Friday, July 29, 2011

CROSSfit #45 Make it Count

We all begin excited. Everyone does...
Starting out in Crossfit, starting out in anything new in life, it's a new passion.
A new Drive.
However, soon after, it begins to die down. Eventually, it'll really be mundane.
It'll be you walking through those doors every single time and.

Alright, time to get intense. Time to just keep doing what I have always been doing.


Crossfit prides itself in being the sport which is elicits negative adaptation.
In other words, it doesn't allow your body to adapt to any form of trial, which eventually helps to improve overall fitness.
However, I guess this is in everything, but everyone, everyone will adapt to cycles, to life.

That's when we just go through the motion...
We go through life with the simple idea that, yeah, I just gotta keep coming back, doing what I'm doing all the time.
I just need to keep slogging, I just need to put food on the table.
I just need to serve and get these seats filled, I just need to study and get my grades in school.
But man, what happened to that passion?
What happened to your days which mattered?
Your time which actually counted for its worth?

We talk about intensity, but when was the last time we didn't go through the motion but really
Became Intense in our head.
Don't go head in to the workout without a right frame of mind.
Don't let the day die without you doing something useful.
Make a difference in someone, today. Make your day count.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

CROSS-fit #44 2 eyes

You walk through those doors, those big doors.
You're always welcome, greeted by big wide smiles every single time.
It's quite an assumption to state that nobody really judges you.

Sadly, we live in reality.

Yeah, everyone looks at you and immediately develops an impression of you.
Walking through, you may be big and buff
"This guy looks tough but is so going down."
Walking through, you may have massive weight disorders.
"Alright, he really needs to take some good look at himself and get his butt moving".
Even walking into church, you're sized.
"Is this fella a cleaver? Or a leaver?"
Be it big or small, we all form impressions and perceptions of one another.
It's a natural fact of life.


Well you may be newbie in the box, in your work place, in your church.
Your past is what people look at. What you've done, what you've accomplished.
But don't live on it.
Even if it was a success, or an utter failure.
Shun away all judgments simply cause what matters is how 2 people think.

You and God.

Start afresh, every single time.
They say you can't, but yes, you can. A clean slate.
That's what Crossfit is all about, giving athletes a new chance to start from the very basics again.
That's why Jesus died on the cross, wasn't it?

Monday, July 25, 2011

I wish..

We all wish for something in life....
To be bigger, to be better.
To lead a happier life, to be more optimistic.
To get that car, to get that girl.
To be simply you.

Then comes the dumb rational thought which crumbles them all.
What are the consequences? What are the risks? What if this or that or....
Well, everyone faces such crossroads.
We could do the thing that everyone else does, choose the safe route.
The less adventurous one. The enclosed one with little or no distractions.
But if we do this, if we just take the route that everyone is taking...

Then maybe we'll be just like them. Always wishing for something to happen...

Or we could be different, be rash, excited, passionate and make the 'wrong' decision.
Yeah, you'll crash and burn often.
But it'll be worth it. Cause you won't be saying "I wish" but more of... "I tried"
And have no regrets whatsoever.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

CROSS-fit #43 MIstakes

Somewhere along the road, everyone is bound to make some mistakes.
Some big, some small.
Some hurtful, some detrimental.
But one thing is for sure, it'll almost always hurt.

I hate making them, it makes me look bad, weak, vulnerable.
Why can't everything be perfect? My form, my fitness, all from the get go.

I will always remember my very first significant injury.
Inexperienced, rash, excited, thinking that my form was perfect.
Did a rounded back deadlift and snap.
There goes my back...

Did I hate myself for it? Yeah I did...
Regret, abundance of it, was stirring all around.
It took me a long while to get back into action again.
It was an agonizing 2 months. Could've been longer if it wasn't for Coach K.

But in every mistake we make, there's always something to take back.
God makes everything perfect in its own time.
There, I learnt that form is darn important, if not vital.
If I didn't make that dumb mistake then, who knows what more serious an injury I would've made now.
I learnt to trust, when things went haywire, I had no one else to trust but.. Coach.

Mistakes....
Love hate relationship, I know.
But you'll never know what great things can come out of it.
You'll never know who you'll meet, what you'll learn, who you'll experience.

Friday, July 22, 2011

CROSS-fit #42 Begin with yourself

I'm sure it's in the blood of almost every crossfit athlete.
Or any passionate sportsman or anyone believing strongly about whatever ideals they have.
All want to spread the love, all would want to influence others to join in.
To drag so many potential athletes out of that air conditioned useless gym to the rusty down to Earth Box.
To experience that change we all have been through.
This amazing life that we now live.
This love that we have encountered!

However, it's never that easy is it?
Have been asked this question hundreds of times, of which the responses have varied as I've learnt more.
"What is Crossfit?"
The sad thing about it is well, 2 things....
The person ridicules whatever crossfit is or...
The person easily brushes it aside and ignores everything I've said..

You can't argue someone into a sport, into a passion.
You can't argue someone into the Kingdom of God.
So I've adopted a new concept.
Let your life speak for itself.

I'm not gonna be too ambitious and say that I can change the World.
But I know I can change myself.
I'd rather the question "What have you done with yourself? You seem fitter, you seem happier!"
From that, I can change those whom I care about.
One Starfish at a time.
My brother, my family, my colleague, my classmates.
Who knows, maybe the World one day.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

CROSS-fit #41 Product of the Heart

Probably heard it more than once around here.
Strength doesn't come from the body but really, from the heart.
Most of what you are, who you are, ain't made up of what goes through your head.
But what's in your heart.

There're times where your mind tells you that certain things are just impossible.
You've done the 230# deadlift and it's easy, but fear is in your heart. You probably won't get it.
You're attempting a PR of a minute in Fran, logically impossible but your heart is ready. You've got it.
Math, logic and facts are only valid to a certain extent.
But let it be a product of your heart.

Your life, your relationship, your whole entity.
Don't let your mind get in the way of your heart. Sometimes, you need to let it lead.

So Heart be strong, be sure, be courageous.


Most importantly, fill your heart with Love.
Love for what you're doing, who you are, who you're with and let it flow.
That's when the real you comes, that's when true, unbelievable strength originates from.
Stop asking 'why' but 'what now'. Cause that makes a whole lot more sense.

Present

Listening to : Good Life - One Republic

Looking back, the past really is a shudder, can't seem to stand the sight of it.
Looking forward, the future is uncertain, doubtful, insecure at times.
Well, whatever has happened before, whatever happens tomorrow, we have today.

Wouldn't exactly know what the future holds for every single one of us.
Heartbreak, sadness, smiles, glory, happiness, joy, Love?
Planning is definitely a must but...
Don't get too caught up in that (Telling myself that)
What matters is now. That we enjoy the moment, live for it.

Sometimes, just sometimes, logic, practicality, meaning takes a secondary role when you just look at where you are...
Now.
I'd like to think I've changed, become different the past one month.
Never has this happened before.
Looking at my position now, of course there's a lot left to be desired but...
I've never been happier in such a long while.

"She made you decent, and in return, you made her so happy."
I'm a Persistent Optimistic Stubborn Scum
And cause I've actually really found the game changer.
I'm going to keep trying.

Friday, July 15, 2011

CROSS-fit #40 Scars

Blisters, Shin Scrapes, Bruises from the fall off the bar, the bar slamming into your chin.
Them scars....
Hate them really.
They don't just stick with you, probably for life, they hurt...

In the short term, they're going to be so much of a pain, you can't go on.
It just stops you from doing whatever, man, it even makes showering a big pain...
In the long run, they look terrible and always, you'll have a story to tell.
A story of how pain became a reality.

Scars.

I'm just staring at one of them right now, the open wound on my hand.
All due to the many pull ups we've done.
Some call it crazy, self mutilation, torture to a certain extent.
But nahhh, that's what they say.

But sometimes, just sometimes, scars mean more than just pain.
They remind you of the hurt you went through, the trials that you've overcome.
The valley experiences that you've had and how you've come across victorious.
Look at those scars and you'll remember how when nobody said you could,
you determined your own fate.

They'll continue to hurt, they may stay with you for life.
But what makes the difference is what you do from here on out.
To wuss away and not train anymore, all cause of a little cosmetic problem is at hand or cause it just hurts...
Everyone has their limits, their threshold of pain. why not try try pushing it?

The scars in life may be deep, sometimes they may never disappear.
But don't look at it and remember the pain, look at it and remember the victory.
Remember how in the toughest times, it was also the time you decided to keep on.
That's how Badas*es are born and made.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

CROSS-fit #39 Cue it

Everyone hears these few words somewhere along their lives in whatever they're doing.
"Don't give up! Push it! Go harder Go harder! GO GO GO! Don't give up! Keep going!"
Yupp, these words are probably the best things you can hear from anyone when things are rough.
Well, during the workout, repeat this 20 times, yeah it's encouraging.
Do this about 100 times over and I'll probably want to kill you.

Encouragement is great, it's really fantastic. But often, that isn't what people need.
They need cues, they need to know what's going on.
What they're doing right or wrong...
Anyone, anyone at all can repetitively shout nice, happy words.
But not everyone can do the unkind thing, to tell you what's wrong.
That's what separates the people from the leaders. 
(Don't get me wrong, everyone, EVERYONE is meant to lead in one way or another)

So cue it.

Don't keep saying "Don't worry, it'll be ok" or "keep pushing it!".
You saying those simple words won't help them at all, it won't help them get their Muscle Up, or Pull Up or fix their relationship!
Maybe, just maybe, it'll lift their spirits a little...
But practicality.... ZERO USE.

"tighten your core!"
"Keep looking up, not down!"
"Use your hips not your hands!"
"Don't wallow in pity, look to God!"
"Do not have a spirit of fear!"
These have direction, these have instruction. These are cues.
They don't need to be a story or a sermon, they're to the point.
They're things people can instantly remember, apply and get better at whatever they're doing.

So the next time you want to keep saying, "Don't give up" and repeat it a million times...
Please think twice.
Instead, cue it.
Anyone can be great cheerleaders, but not everyone great leaders.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

CROSS-fit #38 Happiness

The Crossfit regime advocates a few things, of which, it states that nutrition is really, the base of fitness.
It's the building block of how you perform in workouts, feel in the day, even how you sleep at night.
Of which, Paleo is the key. 
A restrictive diet, acceptable to certain extents but tough on certain people at the start.
However, it has become imperative that there's more to this diet that meets the eye.

Of course the diet is important, but if there's anything at all, it isn't the single more important factor.
Don't get me wrong, the diet works well, for everyone in fact.
However, what drives you is really what goes on in your head.

Are you happy doing what you're doing?
Are you happy with your life in general?

This goes beyond what you eat physically, but maybe, what you eat emotionally, spiritually, mentally.
Those play a larger role, in pushing your lifts, pushing your body and physical limits.
Ever had moments like that?
So feed your soul with the right stuff, be continually happy.
Then it'll come naturally, your best results! Not just in terms of fitness but also in almost every area of life.
"The Joy of the Lord is my Strength" - Neh 8:10

So what're you waiting for? Indulge in life once in a while, stuff your face with macs and pancakes, along with all the fun stuff in life!
It'll help for sure.
We've only got one life to live, so do it to the fullest, it's meant to be enjoyed.
So smile, look ahead towards the day!
(Fyi. Paleo can be sumptuous too!)

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Don't think, Just Do

Listening to : Iridescent - Linkin Park

Such a mentality has been with me for a long while, but only recently has it been quickly enforced.
Take things easy, keep things simple. Don't think, Just do.
It's worked for most of my life. In fact, it's been great!
However, it has also brought hurt to many.

We all learn from our mistakes, our pitfalls, our failures.
So here's to the past. To all whom I've ever offended.
I apologize and am sorry!
However, that still does not change the way I operate. Of course I'll be slightly more cautious.
But... This is me, carefree, happy.

Being with a friend these few days have made me realize that simple fact.
Your happiness is what matters isn't it? You can complicate things till you get confused yourself...
But to just be happy, it's quite priceless.
Of course, I put myself out there to get hurt big time.
Like an open target waiting to get shot down.
But that's where the fun comes in isn't it? The risk of it all.

CROSS-fit #37 Power Source

It's a very common misconception, that power comes from the extremes.
Take for example, the Clean and Jerk. If you break the motion down, it won't work.
Picking a very heavy weight and placing it overhead has to be quick, fast, not broken down.
It has to be one very fluid motion, we call this, Core to extremity.
Power comes from your core, a strong hard power, to the extremities, your limbs, being extremely fast.
Your body is all connected together, take one component out and that's the end of it.
Lose your hands and you can't do nothing, lose the legs and you've got no power.
This idea is similar to that of almost every other sport.


The power of a punch from a Muay Thai Fighter comes not from the but the twist in the legs and hips.
The explosiveness of a tennis swing is not from the shoulders but from the pivot and utilizes ever muscle in the body.
The Strength of a Rugby tackle origins from his legs in that crouch position, not his hands.
The fervency of a Prayer Warrior comes not from his heart or mind but from his Spirit.

So don't keep focusing on the extremes, don't keep training the areas which you know make you look good.
Cause nothing good comes from that, look at the areas deep down.

They're normally hidden, nothing fancy, not even visible at times.
But that, that is the thing which makes you who you are, not the size of your arms.
Not the size of your cell group, the size of your house, the size of your brain or even the size of your wallet.
You're not defined by that, get your power source right.

Friday, July 08, 2011

CROSS-fit #36 Safety

Everyone loves the word 'safe'. It just feels secure, comforting, 'safe'.
Man, in Singapore it's even one of the core values in the Air Force, that's something to be reckoned with.
But really, safe?
If everything was safe, maybe we wouldn't have come so far, as a population.
I look back and realize how the best people, the best inventors or businessmen never had a long moment of 'safe' ever.
Here in Crossfit we always try to be safe, but if something is 100% safe, then probably it won't be that effective.

Right here, I could get you to do 30 pull ups, all sweet, with perfect form, with perfect motion and muscle activation, all safe, no injuries whatsoever. Just that it'll take 10 years for you to do that.

Yupp, that's safe for you.

However, bring it to the other extreme, 30 pull ups guaranteed, in a span of just 2 weeks. But a real possible risk of dislocating your shoulder.

Point? Balance balance balance.

But more often than not, people love to linger around the safe side.
When it's real simple,
Perfection is derived from Sufferings.
So yeah, at some point in time, your body is going to give way, your heart is going to grow weary.
But that's cool, it's a risk we all take.
Nobody is going to live life unscathed.

You wanna get better?
You wanna get that PR 400m? You wanna get that dream of yours? You wanna get that life?
You wanna get that relationship with God or your family?
Take that risk. (A smart one of course)
It'll hurt, for sure. But it'll be worth it, I assure.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

CROSS-fit #35 Perception

Written on the Board.
"Fran"
It's scary, it elicits shock, fear and a whole lot of pain.

Fran looks at you, tells you that you've got 45 reps of Thursters and Pullups.
It stares you down, hinting the immense pain waiting in the lungs, quads, grip and shoulders.,
It tells you that you're unprepared, not ready for a thrashing like that.
It's screaming in your ears, telling you that you probably ain't able to walk out of here alive, so don't try...
The Fran on the whiteboard is nothing but pure evil, implanting thoughts of failure, dismay.

Well, that's how the Fran looks at you.
What matters is how You, look at Fran.

You look at Fran, sitting there on the whiteboard, alone. Thinking that she's one lonely girl, you could do with more! Confident aren't you...
You shove the Fran to the side with the simple impression that you're gonna give your best whatever happens.
You tell Fran that you'r going to take her down, you're going to own her.
You grab Fran by the neck and push it up and pull it down and with every successful rep, you push on.
Ready, you take Fran head on with all your have, with all your heart.
By the time it's over, you say these few important words.

"Frans my Bit** now."
What counts is what You tell Fran and not what Fran tells you.

So what's written on your whiteboard of workouts today?
Whats on the whiteboard of your life?
Tell it what it is, not the other way round. Make your own future.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

To be Happy

Listening to : The Only Exception - Paramore

Complications abound from every knowable direction.
Deep thoughts and insecurities flourish under such circumstances.
Unsure of whether you're putting your head out there too easily, too willingly.
It disappoints you sometimes. Hurts you most of the time.
Sometimes it's even a viscous cycle.
I used to envision a simple life, a simplistic train of thoughts.
Whereby if things worked out, it didn't need to change.
Little did I know that on the other side of the river, lies damage control.

I learnt quickly that, that was greatly flawed.
Can't live life alone, in your own World.

So here's to a new mental picture, a new frame of mind.
One which is sure to lead to pretty much sure destruction.
But one which keeps me happy. Keeps everyone happy.
I'm not going into the region of complicated, labels and what have you.
I'm just glad to be where I am. Always...

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Stay so I can make..

Listening to : Glad you came - The Wanted

In another 6 hours, the 3 weeks of 'testing' would be over.
When that happens, I won't know what to expect no more.
I'd like to think I lead a simple life, being contented with the little things.
Don't exactly think too much about the fine deep details of things.
But man, this already looks messy to begin with.
Messy but incredibly fun.

CROSS-fit #34 Agressive

Sometimes, you walk up to the bar and stomp your feet. You can do it.
It's a goal, totally within your reach, totally within your grasp.
However, it slips away, you miss that small lock out in the snatch.
Yupp, it's probably cause...

You need to get Aggressive.

Crossfit isn't a simple walk in the park.
If it was, go join the easy people at the gym whom spend 1 hour doing sets of weights in front of the mirror and having regular socializing in the break time.
So, sorry to burst your bubble, but crossfit is like reality.
It's hard, tough, rough and not easy going.
Things will not fall onto your lap whenever you whine, complain or roll about the floor in pain.

Yeah, think pain is a way to snuff your way through to victory?
Nah, it's a symptom, not a route to it. A byproduct of effort and not a motivating factor for it.
It isn't the pain, it's the desire to push through it.
It's the agression.
"The Violent Take it by Force." - Matt 11:12

Get aggressive when making the turn over in the snatch, cause the weaker it is, the slower it will be.
Failure comes when you don't get really aggressive. It's somewhat the proof of your pursuit.
Don't get me wrong, don't get angry...
But get into the mindset that you're willing to do anything for it. That you're going to go all out.
For desperate situations, do desperate things to get your miracle.
So fight for it, fight and be aggressive in claiming that PR, that relationship, that future, that dream.
Step up, stomp up, grip and go!