.

Sonia 201001 A Weight Loss Journey   Difficult but Achievable
Sonia Jan 2011 at 52kg

Kettlebell does not only make you lose weight but also it teaches you to be more resilient and enduring especially when you do timed set workout (20 minutes continuous single set).

If you think it is just a piece of metal ball, do think again. You should try it first hand. ;)

The Strongman Challenge 2011

Alrighty, ive been pretty bogged down with school tests and all lately, and first up, sorry for the uber late/stagnant posts. But nonetheless, i managed to attend 2 very exciting events over last weekend. Hehehe!

Well, with all the hype and updates of the Strongman Challenge, well, i’ve gotta BE THERE dont i? So anyways, the Strongman Challenge was held in BRTC Jalan Bahar. You know the SCDF Training academy? Yeah, that place. But somehow, i got kinda mixed up and ended up being at POLICE Home Team Academy and then HOME TEAM NS @ Bukit Batok before getting myself at the right place. Pffft!

The whole layout and setup of the event was simple – 3 different events, side-by-side. Dispatched in details the participants had to complete the obstacles next to each other. I must say that it was an exhilarating performance, even just by watching and supporting by the stands. The amount of grit, strength and perseverance these men have put in to complete the tasks is truly commendable. Somehow, for me, it inspires me to build up on my strength AND stamina even more. Its hardcore i tell you!

The TOP 10 Finalists are selected by the amount of time (in secs) they take to clear all the tasks. Of course its not a back-to-back activity as the  competitors are given some time to rest and recuperate before heading on the other station. :)

First up was the Tyre Flipping. Kinda like flipping burger patties at a Ramly Burger stall, but try imagining flipping huge big-ass tyres (weighing 280kg) for like 10+ times or until you cross the finishing line. Which i reckon is around 20m. Now, that is some dope stuff over there. It requires strength from all parts of you body – hands, arms, core muscles, legs and back AND most importantly, the right TECHNIQUE to flip them over.

It took 6 SCDF recruits + 4 Cyclops (eye power) to flip the tyre back into position! Hahahaha!

But with proper training and technique – ITS A ONE (strong) MAN SHOW!


Once done with the flippin’, it was the Red Rhino pull. Same rules apply, competitors had to pull the vehicle (not too sure how heavy it is tho) over the same distance. Now the trick is to get the wheel moving and once thatss done, it pretty much momentum. Well, thats what THEY say.  =S

This is what happens when the COE gets too high.

You want your class 3 license huh? You really want it now?!

 

Lastly, the final station is the killer. To me at least. Cause its the dreaded FARMER’S WALK. Now, dont you go picturing a happy farmer throwing the seeds in his paddy fields or walking to his apple orchard, plucking apples off the apple trees. This station requires competitors to carry 100KG ON EACH SIDE using his hands (not shoulders etc)! THATS 200KG in total! Its like ZOMG!


Dont be fooled, those arent your ordinary scotch tapes.

 

All in all, its been a pretty fun and exciting experience watching the strong men do what it seems “impossible” to most men. Doesnt mean you hit the gym often and be all beefed up mean you’re surely gonna make it for the event. Trust me, i’ve seen these guys train and i know it requires more than just typical gym work. I am so inspired that i’ve decided to take part in next year’s Strongman Challenge 2012! Lets build some hurting bombs!

 

 

Sunday Showdown!!!

Concurrent activities happening on the 20th of February 2011. A Sunday. Be there, or be square.  While my partner will be competing in the URBANATHLON, i’d be covering the STRONGMAN 2011 event. Stay tuned for more awesome updates and peektures! \m/

MEN’S HEALTH URBANATHLON

What: MEN’S HEALTH URBANATHLON

When: 20TH FEBRUARY 2011

Where: The start would be at Nicoll Highway MRT Station.

Who: For those who believe and feel that they can…run a distance of 14km that is peppered with obstacles. Climb, crawl, jump and run are the actions of the day!

(FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE)

~~~

 

The Strongman Challenge 2011

What: The Strongman Challenge 2011 lah!

When: Preliminaries – 20 February 2011 & Grand Finals – 12 March 2011.

Where: Basic Rescue Training Centre (BRTC), 91 Jalan Bahar, Singapore 649735 for the Prelims & HDB Hub Mall Toa Payoh Central for the Finals.

Who: For those who believe and feel that they can…flip a 250kg tyre instead of flipping burger patties, carry a 100kg log in each hand and also, pull a Red Rhino to safety.

(FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE)

 

The Strongman Challenge 2011 draws near!

With just less than 2 weeks left to The Strongman Challenge 2011′s Preliminaries on the 20th of February, the guys from SG Titans have really been training hard and well. And i would like to wish them the best of form and technique come the day. Remember guys, “Train the way you fight. And Fight the way you train.”. ;)

Ladies, if you can’t get enough of muscled machined men hard at work toiling in their sweat OR you guys, who feel that the weights in the gym are beginning to feel like your water bottles, do drop by Basic Rescue Training Centre (BRTC) (@ 91 Jalan Bahar, Singapore 649735) for the Prelims for some hardcore beefcake action! And yeah, give support Singapore’s very own Strongmen at the same time too! Viva La Oranje!

Need more info? Read: http://whywerunn.wordpress.com/2011/01/17/the-strongman-challenge-2011/

Training with KettleBells

You know, sometimes you have one of those days which you feel it’s time to do something about your body. Be it from being fat and unhealthy to being lean and fit OR from being skinny and scrawny to being all muscular and lean. We all want to and dream of that perfect bod that we have envisioned for ourselves. Personally for me, my idol is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. I mean, on top of the fact that he has a killer hot bod that caused Emporio Armani to replace David Beckham with him, he also has immense stamina, strength and pace. I also heard that he is being trained by Usain Bolt (the world’s fastest man)! Now this man, is indeed a SUPER TOP athlete.

And this is some OLD photo of the Ronaldo when he was younger.

Anyways, i had always been using dumbells and what nots in the Singapore Sports Council gyms. For a good 4-5 years i was learning the tricks of the gym trade. From dumbell curls to smith machines slowly moving up to free weights and bench presses, All the gym work has indeed helped me a lot in growing my body. However, i was introduced to this new form of equipment and training called The Kettlebell. Shaped like a cannonball (or some girls say bowling ball) with a handle at a top. Kinda like those you find on kettles. thus the name suggests i guess.

Ain’t your little teapots to hear you shout. Turn it over and pour it all out. Your energy and muscles i mean.

Back in 2009 i have heard of such training-with-kettlebell stuff and all. But was like many Singaporeans, comfortable with the “training regime and weights” in the gym. Thus i didnt quite thought about it too much till in somewhere in June 2010 i ACTUALLY did one kettlebell session with a machine named David. Okay, im just kidding. He’s no machine but he is freaking lean and powerful! But just one short session of kettlebelling doing all kinds of movements made me sweat (AT NIGHT). “My Gawd!” i told myself. THIS IS ONE SHIT (the good shit) I MUST CHECK IT OUT!

I did a little Googling and found out that KB (short form for KettleBells) is useful and beneficial in many ways. Some sites have more claims but i decided to use the major 7 that is shared and posted by many. (Cut & paste from Buzzle.com) They are:

  1. Can be used for proper muscle development for any sport or athletic activity
  2. Combines development of strength and flexibility
  3. Provides overall muscle development
  4. Improves grip strength
  5. Improves fat to lean mass ratio
  6. Defines physique
  7. Expands stamina

 

Lance Armstrong may not be my Major sports Idol, but his body sure packs a punch! Daym!

Well fast forward to today, i have been training with BOTH free weights as well as with KBs. Though you cant really find kettlebells in public gyms (not too sure of private ones though), i have been training with SG Titans where they provide quality and international standard KBs. Coupled with some strongman training regime/exercises available, like lifting tyres and farmer’s walk, i must say im INDEED loving the NEW and UNIQUE experiences training with such great you-cant-find-it-elsewhere equipments but even better mentors and friends that i have made all these months.

I’m still considered a newbie to the KB & Strongman planet and have loads of things to learn (AND SHARE) with everyone who’s anyone. I personally believe that KBs can be done with whatever other exercises or trainings you already have for yourself as it further improves your flexibility and strengthens your core muscles even more. I must say that i havent really morphed into a C. Ronaldo body-lookalike YET just by doing KB alone. However, like i mentioned, the support im getting from SG Titans is really great. Being in the company of like-minded fitness enthusiasts motivates me even more. From poly students to personal trainers to even doctors gather together to train. Even best of all, ITS FREE.

Click picture to enlarge

In conclusion, KB training has been useful for me. With very different movement from carrying a free weight, it works on some parts of the muscle groups that you would not have worked on OR miss while doing the typical gym stuffs. However, do take note, as it is a relatively new set of equipment one has to gradually slowly up the weights and go for a couple of trainings with experienced and qualified trainers (available at SG Titans) to get the technique right so as to not injure yourself. With a stronger body, we can definitely do much stuffs…

For guys, it couldn’t get any sexier than giving your mum a helping hand(s) carrying those heavy groceries from the market or carrying a baby with ease. Girls confirm dig it! And as for girls, a flat and lean tummy and arms would set you on par with the likes of Jessica Alba and those Victoria Secret models. Woots! ;P

Now what can i say? Let’s get out there and TRAIN!

For more info on KettleBells and SG Titans, check out:

  1. http://kettlebellhit.com/
  2. SG Titans

The Strongman Challenge 2011

What: The Strongman Challenge 2011 lah!

When: Preliminaries – 20 February 2011 & Grand Finals – 12 March 2011.

Where: Basic Rescue Training Centre (BRTC), 91 Jalan Bahar, Singapore 649735 for the Prelims & HDB Hub Mall Toa Payoh Central for the Finals.

Who: For those who believe and feel that they can…


…carry a log weighing 100kg in each hand and compete for the fastest time over a 20 metres distance…

…AND flip a tractor tyre weighing 250 kg across a 20 metres distance in the fastest time…

…AND pull the SCDF Red Rhino weighing about 4-tonnes over a 15 metres distance.

How: How to register? Click HERE. (Registration closes 14th Feb 2011)

 

All the best to my Titan friends!

Comin’ up, up and away!

 

SG TITANS – StrongMan Training

 

 

U Sports – Nite On Wheels

 

 

Swissotel Vertical Marathon

 

 

Rock Climb @ SAFRA YISHUN

 

 

Vibram KSO TrekSport Rock Climb UPDATE!

 

Bonjour!

I really got sooooo many things i wanna share with everyone out there! These past 1 week (21st-28th November), i had the opportunity to do 2 sporting activities – The Swissotel Vertical Marathon and did some rock lovin’ climbing over the next weekend!

With sooooo many things to share and update, i cant wait to upload and the photos and videos into my computer and then upload it further to YouTube (CLICK HERE!:WhyWeRunn).

*rubs hands gleefully* Hee hee hee! ^___^.

STAY TUNED. SOME WICKED THIS WAY COMES.