The Biggest Loser Asia

The Biggest Loser is a reality program which got me thinking about improving my fitness 3 years ago. Seeing all those overweight people struggling but determined to make a difference in their life gave me the impetus to seek out a gym & get some REAL HELP with my own weight & health problems.

Weighing a hefty 62 kg (for a petite frame <5ft),>To be fit and in control of your body = being in control of your life!

Now, The Biggest Loser has come to Asia, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity for one lucky contestant to not only drastically improve their quality of life, and win USD $100,000.

Do remember to preregister on the official site via this link: http://bit.ly/ongroundauditions

Applicants are required to bring photo identification, a current portrait photograph (size 10 x 15 cms) and wear exercise attire to auditions.

Audition
Date: Saturday 1st August.
Time: 10am – 4pm
Venue: Fitness First The Curve

Call-back for successful applicants
Date: Sunday 2nd August.
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: Fitness First The Curve

FAQ
http://biggestloserasia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=76

GetFit Asia - Conference & Exhibition in Bangkok

FITNESS FOR ALL
26-29 November 2009
World Class Fitness Convention

The conference is designed especially for fitness professionals and those interested in learning more about fitness, sports conditioning, yoga and nutrition. We expect to see fitness professionals, fitness managers, fitness enthusiasts, fitness club owners, strength and conditioning specialists that work with sports teams, physios, and fitness enthusiasts.

Most sessions will be practical workshops, although some will be seminars (or lectures). Some will be a combination of both. Each session will indicate whether it is a seminar (lecture) or workshop (practical). There will also be early morning exercise sessions for everyone to attend.

Expecting participation from all over the region – from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Vietnam. People are also expected from India, the Middle East and Japan. It will be a great opportunity to mix and mingle with fitness and sports professionals and enthusiasts from the region.

Schedule:
http://www.getfitasia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=5

FAQ:
http://www.getfitasia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&Itemid=18

"I think giving your all is the basic ingredient of achieving seemingly impossible things. Put everything into it, man, and miracles usually happen.....", says Ahmad Izham Omar, CEO of 8TV in his weekly article "Off the Record", NST today

He just reminded me WHY I'M DOING THIS RUN !

• To have a goal
• To challenge myself,
• To live life to the fullest ..
  

Before I started, there were already roadblocks :

• my OA (osteoarthritic) knees
• my suspected Achilles tendonitis
• lack of stamina from irregular workouts, and on treadmills only
• lack of confidence as this is the 1st time I'll be running so far - usually its only after the bus!

Then weeks later, when I was seeing improvements, other roadblocks appeared:

• my running partner can't make it - I'll have to go solo! Hope there's a place to keep my bag :(
• worried about going & coming back from Putrajaya late at night (as I don't drive). Festivities end around midnite -- gonna have to miss it! Depending on ERL (train) & bus
• caught a cold - out for at least 5 days
• disappointment with certain quarters (but partially resolved)
• worries & disappointment translating into more bingeing (weight gain instead of loss)

There's less than 4 weeks to go.. But Ahmad Izham, puts it in perspective..

"If you are creating something in a factory-assembled manner with all precision but no heart, then the resulting work would be easily forgettable. Yes, this applies to non-music creations as well. Heck, it even applies if you sell goreng pisang.

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone put their entire heart and soul into everything they do? Wouldn’t it be great if they were not afraid to get their hearts into the line of fire even when they know there is the risk of getting hurt?

Wouldn’t it be great that nobody does things because of routine or “it’s a job” but instead put everything into it? Even activities like picking up the kids at school?

Confucius said it best: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart”. Apply that to music and I really believe our music will reach soaring new heights. Apply it to life, and suddenly life is worth living. "



http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Features/20090629084857/Article/indexpull_html

YES.. once this cold is over.. it's back to THE PLAN...

THANKS, Izham and friends & family who support my decision to run either verbally or quietly.

Some may be holding their breath, wondering can I make it. Some may throw their hands in the air and say "There she goes again! Chasing another dream!"...

It doesn't bother me. I know they worry for me, cos when I DO SOMETHING, I GO ALL OUT!!

P.S. Will be seeing a Sports doctor (Dr. Aston) to find out if I can run. without doing permanent damage to my knees. I'm passionate, not unrealistic. But I'll make the appointment on the last week of training. Why take all the fun out of 'torturing' yourself? ... He he he

Read my training log : http://crazeefitpt.blogspot.com/

SHAPE Night Run update - 3rd week

Saturday 20 June, the end of my 3rd week. This rest day was spent at a Blogger's 'K'arnival (partly sponsored by Kaspersky - hence the 'K' in carnival). We were asked to register between 9am-10am, then had to wait until 1pm for the free Blogging workshop. Luckily, lunch was provided :)

I read somewhere in there website to bring my own laptop - what a mistake, having to lug this around. Got my quota of resistance training.... ha ha ha... mainly a strain on my left shoulder & back muscles!

Anyway, back home, while checking the sidebar of this blog, I went to RunnersWorld.com, which is full of information on every aspect of running - from training for beginners, seniors, women to getting the right socks & shoes, eating the right foods & recipes; motivation & injury precautions.

Although I am already using another Plan, the tips & advice given in their 8-week Beginning Runner's Training Program by Amby Burfoot (Aug 2004 issue), are most useful. http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-380-381--9397-2-1X5-3,00.html

General tips

• Get a doctor's approval, if one is over 40 (esp. if there are injuries or disease)
• Schedule your training - write it into your daily appointment planner
• Expect bad days. It will pass. Don't give up
• Don't rush. Rushing leads to injury & discouragement. Aim is not to set any records - leave that to race day. Goal is 30 minutes continuous running.

Training tip #1

• 2 hours before workout - have a piece of fruit or an energy bar
• 1 hour before workout - drink 8 ounces of a sports drink to ensure that one is fully hydrated and have sufficient sodium and potassium

Training tip #2

• Walk 2-3 min before workout as warm-up
• Walk 2-3 min after workout as cooldown
• Don't stretch before running. Do it later

Training tip #3

• Hold your arms comfortably at your sides while running, aiming for maximum relaxation.
• Bend them 90 degrees at the elbows, and move them forward and back at your waist.
• Bend your fingers into a relaxed grasp
• Don't let your hands sway back and forth across the middle of your torso

Training tip #4

• In hot, sunny weather, wear sunscreen, sunglasses (to relax your facial muscles), and a visor or cap to keep the sun off your face.
• Expect to run slower in particularly hot, humid weather
• Take more walking breaks as necessary.
• Run in the early morning or late evening if you can

Training tip #5

• On some days, cross-train instead eg. Bike for 30 to 40 minutes, try the elliptical trainer in a gym, or join a circuit weight-training class. You will be refreshed, learn new skills & develop new muscles

Training tip #6

• Running needs plenty of calcium to build strong bones --1,000 milligrams a day, or 1,500 milligrams if you're over age 50.
• Drink a glass or two of low-fat milk per day, a cup or two of low-fat yoghurt or cottage cheese or eat dark green, leafy vegetables

Training tip #7

• Beginners may develop shin splints or sore knees. Treat immediately. Put ice packs on your shins or knees for 15 minutes to stop inflammation & localise the pain. If pain persists, stop training for a few days.

Training tip #8

• Run for life, not just to win a race
• Never run in busy streets willedwith exhaust fumes. Run in greenbelts, instead eg. parks

Week 3 Daily Training log http://crazeefitpt.blogspot.com/2009/06/training-log-week-3-day-16.html

Fundamentals of Iyengar Yoga Workshop

Learn the fundamentals of Iyengar Yoga with alignment, precision and coordinated breathing

Riana A. Singgih is a certified Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher in Asia with more than 20 years of experience. She conducts international workshops and classes under the personal blessing of B.K.S. Iyengar.

Riana regularly travels to Pune, India for continuous learning at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, headed by Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar and his children Geeta and Parshant Iyengar.

All proceeds for the workshop will be donated to a charity in Malaysia that helps children.

Date: 21 June 2009
Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: Ojas Yoga (No.7-23-1, Aked Esplanade Bukit Jalil Commercial Centre, Jln 14/155B, Taman Bukit Jalil, 57000, KL)
Contact: 03-8994 9615 or 016-335 4773 (Felicia)
Fees: RM150

Found this at

http://www.klyoga.com/2009/06/05/fundamentals-of-iyengar-yoga-workshop/

To find out what happened at the workshop ,

http://www.klyoga.com/2009/07/02/iyengar-yoga-session-with-riana-a-singgih/
In a nutshell - Much was learned & everyone there, both beginners & advance students had their alignment & techniques corrected. No mirrors were used!

SHAPE Night Run update - 2nd week

What a packed week! A wedding in Seremban, foot reflexology at Tru Spa, major event at Crystal Crown Hotel & 'spring clearing' for Sinar charity & recycling centre.

But training wise, this second week was a bit disappointing :

• Could not stick to the PLAN as work & family matters took priority


• Only did twice (on alternate days) of the (2 min Run + 3 min Walk) x 6 times


• The body is beginning to rebel - tensed muscles, tiredness, mood-swings

Nevertheless, I am hopeful that this reprieve from (lack of) training will make me stronger for the next week as sometimes, when the body aches, it is trying to tell us it needs a break.

I have been reading this post from Nathan S Collier entitled :Rather than Increase Driving Forces, Remove Restraining Forces

"When one attempts to achieve a goal, or persuade someone, or influence an outcome, there is a human tendency to try harder and harder. The more resistance we encounter, the harder we push....."

"When we increase driving forces, it is amazing how often a countervailing restraining force pops up to neutralize our efforts. All too frequently our additional effort can have a counterproductive impact,..."

So what do we do ?

Nathan suggests , "Sometimes it can be productive (and less stressful) to take a moment and think about WHY you are encountering resistance. This is sometimes called force field analysis, where you analyze the driving forces (change) and the restraining forces (status quo)."

My analysis of WHAT'S LACKING in my training :

The driving forces are the running & walking, leaving me progressively tired. Possible reasons which I should explore :

• Not enough sleep - I normally sleep around 1am & get up at 7am=6 hours sleep


• Lacking in nutrients - I take vegetables, fruits & seafood only, no meat products= lacking in Vit B12 and calcium?


• Not enough warm up - still do not have a specific warm-up routine

For my daily training diary : http://crazeefitpt.blogspot.com/2009/06/training-log-week-2-day-8.html

SHAPE Night Run update - 1st week

It's been one week since I started training for the SHAPE RUN and yesterday, I made the official commitment.


I'm a beginner. I missed the run last year due to my knee. This year I hope to overcome the physical & mental barriers.


The first week's training is aimed at conditioning our body to the tough task ahead. Some may snigger at the regime : 1 min run, 3 min walk on alternate days. Like that only? So easy!


Well - for a beginner like me, it's just what I needed. You just have to trust the guide. That's my plan.


So far, it has proved beneficial.

1. It's do-able.


2. Knee is stronger now


3. Feels good after each session


4. Body weight slightly lesser


5. Muscles are activated

Of course, there is still the nagging worry of not being able to complete the run in reasonable time. It should get better but I MUST BE CONSISTENT in training. I NEED TO MAKE TIME for the training. That's what worries me, but I will try my best.

http://crazeefitpt.blogspot.com/2009/05/shape-run-2009-my-training-log.html

Just received this newsletter from Fitness Concept, a fitness equipment store. They will be conducting a FREE workshop - Working Out Effectively with a Treadmill - in Subang Jaya (industrial area) on June 27, 2009 from 2.30-5.30pm.

Workshop will be conducted by Dr. Teoh Heng Teong,
Ph.D in Exercise Sciences & M.Sc. in Rehabilitation

Call 03-8026 2300 to book b4 June 26, 2009

My Training Log

To follow my day to day training log : http://crazeefitpt.blogspot.com/

Preparing for the run

Most people would think, to train for a run, you would just run everyday, at a slow pace & increase the speed as you get nearer the race day. NOT SO!

According to SHAPE magazine & my own observation, there are 3 areas :

MIND - Visualize you reaching the finishing line & how it feels!


NUTRITION - you are what you eat, so is your performance!


PHYSICAL - have a Training Plan that builds strength, endurance & speed

More on this later... got to get some nourishment .. hungry!