Tempest of A Midriff Crisis

Specially For Shades

2009-11-06T11:55:00.004+08:00

Halfway through this dinner, with the rakyat from the Kingdom of the Lionheart......

someone suddenly asked me, how come you didnt invite Shades?
My response: "ARRRRRRRRRRGH, I FORGOT". Sometimes this response is fake, like a convenient bout of amnesia, but this time, it was a genuine, ARGH, I FORGOT! Sorry la Shades, who ask you to never keep in touch.

Aneeeway, I get a text from him, shortly after this boo boo, asking me to attend the new EASY STEP program in FF. Its basically a freestyle class. Jacq, Teoh and Scott had already invited me earlier to their various launches, but alas, I couldn't make it. It was almost as if it were destiny. You see, I had promised my RPM cherry to Shades, but accidentally lost it to Wes Carter and Eric. I'm talking a major cherry, not a cherrylet. A major cherry is a new program, whereas a cherrylet is a new launch of existing programs. Cherrylets are obviously easier to get. Even young Scott has got my cherrylet for the latest pump release, as Kento (Jap Porn Star, JPS) wasn't around.

So, that left only my RPM challenge cherry, but I have never been able to make it, when Shades taught. In a mixture of guilt, and sheer morbid curiosity....I had to make it to Shades FREE STEP class. Shades, a STEP INSTRUCTOR???? Hence the morbid curiosity. It's like a moth being drawn to a flame. In a mad rush, I make my way to the gym, arriving just in time. Shades was sure I had stood him up again.

I have never seen the fler's legs before, and I never realised he was so thin. Usually he wears long pants for combat. And come to think of it, I never noticed them in pump....maybe he wore longer shorts. But these short step shorts really emphasised the fler's lankiness.

I still cant decide what to make of the entire experience. It was easy enough to follow, the class. It was more tiring than it looked, coz there were hardly any breaks. It was complicated to the non body steppers. But this I know, I had finally given Shades my cherry.

And so sweet of him to pick a cooldown song with me in mind.

JPS (current FPI) is on a hiatus for a month, his monday class replaced by Vincent Bong. Another Vincent in that list of instructors. Some of JPS's fans were not amused at his long hiatus. Young Scott, (what shall we call him? Puberty Pump? Aiyo, so rude. Kento was even younger when we first met him....names people, names. Okaylah, PP for now) taught the tuesday slot for all of October, and I have to say, I quite enjoyed those classes. Only problem is, that left me pooped for combat.

Last Tuesday I skipped pump, (PP's swan song for that slot, he's replaced by a hawt hawt HK GXM, June), and went straight for combat. It was a GREAT combat class, if I may say so. Energy packed, and you could really see the enthusiasm in the faces of the younger folk.

AND YAY, FINALLLY, FREE TOWELS!!!!!!

October Oridi

2009-10-09T13:19:00.002+08:00

Okay, an improvement from my last post, this time the hiatus is only 2½ months.

Well, in that time, I have attended Mr Cool's pump class a couple of times, preceding FCI's combat class. Mr Cool is nothing if not COOL. I love the way the weights just seem to be a natural extension of his body, and he makes it look soooo efffortless. Alas, he has since given up the slot to Scott. Well, I guess if there had to be a replacement, Scott is as good a choice as any. Afterall, I did endorse him in a previous post as "A STAR IS BORN". More about his class later.

Remember my theory about instructor names? How a certain name gives a certain predisposition to becoming an instructor? Anyway, one day, I went for Step, expecting Macho Nippon Lady, but the latter had well, gone on holiday, (to Japan, presumably) and in her place, an Alvin Teoh. An ALVIN ANDDDDD A TEOH!!!! Now, the bizarre thing is, the fler actually reminds me of FSI, Teoh Yee Sin. Of course, Teoh Yee Sin was Mr Female Bachelor in 1985 or so, so TYS is an older (but handsomer la hor) version of this young Teoh....who is also an Alvin. Another name that seems to have spawned a number of instructors is Vincent. Lots of Vincents around. But yeah, back to Alvin's class. Not only does he LOOK like Teoh, his mannerisms and speech actually a bizzarely similar too. And when I mentioned this to him, and his older twin, neither seemed surprised, so obviously, others must have said the same thing. The class was good, energetic etc. Although ahem, I think if you are teaching a class, sleeveless, it would be best if there werent so much undergrowth as to be distracting.

Congratulations to Serena, who has given birth to a baby boy. NOW, COINCIDENTALLY, throughout her maternity period, I am able to attend that slot, coincidentally taken over by Jap Porn Star, (aka FSI - Kento). Now, while it MIGHT seem that I am favouring FSI by attending his FRIDAY as WELL as Monday class, well, if you ever read this, Serena dear, let me assure you its purely coincidence. In fact, I definitely WONT be there tonight. Last week, FSI I think made a special trip to hell to find the worst shoulder track ever. Even regulars, and some heavyweights couldn't complete it. It encompassed doing those bar lifts while kneeling (one leg) on the floor. EUGHHHHH. Wicked. All for Lionheart's pleasure, before the two weeks of new release. We all know how Lion hates new releases.

Combat as usual, has been packed, and very energetic. The latest release is very party like. The class was PACKED. FCI seems very chirpy these days. He's a happy boy. Life must be good. I love the music in this latest release. Alas, I didnt pop my full cherry yet, as I left before conditioning, having just done Pump earlier.

Pump, for the longest time I since I can recall, I did not lose my new release cherry to Kento, but instead, to young Scott, who made his debut for a permanent slot at MML. Lionheart graced the event, like a King attending the launch of a new ship. The young boy must have trembled with fear. Hahah, but I think Lionheart gave him his endorsement.

I also got an sms from Shades a couple of weeks ago telling me to reserve at least one cherry for him, for some new upcoming programmes. What are they I wonder?!!!!

Now, to continue with FF membership or not.....

In The Blink of An Eye....

2009-07-23T13:40:00.002+08:00

it's been 4 months since my last post!

I lost my BLT (bacon lettuce and tomato? Breasts, Limbs and Tush? Oh, butt, thighs and legs) to Kim Boey. Again. She's already taken my Body Step and Free step virginity. A recap, who were my first time experiences:

Free Step - Kim Boey
Body Step - Kim Boey
Body Combat - Ben Sim (or at least I think so)
Body Attack - Jacqueline, Riyo and Jeremy
Body Vive - Peter Chang
Body Pump - Lisa Jones
RPM - Wes and Eric
BLT - Kim Boey
Body Balance - Julia

I think in terms of regularity, hmm
Body Pump - Jap Porn Star, aka Kento
Body Combat - Calvin la, for sure (FCI)
Body Step - FSI, Teoh

So yeah, BLT, its like Body Step with weights. I knew I was in trouble when Kim gave me a smile when I picked up the 7lbs dumbells, when the girls were carrying like 1lb, and she was carrying 5lb. By the 10th knee repeater, with arm movement, I thought my ass was gonna tear away from my body as my arms ripped apart.

But so sweet of her, she texted me to tell me, "you did good!" I could've sworn I'd be aching like hell today, but no, I'm okay.

I havent been doing many classes, hence the dearth of posts. Monday pump class is as usual, this recent one being the most complete uncle class. When Kento says the track is easy, and Lionheart is in the room, you can almost bet your bottom dollar it is NOT easy. The class was packed though, for a 4.45 slot. The boy's reputation precedes him!

So really, the only classes I do are Pump on Monday, combat on Tuesday. Is there any point in blogging anymore?? There seems to be no surprise left, no new instructors that I really feel compelled to try.

I sense the end is near, for fatboybakesatgym...... sigh......

Gym Wedding Cum Musical......

2009-03-23T19:59:00.006+08:00

Let's face it. Attending a GXI's wedding, in FF, and prob in most other gyms, is a RARE occasion..... if you get my drift.

So yes, finally the speculation ended, ....Teoh (FSI) remarked, "I warned him you know, there's no turning back".... and Shades finally took the plunge. Yup, with Karynn. Actually, I think no one was surprised to find the wedding a semi full fledged musical. So the venue had a horrendous sound system, so the guests lost 80% of the lyrics, so 60% of the guests couldn't see their song and dance....but as long as the bride and groom had a good time, that's the most important thing.

So yeah, its also kinda strange to see all the GXI's (females) dolled up, and with clothes...as in, non gym attire. My my, what a visual feast. Even Macho Nippon Lady Instructor looked so lady, that the Macho moniker sooo does not apply. Jakarta Jan was stunning, as were Cindy and Swee.... it's also nice to see everyone so smiley and happy. Scenes like this always remind me of Louis Armstrong's It's A Wonderful World.

I've always known the couple to love singing. They're both heavily involved in their church's choir and music ministries, so as I said, I wouldn't have expected anything less. Heck, even Terence, no 1 in Tianjin, sang at his wedding. What more Shades, who probably harbors secret dreams of cutting his own album. I know the kind.

The entrance, he at the stage, she at the door, belting out a WHOLE NEW WORLD, from Aladdin. The sound system was a real let down. So we could only hear bits and pieces of the Jasmine and Aladdin duet. But it was a sweet concept.

The next number, after we were somewhat satiated with food, was a re-written PART OF YOUR WORLD, from Little Mermaid. Actually, it was rather touching, and funny, but again, the lyrics were lost coz of the bad sound system. As I was wandering around taking pics, I heard most of it, and thought it a pity that such effort did not reach the audience 100%.

Then there was a Grease number, YOU BETTER SHAPE UP..... hahaha, soooooo SHADES!!!!

The finale was definitely the brain child of Body Jammers, and I have to say, exceedingly well choreographed. It was to the Greast song, WE GO TOGETHER.... very entertaining dance moves. Wife commented she never seen a bride and groom do so much work on their wedding night. Was there enough energy for the other conjugal duties, I wonder?

For more pics of the event, you can go to these links. Part 1 & Part 2.

Anyway, congratulations, to the newly weds, and May God bless you both as you embark on this journey together.

Watching Reruns

2009-03-11T13:51:00.002+08:00

After I emerged from Kenny's step class last Thursday, at Manulife, Jacq, (gorgeous woman) who was outside, waiting to teach Jam, muttered as she walked past me, "Hmmph, you had tickets for a red carpet premiere and you chose to stay home and watch reruns?".... She was of course, referring to her numerous invites for previews to the new release, (well, she DID pop 91.66% of my cherry, as I HAD done 11 out of the 12 tracks from the new release preview with her), and the fact that I found time to attend a usual class of old tracks.

Kenny's class is always entertaining. And a very mixed crowd, with ages ranging from errr...maybe early twenties to late 50s.... He was team teaching with another instructor. Loved the tracks he chose, and taught. What a great sweat.

Lets see, now, there was Kento's classes as usual...Lionheart has been missing the last two weeks. Which meant the classes weren't murder sessions. Combat as usual too. Was pleasantly surprised to see Shahnon there last week. This younger generation of combaters don't seem as willing to shout as the old ones.

And I've just done my back in, from lifting light grocery bags... roll eyes. Hope can still workout!

The Partial Popping....

2009-02-24T09:57:00.003+08:00

In the previous episode of Fatboybakesatgym, ...there was food involved....
In this episode, yeah, well, there's food involved again....

Twas Lionheart's surprise birthday, about 2 Tuesdays ago.

The youth of today! You can read about the whole surprise thingamajig here, but that young chappie, the only one young enough to be Lionheart's son, on the guestlist, actually FONG FEI KEI-ed!!!! I am speechless. When I was 20, if I had an invite from a 4o ++ year old senior, I'd be there faster than you can say body pump.

Yeah, so, gosh, my gym membership has been severely underutilised. I don't think I went to the gym at all in that week of Lion's birthday.... at least, not to Fitness First. ExFCI did drag me along to Pushmore gym, for a free trial class....I swear he's trying to kill me.

Yeah, I shoulda had a clue, when we arrived, and the few people there were all young enough to be my spawn, and half my weight. As the owner, Jonathan (ex trainer and GXI in FF) ran us through the concept, and made us sign the indemnity form, and as I felt the life force drain from me the way money is drained from the BN coffers, we started. The warm up was 5 minutes of SKIPPING. SKIPPING!!!!! I HAVEN'T SKIPPED (with a rope) since Form 5 I think, when I was at least 30kgs lighter. Thump thump thump. I felt sorry for my soles and ankles.....I felt like the little mermaid, who had given up her tail for legs, where every step was like walking on nails...(read the original Hans Christian Andersen, not the romanticised Disney one)....

Then the next phase, in between warm up and main workout....situps, pushups, chin ups, (which obviously I cant do), .... THEN, came the real thing. Kettlebells, burpees, Handstand pushups or tricep dips (guess which ones I did), and box err..... jumps? Shudder..... anyway, gosh, the sense of achievement after that was enough to make me want to open a case of champagne...(which I did, the next day)....

Highly recommended for the young and adventurous seeking an alternative kind of workout. Thanks Jonathan for the free trial, and thank you, Hero, for dragging me along. By Sunday, the body was entirely paralysed....

Twas back to routine again on Monday, Pump with JPS. Lionheart wasn't there, and JPS was late, so he stuck to the 45 minute routine, and therefore it was quite an easy class, mercifully.

Tuesday was combat as usual, ...the class was crowded, but mainly with newbies. It's becoming a less and less familiar crowd. Also, quieter.... these young folk are not as inclined to shout as the people of old. However, it was very energetic, and a great workout. FCI commented I looked tired. I guess the weekend of partying, plus pushmore's killer workout was really taking its toll.

I was supposed to go for Wonder Woman/FSI's preview step class in Axis on Wednesday, but couldn't because of exhaustion. She sms-ed, "ONE LAST CHANCE, CURVE ON FRIDAY".

Good time to utilise my underutilised passport, to which she said, use, use, I'll stamp it and throw in some duty free too. Where's my duty free, Lady....

So I dutifully paid the exorbitant toll to get to the Curve.... on stage were Wonder Woman aka Gorgeous Woman, (depending on who's blog you read), FSI, (still clinging on to his title), and Fetty, a guest instructor from Indonesia. She's great!!! And as for GW, goes without saying la.... she could teach garbage collection, and it would STILL be a great class. Those three on stage are definitely in a different league. BUT, to my horror, they skipped conditioning, as it was a 45 minute class, SOOOO, my cherry is only partially popped!!! (for the new release)....

As I type, she has popped up on msn (bizarre) announcing:
Jacqueline says:
if you would like to be fully popped
wednesday axis 6pm last chance
all 12 tracks

WOW. Yeah, will try to make it.

So, that's the two weeks gone by.....

Yay, Mr Cool Is Back

2009-02-12T10:09:00.002+08:00

The stars were finally aligned for me to grab the opportunity to attend Mr Cool's lunchtime pump class on Tuesday. The kids schedule, the availability of transport, etc etc.... AND the fact that I missed FPI's Monday class coz it was a public holiday, and chap gohmei, and I was getting wasted on champagne while gambling.....

Initially I thought I had stumbled into the wrong class....it felt like the British Women's Association Pump Class... everyone there was an expat wife....fortunately, the others started trickling in, and by the start of the class, it was a pretty respectable number for a lunchtime crowd. Certainly far far more crowded than the Tuesday 5.40 class in Manulife.

Yeah, Ben Sim is in a league of his own. No doubt about that. The bar seems to be a natural extension of his body, and the cueing etc all so natural, as if he speaks it in his daily conversation. I love that he teaches and reminds you how to breathe. I think he has gathered quite a following in his tuesday class. They really should slot him for more classes.

I had done the Gasing Hill hike the day before, (Monday), and it being my viriginal hike, I expected massive aches all over, but surprisingly, there were none. However, the same cant be said after Ben's class. I am aching all over, (also I haven't done pump for a couple of weeks), from my breast....oops, chest, to my legs. Damn good workout.

Anyhow, despite the erratic gym attendance during this CNY period, one mustn't forsake one's friends, and well, a picture speaks a thousand words.

IMHO, A Star is Born.........

2009-01-15T10:43:00.002+08:00

To be honest, I am a bit worried that when this present batch of FIs get old and wither away, like the autumn leaves in autumn, and when their ligaments wear off like old brake pads, who will replace them? Let's face it, some of them are wearing out even before their time, due to over exertion, constant thumping, ..... but my worry doesn't only stem from loving concern for their welfare, but for my own good, for ahem, to be quite honest, I dont seem to "connect" with most of the newbies classes I've attended. Maybe with the passage of time, they will eventually evolve to be as good (good being a relative term) as their predecessors and mentors. There seem to be gaping holes in the succession, ...... much like the Chrystanthemum Throne.... like Combat, for example. If FCI retires, I cannot think of whose class I'd like to attend....maybe its time to start shopping around. ... For Step, for now, there are still a lot of fantastic oldies around, but when they go, ....who then?

SO, indeed, it was a breath of fresh air, when this young lad, same birthdate (as in day and month, not year) as me, who added me onto Facebook because of that (geee, normally I wouldn't have entertained these additions from strangers), invited me to attend his pump class, where he was replacing Sue. Yeah, it sounds almost scandalous, chatting on FB with a lad young enough to me my son, but heck, so is FPI aka JPS. But anyway, I did frivolously mention once that if he ever taught in FF, Manulife, specifically, I'd make an effort to attend the class.

Anyway, the Wed 4.45pm class isn't as hardcore as the Monday 4.45pm class, and the young lad, being a guest instructor and all, certainly wasn't going to try to cram 10 tracks, so I knew I should be able to survive the class. Not a bad turnout, probably around 10 people. I enjoyed the class, although there was no flicker of recognition, no smile, no nod, NUFFINK AITELYA, to even hint that he knew I was the FB "penpal". Good strong command, good diction, good cueing..... physically he reminded me of a cross between JPS and Eugene Nyam.... JPS prob because of the age, and height. I reckon this one has potential. No regrets, going for the class. As we're still on the new release, there were no surprises there either..... except it seemed a bit easier than JPS' class.... hmmmm, wonder WHY!

Tuesday combat as usual, the class is regaining its crowds, lost somewhat during the fler's suspension. As I entered just before the start of the class, there was already no space in the frontal area....This release is tiring, especially track 6, with the Esciva? Escobar? whatever.... with the lunges and front kicks. Far too many directions in such a short time for an old man like me. FCI looks happy, and cheery, which is good. The tall guy, who had disappeared for a long time now, suddenly made a reappearance. Maybe he's on summer holiday or something. The landscape of the class is changing, with fewer and fewer familiar faces.

Monday, JPS's class, painful as usual despite the relatively easy release. I dread next week when the old tracks flood the class once again. Managed to balance the bar on my shoulders for that weird squats during lunges.

Pop Pop Pop

2009-01-07T09:31:00.003+08:00

Saturday afternoon, 3rd January, .....

"I am still feeling the after shock effects of the New Year Eve party. Sluggish can't even begin to describe my state. It's more like zombified. I have to get myself out of the rut. I need to SWEAT, NOW!".

I head to the gym, and because I had other errands to run that morning, I decided the most effective way to spend the time was to jog on the treadmill. I plod along quite happily, when suddenly there's a tap on my shoulder, and its Serena (Richelle). Arghhhhhh, she can't be running next to me. It's like a hippo running alongside a gazelle!!! (Note, it rhymes with richelle). Sigh. Anyway, the hippo completes his 30 minute stampede, covers 4.4km, sweating like a pig on heat.... (actually I learnt recently in the Singapore zoo that hippos cant sweat, that's why they like to soak in the tub).

Feeling very proud of myself, that I had managed to detox a bit of the excesses of alcohol, I continued with the rest of the day, when I got THIS sms:

From Jacqueline Wong aka Gorgeous Woman:
HAS YOUR BS74 CHERRY BEEN POPPED YET?

Thanks to the online schedule that wasnt working, I didnt even know she was teaching that day, or I myself would have sms-ed her to ask if she was teaching. Well, as it happened, I hadn't popped my cherry for any of the new releases.

I reply that I will try to be there, and she replies, "YES! POP POP POP!!!"

With much effort, limbs still aching from the hippo run, (sheesh, gazelle was galloping away effortlessly), I dragged myself to the step class. Of course, GW can teach anything and the class would still be excellent, so what can I say, it WAS excellent. As I fumbled over some steps, she sniggered, and said, "I'm laughing WITH you, not AT you". Yeah, right.

With more cherries to be popped, I almost eagerly went for Body Pump on Monday as usual. As expected, Lionheart does not grace classes in the first 3 weeks of new releases, as he bores easily. JPS aka FPI kinda hinted that it was a tough release.

Harumph. After the torture he's been subjecting us to in the last month, the new release was like drinking shandy after months of AK47 or Long Island Tea. That was my original assessment. However, maybe its like small doses of arsenic, as opposed to his usual hemlock, that kills you instantly. I found myself aching like hell the next day. Interesting changes. No bar work for triceps, some funny manouvre in lunges that require you to balance the bar in front, like a circus clown. Can't really say it's an evocative release. I doubt any of those tracks will see light of day once the compulsory period for new releases is over.

And finally, my combat cherry, reserved of course for FCI. Actually, of all the 3 new releases I've tried, I think combat is my favourite. Lots of seemingly new stuff. I guess it makes sense. Afterall, there are endless permutations for violence and fighting, whereas, how many ways can you STEP, right? Up and down and up and down. So combat choreographers have it good, as they have a far larger choice of movements.

I found combat exhausssssting. I enjoyed FCI's class tremendously, and looks like lots of absentees in December were now back, as the class was packed. I kinda like the 8th track, that back to basic jabs, uppercuts and hooks. Something very primal and adrenaline pumping.

Yeah, so happy new year everyone. I did attend some classes before the end of the year, but ugh, they are not worthy of mention. ..........

On a separate note, YAY, MR COOL is teaching pump in Manulife again. But aiyo, its on Tuesday lunchtime, when I would have hardly recovered from FPI's pump on Monday. Drat. But at least Mr Cool is now in the radar, so maybe he might drop into some of the other slots, or even RPM.

I've Been Lazy........

2008-12-15T12:58:00.003+08:00

In the blink of an eye, its been 2 weeks since my last post. I think I've been eating and partying more than I have been gymming, which probably explains the lack of updates. I mean, I did turn another year older in the last two weeks....

And special thanks to the very good and beloved gym friends who made the turning of age so much more memorable. Sometimes, I look at the scales, and realise the best thing to have come out of me joining the gym is really the friendships that have been forged, both with members and instructors. Thanks yhsmom, Lionheart and Sunshine for the dinner and present. It was a wonderful evening. Aiyo, such generosity, very hard to reciprocate.

Hmmm, thinking very hard...oh, I was out of town from 2nd - 4th December, which meant skipping FPI's Monday class, because I was lazy, and FCI's class, because I was out of town. Then, I think I went for Serena's pump class on the Friday following that..... of course she expressed mock shock and surprise to see me there. But truth be told, I love her class, and would make it a point to attend regularly, were it not for the fact that it's on Friday night. Friday nights are usually bad. Between baking, bible study and partying, there is inevitably some obstacle.

Anyway, it was a darn painful class, considering the girl had just returned from a long hiatus from teaching pump. There was a board for yhsmom, in abstentia. But yeah, pain pain pain all the way. Lionheart was looking gleeful and relishing every bit of pain.

I think I went jogging, on Saturday morning, and Kiara walk on Sunday, so no gym, until the following Monday, which was FPI's class as usual. Ugh, it was a tough tough class. Felt my arms were about to fall off. It was a public holiday, and class was in the morning, at 10.30am. Don't people want to sleep in or something? It was a cold, rainy, british day, and STILL the class was full. In fact, Lion and Mrs Lion, yhsmom etc were all there. Like a reunion! But oh the pain the pain.

If I had any strength left in the arms, it was completely annihilated by Tuesday night, after FCI's class and triceps blasters. The cast of the class seems to have changed drastically. Apart from one or two familiar faces, everyone looks very new and young. Maybe I am in demographic denial. But FCI looked in good spirits and channelled his energies effectively in making the class enjoyable.

Then again the lazy bug hit with the momentum of a fatboy rolling down a slope, and I let myself Jabbarise in a mire of slime as I chomped my way through helpings of wagyu beef.....until I felt I had to sweat if not I might explode and infest the world with maggots....so made myself go to the gym in the only slot available on Saturday, which was body vive, with Klevin. Who of course, also expressed shock and horror to see me there. I find Vive quite challenging, but somehow it doesnt give me that adrenalin rush that you get from RPM (Gasp, did i just say that?), or a good Jog. As I was really tight for time, I had no choice but to do a quickie on the treadmill, after vive. Great class though, vive. Love the music. That Young Man who was probably not born when most of the vive tracks were written, alluded to Mamma Mia when he played Waterloo. Hmm, as far as I know, that song doesn't appear in the main musical, maybe only in the remix they sing as an encore. Certainly doesn't appear in the movie. These young flers ah, think all Abba songs = Mamma mia.... Roll eyes.

Dying A Slow Death

2008-11-27T10:35:00.003+08:00

.......this blog.... that's what's happening.

Now, [thinking very hard], to answer "anonymous" comment in the last post, about why no update. Hmm, OOOOH, I went for RPM!!! Two Wednesdays ago. That was a crotch numbing experience. You know its gonna be a long ride, when you're winded after the warm up. But there's something to be said about extreme pain. The pleasure derived during the cool down is proportional to the pain. It's almost esctasy. Female RPM instructors all seem to have a certain profile. I guess cycling is an ahem, rather male dominated sport, (I can't think of a single famous female cyclist), so it then stands to reason that Female RPM instructors would have to be rather macho to lead an RPM class. I am reminded why I dislike RPM. A crowded claustrophobic room, all kinds of odors permeating, loud thudding music, its like being in a nightclub without the alcohol, and lots of sweat. Nothing like the great outdoors to remind me of the Stallion within, galloping free and munching hay in the sunshine, and oinking away. Hangon, I mean neighing.

There's this PT who's been calling me to come and utilise a free 1 hr session of PT, .... alas, the session has been postponed twice.

Did the treadmill on the Sunday following RPM, coz of inclement weather, depriving me of my Sunday kiara walk. Monday was back to the grind with FPI. Lionheart was in BKK, but was the class any easier? No. There's that girl equivalent of Lion, who carries like 15kg weights for squats. It's quite dizzying, when the heaviest weights in the room are being carried by a lady. Makes one feel so impotent. Pity those wee lads who carry 3.5kg for biceps, vs the lady's 5kg.

Had to skip FCI's comeback class on Tuesday, as had a dinner that night. A long hiatus from the gym ensued, till Saturday, when I decided to check out Body Vive again, for the 2nd time. The timetable was vague, it said Eugene, and I was expecting 2ndFSI, whom I haven't seen in yonks, but it was the combat Eugene. Despite the presence of a lot of aunties, and uncle, in Vive, it is far from being an easy class. But actually I quite like it. One gets a sense of being stretched, and it gives an overall sense of well being....

I thought I'd give the combat a try, after vive, but after the warm up track, my brain started shutting down like a person on the verge of entering the beta phase of sleep, and I couldn't stay on for another track. Some new fella, whose name isn't on the list of COMMON INSTRUCTOR NAMES, was teaching.

And that brings us back to FPI's class again on Monday. Another torture class, with Lionheart in the house this time. It was like a joyful reunion, all the usual faces were there....except Uncle Tan and Susan Sarandon. He-who-does-not-speak, the Chilli Padi doctor, the other doctor, (two doctors in the house!!! Not a bad time to collapse), Clark Kent, Dave Nooku twin, etc etc and so forth.

And on Tuesday, FCI's much awaited combat class. There seem to be a number of new faces, and certainly a more enthusiastic bunch of shouters. Since the disappearance of Janvier, and Certifiable Stevie, the class has been rather reticent. But now it seems to have regained some noise. YM seemed to be very hyper. The first few tracks seemed incredibly long, and by 7.05 we were just finishing track 2. (Class starts at 6.45)...

Peacefully Pumping

2008-11-12T15:17:00.002+08:00

After the initial misunderstanding as to the identity of Serena's replacement on Friday, Ben S, whom I thought was Ben Sim, Lionheart, Yhsmom and I decided to try out Sunshine's Darling, (hereafter referred to as SD....like a memory card). Crystal was once again assessing, wow, that's twice in a week that we see good old Crystal sitting in a pump class.

So, yeah, Sunshine was beaming with happiness to see us there, and SD, of course. She warned us he was very proper, ..... and yes, with eye on the clock, he said, "we have one more minute to go before 6.45pm, so we'll wait". I doubt FPI would have bothered, afterall, different clocks in Manulife show different times, so its quite arbitrary.

SD has a very soothing voice. He'd make a great Body Balance instructor. I had visions of me dozing off during the chest track and the bar falling on me and killing me. Very soothing. You'd think he was incapable of being flustered, and quite the kind of person you'd like to be around during a crisis. So unlike the other drama queens ....... also, being a one hour class, the pace is a lot slower I guess, with time to recover in between tracks, unlike FPI's FIT ALL 10 TRACKS INTO 45 MINUTES class. So Sunshine remarked I wasn't carrying enough weights since I wasn't sweating like a warthog in the sahara.

Lionheart must've gotten a call from Mrs Lionheart, for shortly into track 3, he packed up and left in a hurry. I am sure if the instructor knew WHO Lionheart is, he'd have been much relieved after the Lion left.

The moist weather gave me no choice but to use the treadmill in the gym on Sunday, depriving me of my usual kiara hill walk/run. There are surprisingly a large number of motivated people on a lazy Sunday afternoon, as nearly all the treadmill's were full.

Monday, the routine FPI class, or so I thought, until Ken, the young boy whom I haven't seen in ages, asked me, WHO IS WENISA AH? I asked, "why do you want to know?", and he told me that she was replacing Kento. ARGHHHHHHHH, her reputation as Torture Queen preceded her. So yeah, apparently she did a swap with FPI,.... I didn't hear the full explanation coz my heart was pounding with fear. Lionheart's look of glee made me worry even more.

Fantastic music selection. Most of the music would have been before FPI was even born, I reckon. None of the tracks, save one, were remotely familiar. It was the first time I had seen a shoulder track movement in the warm up. Very interesting. Ken's Friend, a first timer, was seen to lower his weights midway into the triceps track. Biceps was horrible. Okay la, the torture wasn't all that bad. Surprisingly, she finished 10 tracks too, and the Line Dance Funk instructor still hadn't shown up!

Great class, Torture Queen.

Been Gymming Quietly

2008-11-04T14:12:00.003+08:00

Ever since FCI's "disappearance", I've been rather lazy and have been finding all kinds of excuses to skip gym. I would rather opt for outdoor workouts, like Kiara, or Lake Gardens. Yes, the impact (of FCI) is surprisingly quite big.

Let's see, I did drag myself on Deepavali morning to pump with FPI, and I was SHOCKED at how CROWDED the class was. I expected a handful of sleepy looking people, but noooo, I almost didn't get a spot! Very gung ho everyone was, and it was a darn good workout too. As I was also detoxing from a debaucherous weekend of Oktoberfestavali drinking & eating, it was good to get the toxins out of the system. I was surprised that Lionheart was not there.

On Wednesday, I thought I'd go once again for Leng Lui, Jakarta Jan's combat. Still on the new release, which I've only done ONCE, at the launch. I wonder if FCI will teach it when he returns. The new release burns at places that I didnt know could burn. All those squats in the middle of the class....great stuff. Great sweat too. That Wednesday class isn't as crowded as in the days of yore, when that Mat Salleh fler, Justin, was teaching, and subsequently taken over by FCI. Then FCI gave up the class and was replaced by Alvin Phey, aka The Sistine Chapel, coz his whole body seems to be covered with Art. Then I lost track of the plot.

On Friday, I thought I'd do a Body Step, and twas Bryan teaching. Followed by Ben S for Body Pump, and I thought it was Mr Cool, but according to Lionheart it wasn't. Gosh, how misleading can the schedule be. Ben S.... !!! Such hopes dashed. According to Lion, it is unlikely Mr Cool would be appearing in Manulife anytime soon. Drat.

The step class was very pumped. Not bad, had a great workout.... but that tribal dance track 10 with that very fast shuffle on the board....CANNOT POSSIBLY be good for the knees. Apparently the Mr Ben S in the following class is Sunshine's favourite...

And that brings us back full circle to Monday, yesterday, when FPI was being assessed by Crystal, GXC of Manulife. I expected an easier class, but heck, no such luck. With the embargo on new release lifted, it was like free game, and he picked difficult tracks. Arms could have fallen off after shoulders.

So what to dooooo today!!!!!

She Got 1/6th of the Cherry

2008-10-22T11:45:00.002+08:00

Technically, Riyo (Macho Nippon Lady Instructor) popped my cherry for the latest step release, but I couldn't stay on till the end, as was rushing off to inlaws dinner, and it was one of those nights that I knew the jam was going to be diabolic, from all that rain. Sure enough, it wouldn't have made a difference had I stayed on for conditioning and cooldown, as it took me 1½ hrs to get to Kajang ANYWAY.

Fortunately, that meant I had some cherry reserved from Jacq (Gorgeous Woman), who was teaching on Saturday. The sms exchange went (paraphrased):
FBB: Are u teaching step?
GW: Yeah, but no more cherry to pop, since it's already the 3rd week of new release
FBB: What makes you so sure its been popped?
GW: Oh? It hasn't? YAY, Pop pop pop.
FBB: Oh, actually, yalar, pop oridi with Riyo...
GW: YOU TEASE!

Actually, I quite like this new release. Seems to be a rather intensive workout, as I emerged from both classes like I'd just been singing in the rain. The party track makes me dizzy. Oh, anyway, GW was team teaching with Kenny on Saturday. And during one of the squat tracks, she announced, Kenny will now chisel your butt. Ho hum.

However, since I didn't finish MNLI's class, technically, it was GW who brought me to the "end" with the new release, as my first time doing the conditioning and cooldown was with her.

MNLI's class was also great. I love her ripitahs...

As predicted, Pump cherry was somewhat popped by Kento, aka FPI. Lionheart hates the new release with a vengeance, but so whats new! Hahaa. The man is averse to new releases anyway, and it would require something extraordinary to pique his interest. Also, I think 3 weeks of new release, the same thing over and over and over again....hmmmm.......

Speaking of that, yesterday Dom called me to ask why FCI isn't teaching combat...is he in the States again for holiday? Well, I am sure most people know by now the real reason. Sadly, I haven't much other choice....the other combat classes I could plausibly go for are all at the wrong times....No 1 in Tianjin's class on Sunday is roughly the time when the offering bag is passed around in my church....Jason's Curve class is a bit late, and far.... Wai Hoong doesn't teach anymore... BRING BACK THE LEGENDS, like Ray, Ben Sim, WH.... I say.

Giving him my Combat 37 Cherry...

2008-10-09T14:09:00.003+08:00

Because he loves me so much, I KNEW I would get an sms that looked like this.

Truth of the matter, I WAS intending to make it to the mini launch (launches in Manulife are not as glam as in the other centres, I feel) and even made plans to leave work early to get my baking orders out of the way.

I don't understand WHY they have to change the TIMING of classes, esp on a weekday, for a launch. Afterall, for all intents and purposes, it is a normal class, so why the need to shift the timing. As a result, I got another sms at 5.24 saying,
"The cake is taking longer than it should huh?"

I was gonna reply, Sigh, ye of little faith, as I was actually about to leave. I was thinking, the class is at 5.40 pm ma, plenty of time. To my dismay, as I walked in at 5.35pm, and looked up, I saw that tall girl doing some muay thai knees, and thought to myself, Hmmm, that CAN'T be body pump . (the class preceding combat on Wed is pump)

Anyway, I quickly hastened my steps and entered the class, (which wasn't very full, and by the looks of it, a few others were also caught unaware of the timing change), .... and I have to say that Shades looked genuinely pleased to see me. AWWW, how sweet.

So yeah, Jakarta Jan was already midway into track 2... without a warm up etc, I was completely disoriented and took a while to get into the swing of things. The new release seems rather intense, very quick and continuous movements. The back kicks weren't in track 6, but track 4 I think. That conditioning track that reminded me of Tatu (Not Gonna Get Us) seemed to have made its way into Track 6, with lots of squats and lunges. Hmmm, I wonder how does one Squat away your oppenents.... maybe it's, hangon, I gotta take a crap...on a squat loo.

Muay Thai track I think has 64 knees on each side. But apart from that, it wasn't too bad.

Overall not a bad release. Quite interesting. There's a movement which Sunshine likes apparently, where you open your legs and kick...(actually you move your knee in circular motion to block, and then kick)...I told her, yeah, sounds like something women would like hor...open legs then kick...

I like the cooldown song. Shades likens cooldowns to dessert after an 8 course meal. This is not a bad dessert.

Well, I enjoyed the class. Both Jakarta Jan and Shades make a great team, lots of energy, even with the limited numbers.

Haven't been doing much else in the gym. Been pumping with FPI, (the new one), been missing combat, (eve of Raya, had a dinner, and this Tuesday, FCI wasn't teaching).

No 1 In Tianjin Ties the Knot

2008-09-22T18:51:00.005+08:00

Tis the season for weddings, obviously. In the other end of the the Klang Valley, Leon Lai was playing Made of Honor to another gym wedding. Gym luminaries like yhsmom get invited to all these weddings, and are thrown into a dilemma. But me, I was rather happy to be invited to the just one, that of No 1 in Tianjin and his gorgeous bride, Jacquelin.

I get an sms from Shades at 7pm, saying "YOU ARE LATE". Sheesh, who shows up for a Chinese wedding at 7pm. Anyway, FCI very kindly offered me a ride, thankfully, as I was already inebriated from a Champagne Brunch that ended at 5pm. I had met the 2nd best man at a different party the night before, so there was at least one familiar non gym face.

Actually, it's my first Gym Wedding. So No 1 in Tianjin has the dubious honor of being the one to pop my cherry for First Gym Wedding.

The venue, Prince Hotel. Anyway, suffice to say, I had a great time. Food surprisingly surpassed expectations, and the entertainment was great. They had a great band, and a brilliant violinist. In fact, if anyone wants a live band, you should check out the band they hired. The duet between the violinist and saxophonist was EXCELLENT.

Bridal couple listening to the briefing about married life,
before taking their vows.

She's looking really good huh, the Queen of Pain

Shades, very emotive.

FCI and Wanie, whom I haven't seen in AGES!

The Bridal Couple performing No Matter What, from Boyzone.

No 1 in Tianjin with that overflowing fluid in his hands.

Wishing you both Congratulations, and May God Bless you both as you take this journey of matrimony together.

Routine, Routine...

2008-09-18T13:27:00.003+08:00

Last Monday, pump as usual. It was a killer class, and it was one of those RARE times I actually had to pop out midclass for a drink, coz it was so exhausting. The clean and press, Land of the Living, was more like Land of the Dying... since it was 11 days ago, I don't recall much of the class, except that it was damn painful. All tracks requested by Lionheart. He Who Does Not Speak seems to have reduced his squat load to 10kg... from 15kg previously. Must have sustained an injury of sorts.

Tuesday was Combat. Ever since Certifiable Steve left, and Janvier is missing in action, the shouting levels have plummeted dramatically. The youth of today just aren't as energetic. I remember when FCI taught the Wednesday class, at 5.40pm, at MJH, (as it was know then), wow, the number of screaming women.....

Couldn't make it to any other classes until Saturday, for Kenny's body step. Exceedingly tiring, probably after a 3 day break of no exercise. Was surprised to see a fellow food blogger there as well.

Which brought us back to another Monday. The class was delayed because of a faulty wire in the stereo system, and we didn't start till 5pm. Amazingly, he managed to do all the tracks except for lunges. Same clean and press as the previous week. But this time it didnt seem so bad. Also, it was a record turnout. The class was virtually full. All the familiar faces where there, the only notable absentee being Uncle Tan. Lion pointed out FMTBF to me.

Tuesday, Combat again. I really enjoyed this class, and had worked up a damn good sweat. At least there were a few familiar faces, ....as time goes by, there are less and less people I know in the class...shouldn't it be the other way round? FCI played tracks 6&8, Behind the Cow and I wanna check your microphone, both Leon's favourites...or rather, remind me of him. Are they by the same singers? Both songs refer to 1994....

Popping My Vive Cherry

2008-09-08T09:17:00.004+08:00

Finally, I did it. One doesn't plan these encounters. Contrary to the popular notion that you should save yourself for that one special person, I've more or less popped my Les Mills cherries in rather random fashion. Let us recap :

Body Combat - I am not sure who it was, but the first instructor I REMEMBER, was Ben Sim. (Mr Cool)
Intermediate Step - Kim Boey
Body Step - Kim Boey (by default, coz something wasn't working for free step, either the pitching or the cd or something, so she gave us a Body Step class instead during the free step...talk about accidentally popping your cherry!!)
Body Pump - Lisa Jones - the memory is still vivid in my head
RPM - Wes and Eric. (I was saving myself for Shades, but Wes lured me while I was in the changing room....and it was the first day of the Manulife RPM Studio opening)
Advance Step - Peter The Great....although technically, he didn't finish the job, coz I left the class halfway coz it's so bloody hard. The class, I mean. And PTG looks damn fierce one, if he doesn't smile. Like a stern school marm.
Body Balance - Yes, once upon a time, I used to attend Julia's 4pm class on Sunday quite religiously.
Body Attack - Hmmm, I am not sure, but I think Jacqueline (Gorgeous Woman) was involved. I remember where I popped it though, it was at Axis, at the launch. I vaguely remember Shades being there, filming the thing. Who were teaching?

And now, drum roll, Body Vive....... PETER THE GREAT!!!! And what a great class it was too. I popped my cherry with Stephanie watching too, as she was shadowing PTG. They very kindly kept asking me, almost every track, if I was alright. Yes, PTC (Popping the CHerry) can be painful, and boy, who would have thought that tube thing can be so evil. That hip track is almost like S&M! Actually, my hips were already aching after the warm up.

The MUSIC!!!! SOOOOOOOOOO MY ERA!!!! It's like being transported back in time. Billy Joel's River of Dreams, Village People's In The Navy, the music I have to say is simply awesome. I was the only guy in the class though. There was enough estrogen in the room to make my man boobs increase to a D cup. Saw a few faces I haven't seen in eons, ladies my age, mostly Tai Tais whom I'd meet when I was young(er) and enthusiastically attending lunchtime classes.

Yeah, those ball exercises are kinda cool. A bit too dancy for me, some of the tracks, but one wonders if that was coz of PTG on stage. That tube resistance training is great!!! Painful, but syiok.

Alas, I hear that he was but replacing the class. That's quite okay though, coz the permanent instructor is Boy Wonder, so should be fun too. I am definitely a Vive convert, especially if I can skip the dancy bits.

Meanwhile, I received an sms from FSI on Saturday night, saying, "simply lose your virginity....sigh". Hahah, well, I told him I will save my Body Jam virginity for him.

Lunge With Jakarta Jan

2008-09-03T11:31:00.004+08:00

Was back at FPI's class last Monday, and it was like old times....Lionheart was in the room, though he left rather abruptly before the end of the class, presumably having to deal with his clients. I think Dave's twin was in the house as well, so was Susan Sarandon.

FPI's classes are never easy. I dont remember very much of it, as it was 10 days ago, but I am sure it must have hurt. Oh I do remember he was actually early that day.

Then to my surprise, the following day, FCI was actually already back in action, despite having arrived on Monday, after a 3 week holiday in America. I guess when you're young, you recover from jet lag faster. He pretended to be tired after the first track. Afterall, he had been resting for 3 weeks. Despite his tiredness, real or not, it was still a great class. However, he seems to have lost some numbers, maybe coz of his long absence.

After combat that Tuesday, somehow I never made it back to the gym. With the madness of the Merdeka long weekend, hangover, etc, I only found myself back in the gym the following Monday, a public holiday. I had to detox, so just went for the nearest most convenient class, although FCI was teaching at the Curve. Went for body step, with Eric. Now, years ago I postulated that certain names have a certain tendency to end up as instructors. We have numerous Bens and Kens, (Kento even), Jasons, Erics, Alvins, Kelvins and Calvin, Janices and Janis.....so really, when I saw Eric on the schedule, I had really no idea which one to expect.

People are very motivated. I expected a deserted class, but it was a healthy attendance. Three guys even. It was a good, but exhausting way to detox. Some instructors have a fake aussie accent, some sound like they're from beijing. Nothing wrong with that, mind you,

Tuesday, it was back to FCI's combat again. His usual loudspeakers weren't there, so I attempted to shout a little, only to be told to do it with more passion. Roll eyes. Such gratitude. He did his signature conditioning, Not Gonna Get Us. Gosh, such nostalgia. I remember it was 4 merdekas ago, when I eagerly appeared at the gym at 9.30am for holiday combat, dressed in a shirt with a flag, only to be cruelly disappointed coz FCI (I didn't know him personally yet at the time, he was merely an idol, not a friend), apparently got knocked down by a car. And of all days to get knocked down.

Oddly enough, I hardly EVER go for pump on Wednesday. Strangely, I was just thinking about Lionheart, when bizarrely, he calls!! Asking if I was going for Jakarta Jan's pump. And I was actually planning on it. Must be karma, or law of attraction. Boy oh boy, talk about queen of pain, ....she may look angelic, but her pump is straight from the depths of HELL!!!

"The back track is VERY easy", she chirps in her sweet angelic voice. Easy my A**!!!! Stupidly, I added another donut, and even THEN, suffered majorly!!! Nothing was easy. I thought my arms were about to drop off, and I think she saw, and mentioned, "haha, I think I'm going to kill FBB".....what a great workout. I would LOVE to attend this class regularly. I just might.

The Missing Lion

2008-08-19T09:50:00.002+08:00

Expected to see Lion at FPI's class. I've been missing for a few weeks, coz have had to bring kids for swimming class. Twas nice to be back in the old familiar surroundings. It occured to me in the class that this was a very serious class. It is probably the equivalent of a Form 5 class a week before SPM, when the mood is sombre and tense. As opposed to the Tuesday 5.45pm class, which is like a School Prom. Girls shrieking in esctasy, and lots of noise.

Anyway, the head prefect was missing, ....the teacher looked a bit disappointed, coz he had lined up all these killer tracks. Lots of familiar faces there. Dave lookalike, Uncle Tan, etc. The chest track was a killer, Pump It Up, ....mercifully, time ran out, and he omitted abs, through popular consensus, though Uncle Tan was muttering in the changing room that somehow missing one track didnt seem complete.

Tired By Warm Up Track

2008-08-14T11:53:00.002+08:00

I've always wanted to attend Riyo's step class, because I was sure she'd be an awesome step instructress. Then recently I hear Leon has been attending regularly, the Wed evening class. Ah, all the more incentive. Seeing a star in action.

So yesterday thankfully there were no obstacles, such as falling asleep in Osim chair, etc. Was there in good time. MNLI looked shocked to see me, ....love her feigned expression of disbelief. The energy levels in the class are unbelievable. Almost full house, it was like doing step with a 1000 energizer bunnies in the room. By the end of the warm up I was winded. By track 3 I was thinking I could not possibly last the class.

I still can't get myself to do those funny around the head hand movements for the Vogue Track by Madonna. And omigosh, the track 7 was a killer as well. Haven't sweated like that since .......

FSI should feel threatened..... that title can possibly go to so many! So many great step instructors!! Unlike combat. Cheh.

Let's Do This Together

2008-08-13T13:19:00.002+08:00

Odd choice of words....FSI, who was replacing Klevin for pump, said, during the lunge track.

Let's do this together, go deep! Thrust me. It'll work. (I think the song was Trust me).

FSI looked surprised to see me, and warned me it was an easy class. Liar. Rise, the warm up. Why does everyone do that song? Then squats, Voodoo child. He lived up to his reputation as a Fearsome Squat Instructor. Come to think of it, he does have well endowed thighs. The girls in that Tuesday evening class are real screamers. You'd think they were having a Meg Ryan in Harry Met Sally moment.

In keeping with the olympics flavour, Clean and Presses were Olympia. Triceps had dips. Biceps was short, but painful. Shoulders had cross over pushups. So I don't know what in heck he meant by it was going to be an easy class. Liar liar pants on fire.

Dying Blog

2008-08-08T12:00:00.002+08:00

Well, have been away, that's why, in Bangkok. After crowning him FPI, I haven't been to a single one of his classes since then!!!

Last Saturday, despite having jogged earlier in Bt Kiara, I get an sms from GW (Gorgeous Woman) saying, "AM TEACHING TODAY, PROMISE"..... referring to a few weeks ago when I went for body step coz the timetable showed her teaching, but ended up with Kenny instead. Not that that was a bad thing, I love Kenny's step class too. So, aching calves and all, I drag myself to the gym late Saturday evening, and had a great step class. I am reminded again why she is NGXM or RGXM or whatever her title is.... she really is in a league of her own. Crisp, clear cueing, really, faultless class.

Then, it was FCI's last class before his one month hiatus in the USA. Of course, he announced that he had requested Leon to replace him, to boost the sagging numbers. He should have reannounced his long absence, coz certain people who came in late didn't hear. Anyway, the class was great as usual, though it is getting quieter now with the absence of Certifiable Stevie, and Janvier, who has choir practice. How cultured.

Last Monday, again I had to skip FPI's class, coz had to bring the kids for their swimming lesson, usually the job of the wife, but she had to work late. So, being the dutiful father that I am, I sacrifice my body pump class. Since FCI is not around, I thought I'd take the chance of exploring the other classes on Tuesday and ended up in Klevin's Body Pump. Argh, after a 2 week break, it was hell on earth. Voodoo child squats, triceps dips, horrendous biceps, and killer shoulders. Great class though. Dunno how come he's developed a thick Aussie accent while he teaches.

Leon was telling me of another instructor who developed this Aussie accent, and went lift roight lift roight (left right), and one of the students thought it was LIFT RIGHT and kept lifting the right leg. Yerr, stick to Manglish can or notch? (unless you're really aussie, then its understandable).

He Is Crowned

2008-07-23T11:06:00.002+08:00

It was like a story from the medieval kingdoms, or more recently, Prince Caspian. Young heir is in danger of having throne usurped by older evil ambitious uncles....except in this case, the older isn't evil la. It's just that I got a message, cant remember via what media, from XFPI, Shades, asking if he can regain his title, as he will be returning to teach BP. Oddly enough, just last Saturday, at Yhsmom's birthday dinner, I had muttered to Lionheart that I guess after so long, YI (Young Instructor aka JPS) was really the undeclared FPI. BUT, the recent "threat" of a title being usurped has made me think that its high time the announcement be made formal. Afterall, though the gorgeous Richelle was a contender, sigh, due to time constraints etc, I hardly ever get to attend her class. So, I present you my new Favourite Pump Instructor.

I wanted to draw a Tiara on the FSI, but it's hard to do so with a mouse.

So yeah, last week, FPI's class was the only one I attended, before succumbing to a powerful bug that rendered me on a cocktail of antibiotics, antihistamines and paracetamol. I swear that working out in the gym when you are on the verge of getting sick only accelerates the process. The freezing cold aircond, blowing on a sweaty top, in a closed studio....wow, its germ disco time.

The Monday class was packed. The demographics comprise Males who are either elderly, (ie, 40 above) or college students, (20 below), and a sprinkling of tai tais. The regular males these days comprise Lionheart, Faizal, another gentleman, apparently called Tan, and Dave Duku's Twin. (DDT). It didnt occur to me at first, until pointed out by Lion. (that the guy bore a startling resemblance to Dave Duku). Lion was rather excited at the thought of a biceps track with 80 singles. Quite funny, when we were talking about 80 singles at the birthday dinner, wife innocently remarked, "oh? but 80s singles are nice wat"....Err.... 80 single biceps, not EIGHTIES singles....

That brings us to this week. Monday, pump as usual. Fewer people this time, at least 2 missing regulars, ie, Tan and DDT. Oh, there's also a Susan Sarandon lookalike in the class. After a week's hiatus from gym, I was quite winded, and the tracks all seem a bit too fast paced, especially triceps, which went from pushups to kickbacks to bar work, with all of 2 second intervals between changes. Aiyo, old man like me can't move so fast la. Biceps, (not 80 singles) was horrendous.

I could still feel the pain in the arms the following day in Combat. The class seemed emptier than usual, with a lot of usual faces missing, like Megs, Lion, Janvier, Dominic...without Janvier, the class was even quieter, now that Certifiable Steve no longer attends. Nevertheless, it was a great workout, and I found it tiring coz haven't done for a week. After a relatively easy 3 weeks of conditioning from the new release, this sudden triceps blast was .....a BLAST alright. For the first time, (is he getting old too?) I saw FCI doing pushups ENTIRELY on his knees. Gasp! My hero, doing pushups on his knees?

I've Been Quite Good

2008-07-08T10:34:00.002+08:00

Actually, hmm, come to think of it, I only missed two days of exercise last week. Let us recap the week that was. The country is in turmoil. As I sat in a seminar room somewhere in the golden triangle, I looked at the grey clouds that loomed, ominous of the tempest that was brewing all around. I digress. This is not meant to be a political commentary.

Last Monday, pump as usual with JPS. It occured to me, and Lionheart concurs, that that 4.45pm class has the most number of "uncles" present. Every week you see the same old faces. Over time, some become more friendly, and give you the cursory smile, whilst some, can stare you right in the face with a completely blank and almost hostile look, without so much as a flicker of an eyebrow. It's almost always the same, JPS appears just in time, and looking like a schoolboy late for class, he'd run in quickly, and scramble to hook up all the appliances. What can I say about the class? It's release 66 still, so well, basically it's the new release. I still can't do those triceps dips, nor can I do that shoulder track in its entirety. And I definitely cannot do that conditioning thing where you lie on your side, propped up on your elbow and do those strange movements. After about 20 seconds in that position, I started convulsing like a demon possessed man.

Tuesday was combat. Engdian told me that he won't be able to attend this particular class in future due to some work changes. How sad. It's like a classmate moving schools. Kombat Koala (I just found out that was his (FCI's) nickname bestowed by his best friend) was in his elements as usual, and the class was packed. Jakarta Jan was there too, and she later on in the week declared that she'll have to team teach with KK, since his class is too crowded and there's no space to stand amongst the members.

Wed and Thurs were gym skipping day. On Friday, I decided I had to try the new body step release, but to my dismay, it wasn't a familiar name on the timetable, and She Who Popped My Cherry apparently has given up that slot coz she can no longer fake it, and her knee injury was getting worse. From the name, I assumed the instructor was either a Kaur or a Singh. A quick sms to Shades (I dunno why him, of all people. Probably there was an ongoing conversation at that point) confirmed that it was neither Singh nor Kaur. Turns out, the guy looks bizarrely like a smaller version of Shades, crossed with that combat instructor, Jack. And even bears half of Shades name. I'm not used to losing my New Release Virginity to strangers. It's one of the rare occasions I've done a new release with someone other than FSI, or 2nd FSI (who seems to have vanished off the schedule oridi). I quite enjoy this new release. Tiring.

On Saturday, now that Leon is no longer teaching combat at the Curve, and there's little incentive to spend RM4 on toll, RM3 on parking, and god knows how much on FUEL!, I decided to head to nearby Manulife, for Step, with Kenny. Lionheart was hosting dinner that night, and in anticipation of a debaucherous banquet, with 5000 kcals, I decided I really needed to do at least one class. To my dismay, (but secret relief) it turned out to be a 45 minute class. Dunno why it's 45 minutes, since the Kelvin Tan combat slot which has been from 6-6.45 since time immemorial, has been scrapped. Sob sob. There goes the end of an era.

Kenny as usual delighted us with his hilarious remarks. The one I remember most was while doing squats, he said, "This will make your butt small and tight". Ooooh!!!

And that brings us full cycle to another class on Monday. JPS again! He has promised us, (or more specifically, promised Lion) a painful class next Monday ....since he'll no longer have to follow the new release.

Combat 36

2008-06-27T13:01:00.002+08:00

It was my first tuesday combat after a break of nearly 3 weeks. Felt nice to be back in the familiar surroundings, with a few familiar faces. Some people have been disciples of FCI for a long time now. Tall girl, Megs, me, ....Guy with short shorts. Funny how everyone seems to stand in their regular places too. Behind me is the malay chap, I think he's a scuba diver, coz he wears all these Redang Clean Up T Shirts, and in front of me, the Engdian.

FCI was in his elements, and the class seemed quite charged to try the new release, why I have to add, I quite enjoy. Love the new choreography, and the music aint bad either. And it was a damn good sweat. I haven't had sweat dripping down my arms like that in a long time. Duracell Bunny, Janvier was rather reticent, and not his normal booming self. Hard to imagine so many decibels can emanate from such a petite frame.

The floor was unusally slippery, and an accident was waiting to happen, and sure enough, it did. Engdian in front of me slipped and fell on his back during the muay thai track. Poor chap, fortunately he didnt seem injured. Such a thing would have been cause for a legal suit in the US or other more litigious societies. If the powers that be (of FF) are reading this, please ensure the waxed studio floors arent smooth enough for us to breakdance seamlessly.

The new mats also have a dizzying effect on me. The pattern, if you observe closeup, such as when you do pushups, ....causes my head to spin!!!! Conditioning mercifully omits pushups this time round.

Monday pump was also the new release, and Lionheart, hater of new releases, did not seemed pleased, and declared most of the tracks easy, despite JPS's warnings that they were going to be tough. Haha. I personally found it challenging enough. Then again, I am not the one carrying 20kg weights on each side for squats. I am amazed at how many males there are at that 4.45pm class. Usually at such an hour, classes are filled with tai-tais and students.

There Can Be Miracles...When You Believe

2008-06-23T13:20:00.004+08:00

Yeah, I think the greatest miracle of all was that I managed to drag by butt to the Curve in the sweltering heat, AND actually SIGNED up for a class as well, which cost RM50. The option was to send the 100 cupcakes I had agreed to bake for the volunteers, to Leon and ask him to bring it to the Curve. I have to admit curiosity got the better of me.

The canopy was a lot smaller, I think, than the one set up in 2006. Half the class had to stand under the sun. I arrived just as Body Step was about to begin, and all my favourite people were queuing up to go on stage...ie, FSI, Gorgeous Woman, Macho Nippon Lady Instructor, Kenny. Obviously it was too late to join that class.

FSI looking good there. At least he's not so anorexic these days.

Very agile hor, these women.

Selling tickets in their bright orange T Shirts were the young flers, like Young Wolf, the legendary Osman Sany, (who has been my scrabble kaki on facebook for the longest time now, but have never met till today), Michael, (who also I see lots of pics of, but never met), Simon, etc. Decided to take the plunge, and bought one ticket. Lionheart apparently bought 16 booklets. Now ain't that a big heart. He should have passed me one.

For some reason, they didn't have the lucky draw for the Combat class, which incidentally, together with Jam, cost RM50 whereas the other classes a mere RM30. Why I wonder. The "star studded" cast lined the stage, FCI, No 1 in Tianjin, Shades, Renee, Peggy, Don the Thai guy, some Thai chick, and Kung Fu Panda, who yhsmom labelled my "flavour of the month".

Renee kicked off the class, followed by FCI. Then Peggy took over, followed by Thai chick, and Don, and closure by Tianjin. By the time Combat started, the heat wasn't so bad. Managed to get a drink of Leon after track 8, who was watching at the sidelines. Overall, it was a highly spirited class, no lack of screaming, and shouting. With NINE instructors on stage, I guess the energy levels had to be high.

I thought GW looked a lot like Sandra Oh from Grey's Anatomy...

It's quite amazing that Leon is so nimble, can actually reach out his leg laidat and reach his toes!!! Impressive.

Anyway, I guess it was RM50 well spent. It's nice to see all the familiar faces.... kinda amazing how fast time has flown, from that first Miracle in 2006. Back then I didn't even KNOW Leon Lai yet.

When the Stars Gather.........

2008-06-01T23:37:00.004+08:00

Busy busy Saturday. Perused the FF timetable, choices choices..... the Curve seemed to be very happening, Body Attack with Kylie, Kenny and one other, and Combat With Ben, Robby and Renee...BEN? THE BEN? Could it be?

[Errata: the third of the trinity in the Body Attack class was none other than my FSI]

But as the day went by, I was wondering if I had the energy to make it to the Curve at all. Fortunately, I had kinda promised someone that I would deliver an ordered cake to the Curve at some point in time, but did proceed to make contingency plans. At 4.10, I decided, what the heck, let's make a run for it. At times like these, I'm glad the parking in the Curve is such a deterrent to the general public, so it's quite easy to get a spot, unlike during the glory days of Leon Lai, when parking was RM2, and the car park was like a sardine can.

The minute I arrived at the entrance, I knew the Who's Who of Fitness First must be all present there. I reckon if the Curve was to collapse that afternoon, Fitness First Malaysia will have lost 70% of their instructors. First there was FSI, then Macho Nippon Lady Instructor, then Shades, then Wes Carter, .....I lost track...in the combat class, the three aforementioned, Lillian, guest star appearances by people not usually there at that time, like Man With Short Shorts from FCI's class, Tri-sword, Lady Nina, ....

Ben....the two of us need look no more.... IF this fella was teaching here in KL, I think it would be tough, REAL tough, to give the FCI title to anyone BUT him. What can I say?!!!! He the man. From physique, to showmanship, to cue-ing, to humour.....

The new release was rather awesome, I felt. Very different, lots of new stuff, and track 5 EXTREMELY tiring. I dunno, Ben coulda taught us moves from the phone book and it would have still been awesome, I reckon. I am a FAN!!!! Was kinda disappointed that Robby was only up there for show, he didn't teach any tracks. Not that I know him, but was curious to see what the Indonesian star sounded like.

The other pleasant surprise was Leonard...... but the pleasant surprise quickly dissipated when he gave me a blank "who are you" look. ROLL EYES. Hah, when I sms-ed Leon to tell him, he sarcastically remarked, "oh, he probably couldn't recognise you from all that weight you've lost". GUFFAW!!! BIATCH!!!

Anyway, I had to post this now, late Sunday night, as I'll be off to Camerons and Ipoh for the next few days, so no gymming till earliest, Friday. Richelle's pump class, hopefully.

Happy School Holidays people.

Something New For A Change

2008-05-30T11:15:00.003+08:00

Since I haven't done pump for a couple of weeks, the sagging fats were crying out for some weights to be lifted. Which is odd, because I always thought I hated pump. I do, but I guess it's kinda like eating oatbran. You know its good for you, and you feel guilty if you don't do it. So I perused the timetable, (there's no skip function anymore, so I am forced to look at that awww sooo sweet portrait of bernsy and shanti combat....in the FF homepage), and recalled my co-combatter, the English Indian fler recommending Jason K's back to back Pumbat at the Curve. At 5.10, I was wondering if I should just go for Kenny's body step at Manulife but I really needed to pump something.

So, of I went. Wow, talk about personal.... the fler came up to me, as if he knew I was there for the first time, with a personal welcome. Engdian was there, and was surprised to see me, and chuffed that I had followed his recommendation. Anyway, I quite stupidly plonked my step board a bit too in front, and virtually had to turn my neck 90degrees to the right to see the instructor on stage. I discovered something about myself. I need to be perpendicular to the walls. Ie, I can't face the instructor at an angle. Either, I face the front, OR, I face the side. I can't face the corner.

The pink boards denote other boards. The green is mine. Orange is how I tried to stand so I could see the instructor. I can't. I just can't. I think I need therapy. So I ended up perpendicular to the rest of the class. Wasn't a bad class. Jason, (let's just call him the Golden Fleece, while we're onto nicknames) reminds me of my ex girlfriend. Are those dark rings around his eyes or mascara? Quite bizarre really.

Not bad, he managed to squeeze in 9 tracks for the 45 minute class. I coulda SWORN I heard him say triceps, and almost lay down on the board, when he was still upright doing biceps. Oh well.

Pump was followed by Combat. My, it was like a REUNION. All the faces I haven't seen in awhile, Shanti Combat, Bernsy, Certifiable Steve, (who oddly enough, Golden Fleece refers to as Stevie Wonder, the first moniker I bestowed upon Steve, until Lion and Yhsmom objected to such a glam nic), were all there. I think I actually knew more people there than in Manulife. New combat buddy also made an appearance, which is apparently rare. And at the end of it, bumped into LION and LIONNESS!!! What a bonus!

Combat was enjoyable. Not very crowded, and Steve reprised his role as loud speaker. He was providing a "shout on demand" service, ....everytime Golden Fleece shouted, STEVIE WONDER, he starts shouting.

Anyway, it's rare to find a good pumbat combo. So this might be a viable alternative. Now that I no longer get to go to the Curve on Saturdays, as Leon has given up his combat.

Get Well Nikki

2008-05-29T09:46:00.002+08:00

It was quite a shock to receive an sms from yhsmom telling me that fellow RPM-er and Pumper, Nikki, aka Newman, collapsed, had a brain haemorrhage and is now in coma. He only just tied the knot last year, and I reckon is in his early 30s max. Although I only know him on a "hallo" basis, (he probably doesnt even know my name), it's very disconcerting to know that such things happen even to RPM-ers. We wish you a speedy recovery Nik.

Gym, what can I say about it. Ah, yes, it was wonderful to once again be in FSI's class, on Wesak Day morning. I now remember why he holds that title. Barely into track 3 and there were squats galore already. Fearsome Squat Instructor for sure. I can't remember that far back, but I do recall it was a great class. All the old faces were there, Lion, Lionness, .....a great way to start a Monday which was a public holiday.

Tuesday was Combat as usual. I don't remember much of the class, must have been good as usual, but I do remember making a new friend. It's nice to meet friendly people in class. Some people, (and I partially blame myself), I've seen in the class for years, but have never even progressed beyond a cursory smile, let alone hello. The tall girl, the other tall girl, ...the list goes on. Guy with the short shorts seems to be getting more at home in the class, and is actually quite sporting. I remember the cooldown as being exceedingly foreign, or very rarely ever done.

Friday, She Who Popped My Cherry's step class. She said, "I've got a bad knee, so if I look like I'm not doing it right, please excuse me. But I'll do my best to fake it, I'm very good at that". Hmmmm......but yeah, I honestly could not tell she was having an injury. Obviously I am not an expert at spotting fakes, being the innocent naive person that I am. Again, I emerged from the class with bra a whole cup size larger, as I was the rose amongst the thorns, and the estrogen that filled the room was enough to make Subang Runway become Mt Kinabalu. I can't fathom why there are no jantans in that class. Afterall, SWPMC is not crooked....oh, maybe she got boyfriend that's why the jantans don't bother la. Whereas, in SHARP contrast, the class after that, Richelle's pump, whoo hooo, Testosterone Town man. Wonder if ...........

Was away for the rest of the week at church retreat, and returned on Tuesday afternoon, so managed to get my tired butt to Combat. English Indian gentleman was there. (Engdian? Or Inglish?). But class seemed emptier than usual. Since the disappearance of Certifiable Steve, the class seems a bit quieter too. Fortunately Janvier Solat was there, with his duracell batteries, to add some oomph to the class. Wonder why the class is shrinking? Are we heading for a nova?

Great class anyway. Apparently there was an aspiring instructor in the house as well. Well, if Rhythm is a Dancer, then he aint no Fred Aistaire I can say that much.

Combat

2008-05-14T15:31:00.002+08:00

Remember Vic Morrow? Ah, Combat. I recall talking about this years ago. I even managed to download that distinctive Combat theme from the net. These days, Combat automatically means Body Combat. That Les Mills program that is so pervasive, it becomes so subsconsciously a part of your schedule, that one feels like one has forgotten one's antibiotics if one doesn't go for the class.

Especially FCI's class. Who can miss it! It was a very muhibbah arrangement yesterday. Aligned in front of me was an Indian, (though FCI said he from England one), and behind me a Malay chap. Ah, beautiful country that we live in. Lots of familiar faces, and to my relief, Loudspeaker was also there, Janvier. Haven't seen Certifiable Steve in awhile. Apparently the tall girl who has been attending the class since time immemorial is moving to Hong Kong. We are in a season of flux. Changes everywhere.

English Indian was telling me that he also likes to attend Jason's class. I've only attended Jason's combat once. But I dont see his name anywhere on the schedule. Anyone care to point out where he is? I remember I liked his style...reminded me a lot of FCI.

FCI's class was fun as usual. Not as loud as usual, but thankfully, with the help of Janvier, he managed to get some sounds going. Guy with the funny shorts, (actually they look normal to me, its only FCI who seems to comment about them), seems to be getting more familiar in class, and makes some hilarious remarks sometimes. I don't really like that Sting song cooldown, but of course, when FCI does it, its SOOOO NICE.

Monday was pump with Jap Porn Star. He was sick, so carried weights like a girl. As in normal girls. (Not those that go, "OH REEECH, save me a bike beside yours"). Lionheart was pooh poohing the boy's 3.5kg for biceps.

The IPOD Shuffle

2008-05-12T11:52:00.002+08:00

Twas with a heavy heart that I received an sms from IPOD (International Prince Of Divas) informing me that he will no longer be teaching combat wef from June. Awww. I suggested that IPOD dedicate his last class to FCI, since FCI always welcomes him with such opening arms in his classes, and play songs dedicated to IPOD, such as IF I WERE YOU, WHEN YOU CALL MY NAME...etc etc. Its so heartwarming to see instructors form such a camaraderic bond.

So, since his days at that slot are numbered, I made a special effort to attend the class at the curve on Saturday. I noticed that since they increased parking to RM3, the parking at Curve is VERY much easier these days. IPOD appeared very flustered, as he was under a lot of work pressure. The class wasn't very full, so there was lots of space to move about, but I wasn't counting on moving around that much. Heck, it turns out, he lived up to his name of IPOD SHUFFLE. I think EVERY track had shuffling. There was more shuffling that hour than during an entire Chinese New Year gambling season at a chinaman's house. As a result, it was a damn tiring class. And with so much space to move around as well. Another portly gentleman next to me was literally wheezing after one track. Sigh, I have come to rather enjoy the Saturday routine, afterall, it is the only time I utilise my passport. Driving to the Curve, all that ME time, walking around the flea market, buying Cameron Highland's strawberries, and occasionally treating myself to a 1901 hot dog after combat....undoing immediately all the calories burnt. So, with IPOD no longer teaching there, it begs the question. SHOULD I GIVE UP MY PASSPORT MEMBERSHIP? Afterall, I hardly go to any of the other clubs. I would dearly like to attend No1 in Tianjin's combat, but his hours clash with mine the way vinegar reacts with baking soda. Let's see, 147.50 (unless they've revised it) for home, vs 175 for passport, a saving of 27.50 per month, translating to RM330 per year. Minus the hefty admin charge that they impose for a downgrade, RM90 I think, that's RM240 a year saved. Wow, I didn't know I was paying THAT much for IPOD shuffle. He chose a really tough push up track, the one with lots of slows, then 16 singles, 2 sets of....that's nearly 50 pushups. Wonder how many instructors, apart from FCI can actually finish that on their knees.

Last Thursday, I went for Kenny's body step. He snidely remarked, this is not combat you know. Duhh, I think I sometimes do more step than combat. Anyway, I love his body step class. He has the gracefulness of a long neck swan.....I can imagine him in tights doing ballet. Is that perverse? I just mean, he has that kind of build. The male ballerina. Imagine him lifting FSI. Anyway, his cueing is just perfect. He has some strange analogies, like...argh, slips my mind now.... It was a great class. Must make it a regular...

Should I Even Bother To Continue......

2008-05-07T10:51:00.002+08:00

If this blog were a person, it would be on life support by now, just waiting for the plug to be pulled. This old fart of a blog however, has outlived the youth of today, such as Tabula rasa, Somewhere over the rainbow, where the words LAST POST are an appropriate errr....melody. (OH NO, I just re-read my posts from two posts ago, and it started off with exactly the same line).

Lets see, since my previous post, I've been to SWPMC (she who popped my cherry)'s class, on Friday 25th, JPS's class (Jap Porn Star) on 28th, FCI's on 29th, JPS's again on 5th, and FCI's on 6th. In that time, I've hosted a dinner for the usual suspects, comprising Lionheart & Lionness, Yhsmom, Megs, Sunshine, Leon, FCI, ex FPI & gf, FSI, GW, Jakarta Jan, PFPI (probationary FPI). Actually, I was going to redistribute the titles, because I hardly get to go FSI's class anymore, and She Who Popped My Cherry was my first Step Lurve, so if there was gonna be a new FSI, it could well be her, BUT, FSI objected vehemently, saying titles given cant be retracted. Got such thing ah? What about ex FPI and ex FCI then?

Anyway, I don't know HOW Lionheart can keep up with his les mills classes with the regularity of the big ben's chimes. I suddenly find myself yearning more for the wild outdoors, to breathe in the fresh polluted outside air, to hear the sound of wildlife juxtaposed against the sound of blaring traffic.

Nevertheless, I use Body Pump as my defacto weights training in the overall exercise regime, since the only thing worse than machines are ...nah, I can't think of anything worse. But Pump is actually semi cardio aint it. I always approach Pump with dread, but get away from the class feeling quite happy to have been able to finish it. This recent class, I was suffering from a nagging lower back pain, a recurring thing, that my masseur attributes to "angin". Not the tou fong kind of angin.

Apart from squats I didnt really bother decreasing my weights, despite the lower back thing. Lion was carrying 20kg on each side, and Malik aka Atlas, was tailing behind at 15kg. There's one elderly gentleman in the class, and I was thinking, wow, I hope I am that fit when I am that age. Speaking of fit and aging, I had to bid a premature farewell to a friend last wednesday, which was a bummer. Considering he is quite the fitness freak, into yoga, RPM, Body Attack etc, (used to be in FF, then he moved to TF), its quite disconcerting that he died of what was ostensibly a sudden heart attack.

JPS's biceps track was Carwash, a real killer. I was surprised the muscly guy in front of me carried less weights than me for biceps. Afterall, 5kg seems to be almost the minimum for guys, no matter how wimpy, and this fella didnt seem wimpy at all. Well, he carried 4½ kg.

Last night's combat was surprisingly not as full as usual. The regular loudspeakers, Janvier, Certifiable Stevie, were noticeably absent. There was a newbie, which FCI very kindly showered extra attention to show the ropes. Which made me think back, who was my first combat instructor? I think it was Mr Cool, Ben Sim, but I can't be entirely sure. Well, he's the first one that I remember I guess, so that's what counts. Anyway, the newbie was lucky that FCI paid so much attention to him.

The class ended with my favourite ....well, one of two favourites, cooldown, I BELIEVE. Bravo.

If I Were You.....

2008-04-23T12:25:00.002+08:00

When I signed in yesterday for combat, I saw that familiar name on the list, YOU! Finally, FCI's obsession with the guy was going to be consummated. Afterall, he's always talking about You this and You that. You = Leon, for the uninitiated.

Yhsmom, in a rare guest star appearance, was pleased coz she was looking forward to Leon's hairspray performance. Since FCI always omitted the entertainment part for that track, I had no idea what to expect. Sunshine was also there, so it was like a mini reunion, missing only Lionheart and Megs.

FCI seemed unusually animated, and also highly witty. Leon must certainly bring out the best in him. At one track, he said, "come on, shout for me..." then said, "come on...shout for You".... I missed that cue so couldnt shout on time, but the next time he did that, yea, I made it a point to shout for "you". Then came track 5, the supposedly famous hairspray track. However, since FCI himself didn't perform his part of the performance, Leon's movements looked a bit out of place....and out of context. Sigh, what an anticlimax.

I love his choice of track 6 & 7. Track 6, the shimmy one, always reminds me of Alvin Phey, who shimmies like there is not tomorrow. FCI never shimmy one. Track 7 is that very old muay thai track with the one one knee one scissors move. For the conditioning, he remarked that all instructors, male and female, must do pushups on toes. I couldn't see Aileen's expression from where I was. Leon did make an attempt. He also alluded to "you two lovebirds, on your toes". I have no idea WHO he was referring to. I couldn't do the pushups at all, having strained my arm too much at yesterday's pump, which was hell, after a two week hiatus.

I have to say it was a great class, and not just because Leon was there per se, but because of how Leon's presence seemed to add that animatedness and witty repartee from FCI.

Blog On Life Support System

2008-04-16T11:46:00.002+08:00

If this blog were a human, it would be pretty close to a comatose state, or may even have flatlined somewhere along the line. I guess after 3 years of blogging about gym, it's hard to keep the juices flowing, and even Dallas and Dynasty had to eventually close shop.

Anyway, I've also been not very regular over the last couple of weeks, as spent most of last week down and out with a high fever and sore throat, and a cough that is still lingering on. I have vague memories of attending body step two fridays ago, when I was the only rose amongst the thorns. Instructor was SWPMC. (She Who Popped My Cherry). It was a damn good workout, despite it being the new release. Actually I have no complaints about the new release, except for the weird stomp-gallop thingamajig around the board, that felt really tough on the knees at first.

I then vaguely recall YI's class, coz in that class, it was all batangs, and only one thorn. I also remember Lion wasn't there, much to the instructor's disappointment. When Lion is not there, the bar is lowered, (not in quality, but in terms of overall weights).... and the strongest guy in the room was 15kg on each side for squats. Fellow pumper, Ken, and me, would always look at wonderment at Lion's weights whenever he's in the class.

Then on Tuesday, it was FCI's combat, which was a great class, but literally drained every last ounce of energy and resistance from me, coz immediately after that, I started getting the shivers, and had to wrap myself in a blanket coz it felt like a Siberian Winter. The temperature (ironic huh, fevers, your body is burning up, but internally you feel like you're in a freezer) shot up to 39.5C and stayed there for the next 36 hours. I was also bedridden for that same amount of time, much to the amazement of those around me, including myself. I have NEVER been hit THIS badly by bacteria before, and have certainly never slept that long before. That ruled out gym for the next few days for me.

Couldn't make it to YI's pump on Monday, had to meet with client. Last night, went for FCI's class again, ....end of new release. He announced that he was waiting for a friend to come and teach with him, heh heh, turns out he was referring to Leon Lai. Anyway, Leon's FFK-ed, so he had to teach alone, though it was obvious, the first song, IF I WERE YOU, was dedicated to Leon.
Great class. One of FCI's regulars from Axis was raving about how good he is, how inspiring he is, bla bla bla.....

Absence Makes The Heart Grow .........Weaker

2008-03-26T12:14:00.004+08:00

I haven't been for Tuesday combat in ages. What with Chinese New Year, and constant disruptions, laziness, rainy weather, it became easier and easier to find excuses to skip this class which was once etched in stone in my gym schedule.

So, it was very nice to finally drag myself out the quagmire and attend. (This was LAST Tuesday, before the launches). Nothing much had changed, still the same old faces. I dunno if it is my imagination, but Certifiable Steve doesn't seem to be as energetic as before, in the shouting department. Taking over the battle cry was Janvier, who was screaming like a Duracell Bunny being abused by an Energizer Rabbit. However, they did add to the spirit of the class. The tuesday combat class is always very energetic anyway. Being absent from combat for a few weeks (not only Tuesday) does make the heart go weaker.

I was looking forward to Iron Lady's Pump on Wednesday, but to my disappointment, she was replaced by someone else. Some gentleman in the class, who had skipped class for a few weeks, looked like he was about to collapse after the lunge track, ..... Anyway, let's see, how many tracks did we do? One, Two, Twee, ..... oh, skipped Triceps and Biceps as he stuck to a 45 minute regime.

And that was it until Sunday, when I went for 2nd FSI's step class. He forgot his ipod, but luckily, had a CD on him. Getting quite crowded for a Sunday afternoon. Don't these people need to nap? It's a struggle and a half for me to get there.

Monday pump with YI, after having missed it for 2 weeks. Lionheart and Atlas, the two hardcores, were in the house, making our mere mortal weights look like feathers. Just looking at Lion's weights makes me dizzy.

Tuesday combat again, ah, we've come full circle for a week. Exceedingly enjoyable, I felt. Like a reunion of sorts, Lionheart, Ahgirl and Megan were there, only missing Yhsmom and Sunshine. Fantastic energy levels, the battle cry this time mostly led by Steve. Apparently there are a lot of performance moves, which FCI omitted, hence, we felt quite cheated. For all his normal showmanship, I can't understand how come he's so shy when it comes to all these groovy moves. Getting him to shimmy is like getting a horse to do yoga. Absence of side performances aside, it was great class, and I have to say I quite like the new releases. Step has great music (except for the 360C stomp/jump around the board, which CANT POSSIBLY be good for the knees) , Pump is not bad at all, and Combat...very enjoyable.

Has Anyone Seen The Lion?

2008-03-12T12:28:00.002+08:00

Well, I guess I completely forgot to blog about gym for the last two weeks because there was no Lion in the house. Until yhsmom asked why I've been so quiet, I actually FORGOT I have this blog.

The last post was for IFKAS's class two wednesdays ago. The following thursday, I vaguely remember going for Bryan's body step, which was his last in Manulife for that slot. Which I felt was quite a pity, coz I was getting accustomed to his face. But his replacement's worthy enough, the OTHER diva, Kenny.

Did outside exercises on Saturday, since it was the quarterlies, and the usual classes and instructors were not teaching. Got caught in a torrential storm in bukit kiara, and umbrella wasn't much help. Sunday, went for 2nd FSI's step class, after realising how much I missed his classes when he taught in Curve the previous week. His classes are always very energetic, and for a Sunday afternoon, packed!!!

Then it was YI's pump as usual on Monday. Poor boy was sporting a fever, so lucky for him Lion was not around, or he'd have gotten grief for his 7kg aside squats. I think we only did 9 tracks....if I remember correctly. Hmmm, its a misty memory. Ah, Wedneday, Pump with Iron Woman (incidentally Margaret Thatcher has been hospitalised, wonder how she is), was great. She was being assessed by Sue Prosser, so thankfully, she stuck to the 45 minute class program. Ya ya, I know we should be happy when they stuff all the 10 tracks into that space, but sometimes, it's like a nice unexpected public holiday (eg, a PM kicks the bucket or Sultan) when they say, okay, we have to skip a track. Horny was participating as a member. Again, Lion's presence was sorely missed, as I am sure he'd have loved those tracks.

Thursday, Kenny's body step. What can I say? He's the perfect step instructor... can't fault him in any way. Somehow his graceful movements reminds me of Swan Lake....or some ballet or other. Saturday was Leon's class as usual in Curve....very tiring class that one. A lot of shuffling here and there, more shuffling that the genting casino.

Ah, that about brings us up to date. HAve been since enveloped by a tsunami of laziness.....

An Assortment of Classes

2008-02-25T14:46:00.003+08:00

[Omigoodness, I must be getting old. I suddenly found out today (28th Feb) that I forgot to post this drafted post up]

Last week probably has been my most "diverse" in terms of instructors within a week. On Wednesday, I attended IFKAS's (instructor formerly known as sidekick) combat. The gym seemed a bit quiet, overall, and it wasn't until later that I found out it was coz Lionheart was in Bangkok.

At first it also looked like it was going to be a rather empty class, but people trickled in, and there were a number of familiar faces, like Soo Chin, whom I haven't been in a class with for over a year. Age plus the accumulation of calories over chinese new year, plus laziness, made for a very tiring class. IFKAS tried a selection of new and old tracks.

On Friday, it was Body Step with WWPMC. (Woman Who Popped My Cherry....Les Mills Cherry that is). Still no flicker of recognition from her. Anyway, it was a great class. I mean, she is afterall a very experienced step instructor, and her cueing all crisp, and clear.

Saturday, I get a call from Lionheart, asking me if I was coming for 2ndFSI's class, as Sunshine wanted to know. I was rushing around, busy as a blue arsed fly, so wasn't sure I could make it, but thank God for the Penchala Link, which got me from my doorstep to Curve in 10 minutes. Also with the current hike in parking in the Curve, its a lot easier to park.

Sunshine concluded that 2nd FSI had improved by leaps and bounds since the first time she tried him. Smooth, clear, and natural. Well, I told her I had always found this to be so, hence bestowing upon him the title of 2ndFSI.

In an unusual display of strength, I also stayed on for Leon's Combat (which was the main reason for me going anyway). Well, these old bones aint gonna get younger, and it was certainly exhausting to do two cardio classes back to back. And the tracks seemed very long. Back in the UK seemed to drag on forever. Apparently he made some choreo boo boos, but the class looked pretty unripe anyway, and probably didnt pick it up.

Monday was pump with YI as usual. Evil biceps and lunge track. I dunno why that particular lunge track was so murderous. YI is now no longer that Y, as he turned 20 recently. Happy Belated Birthday young man. Phew, at least now I no longer have friends in the "teenage" category.

And so the cycle begins again. Was going to go jogging on Wednesday, but dark skies caused me to end up in IFKAS' class yet again, prompting Soo Chin to comment, "oh, you're regular here now are you". Would have loved to have joined Lionheart for the Ironwomen Duet RPM..... but alas, time and stamina constraints......

I Guess When They Invite A Month In Advance....

2008-02-18T14:40:00.003+08:00

The parking at the Curve these days, on weekends is RM3. Adding the two way toll via the Penchala Link, RM4, and fuel, about RM4, it looks like it's more expensive to go there than to go to any of these destinations.

But since Air Asia is unlikely to fly to IOI Mall anytime soon, I guess when Shades informed me a month ago that he would be replacing FDI on 16th February, my obvious reflex action response was, "sure, I'll be there"....afterall, one is spared the jet lag going to the Curve.

So, when I got an sms on Friday, or was it Saturday, asking if I was attending that class, momentarily amnesiac, I said, "huh"....then remembered a long ago promise. So, like a faithful acolyte, I made my way to the Curve. The carpark was surprisingly empty, I'm guessing a lot of parkers have moved to Ikano or Tesco or the road. The roadside parking is horrendously obstructive.

He said something about dedicating the class to You....Starting with If I were you, and ending with Because of You. He did clarify it was You and in You Kok Hoe, and not me. Anyway, his You medley was cut short (thankfully) because he was assessing Emma, that trainee instructor, with that fabulous hint of Irish accent. That is one lass you wouldn't want to mess around with. I liked her cueing, crisp and clear. Overall the class was very energetic, and fairly crowded as well.

Not having done combat for two weeks or so, I was winded after the warm up. Was surprised to see IFKAS (Instructor Formerly Known as Sidekick) there as well in the class.

Yesterday was pump as usual with YI. At first, there seemed like there were gonna be all but two students in the class. Fortunately more trickled in. As usual, very gusto-ic class by YI, full of exhorting shouts, that are a cross between a sergeant major barking orders and a man in the throes of wild unbridled sex. Very hard to describe.

Decided to add a princely 1kg extra weights for warm up, back track and triceps. Without Lion there, there was only one other person carrying heavier weights than me...well, it was a class of 6, 3 boys and 3 girls. And the instructor. Very balanced.

King Of The Jungle, Now King of The Gym

2008-02-15T11:56:00.002+08:00

When the King holds court, he really holds court. A group of privileged few (translation : his regular instructors and gym kaki) were invited to Lion's birthday at Max Kitchen. For a food review, and pictures of food, go here.

Anyway, it was a great night of fantastic food, company, laughter, etc. Many thanks to Lionheart and his gracious wife for hosting such a feast.

It's always hard to return to the gym after Chinese New Year. The sheer weight of food amassed is like a prison ball, shackling you down to the very ground you trod, and the resistance faced going to the gym is like swimming upstream in a river of viscous treacle. The amount of yee sang consumed over this period makes you grateful it appears but once a year.

So much so, any little excuse is enough to sway the feeble mind from the path of most resistance. Slight muscle ache, or slight cough (we wouldn't want to infect our fellow gym members surely), or a flatulent stomach, all become very valid reasons for not dragging the sagging butt back to the gym. Anyway, finally on Wednesday, like a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon, I managed to make it to Horny's Pump. Was expecting the other iron lady to be there, but thankfully there was only one, but that didn't mean half the main. On the contrary, that darn biceps track, with the 24 singles finale, was a killer, as were the chest and lunge tracks. Lion was in the house. For some reason, I could hear in my mind, a resounding echo of "Oh Reech........could yew get me a boike please". (private joke) Noble intentions of doing pumbat dissipated like a dew drop in the sahara, as the excrutiating pain from the pump class rendered me semi paralysed.

Yesterday, I decided the old heart needed some pumping, to flush out the cholesterol build up, so went for Body Step. Noticed that FSI has relinquished the Thursday lunch time spot. EFF ASS AIIIII, come back, we need you!!! But ya, it wasn't the lunchtime class I went for, it was the 5.40pm one, previously taught by granny. (gosh, I only dare say these things coz I know the readership of this blog is quite limited).

PT turned Instructor was teaching, making it now my 3rd time attending his class. Well, I dunno if it was by chance, but I'm pretty sure 90% of the tracks were the same as the last class of his that I attended. Not that I am complaining. I actually quite like some of those tracks. Funky music is nice. And that speed track with the half stomps is also quite enjoyable. I didn't realise the extent of the pain from pump until we had to do pushups. Argh, I can feel my chest in pain.

Oh, Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone.

Can You Do It When Someone's Watching?

2008-01-30T13:30:00.002+08:00

I meant to blog about this in the previous post, but forgot. Our dear Richelle is now literally the poster girl of Fitness First. Don't know who the guy is, but she looks darn good in the Contender series of posters. She's everywhere, even behind cubicle doors. Which poses a problem, when you, or more specifically, I, want to poo. It's quite disconcerting having a friend's face stare at you when you're ...erm, doing it. So, anyway, I had to drape my towel over the picture before I could proceed to PIP. (Poop In Peace)

Talking about Contender, there was a writeup on the Contender Combat, on Shades Blog, partially in response to my previous post. Aww Shades, I really really didnt mean to hurt ya.

Monday's pump class was extraordinarily painful for me, for some reason. I swear, those weights seems heavier than normal, so much so I actually switched plates at some point to see if maybe I picked a wrongly calibrated 5kg. It REALLY felt like dead weights. Could barely finish the chest track. Triceps dips are a constant nightmare, I really need to practise more with those. Its disgraceful when petite sweet young thangs can effortlessly do them dips, and here I am (thank God for the other chap, ...shall we just call him Christopher Reeve, since he looks a bit like him), who despite the superman exterior, also finds it hard to dippy dip all the way. Lion was moving in and out of class muttering something about having to take a client's call.

Tuesday Combat as usual. The class seemed a bit subdued without Certifiable Stevie in the room. Quite the energiser bunny he is, and one doesn't realise how much so until he's absent. Fortunately, another replacement bunny entered at about 2nd track, the mysterious Janvier, who up till then, had been an anonymous face behind a mask of lips of voluptuous proportion. I had seen them in passing at the last combat class I attended more than a month ago, when I had to make a hasty exit, so didn't really get to chat. For such a "petite" fella, they sure pack a punch in the screaming department. (They refer to their singular self as "WE" hence the they and the them). During the signature Tatu (Not Gonna Get Us) conditioning, I could feel the force was strong, but had my back (and ass) facing the studio door, but the minute I turned around, there she was, Gorgeous Woman, the Woman In Black, all poised outside to take a replacement Jam Class. I was glad I had ahem, chosen to do pushups on the toes rather than on the knees. One wouldn't want to appear too wussy in front of her.

Giving Shades False Hope

2008-01-28T15:13:00.000+08:00

On Saturday, since Leon wasn't teaching combat, and I had to ferry the kids around in the morning like a driver, I scoured the FF schedule for a suitable class to attend. One that caught my eye was COMBAT CONTENDER, in both uptown and IOI. I sms-ed Shades to ask him what Contender Combat was..... and might have in the process given him false hope that I might make the flight to IOI Mall. I even asked him that in the hypothetical event of me going, where should I park. Actually, to be honest, there was a 50-50 chance of me going. But then, the timing just didnt seem to gel.

So, I opted for the Body Attack class in the curve, taught by Renee and Teoh. I have no regrets whatsoever, (apart from maybe misleading Shades), cos it was a fantastic class. I haven't enjoyed a class as much as I had this one for a long long time. The energy level was awesome, and the man and woman were great on stage. They had an announcement in the beginning, and Renee chirped that they were getting married, whereupon, she gave a bow and Teoh a curtsey. Xena Warrior Princess was there too, and I was surprised she knew me, and she snidely remarked, "oh, should we roll out the red carpet"...or something to that effect. Haha. I adore her. Must find an opp to attend her class.

Last Thursday, after returning from Cambodia, and 1 too many a large meal, I HAD to have some carbo, ...oops, cardio, and headed for Body Step in the evening, taught by Brian. I had attended his class once a long time ago when he was replacing someone in Manulife, and he seemed exceedingly nervous then. But this time, now that he's a regular instructor, he was fine, and the class was good. I enjoyed it, and it was a darn good workout. Actually, I felt a sharp pain on my left side, and was wondering if I was having a heart attack. Probably just a stitch.

And last Saturday, ie, two saturdays ago, on Friday night I get an sms from Lionheart saying my presence is requested at the 2nd Queen of Pain's step class, where she was team teaching with FSI. I have definitely attended her class before, and certainly didnt know why my presence would be requested, unless Lion was putting words into her mouth. Nevertheless, the timing was perfect, as there was no combat that evening. Again, it was a fantastic step class. They complement each other well. And lots of old songs. Twas hilarious, as FSI did the cool down song, some melodramatic love song. The expression on QOP's face almost made me burst out laughing. At one point, she mimicked a slapping motion, (piaks) at FSI for being such a sop!!!! Snigger. FSI is looking a tad anorexic if you ask me.

It's A Miracle

2008-01-17T11:05:00.000+08:00

I've heard so much about this legendary RPM class. The two ironladies with their imaginary whips, (I can almost hear it), with their group of subservient men, (and women) obeying every command they bark. I can imagine in the olden days, these two commanding a rowing ship, the prisoners and convicts tied with chains.......

Yeah, so it was with trepidation that I signed up (or rather, Lion signed up for me) for RPM. Then I saw the timetable and it showed a yellow label (replacement) saying Elaine. I have to admit I felt a tinge of disappointment, ....it's like going for a japanese buffet only to be told that there are no fresh oysters and sashimi....but before I could wallow too long, Lion trotted (or however it is that Lions walk) up to me and excitedly told me to expect a great class.

Anyway, I politely declined his invitation to sit next to him in the front row. And there they were, the Amazonian duo.....

I always have, and probably always will, hate RPM, but what makes it bearable is great music and great instructors. The energy levels in the class was amazing, and it truly was a great class. Tracks 3,4,5,6 were yikes, torture. I honestly don't know HOW some people can do that seated climb with high resistance!!! That to me is the worst.

A miracle happened. I actually had a lower back ache when I entered the class. After the class, it disappeared, because every where ELSE was even MORE painful than my back....hallelujah, what a miracle!!!!

3 Rounds of Pushups

2008-01-16T11:58:00.000+08:00

Usually Body Pump instructors dont make us do pushups for all the 3 pushup tracks, ie, chest, biceps and shoulders, but YI (Young Instructor) decided to be sadomachoistic, so we were treated to lots of them. Just before the squats, he glanced down the studio and saw Lionheart still on the phone, so he muttered something about, oh well, I can give yall a slightly easier track then. Voodoo child. Ya, very easy. Faizal and I just looked at each other and rolled our eyes.

Anyway, I recalled Sunshine saying on Saturday that she finds YI "scary", when he shouts his motivation to the class.... hahaha, him, scary? Please la. But I tell you, considering his age and all, he's a darn fine instructor. Clear cueing, enjoyable selection of music, etc. At the end of the class, Lionheart was giving his running commentary about the latest release, and how some-awe it was (opposite of awesome). Heh heh. I wouldn't know, as I missed Body Pump for a month.

Gym-nasty

2008-01-14T15:16:00.000+08:00

Remember the days of yore, when DYNASTY was THE soap opera? If you don't then you probably do not recognise icons such as Jane Fonda either.

Yeah, anyway, since the last post, did I stick to my new year's semi resolution to go back to routine? Err, if Les Mills = Less Meals, then I must have been attending the opposite of it, More Meals.

Yhsmom very graciously hosted dinner in honor of Sunshine's birthday, at Reunion Bangsar Village II. I has mistakenly informed Leon Lai that dinner was at 7.30pm, and I myself got there at 7.45pm, thinking I was dreadfully late. But turns out, dinner was at 8pm, and factor in the Malaysian timing, no one else appeared till about 8.20pm. Megs appeared, followed by Sunshine, who didn't know the dinner was in honor of her birthday and looked shocked when we all wished her. The hostess then arrived followed by the Lion couple.

As the gym talk progressed, Megs said they should start a series called GYMNASTY, named after DYNASTY. Ah, all the reminiscing about beloved characters like Alexis Carrington Colby Dexter, and discussions about who would suit each role best. Apart from Lionheart being the default Blake Carrington, there were no clear cast characters. Who would play the Cretinous suspected illegitimate son, Adam? Or the superbitch Alexis? Or saccharine sweet but insipid Krystal Carrington? The gay son, Steven Carrington (lots of suitable candidates for this role).

But all I know is this. I think if there ever was a special award for the member who knew the MOST choreography for the Les Mills program, the undisputed crown goes to the Lionheart.

Food was excellent, the hokkien mee in particular, with the deep fried lard (chee yow char) calling out my name. Fatboy, fatboy, eat me, eat me. Afterall, since I've already not gone to the gym all week, might as well complete the iniquitous cycle of debauchery. I shall review the food in the other food blog.

At the ending of the "workout", at about a conditioning track equivalent in a time line, we brought out the cake for sunshine, who exclaimed she hadn't had a birthday cake since she was 9 or 12 or something laidat.

Oh well, one of the greatest side benefits of gymming is defintely the making of friends. For this particular lot, I guess I have Shades to be thankful to. Heh heh. And many thanks to Yhsmom for a lovely dinner.

1 Month No Pump

2008-01-08T11:27:00.000+08:00

I was dreading my foray back into Body Pump. But I have to make my Fitness First membership fees worthwhile. Last month, having been to all of like 3 classes, it probably worked out to RM50 per class. Tsk!!!

So, the month long hiatus from Body Pump came to an end yesterday. Quite a lot of familiar faces, but there was also a new older couple. How romantic hor, at retirement age to go to gym with your wife and do classes together gether. Shudder. Oh, the other couple (not old) who used to come, I think have defected to True Fitness because of their really cheap rates, and apparently the Jaya 33 one even has a nice pool. But nothing like the camaraderie of the classmates in FF, with the charge led by Lionheart.

Lionheart was stuck outside the gym in deep conversation, and came in just in time for the chest track. I salute the fella. I doubt I would attempt a pump class without warm up. Especially with those kind of superhuman weights. Having missed the new (latest) release completely, I have no idea which tracks were old or new. Now, I have concluded its not the first class that you go for after a long break that hurts the most. It's the 2nd class. Coz after a month, the muscles and fats are well rested, and it doesnt hurt immediately. But the next day, OMIGOSH!!!!! I was surprised I could complete my most dreaded track, biceps, and ALMOST managed to complete lunges without buckling.

Quite a nice feeling getting back into routine again.

First Class of The Year

2008-01-03T13:35:00.000+08:00

Drum roll....now who has the distinction of being my first instructor for 2008, and who was the last for 2007?

I think I went for one Saturday class (where Shades was replacing Leon Lai in Curve) at Manulife, coz I couldn't make it on time to Curve. Something like that. Anyway, Kenny was last minute replaced by Sylvester's friend.....yeth, you heard me right...

The new step release, (it's amazing how I just completely lost interest in the gym all of December....missed the new pump release altogether, and managed to catch the tail end of the step release) has music that really is our time. ("our" meaning Lionheart, yhsmom, sunshine and me). Great music. Cant remember much of that last class for 07.

Yesterday, decided to go for Combat. IFKAS' class. (Instructor Formerly Known As Sidekick). Traffic was mad, and he was a bit late. Lion was there for the Ironwomen's Duet of Pump, so chatted awhile after that, since the studio was empty. Having not done combat in over 3 weeks, it was thoroughly exhausting, and I didn't recall the conditioning having 48 crunches at the end. Yikes, I dread going for body pump after a month's hiatus. Shudder.

Have also been walking a lot up Kiara Hill, coz am hoping to do Mount Kinabalu this year.

Keep The Wrist Soft But Firm

2007-12-17T10:30:00.000+08:00

Gasp, my last entry was 5th December. Which means, my last class was FSI's body step, (since I couldn't get into Horny's RPM), on the 5th of Dec. A 10 day hiatus, so no wonder I was huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf. The jam in front of the Curve/Ikano area looked mighty scary, and a faint hearted person might have fled the scene.

Anyway, the stars must have been shining, as I managed to get a carpark the minute I got into the Curve parking lot. Bumped into Leon outside the studio, he was chatting with Serena from Singapore. Again, my theory about instructor names seems to hold water. If your name is Alvin, Kelvin/Calvin, Ken, Ben, Serena......you have a good chance of becoming an instructor.

First time doing the new release. Leon's class seems to have shrunk, maybe because it's December, and there were hardly ANY familiar faces there but for Sunshine. The first 3 tracks were pretty erm, how should I put it tactfully, .....put it this way, Nat King Cole won't be singing "Unforgettable" any time soon. Track 4, although simple in choreo, was exhausting... was dripping in sweat after that track. Quite like the muay thai. It was at track 8 I think where Leon said, "keep your wrist soft but firm".... and then covered his mouth ....which only drew more attention to the innuendos of that remark.

Apparently one member misheard the lyrics of one of the tracks, that says Put your hand in my hand and I'll show you the way, as "put your hand in my pants and I'll show you the way". Mind you, I much prefer the lyrics of the latter.

Pushups, yikes, tough tough.

Pumba

2007-12-05T10:19:00.000+08:00

Pumba = Pump + incomplete Combat.

After a week hiatus from the gym, mainly because of a combo of partying, sick, etc, it was with GREAT difficulty that I had to drag myself to FSI's pump. I was kinda heartened when he declared that he also just returned from a 2 week break from pump. He gleefully declared the squat track to be STILL FEARSOME. Dread!!!!

It was his trademark Voodoo child. I wondered if there was a particular theme of songs for the day's selection....but FSI said he's been playing the same songs for the last 4 weeks. For biceps, he wondered aloud if he should carry 3½ kg, but I remarked he cant, because the defacto GXM, ie, Lionheart was watching from outside. I wonder if the weights are all properly calibrated, coz my 5 kg felt a lot heavier.

By the time it was lunges, I thought my legs were going to give way.

Then it was combat. The class seemed empty at first, but by the end of track 1, it seemed packed, and also seemed rather energetic, since the dynamo cheerleader, Certifiable Steve was in the house. At some point, apparently a hitherto unknown commentor on the blog also joined the class. Anyway, had to leave after track 4 ..... hence the incompleteness.

I Think We Will Rock You Is the Most Brutal Pushup Track

2007-11-28T09:54:00.000+08:00

Because I had to make brownies for 300 kids, for Vacation Bible School in church, I was almost late for Body Combat....thankfully, its not as stressful as the good old days when Cerberus guarded the doors to that hallowed hall, and when getting onto the registration list was like getting onto Schindler's List.

Got in just in time for the left side upper body warm up. Standing in the front, in a Dreamgirls like trio, were Lionheart, Yhsmom and Sunshine. Anyway, after track 1 they beckoned me to join them in the spotlight spot, but I have always been averse to unnecessary attention, being exceedingly shy, though no one believes me.

I knew it was going to be a good class. All his props were in place... his inspiration, the Lionheart, his loudspeaker, Certifiable Stevie, guest appearance by Yhsmom, his normal adoring fans...Track 4 was a particularly old track I think, coz it neither had Jingas, nor Jump Kicks. Track 5 was great, lots of speedballs, which I like. Track 6........oh gosh, bring back the Shanghai Phoenix please!!!! That shimmying Jinga that she does so well, FCI tried to get into the groove.... well, good attempt, but a far cry from the Phoenix. Somewhere along the way, of course I heard FCI make a reference to IPOD. I was too far away to decipher what was being said.

Conditioning track, We Will Rock You. I think this is the most brutal pushup tracks that I can think of. Slow pushups, upper halves and in many many reps too. I used to be able to finish one rep (before the first stretch) on my toes, but as age catches up, like the police did with Hindraf, .....it was tough even finishing the first set. For that matter, I don't know whether it was coz he COULDN'T do it, or chose not to do it, but FCI also got up halfway in the 2nd set and started giving that "instructor look about" to see who was doing what. Convenient. But of course, being a young, strapping lad, I have NO doubt that he can easily pull it off. What surprises me is all these chiselled young lads who CAN'T seem to pull it off. I have espoused the theory of Chiselled Taufu many times, so I shan't repeat it. Suffice to say, the youth of today.....hmmm, roll eyes. Oh, when FCI asked if we wanted an easy or hard conditioning, I had to say HARD of course, for Lionheart. It wasn't meant to rhyme, but I think FCI thought I was trying to be smart (and announced it to the class)...HARD and HEART aren't exactly rhyming words.

Monday's pump with YI was sheer torture, mainly because my last pump class was 10 days ago.

Back After Two Weeks

2007-11-21T15:30:00.000+08:00

First it was Chicago, then it was Bali. He does get around doesn't he.

But ya, so he was finally back, which makes it a grand total of 3 week since his last class. I have to say, it was good to have him back. Tanned like chinese gold diggers working the goldmines in California, he and ahgirl. Not many familiar faces this time round. Old man with his own moves wasnt there. Standing right in front of me was this tall bloke, who completely blocked my view of FCI. By track 4, I was exhausted, not having done much exercise in the past week. And all the tracks seemed interminably long. Track 4 is that long long jinga track, from the last release, and track 8 is that even longer Back in the UK (I'm wanna check your microphone) track. Certifiable Steve wasn't there to lead the cheering squad, and neither was Lionheart. The class was unusually quiet, although very energy charged.

Conditioning was that dog pee position one. He actually spanked me. I haven't been spanked by a teacher since standard 5, when the Brother Director of St John's Institution spanked me for making noise in the school bus. Discipline those days is a whole different cattle of fish from the far cry that it is now. Such a spank might have been grounds for a sexual harrasment suit, but I can imagine FCI saying, "hah, you wish".

But I enjoyed the class thoroughly, and felt it was a great workout. Bravo indeed, after andrea bocelli's I believe.

Still A Fearsome Squat Instructor, FSI

2007-11-15T10:19:00.000+08:00

I had to miss YI's pump class on Monday because..... gosh, I can't for the life of me remember why. Must have been laziness. Or fear of pain. I dunno. But Lionheart said it was a wussy session. (then again, his standard of wussy and mine are different) So on Tuesday, I felt a need, as a guilty person feels the need for confession, to attend a pump class to make up for my iniquity of sloth.

Secretly, I harbored the thought that the Dreamgirls Minus One Pump team on Tuesday at Manulife is probably somewhat easier than PFPI's on Friday and YI's on Monday. Since FCI was away holidaying in Bali, and I had the Beowulf Premiere to attend (in Gold Class, no less...I finally lost my Gold Class Virginity), Pump at 5.40pm was the obvious choice. Actually dear Shades had sms-ed me to utilise my passport since FCI wasn't teaching, and attend his combat in DU. Sigh, it would almost appear that I am avoiding the guy, but it just so happens our stars are not aligned in the cosmos just yet, and there was no way I could have attended his class.

Anyway, one of the Dreamgirls was missing, leaving only the soloist, FSI. I forgot about his previous moniker, ie, Fearsome Squat Instructor. Anything to do with legs, the guy is Hannibal Lechter. Ruthless, cannibalistic and a killer. With a bit of Voodoo thrown in as well. I usually CAN complete the lunge tracks, albeit with difficulty, but after the 5th bottom half, I thought my legs were going to give way. I wasn't the only one. Also, don't you just LURVE it when you see newbies, first timers, carry 5kg weights for biceps....thinking to themselves, "ah, 5kg for biceps should be no prob".....nyeahahahahahah. I just wait for the expression of shocked pain. And the funny thing is, the instructors dont seem to say anything either. I bet there is a secret sadistic streak to them.

Yesterday, I thought I'd go for IFKAS (Instructor Formerly Known as Sidekick....Lion remarked that it sounded like a type of IKEA furniture...I said it sounded like some government department......) class, as I had to rush for dinner at Trader's Hotel. He was very adventurous, trying out some first time tracks that he had just learnt half an hour before. Okay lah, the class was rather forgiving, despite the few hiccups. Which actually, had International Prince of Divas been the one in the situation, he would have seamlessly weaved back into the correct choreo, unnoticed except by the Les Mills High Inquisitors like Lionheart who knows every choreo move, just by listening to the first bar of the song.

POSTSCRIPT:

AND SPECIALLY FOR SHADES, WHOSE CLASS I SACRIFICED FOR THE PREMIERE OF BEOWULF....

For starters, it took me a good 5 minutes to realise the movie was entirely or at least 98% CGI-ed!!!! They characters looked so real ..... and I guess the faces are based on the real faces of Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie and Ray Winstone .....but the bodies were definitely CGI-ed as we were treated to full nude frontals of Angelina Jolie as the She Monster from Hell, and Ray Winstone's full well toned butt as he was strangling the monster Grendel.

Story wise, it follows the ancient legend of Beowulf, and as far as I know, stuck quite closely to the story. I love any movie with dragons, (not the wussy type in Shrek, but real evil fire breathing dragons), and monsters and civilised outposts in barren landscapes, (like the White City of Gondor.....). The theme is that there is retribution, as our descendants pay for the sins of their fathers. Moral of the story is, don't screw with Angelina Jolie. Or rather, don't screw Angelina Jolie..........as tempting as it may be. I'm sure Jennifer Aniston shared that sentiment.

So Shades, yeah, probably quite up your alley. Lots of blood and gore and lovely violence.

Flagellation Redefined

2007-11-12T11:53:00.000+08:00

Recently, in the movie DaVinci code, that opus dei assasin would flog himself with a whip in his room, a term called flagellation. When I was younger, another movie, The Name of The Rose (where I encountered my first explicit "sex scene" where Christian Slater was bonking the peasant girl) also featured a scene where a fat monk would flagellate himself. Anyway, attending PFPI's (Probationary Favourite Pump Instructor) friday evening class feels like that. Self inflicted torture. Whip whip whip. I dunno why she referred to me, for the song "It's Raining Men".... Anyway, the male version of Lionheart was there as well. Bearing the same name as the Blessed Virgin, the nun from the sound of Music, and the main star of Westside story, I was watching her weights in utter disbelief. 18½ kg for squats on each side.

How do you solve a problem like *****?

Anyway, I feel like a mouse standing behind her.

On Saturday, after a long absence, I was back at Leon, IPOD's class. They now wrap the mike battery casing in a white plastic bag, which sticks out their bum like a bunny's misplaced tail. For someone who's been absent so long, the class went pretty smoothly without any noticeable hitches. Anyway, half of the class was done by some girl called Abby, .... twas like going for a Whitney Houston concert only to have half the concert sung by [fill in appropriate name]. Sunshine was the only familiar face there. Well, there were familiar faces, but I don't know them.

Last Tuesday, I rushed for FCI's class only to find out that he wasn't teaching coz he went for Chicago. Rumour has it that ahgirl fell asleep during the show. Anyway, the replacement was Lesley, a tou dai of my exFCI.....the last time I saw her on stage she was shadowing him for a practice track for their nike tribe contest. Initially I wasn't going to stay, cos my main purpose was to attend FCI's class (talk about wrong reasons!), but Lionheart cajolled me into staying, and told me that he heard she's very good. Anyway, no complaints, her cue-ing is crisp and clear, and the energy levels were exceedingly high.

Like A Reunion

2007-11-05T14:04:00.000+08:00

I was thrilled that on Friday evening, I was fairly free and unencumbered and could make it for Body Pump with that amazing Richelle. As I entered the carpark, I noticed YHSMOM's car in front of me, and I motioned to her to put my name down, as she got a park first.

I saw Lion's car as well, so I KNEW it was going to be a painful class. I was not disappointed. Richelle was in her elements...(I think we also need a new nickname for Richelle. Originally because we were saying she was like a cross between Riyo and Michelle...but now that we hardly see or hear of Michelle, I think she deserves a more flattering nickname).... but drew too much unwanted attention to me.....shudder.... everyone knows what a shy soul I am.

Anyway, it was torture from the word go. The Gwen Stefani Lonely Goatherd track for triceps, the Now We Are Free for .....what was it? Chest? Actually, FCI should be honored to be Maximus, since the Gladiator song is featured in numerous programs, and in different beats too!!!

What's with the lunge track with squats??? I looked in horror as I saw Lion loading his barweights to 13.5kg (or was it 18.5kg?) for lunges....I thought he had gone mad, like some other English King, but well, actually He Who Knows Every Les Mills track by just listening to the opening line, was loading up for the squats. Pain Pain Pain.

After the class, we were milling around the juice bar, and YHSMOM was telling her adoring fan about our blog, and how everyone's featured. So if you're reading this, welcome. (Lion, what name to give ah? Fisherman's Friend?)

Went to Lembah Kiara park for the first time, on the behest of exFCI. What a gem of a place. Two nice tracks for jogging, and a waterfall and stream even for kids to play in. What a discovery. Ran 2km, walked 4km. Not bad for a lazy Sunday evening.

Getting Lazier By The Day

2007-11-01T14:25:00.000+08:00

Ya, well, although I have been silent, I have been going to the gym, except for yesterday, Wednesday, when I was overcome by an unspeakable sloth.

Monday evening was pump as usual. Not a trace of Lionheart anywhere, which makes me wonder if he's in town. YI chirpily announced that since Lionheart not around, can do easier tracks. Again, I don't know which track he meant was easy, coz none of them were. I find myself completely exhausted after his class.

But its nice to see that some youth of today aren't as resilient...and virtually collapsed halfway through the lunge tracks, while old men and women still plod on.

Tuesday evening, combat as usual. Great selection of songs. For the record, Carmina Burana isn't the satanic soundtrack from THE OMEN, as I was originally told. Anyway, that was the intro for track 4, the one with the imaginary samurai sword. It's bad enough that we are punching imaginary targets, with the sword, we're another step away from reality. We're using an imaginary sword, to kill an imaginary opponent. Hmmm, might as well just point an imaginary gun. (which would look absurd, so that begs the question, does wielding an imaginary air sword make us look ridiculous to the outside onlookers?)

Track 5 (Dead Ringer for Love) has such a happy feel about it. I cant remember if this is the one with the dramatic guitar strumming ending. I originally didn't like the Back in the UK or back to the UK song, ( I wanna check your microphone), but it kinda grows on you. Was glad he did that for track 8. It does seem inordinately long though.

Very energetic class. Outside, he (FCI) snidely apologised for the class being too noisy. It is a veiled reference to my previous post about "the instructor formerly known as sidekick, or IFKAS (as Shades sugggested), he was implying that I said IFKAS class was good because there was no shouting. For the record, I said the class was good IN SPITE of the fact that it was quiet, not BECAUSE it was quiet. I can't roll my eyes enough.

No More Sidekick

2007-10-29T13:55:00.000+08:00

The equation is:

where-

μ

is the coefficient of friction, which is an empirical property of the contacting materials,

F n

is the normal force exerted between the surfaces, and

F f

is either the force exerted by friction, or, in the case of equality, the maximum possible magnitude of this force.

Translated to non scientific english,

F f

= Fitness First, coincidentally, or rather, the likelihood of going

μ = a number of factors, such as age, laziness, weight, day of the week, etc etc and so forth.

F n = hmmm, probably the F here inevitably linked to the F instructor.

Anyway, it basically says the likelihood of going to FF decreases with age, weight, etc...

Alright, that was a load of crap.

Anyway, its an excuse why I missed going to the gym on Wed, Thurs and Friday. My subscription fee is beginning to look very exorbitant, divided by per class basis. Anyway, on Saturday, since Leon IPOD AGAIN wasn't teaching, I looked for other alternatives. I wasn't sure who was replacing him anyway. I later on found out it was FCI.

So, when I recalled that "Sidekick" (not to be confused with the other instructor, Sai Kit who has left for Shanghai/Beijing) was teaching at Manulife, I thought I'd give it a try. Sidekick used to attend Leon's class on Saturdays before he became a full fledged instructor, and earned the nickname Sidekick when he was team teaching with Leon.

But, I think that nickname is now obsolete. For starters, the class was quite crowded for a saturday noon class. Even Megs was there. And I have to say, it was rather enjoyable, despite the fact it was a tad quiet, which goes to show, you don't have to scream to have a good time. He must have recently lost his IPOD (the real thing) or something, as he had to resort to the CDs. Ah, I remember the good old days, when they only used CDs and the tracks will jump whenever we did the jump kicks.

Well, considering he's no longer anyone's Sidekick, would anyone like to contribute a nickname for the guy?

Walk, Pump, Step, Walk, Pump, Combat

2007-10-24T09:47:00.001+08:00

...in a nutshell, that summarises what I've been up to since the last post. By walk, I'm referring to the Bukit Kiara Hill.

Anyway, on the 2nd day of Raya, during dinner, I slipped and fell on a very wet toilet floor at some chinese restaurant. I don't know which is worse, the venue in which I fell, or the fact that I fell and cut my toe, and hit my back on the edge of the squat loo platform.
So ya, that rendered me in pain (even till now)...it's not a major pain, just a slight nagging pain, that doesn't justify going to a doctor just yet.

Hence, I thought a nice long walk would be the least impactful exercise. That was last Monday, the public holiday. Tuesday, I went for FSI and Kenny's pump, which was fun, as usual, but had to watch for signs of pain. Surprisingly it was okay, but with a heavy heart (laden with cholesterol, I suspect) I decided I shouldn't risk doing FCI's combat cos of the higher impact. For the record, that was the FIRST Tuesday combat I've missed in the last 4 months. IF that's not LURVE, I dunno what is.

Then on Friday, I thought I'd try out the back, and since I couldn't make it for pump, I thought I'd try the new body step slot with KIM, my first instructress. BIG SIGH. You'd think that after attending her free step class on Friday lunches for a few months, (this was in 2004), and usually being one of the few roses amongst the thorns, there would be a FLICKER of recognition. I wasn't expecting a rousing, OHHH HALLO, HOW YOU BEEN, or anything of the sort. A smile of acknowledgement would have sufficed. Sob sob. Not a raised eyelash, of recognition.

Either I havent done step in a helluva long time, or her tracks are really different vintage. Very good though. Great class, apart from the "I've never seen you in my life" look.

On Sunday, it was walk again. It's like my fortress of solitude. With earplugs, I enjoy this me time very much. But it was also nice to have company. Was joined by Pits and Wife after the crossroads.

Monday, it was back to routine. YI's pump, packed class but no Lionheart, so I thought it'd be easy, but heck, no. He kept saying it will be easy. At the end of the class, regular Allan said, "which track EXACTLY was easy?" The biceps was a killer, with 2 sets of sixteen singles, and lots of bottom halves. Brrr..... and triceps. Those dips are such a killer, coz these teeny weeny triceps have to bear the weight of the entire body, almost.

Tuesday, back to combat, of course, greeted with a sarcastic sneer, "oh, you're here..(rhyming with sneer)". Anyway, his regular cheer squad wasn't around, no Lionheart, no Stevie Wonder, no Ah Girl, no Megs. Only a quiet Sunshine, and me. The class was eerily quiet, so I thought I'd do my bit, for my favourite combat instructor, and tried to shout as best as I could. All I got in response was, "....oh well, better than nothing".

Such gratitude. Oh well, better than nothing, I guess.

3 Classes in 25 hours

2007-10-11T12:30:00.000+08:00

It's not an achievement for many, but for me, it IS!!! Tuesday, Pumbat, (pump + combat) and Wednesday RPM.

Having missed YI's class on Monday (contrary to Sunshine's declaration that I never miss that class), I was having my withdrawal symptoms of body pump, which is weird, considering I don't enjoy it. It's like having my oatbran in the morning. It's vile, its disgusting, but after years of eating it, or drinking it, I feel kinda naked if I don't. You know the feeling, that tingling sense of guilt.

So, since the baking business has been slow-ish, I could make my way to the gym at 5.25pm for pump, immediately after work. Kenny and FSI were teaching, it is their usual spot. Richelle mumbled something about "oh, why when I taught this slot you never came?"....Oh, I forgot to mention, last week, for FSI's step class, the class seemed full, with no more step boards left, but FSI left the studio to go somewhere and lo and behold, came back with another step board. Does he keep one in his locker?

I was impressed with FSI's weights. 8½ kg for chest. However, he spent about 1/5th of the class standing and demonstrating.....pah!!! I wonder if all the weights and bars are calibrated properly. I swear some 5kg weights feel heavier than others, especially in Richelle's class. Yar, so while we were doing the chest track, I saw FCI outside, making signals at me as to why I so weak, only carrying 7.5kg. I'll have you know, I've got an elbow injury that hasnt healed since last year, and I am merely swallowing the pain.

Kenny's biceps track was a real killer. Lionheart wasn't there, or he'd have approved. The good/bad thing about doing the full hour class is, you know there's no chance of missing a track, unlike YI's 45 minute class.

Combat: Shades was supposed to be assessing FCI, but was caught in a jam, and only appeared at about track 3. Gave some hogwash about having to come all the way to Manulife to see ME. Ya right.

FCI's class was unusually empty, and rather subdued. Were it not for Certifiable Steve, it would have been VERY quiet. Me, winded from Pump, could only manage an occasional mistimed shout. He loves doing that "do you remember your choreo" thing, whenever we switch sides to left leg in front. There was one track, were almost everyone forgot what the move was. Goes to show, we are mindless people attending a workout BECAUSE there is an instructor to guide us. Most of us anyway. People like Lionheart are walking talking Les Mills dictionaries.

Since FCI has stopped making snide Leon IPOD remarks, there isn't much side entertainment in class. I guess he could sing, "I'm not there for your entertainment". Oh, he almost fell during the jinga, which made me wonder if history would repeat itself, as in Leon fell when Shades was there assessing him. Snigger. But FCI has a much lower centre of gravity, and is therefore more stable.

Wednesday, making sure I didn't bump into FSI to change my mind and go for Step instead of RPM, I resolutely headed to the RPM studio, which was also quite empty. Horny was at the bike, I admire her, I think she was fasting, as she only drank at around buka time.

Darn good sweat in RPM, just what I needed. But the pain, the PAIN. Oh, it amazes me how I can still walk the next day. I think seated climbs are probably the worst. Great selection of music though. My only comfort was that at 7.25, when I knew our pain was almost at an end, I knew that in Body step the pain was just about to peak with the speed track and track 10.

Choices Choices

2007-10-08T13:34:00.000+08:00

Well, the fasting month hasn't done anything to reduce the popularity of Richelle's class. She isn't my PFPI (probationary FPI) for nothing. She is really good. And she carries heavier weights than most men. It was a packed class. Lionheart who's breaking fast every day of the week, except tuesday, was absent. The other usual suspects were there, ...yhsmom, Atlas, Certifiable Steve. There was some chappie shadowing Richelle, didn't quite catch his name but for a scrawny fella like that, it was pretty impressive that he could do 15kg on each side for squats.

On Friday evening, I get an sms from Shades informing me that he would be replacing the 6pm class at Manulife on saturday. Now, ordinarily, I MIGHT have headed there, all the more since Leon IPOD was not teaching anyway.....but of course, Shades HAS to pick the ONE time where it's FCI replacing IPOD!!!! What a dilemma. Already having missed his IPOD replacement once, I can imagine the repercussions of missing yet ANOTHER of FCI's classes. Anyway, I am sure it's not my lurve that either of these fellas is craving. Must be the blog write up.

FCI announced that Leon wasn't teaching because he had gone shopping. While I thought it was hilarious, others were not so amused, and apparently, some actually believed him.

Anyway, if the diva is the moon, reflecting the sun, who are the fans, then I have to say the moon wasn't shining bright enough, because there were very few people in the class, and FCI kept shaking his head in disbelief that IPOD's class (almost with an evil veneer of triumph) had so few people. I had to ensure he remained on the ground by telling him, "maybe it's because Leon's not around, so his usual fans not here lor". 18 for a saturday class is very few.

Easy tracks for a Saturday evening, must have been his theme, coz he repeated that phrase, EASY TRACKS at least 6 times.

Cult Instructors

2007-10-05T10:15:00.000+08:00

I think someone in their haste, while adding their comments, anonymously, put a comment in the wrong post. Probably alluding to the previous post about Leon and his doppelganger, anonymous wrote :
One chubby. One thin. What resemblance are you talking about?

Ouch. But the comment was misplaced, in a previous post about 3rd week of new release.

So, see, FCI, not EVERYONE loves Leonidas.

Speaking of loving instructors, apparently the Star is doing a feature on Cult Instructors. They should make it into a series. Weekly interviews. Actually, Shades at one stage was interviewing famous instructors, whatever happened to that. Maybe with the types of questions he asked, no one wanted to answer.

Well, Tuesday combat, great as usual. The class was SLIGHTLY emptier than usual, which was good, coz that meant we could move about without fear of getting kicked accidentally. FCI seems to have stopped making any more funny remarks about Leon, or Leonidas, and has reserved his comments for the comments section of blogs. How sad. Well, but I guess its high time he showed more lurve for the class instead of obsessing about Leon.

Back to the old tracks. Megs said, "don't you just LOVE old tracks". There is a sense of familiarity about the old tracks, in that same way we derive comfort from familiar things, such as brands of cereal, 70s music, and favourite kopitiams.

Class was great as usual, culminating in the dog peeing conditioning, and ending with Andrea's I Believe, which always warrants a BRAVO at the end.

On Wednesday, I was actually heading for RPM. And popped my head in to see Sidekick (now no longer a sidekick, but a star on his own right) teaching combat. Bumped into FSI outside, who INSISTED I come for step. He said I could leave after track 10, as I had to leave by a certain time, hence RPM, which ends earlier. Boy, did I regret that decision.

By track 2, I was EXHAUSTED, which is never a good sign. The class seemed to take an eternity, and at 7.25, I was wishing I was at RPM, coz at least that would have been ending. I was truly truly exhausted, and thought I might collapse. Dunno why. Out of practice probably.

Compare and Contrast

2007-10-02T09:53:00.000+08:00

Courtesy of YHSMOM who sent these in for comparison. Will the REAL Leon Lai, please identify yourself. Quite an eerie resemblance. If the real Leon was dead, I'd have thought he had reincarnated.

It's quite bizarre right, I thought!!!!

Anyway, there have been no updates coz I've not done any classes since FCI's combat last Tuesday. Last Wednesday, I did go to the gym, but only to shower. I have to say I like the unlimited hot water, and rather powerful water pressure at the gym showers. Even the FF at Curve with its previously pathetic dribble is now quite a jet. However ex FCI did join me for my usual Bt Kiara walk/jog on Sundays. Of course he continued to do a few more rounds of that hill, while I went home.

YI aka JPS was slightly late for class yesterday, as a result, could only do 9 instead of 10 tracks, which suited me fine. For some reason, the weights yesterday seemed heavier. (as in, the same weight felt heavier). It was a rather crowded class though, for a 4.45pm. Hardest track would have been the Summer Rain chest track. Since Lionheart wasn't there, (YI asks me like I'm lionheart's PA.... "where's Lionheart?".....how would I know!!!!), the class was probably slightly easier.

Week 3 of the New Release

2007-09-26T11:31:00.000+08:00

I have to say, I really don't mind this new release at all. Maybe its cos FCI is teaching it, and no matter what he teaches, it would be good. The class started off rather quietly, but the energy levels picked up quickly. Lion and Lioness were there as well. Lion is now a regular fixture in FCI's class.

Also team teaching was the legendary Phoenix. I don't know why, but she reminds me of a chinese version of the cheerleader from Heroes. Very adorable, yet vulnerable, yet very strong.... There was a marked absence of any jibes from FCI this time. Now looking back, ya, I think he WAS a bit moody. Maybe because Leon didnt come?

Phoenix took over for tracks 5 & 6. I love watching her jinga. She has this spritely movement, that makes you think of summer, and funfairs. FCI announced that we wont be seeing her anymore, presumably because she's leaving the country.

AND GASP!!!! FOR THE FIRST TIME in 3 years, I saw FCI doing pushups on his knees. And I'm not talking about those triceps blasters. I mean, normal chest pushups. GASP. Is he getting old? Is Mr Invincible finally getting tired? Or was there not enough space between him, the A/V Console and the person in front of him? GASPPPPPPPPPP again!!!!

There Are Some Things You Just Can't Say On A Blog

2007-09-25T13:35:00.000+08:00

...................such as the new nickname bestowed upon YI. At first I thought it was coined by Lionheart, but apparently, no. I shall leave it to appear in the comment section, so that I will not be held responsible for libel.

The ballad writing continues, the latest once again by our illustrious Shades.

Yesterday's Body Pump was very quiet. There was but a single rose, (real one la), amidst the thorns. Its the 3rd week of the new release, (translation: my 3rd time doing it), and those pullovers don't seem that bad anymore. Nor do the pulses in the biceps track. But what I still cant do is the pushup on the bar. Firstly, its seems to really hurt my palms. Despite putting two mats so that my knees are not ground into the floor, still just cant do it. I also cant be bothered with that extra donut option in the chest track.

Missed Leon's class on Saturday, because was attending a cupcake decorating course. I heard from Sunshine that it was a fabulous class, because the Phoenix was team teaching with Leon. Lion heart suggested that the team name be Kok and Phoenix.

Saturday night was Body Fat, with all the F instructors.

Talking about Body Fat, this is the MOST orgasmic charsiu ever ever....made by Lionheart himself. Oozing with the richness of lard, the most gorgeous caramelised sauce, this melt in the mouth piece of sin is equivalent to 1 hour of RPM per bite, I reckon. Which means I am now about 20 RPM sessions in debt.

Spiderman here is reminiscing with Boy Robin of their superhero days, but Boy Robin has since relinquished the title of BR, and calls himself HOBBES now, modelled after the famous comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes. Here we have them both.....

Sunshine and Megs made their debut at this dinner..... Alas, usually conversations at dinners such as these, falls into the SAME category as the title of this blog. Suffice to say, the laughter was loud enough for observers upstairs to comment the next day, "wah, you all had a good time we see".

True to form, IPOD, International Prince of Divas, as FCI says, either comes late, or leaves early, in true diva fashion.

We have here diva giving his royal wave, goodbye to all.

Orgasmic Charsiu, Single Malt whiskey, the company of good friends, uproarious laughter, what more can a person ask for.

RPM New Release

2007-09-20T10:41:00.000+08:00

Rushing against the clock to finish my baking orders, I was rather pleased (though subconsciously I was looking for an excuse not to go) that I had time to spare and make it to either step or rpm, and since its Ramadhan, I figured the classes won't be so full. And I was right. When I got there at 6.35pm, both lists had a lot of vacancies. Choices choices. Step, RPM, Step, RPM. Step, with Favourite Step Instructor, aka Manja, OR, RPM which I HATE, but I know is a good workout, with a complete stranger.

Anyway, due to time constraints, (I usually have to be on the road by 7.50 or so as I make the way to the inlaws place, which is equivalent to going to IOI Mall), I opted for RPM, and furthermore, Lion has been raving about the new release. Quite honestly, not being an avid RPM-er, I can't see how one release of RPM can be better than the next. If anything it would be the music list that would make any difference. A hill climb is afterall a hill climb, and it's not like the surrounding scenery is changing.

I recognise one of the songs from body pump. Have never seen this instructor before, not that I have had experience with many RPM instructors. But put it this way, I wouldn't want to be in a bike race with any of them..... and certainly not in a street fight with this one.

As the studio filled up with BO, I breathed a heavy sigh of relief, as we came to the end of track 7. My favourite part of RPM has to be tracks 8 & 9.

Rome Vs Sparta

2007-09-19T10:23:00.000+08:00

Had I known that Maximus would have been so peeved that Leon got to be King, whereas he is but a soldier, I might have photoshopped the pictures differently. Looks like we are getting more royal in our acquaintances. We first have the Lionheart King, (those of you who don't know who Lionheart is, go check it up on the net, lazy bums), we have PTG, Peter The Great, a Russian Emperor, Xena the Warrior Princess. So really, they're as common as Datukships in this country. But a GENERAL, in the army of one of the greatest empires that ever ruled, and exists till TODAY..... how rare is that? But no, the boy still complains, like a wounded gladiator with a bleeding heart, that some get to be King. I can only roll my eyes till they fall out of their sockets.

Greeting us in the gym, was loud music, NOW WE ARE FREE, from the Gladiator Movie. Talk about Drama Queen!!! Now that's a moniker that might propel him to blue blood status. But a Queen in his mind is probably still less than a King. Mind you, not if you are the Queen of the British Empire, where the sun never sets.

King-dom aside, it was a great class. Megs sneaked in late. Mrs Lionheart sneaked out for her PT session. By the end of track two, FCI was dousing the front row with his bodily fluids. Some other instructors might have slipped and injured themselves with that amount of wet patches in front. Certifiable Steve was told off by FCI for disturbing Lionheart. What valor. It must be a subconscious desire to rule, hence the barking of orders. But generals do that too.

For the third track, with the stomp, he proclaimed, yeah, let me hear the stamping of your feet like a million army...... Lionheart corrected him, and said, million soldiers. There was another reference to 300. Can't remember exact context. Track 5, when we split the room in two, I whispered to Sunshine, "bet you its gonna be Rome against Sparta"....AND SURE ENOUGH, he points to where I am and says, GREECE, and points to the other side and says, ROME. Which reminds me,

"Sparta (Doric: Σπάρτα Spártā, Attic: Σπάρτη Spártē) was a city in southern Greece, which existed from about the 10th century BC until the time of the Byzantine Empire".

So, not only is Sparta not a country, but is merely a city, and has long since disappeared.

For track 6, he invited "the Phoenix" to perform her groovy jinga. I always assumed that Shades referred to the instructor in question as "the Phoenix" coz of her dramatic injury .....as in, she rose from the ashes of calamity kinda thing. But I found out actually the lass is from Shanghai, and therefore, the Shanghai Phoenix.

Well, it's my 3rd time doing the new release with FCI. My favourites are the speedball with the single beat on 7, 8, or was it 6,7. (in track 3). Oh, yes, that reminds me, what IS that word he uses for one of the moves? two shon? touche? two shot? Can anyone enlighten me.

In The Old Days....

2007-09-17T11:42:00.000+08:00

...at least men used their chiselled bodies and brawn for something useful. They were either gladiators, fighters, farmers, blacksmiths, builders, ie, they all used their physical strength for a purpose. These days, in the gyms, you get these chiselled taufus, strutting like peacocks looking for a good lay. Sickens me.

Anyway, that brings me to the next form of exercise that I usually indulge in. Body Combat. I wonder how much of this stuff is actually usable in real life. Which got me wondering, during the Saturday combat class.....things were going very smoothly, IPOD (I am AMAZED that people still dunno what IPOD stands for. It's INTERNATIONAL PRINCE OF DIVAS, a term spawned by Lionheart, with a little prodding from me), and there were no bloopers to blog about. We were all waiting with bated breath, (as in Sunshine and Me) for his terror merror sidekick during the Jinga track. Yar, so, when he was jumping on right leg, PHWAAAAAHHHHHHH......
Now, imagine he was King Leon(idas), from 300....well, it would require a large stretch of imagination, I guess, but anyway, ya, in the battle against mad King Xerxes of Persia.

Won't be hard to kill him. Just attack when he's doing an evasive side kick on his left leg. Now, if Leon(idas) didn't make his ESK on his right leg so obviously terror merror, .....he might have stood a chance in battle. But showing the glaring achilles heel ...hmmm, not wise, not wise.

What about our other Fs, lest they feel neglected. FCI, as gladiator Russell Crowe. Maximus Chiang.

Hmmm, not sure they had spectacles in those days, but I guess he could wear contact lenses. Now, I am sure FCI would probably have been a real mean fighting machine with his martial arts skills and all.

And playing Chow Yun Fatt's Role in Crouching Dragon and Hidden Tiger, is our dear FSI, with noodles hanging out of his mouth. Hiaks, as he would say.

I digress. But what to do? Leon, IPOD's class was almost flawless, there was nothing else to write about.

Pay Attention When I'm Speaking

2007-09-13T12:35:00.000+08:00

Made it just in time for combat on tuesday, as I was busy whipping up cakes for selling. If Cerberus were still guarding the gate, I'd have just about made it, as I was the 2nd last in the registration list. I suspect most people don't bother registering anymore. The studio was exceedingly packed, the amazons in full tow, I guess one for the road before ramadan.

It was really like a reunion. Lion, Sunshine, Megan, Yhsmom, AhGirl, and guest stars, Lionheart's parents in law. FCI looked chuffed, and announced, "my whole family is here today". As usual, the normal rambling on about Leon and whether or not he was coming. I swear, FCI harbours a secret obsession of sorts with Leon, IPOD, and conveniently blames it on me. Somewhere in track 2 he announced, look, Leon's here....I didn't even bother looking, coz I thought he was kidding. Later on, I find out from Sunshine that Leon was indeed there. Shortly after, he entered the class, and of course, to fuel the fire, me and Lion went WOO WOOO!!! Dramatically, FCI ripped off his mike from his head, and declared, "that's it, I'm not teaching".....
I wonder if the rest of the class knows what the heck is going on.

Anyway, Leon, being so tall, did take up a LOT of space for track 4, but was in his elements, and was doing flying evasive sidekicks that would give Jet Li a run for his money. I mean, its normal for FCI to fly like that, he's young, but for Leon, not bad, not bad at all for his vintage. But the flying was higher on one leg than the other.

Oh, yes, the title. At one point, shortly after Leon entered, FCI was explaining something, and true to my fidgety self, I was looking all around, (AND NOT PARTICULARLY AT LEON), and I get chided like a standard one kid who's chatting with his friend...."PAY ATTENTION WHEN I'M SPEAKING".....Roll eyes.

I have to say I quite enjoy this particular jinga track, although it's 7 minutes long. Unlike the previous release with interminably long jingas till you can fall asleep, this one is quite happening. Before that, FCI offered his face towel to anyone who wanted to wipe the sweat off the floor around them. How magnanimous. Meanwhile FCI, sweating like a hog on heat, was giving everyone within a 10 foot radius "eau de calvin"...

I quite enjoy this conditioning track, with that tricep whatever....the one where you prostrate and pump.

Lion's parents in law must be the most happening 60 somethings in the gym scene. His Father In Law has the dexterity and flexibility of a 20 something....can touch his toes during the cooldown without much problem, while Lion and I are writhing like we were on a torture rack.

Yhsmom and Sunshine promptly followed Leon to the body jam class after wards, so didn't get a chance to chat.

Monday, the new pump release. It really wasn't as bad as YI made it sound the previous week, save for biceps, and back. Mercifully, biceps was short, but evil. The boy had a fever apparently, so was carrying light weights, much to Lion's chagrin. I was rather pleased we ran out of time, so had to skip lunges.

Launch Weekend

2007-09-10T13:12:00.000+08:00

The original grandplan, after having not attended any classes since FCI's fabulous combat last Tuesday, was to make the long journey to IOI Mall, Puchong, for the back to back Pumbat classes starring Richelle and Hobbes, followed by Shades, and as background dancer, FCI. Would have been nice to equally distribute the lurve with the much neglected Shades, but alas, it was not to be. At 1.20, I found myself still STUCK in Old Klang Road, as I had to drop off the kids somewhere, and there was no way I could make it to pump by 1.40pm. Deciding therefore it was not worth while to get jet lag just for one class, I then detoured to brickfields for a blind man massage, and then adjourned to Axis for Ah Boy's launch. He was launching with Crystal, and I have to say, the chemistry on stage was steaming....

Ahboy was really in his elements, lapping up every scream and cat call like a rockstar. Surprisingly he was conscious about his white top, which apparently made his nipples visible, so for most of the class, he had on another top, with a hood that kept covering his face.

During the warm up, I suddenly realised, to my horror, that I had a cake customer coming at 5 something to pick up a cake, and I hadn't even removed it from the tin yet, so had to SOS wife, which involved me dashing out of the class as if I suddenly had diarrhoea. By the time I got back in, it was the end of track 3. Blast. The class went by really quickly. I find the present release, combat 33, quite enjoyable. New moves, new choreo..... and a good sweat.

Reminds me of the 3 Divas Concert. In the programme, it was articulated that Divas are actually like the Moon, not the Sun. They reflect the radiance from the Sun, and in the case of Divas, the Sun is actually their fans....and how brightly they shine is a reflection of their fans. So yar, .....

Sunday was the step launch at Ass pee kay. Alas, 2nd FSI apparently had just touched down...as his flight was delayed. At first, I thought FSI meant he was Fong Fei Kei -ing...but he literally meant his plane had just touched down. Anyway, as a bonus, we got Richelle instead. The SPK gym seems very dark and foreboding....maybe it was the overcast sky. When I first walked in, I thought I needn't have worried about being late for registration....seemed empty....but when the class started, the studio was FULL!!!

Great workout!!! Even Lionheart looked winded at track 5!!!

I'd Rather Have a Pained Butt Than A Pained Ear

2007-09-05T09:43:00.000+08:00

Actually, my left butt cheek has been killing me since Sunday, presumably obtained from Body Step, under 2nd FSI. As in, the class was under him, not me. According to Leon, International Prince of Divas, (IPOD), it is possible for such an injury when you do not shift your weight properly. With excess weight hanging everywhere, I'd say I'm a prime target for this kind of butt injury.

The thought of having to do sidekicks, roundhouse kicks, etc, and the possibility of having the dog peeing position conditioning track was almost a deterrent for combat, but then, when I weighed the possible outcomes, I decided I'd rather live with a pained sagging butt than to hear FCI go on and on about how I skipped class coz Leon's not there, bla bla bla. As it is, he already sms-ed Lionheart to inform him that since Leon won't be there, there wasn't gonna be much lurve.

Anyway, FCI kept muttering (I'm not sure to who, probably the whole class) "show more energy", and relied on Certifiable Steve to lead the shouting frenzy. The Amazons were there in full force too, and did eventually contribute to the killer shouts. I dunno where he plucked the 2nd track from but I think it only had like 4 kicks on each leg. (Mercifully for me). But it was a darn tiring class and a great sweat.

The much dreaded conditioning, ie, Dog Pee Position Conditioning, turned out not so bad actually. Maybe my numbed ass made me immune to the pain. I love it when he ends with Andrea's I Believe, coz it seems so appropriate to applaud the song at the end with a BRAVO BRAVO.

These Weary Old Bones....

2007-09-04T09:55:00.000+08:00

I think if I were to take those tests that determine your biological age versus your chronological age, I won't fare very well. Probably 65 vs 41. Two weeks of absence from Body Pump has rendered me limp as a weeping willow in winter. And it doesn't excite me in the least that YI has declared at almost EVERY track, that the new release is going to be MUCH harder. Does Les Mills choreograph the new releases on the assumption that everyone has been following them since inception, and like a first grader, progressively make their way towards university? I pity those new comers who come, and are exposed to flying evasive sidekicks, those nasty triceps movements, what are they called? The one that debuted in the last release? Apparently lots of them this new release. Sigh, but I guess most newbies are young, so they can cope.

I find that of all the classes, the one when time seems to creep at snail's pace, is Body Pump, followed VERY closely by RPM. It seems like an eternity. Anyway, I was thankful for small mercies, such as the fact that Lionheart WASN'T there yesterday, which meant YI wasn't obliged to kill the rest of us with killer tracks. After a two week hiatus, a Lionheart skewed class might have rendered me in traction.

Although I haven't been blogging regularly, I suprisingly haven't done too badly last week. On Thursday, lunchtime, I managed to attend FSI's body step. He must be feeling the lurve by now, I've been attending his class quite regularly. Last Saturday, then Thursday, ...his lurve chart must be thru the roof. I don't even see FCI with such regularity.

FSI's class was exhausting as usual, and a great lunchtime workout. Leaves me starving the rest of the day, and makes me feel like I need to constantly forage for food.

On Saturday, IPOD wasn't teaching in Curve, but instead was teaching in Manulife, at 6pm, nikeboy's old slot. His Curve slot was taken up by some chick doing her video certification. So ya, suited me fine, save RM10, by not making that long trek to the curve. Sunshine was there, with her sister, (whom I have seen before, and thought was an instructor), and although it wasn't terribly packed, it was a great class as well. Very intense, 45 minute class. I love it when sweat starts to drip down your arms. It's such a wild, liberating feeling, as if you are a gladiator fighting lions. Oh, speaking of gladiators, there was this mean fighting machine at the back the class, who looked like a boxer cum wrestler kinda thing, BUT, snigger, his timing was more off than a MAS flight schedule. And then, in the male changing room the guy doused himself with what must have been half a bottle of cologne, effectively fumigating the entire men's room. Cough cough choke choke....why do people DO that.

On Sunday, talk about motivated, I also went for 2nd FSI's class. I find his classes thoroughly sapping. And his track 10, must be the longest track 10 ever. The knee repeaters, and the skiing, and the over and over, just never seemed to stop!!!

And I just heard from Sunshine that FCI is launching the new release in Axis on Saturday at 4.30pm. Ipod at Curve, or FCI at Axis. Choices Choices. Axis would be cheaper though. No toll, free parking.

Do It For You

2007-08-29T15:04:00.000+08:00

Although FCI seems to imply that I am the one most happy to see IPOD, I reckon he harbours a secret thrill seeing IPOD in the class, for his constant reference to him is bordering on obsession. I reckon the poor class is being deprived of his lurve, as he constantly focuses his attention at the door, to see if IPOD has arrived.

It was nice to see such a good turnout of familiar faces. I had originally intended to do PUMBAT, but kid no 3 was laying a guilt trip on me, so much so I actually TURNED AROUND after leaving the house, to spend a bit more time with him. Sigh. The influence of kids these days.

Sunshine, Lion, Certifiable Steve, Feb, ...Tall Girl, all the usual. But STILL, FCI was pining for IPOD. Although shifting the "blame" to me, and accusing me of giving a big broad grin when IPOD finally arrived, I could sense his elation and immediate perkiness.

Several references to IPOD made it seem like that was all he cared about. But, despite that, and the mike that wasn't working, it was still a great class, as are ALL FCI's classes. IPOD took the extra attention in his stride.

I have been bad. Very lazy. Yesterday's combat was the first class this week. Skipped YI's class. And skipping all classes today to bring kids to watch RATATOUILLE. Lionheart, you better enjoy all this gyming before your daughter grows up and starts laying guilt trips on you!!!!

And Lurve For FSI Goes Off the Charts

2007-08-27T10:40:00.000+08:00

I'm getting slacker (and by extension, fatter) by the weeks, as I seem to find that I am skipping gym on Wed, Thurs AND Fridays....for whatever reason. Usually, its a double whammy, because it probably was because of some dinner function or other, as in the case of Friday.

Anyway, this time, even the hallowed slot of Saturday afternoon at the Curve with IPOD was taken up by a food related event, and I felt really bad having to turn down Shades YET again. He sms-ed me to tell me that exFPI, FDI and The Phoenix were team teaching in the Saturday class. I had NO idea who the Phoenix was, ....I thought he was referring to my EXFCI, since IPOD mentioned that exFCI would be attending the class. And I thought Phoenix referred to the dead rising from the ashes..... a resurrection so to speak. But nah, don't think Shades would have been so cryptic. Anyway, he was referring to a female instructor who recently cleared her instructorship, after a recent injury. Whatever.

So, since I had to miss the class (which I later heard from Sunshine was a great class), I decided to pay FSI a visit on homeground, and attended his BS class at Manulife. It requires great effort to go exercise on a Saturday morning. Hence, the LURVE.

Funny how in my last few step classes in Manulife, all the guys seem to flock to the right hand side of the studio. Energetic as ever, but the fearsome squats seemed to have been toned down a bit....we only get them in say 2 or 3 tracks, as opposed to 7 tracks in his younger days. Twas funny when doing round the world, and one lady continued doing it after it had ended, FSI asked, "which airline ah?".

I must make it a point to return to his Thursday lunchtime class. Sigh, good habits are so hard to form, and bad ones so easy.

FCI gets Gwen Stefani, We Get Leon, International Prince of Divas

2007-08-22T10:58:00.000+08:00

When I sms-ed Lionheart to ask him if this was the first time he's attending FDI's combat, he said, "yup, it's the first time I am attending his concert"....

Anyway, as the title is self explanatory, FCI left his fans in a lurch for Gwen. A girl I met in the lift positively gave a face of contempt when she heard FCI wasn't teaching. I assuaged her telling her that the replacement was very good too.

When the class first started, it really did seem as if FCI's regular hardcore fans had packed up and left coz it seemed a bit empty. Leon was late by a couple of minutes, which allowed the crowds to trickle in, and by the time he had finished the warm up, it was almost as full as FCI's normal class. Oh, and prior to the class, FCI was seen lurking around the gym....and of course, yours truly got accused of harboring a look of indescribable joy at the prospect of having Leon teach that evening. Some people have an imagination as fertile as a Catholic woman with 17 children.

That song, Back in The UK, kinda grows on you actually. I didnt like it when it was first released, but am beginning to rather enjoy it. IPOD made a couple of bloopers, but I doubt anyone actually noticed it. He was very serious in the first few tracks, the only humour thrown in was, "I have a message for you all from someone. SHOW ME THE LURVE".

Other highlights in the last few weeks, that fell into the week of no blogging, include the arrival of Gorgeous Woman for the quarterlies. She team taught Body Step, and I made that long journey to the Curve specially to see her. She, together with Richelle, and Kilograms, oh, hangon, I think it was the imperial, Ton, boasted a marvellous performance of the next step release. As usual, who can top that crisp, clear, precise cue-ing that really makes GW one of the all time greats. Even Lion said her combat class was great. (back in those days)

Why The Long Silence?

2007-08-20T15:04:00.000+08:00

....Out of respect to fellow gym member and dear friend, yhsmom, who recently went through a painful loss.

Our deepest condolences on your loss, and please know we are here for you. You have been a pillar of strength through out this turbulent time, and have won our admiration and respect for your courage, composure and we hope that with time, the pain of loss with diminish somewhat, and may the sun shine through these dark clouds again very soon.

With much love, I dare say, from all your friends at the gym.

Lurve Isn't Measured By Graphs

2007-08-08T10:23:00.000+08:00

Further to this poignant, heart wrenching post by Shades, I think, upon further reflection, and self searching, and deep thought, and meditation, short of attending a Body Balance class, Lurve is not measured by graphs. Shades, (to the tune of that Willie Nelson Song)

Maybe I didn't travel
All the way to Puchong as I should have
Maybe I didn't pump with you
Quite as often as I could have
All the toll I should have paid, but none
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Maybe I didn't text you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I shoulda called you
Though you're no longer FPI,

If I made you feel second best
That's coz you abandoned manulife
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

[in loud straining soprano]
Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance to keep you satisfied, satisfied

Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Now that we've got that out of the way, ...

Combat. Certain as the sun, rising from the east, ...that inevitable question. Is You Kok Hoe Coming? How the duhhhh would I know. And in the class, Certifiable Steve asks me, "where's my papa?". As in his papa. ie, Lionheart. Guffaw, snort chuckle. Lionheart, congratulations on your new self appointed offspring. Where WERE you anyway? Of course FCI was most distraught that you weren't there, and kept muttering the class wasn't the same.

Anyway, during the warm up, FCI apparently made a boo boo. Wow, is that even possible? I wasn't really paying attention, so didn't realise it, hence "apparently". It was in the 2nd half of the warm up, when it was supposed to be front kicks before roundhouse set up (in that song, IF I WERE YOU, which he announced he chose for someone special, who wasn't there), so the class heckled him....

The rest of the class was great, as usual. Very energetic, although missing Lionheart's regal presence in the front. The fler almost slipped on some wet patches but again, I think being younger and more agile, he managed to avoid slipping and injury. Conditioning song, Sound of the Underground, was awful. That is one of the pushup sets that I cannot finish on my toes.

The cooldown song, Du Hast, is only ever done by FCI. It's almost as if its made for him to showcase his sharp blocks and kata movements.

Flawless Performance by IPOD

2007-08-06T13:53:00.000+08:00

I've been a good boy. (okay, good old man). Friday, Saturday and Sunday, consecutively, I have been going to the gym. Friday for Richelle's pump. Fabulous class as usual, though the gym seemed a bit more quiet that usual. Even Certifiable Steve was not his usual verbose self. Maybe because his favourite spot, directly behind Lionheart, was taken. Flashes of pain strike my mind, like a lightning bolt, as I vaguely remember biceps. But Friday seems like such a long time ago, I can barely remember anything else. The usual suspects graced the class, ie, yhsmom, Lionheart, Atlas. Of course no one came close to Lion's 20-20 weight for squats.

Saturday, ....well, I guess it would have been a bit too much to ask, had I pestered the gods to give me a repeat performance of FDI's spectactular fall last week...and of course, nor would I wish it. But well, a small small small part of me, deep deep deep down inside, was hoping for some "action", but alas, it was a flawless class. IPOD breezed through all the 10 tracks with the ease of a buttered buttock fitting into a tight pair of jeans with the aid of a shoe horn. So, really, it was uneventful in that it was perfect.... no mistakes, nothing to laugh about, except for a sudden, "gimme the lurve" towards the end....not sure directed at who.....

Anyway, in my ongoing effort to exercise "more", I also attended 2nd FSI's step on Sunday, making it two consecutive weeks. Pity next week's the quarterlies, was just getting the momentum. So no step next Sunday, but I hear the dream team, Jacqueline (aka Gorgeous Woman), Richelle and some thai fler is teaching next Friday at the curve at 5.30pm.

2nd FSI's class was really energy packed. This class of all the classes is the hardest to do, because it's at 2.45pm on a Sunday afternoon, which is nap time for normal human beings on a Sunday. So, at track 8, or was it 9, I was suddenly jolted awake when the fler slipped and nearly fell over some wet patches and nearly fell on his posterior. But I guess since he is younger than Leon, reflexes were quicker, and he managed to avoid a complete tumble, and injury.

On an unrelated note, suddenly a lot of fitness first luminaries have appeared in the papers over the last 3 days. We have our legendary Kylie Gates, who I've been dying to meet and chat with, (without having to go for body jam), who was in yesterday's StarMag,

Next we have Mrs Lionheart, appearing in a non fitness related article, in today's NST, looking very radiant and regal, befitting the title of Lionness.

And here again, in the Star I think, is our FGXC, together with another instructress, Ezura, .....

Show Me The Love

2007-08-02T09:43:00.000+08:00

The first question FCI asked in the class was, "Is Leon Lai coming?".

I dunno what his obsession is with Leon. There were a few other references to him as well, in the class, which I guess would escape most people, but certainly Ah Girl, Lionheart, Sunshine, LadyNina and possibly Shanticombat and Bernsy would have picked it up. And I don't know why, but he kept looking at my direction, and as a cue to shout, kept saying, "show me de lurve". There were several ill timed shouts, when I heard only myself shouting. In instances like that, its best to quickly shut up, as I don't have that commanding power that Certifiable Steve has that can rouse the whole class into shrieks of esctasy.

Anyway, since I have so unjustly been accused of "not showing de lurve" to FCI, and favouring instead FDI, (I dunno where he gets these ideas!), the reason why this post is late is coz I've been collating data, on the number of times I've attended FCI's class, vs FDI's class over the last two months. The results, a stunning 8 times for FCI, (not missing any since early June, and one additional one for Miracle), and a mere 3 times for FDI. I am almost insulted that FDI hasn't felt my absence.

So, charting the attendance onto a love graph,

We have on the Y axis, "lurve" quantified, one rung for each attendance. On the X axis, we have the dates. Green for Tuesdays, Orange for Saturdays. The blue line represents FCI's, and purple FDI's. Now, anyone with HALF an eye can see who's leading in the attendance stakes. Satisfied or not, FCI? Roll eyes.

Monday pump as usual. YI looked disappointed that Richard wasn't there. That biceps with 24 singles cannot have been meant for mere mortals like us. Atlas was there, as usual bearing the weight of the world on his shoulders, and the weight of an anorexic chick for his biceps track. (as in, the weights totalled the weight of an anorexic chick, so its quite heavy la, considering we mortals only carry the weight of toddlers).

I like the Monday pump class. There's something about it that adds the final topping of Monday blues. It's like the culmination of a suffering day.

Rumours Of An IPOD TOPPLE

2007-07-30T12:19:00.000+08:00

It was such a busy weekend, with the kid's school Family Day, followed by a friend's daughter's full moon party, followed by another friend's housewarming in the boondocks of Sungai Buloh. I have not exercised since FCI's memorable IPOD SHUFFLE class on Tuesday, partially due to the heel still paining, (sic), and partially due to busy busy busy. Couldn't make it to RPM on Wed, coz of meeting, (yes, WORK!), Thurs Step, probably no transport, and Friday Pump, was in Ipoh. So I absolutely HAD to slot in a class on Saturday, and well, Body Step with FSI at the Curve was as good a time as any. He should be honored though, me paying the RM4 toll, RM2 carpark and RM 4 fuel charges to attend his class in CURVE, considering he is MML's GXC.

Ah, how I miss FSI's classes. They're great as usual. His trademark, Survive song....reminds me of when I first started doing his classes. The class was rather crowded. Anyway, the highlight of the weekend (sorry ya, FSI) was what transpired AFTER the class. After showering, I stood outside the studio, on my way out to watch a bit of FDI aka Leon aka IPOD's class. He was being assessed by Shades. Anyway, when I watched it was track 3, that "when you call my name" song with the box uppercuts. I left shortly, but in hindsight, wished I had stayed on the spectate one more track. Coz, apparently, in track 4, our dear Leon did an IPOD TOPPLE... he fell with what was described as "with the grace of the famous Naomi Campbell tumble on the catwalk". This was during the evasive sidekick. Lady Nina attributed it to a distracting member with off beat timing. So, anyway, this was when Superman came to the rescue. How convenient and lucky for the class that he was actually present there to do the assessing!!!! And what dratted luck that I shoulda missed the whole drama. Apparently it was breaking news, even FCI heard about it.

Anyway, dear chap, (FDI) we wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you in FCI's class tomorrow night.

On Sunday, with renewed vigour for Body Step, I attended 2ndFSI's step class in MML. Very crowded for a Sunday afternoon..... very hyper class as usual, and a great sweat.

If I Were You....

2007-07-25T10:03:00.000+08:00

There was great excitement. Apparently the 6.45pm FCI class was to be graced with the presence of FDI aka Leon Lai aka (latest nickname), IPOD. (International Prince of Divas). FCI seemed particularly excited, and even announced that class will not start until the IPOD arrived. Even told people to reserve a spot for him right in front of FCI. Roll eyes. But before that, the whole class burst into the HAPPY BIRTHDAY song for FSI, after I wished loudly, "happy birthday". Except, I think half the class didn't know who they were singing for, as FSI clutched on and pointed to FCI as if it were FCI's birthday. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN, FSI, YOU DONT LOOK A DAY OVER 28)

Anyway, IPOD was late, and came in about 1 minute into the warm up. You could see the expression of delight and joy in FCI's face, to have such a distinguished guest in his class, and he was beaming more than lighthouse in a dark foggy night in Scotland. Of course, he kept making references that IIIII looked so happy that IPOD was in the class, but that was merely to deflect his own delight.

The warm up song was IF I WERE YOU, and when we were shuffling, we could see IPOD SHUFFLE. FCI was in his elements though, and when the chorus came on, with "If I were you", he said, "yeah, if i were You, How I wish!"....now this uncharacteristic wit really cracked me up and left me sniggering for the remainder of the track. Mrs Lionheart look suitably amused too. I dunno what possessed Lionheart to leave his normal position, but he moved to the right corner of the class, with his favourite disciple, Certifiable Steve, in tow.

It was a great class, by any yardstick. FCI was in his elements, and when he paused to see if people remembered choreo, we could just look to IPOD as a reference. He made several more jibes at IPOD, but they are too numerous to recount and recall. Ladynina and IPOD commented that it'll never stop. I suggested to IPOD to accidentally give FCI a kick. Oh, earlier on, FCI had told the tall girl to make sure she round houses me. She very wisely said, "on what basis?".

There were loud groans when people recognised the choreo to Ricky Martin's She Bangs, when FCI was demonstrating it. I love that track, it reminds me of exFCI. I love the lost expression on IPOD's face for track 8, Creature of the Night...he looked as though he was completely unfamiliar with it. It is FCI's trademark though, never heard anyone else do it. And, I guess IPOD couldn't see from where he was, coz he was doing jabs while FCI was doing hooks. Took him a while to figure out the jabs from the hooks. Snigger.

Kudos to IPOD for being such a good sport, as always. He really is such a gem!!!! And BRAVO (this time really to FCI, and not to Andrea Bocelli) for a wonderful class. My plantar fascitis is killing me today, but it was worth it.

QOD and IPODs

2007-07-23T10:10:00.000+08:00

There was much fanfare amongst our crowd when yhsmom managed to get Peter the Great who's back from Dubai, to replace Richelle's legendary pump class on Friday at MJH.
So, I was really disappointed when at 6.30pm, I still hadn't finished my baking orders for the next day. Resigned to the fact that I couldn't make it, I hurried up whatever I had left to do, and by the end of it, feeling like an overworked Cinderella who couldn't make it to the ball, looked at the clock, that said 6.40pm. I instintively gave Lionheart a call to see if the class was full, he said, "NO, COME NOW". I tell you, it is a record!!! I leapt into my workout clothes with the dexterity of Clark Kent stripping in a phone booth, grabbed my knapsack and got driver to drop me off. Lionheart had kindly set up my board and weights for me, and I managed to enter the class about 2 minutes late!!! FABULOUS effort. Thanks Lionheart!!!

10 minutes into the class, I felt as if I was at a party with really great music. Being the legend that he is, PTG obviously has a cache of old tracks that the Youth of Today are not privvy to. And what great tracks too. But PTG was reallllly in his elements, and stripped every other Diva Instructor of their titles. He is undisputably the QUEEN OF DIVAS. (QOD). (Same acronym as Queen of the Damned, by Aaliya, according to Lionheart). Even Steven who was watching from outside looked amused. How can I describe the class? Brilliant, really brilliant. Entertaining, hilarious, tough, challenging. And Lionheart has been raving about his biceps track where QOD was doing catwalks up and down the front of the class. But definitely it was the presence of gym luminaries and Friday hardcores like Lionheart, yhsmom,

certifiable Steve, Megs, Newman, etc that spurred him on, because I used to attend his 4.45 pump class before, and definitely he wasn't as showy.

Well, if the Queen of Diva titles goes to Peter the Great, what about our Leon Lai? Leon said in an sms interview that "well, yes, compared with PTG, the rest of us divas are mere mortals". Awww......Lionheart has crowned you Princess of Divas.....acronym POD. However, due to your constant travels, abroad, you have earned the title of I-POD. International Princess of Divas.

Due to the still nagging plantar fascitis, I missed FDI's (IPOD) class on Saturday, but I got an sms from sunshine saying that he wasnt diva like at all, but took on the form of a macho mean fighting machine. Apparently Choobacca and gang were also there. Drat, missed out!!!!

Suck Your Tummy In....In Case You Topple Over

2007-07-18T10:32:00.000+08:00

Such a dilemma. The plantar fascitis was just about healing, and I could still feel a mild pain, but faced with the conundrum of, should I attend FCI's class and risk further aggravating the foot, OR, listen to the endless droning of FCI about oh, can attend Leon's class even though injured lah, etc etc...

Yhsmom suggested I do the (pregnancy) options, and Leon suggested I rest. Thing about combat is, if you do the options, it's SO obvious you're slacking. Anyway, at 6pm, I was still undecided. Actually, we were at Pantai Hospital visiting a newborn baby, and didn't look like I could make it on time anyway. But, somehow missing FCI's class on Tuesday, ......just makes the day so incomplete, so when I got back home at 6.25pm, I decided, what the heck, and asked wife to drop me off at the gym, so I wouldn't have to waste time parking. The gym seems to be less crowded these days. Either FF is losing out to the competition, OR, its that time of the year. Long stretch of no public holidays, everyone's sick of work, and working out. Yhsmom postulated that the busiest times in gym are immediately after CNY, Raya and Xmas breaks. But no matter how empty, FCI's class always has a respectable quorum.

Twas nice to see so many familiar faces there. Lionheart, yhsmom, Megs, Sunshine, (still partially incapacitated), Tall Girl, Certifiable Steve the sound blaster, Merv, Ah Girl..... FCI gave me this skeptical sneering look, as if my leg injury was fake. Even made an announcement to that effect. "those who claim their legs are injured may take the easy option", or something like that. B***H. For one track, he announced, looking in my direction, SUCK IN YOUR TUMMY IN CASE YOU TOPPLE OVER. Anyway, further to last week's post about his obsession with Leon, he only made on reference to Youkh, where he said, "Do It For You!!!!".

According to yhsmom, it was theatrical the way I exited the class, by apparently proclaiming bravo and limping out. Not intentional.

Monday's pump, YI was late late late. Also, very few people, only 5 of us. Lots of the usual faces missing, though hardcores like Lion were carrying 20kg on each side for squats. He must have thighs and buns of steel!!!! Biceps was the killer, but mercifully, since he was late, he couldnt finish 10 tracks (it is a 45 minute class anyway, and anything above the prescribed is a bonus, so can't complain), and skipped lunges.

Shake Your Boo....Boo

2007-07-16T11:45:00.000+08:00

Had intended to go gym everyday last week, but alas, after FCI's class on Tuesday, somehow I kept missing all my intended classes, and didnt exercise again until Saturday morning, when I went for my occasional morning jog in lake gardens, when friend from Singapore is in town. Even then it was with great reluctance. Nevertheless, it was a great jog, we clocked 26 minutes, a route that usually takes us 28 minutes. But, not without a price though, cause shortly after the run, I felt a sharp pain on my right heel, which could be a recurring old injury from tennis days. The Plantar Fascitis.... or something like that. Anyway, I was hobbling away like a geriatric.

So, question of the day was, to combat or not to combat? It was afterall FDI's class! AND, FCI called me at 3 something, asking if I was going or not, as he intended to go!!!! Well, that quite made up my mind for me, pain or no pain!!!! I thought I could not miss this sight. Either way it would have been a hoot, if FCI was on the floor, as a member, OR, if he was on stage. Was pleased to see sunshine there, though she said she hadnt fully recovered, and couldn't jump. Well, that made two of us. So there we were, two young geriatrics, moving with lithe movements that would make Steven Hawking look like Roger Federer. Each step was pain, pain pain. FDI better appreciate the effort. AND that b****y FCI fella, didn't show up!!!!

FDI seemed to be on a drug of sorts....one that induces amnesia. Almost a year later, this time he REALLY botched up the sexy track. Hahaha. Happy 1st anniversary FDI. (this time I can really sms you to ask if your choreo was wrong). I dunno what possessed him, to do knee, kick, knee and jump kick.... (instead of knee knee knee jump kick). Anyway, since I was in pain, I didnt pay much attention to his other boo boos, which according to him, were plenty. Aww, don't be too hard on yerself, even Divas have their off days. I'm sure Pavarotti must have forgotten his lines before too.

Anyway, it was an exhausting class nevertheless, so much so one of the amazons shouted "you, it's a saturday la, easy conditioning please". See, only a diva can pull off a class with boo boos and still earn the adulation of his fans.

Swam 1km on Sunday, as it was the only low impact exercise that was handy.

That's My Boy

2007-07-11T11:20:00.000+08:00

Yhsmom had announced that she would be attending FCI's class, which made him very excited. He already predicted it was going to be a great class. Well, I guess if you have good ingredients, the chances of making a good cake are better than say, if you were using margarine and fake non dairy cream. When I got there, Lionheart, yhsmom were already milling around the waiting area. Managed to get myself onto #24 on the registration list.

Requisite cheerleader, Certifiable Steve was there in full tow. Ladynina and Megs were the other familiar faces. Tall girl was there too. Have somehow never plucked up the courage to say hi to her. She looks a tad serious. Wonder if SC's injury has healed. Haven't seen her in FCI's class in awhile.

Anyway, I also wondered if Leon Lai choked or sneezed during his conference dinner, as FCI mentioned him a heck of a lot of times, at least twice by name, and a few other times by implication. In one track, he mentioned, Tuesday...pointing to Steve, and Saturday....pointing to me. Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, cueing us to shout. He made another reference, according to yhsmom, about handsome instructor (I missed this), which apparently referred to Leon also. Then, he said, SHOUT FOR YOU!!!!! And during conditioning, he announced, "my friend, You Kok Hoe, taught me that these were upper halves", and proceeded to demonstrate the upper half pushups. One wonders if he secretly has a crush on FDI....it's bizarre to mention another instructor so many times.

Oh, FCI likes to think of his class as literal students. He likes to stand still and see if we remember choreo..... well, I personally have the memory of a goldfish.... I cant remember what I did one minute ago, let alone replicate an entire track on the other leg. So usually I am quite lost when he does his "teacher testing the students" thing. Sorry la, me quite duhh one.

For the muay thais, or was it the jinga, he insisted everyone jump (I think it was muay thai) but exempted those above 35 years of age. How considerate. Well, he certainly can't complain I didnt shout...I have a sore throat today from all that shouting.

Monday's pump was evil. With the new release over, and Lionheart in the class, YI was compelled to pick "the evilest of the evil" for all the tracks. I can't remember the tracks now, but suffice to say, it was darn painful, much to Lion's delight. After being accustomed to 10kg biceps in the last release, he found the 7.5kg each side a breeze. Man of steel or what!!!!

One Week Summarised In One Post

2007-07-09T11:43:00.000+08:00

After last Monday's pump and Tuesday's combat, I didnt blog because we're still on the new release, and there was really nothing to say. I mean, they were great classes, as usual, because of the instructors, but it's like going back to your favourite restaurant and eating the same thing over and over again for three weeks, until you've covered all angles. So, I am sooo looking forward to this week, which heralds the END of the new release compulsory period.

So, Monday was pump, Tuesday was combat. I couldn't stay after track 10, because I had a dinner. Lion and Mrs Lion were there. Crowded class as usual.

Then came three days of sloth. No gym, no exercise. By Saturday, I felt I had to do SOMETHING, before all the fat co-agulated. But I wasn't going to go for combat, with no offense to FDI, because I just couldn't do another current release. So, I thought I'd go for body step. FSI was still in Bali, and was replaced by Kenny. Now if there ever was an FRI post, it would go to him. Favourite Replacement Instructor. I always enjoy his class, be it attack, step or pump. For BS, I have only done the new release twice, so I didn't mind doing it again. (or hangon, have I done it only once??) Damn good sweat. And very crowded class as well.

On Saturday night, yhsmom hosted her birthday dinner at Cafe Cafe. If you want to read about the food aspect, go here. Present were the usual suspects, ie, yhsmom and hubby, Lion & Lionness, ahboy & ahgirl, Leon and me with wifey. The food was divine, completely recalorising anything I might have lost in FRI's body step earlier.

On Sunday, I was unusually inspired to try and catch 2nd FSI's step class at 2.45. I found out later that he had actually been absent for the last month, replacing Tony in SPK. So it was timely that he returned when he did. Loved the class. End of the new release, it was really hyper and energetic. Must have exhausted a few people, coz about two people left halfway. Must try to rekindle that habit of going for Sunday afternoon Body Step.

Lion Cooks Up A Storm

2007-07-02T09:50:00.000+08:00

For all its shortcomings, Body Combat 32 is rather tiring I think. Either that, or age is catching up. The studio and gym in the Curve was eerily quiet, although the car park was a nightmare and a half, as usual. I was lucky, managed to get a park the minute I entered the place.

There's a stall in the flea market in the Curve that sells lovely Cameron's strawberries, at 11 bucks for 3 punnets. And rather sweet too, considering they're local. The equivalent amount, for Driscolls would cost RM24.90. Oops, am I blogging in the wrong blog? Food.

Leon was decked in a beach shirt, as FF Curve was having a beach theme. No one else was in theme though. He had his back up squad there, in the class, Renee and Lillian. The class went smoothly enough, with no real noticeable errors. He took pains to say, LEFT FOOT FORWARD, AS IN YOURS, this time, for track 3. At one point, he also remarked, "why, can't shout ah, its not Tuesday" or something to that effect.

He had the two women up on stage with him for Track 6. I had gone out to get a drink after the groupie track, and Richelle who was sitting outside said, "cheating again ah, next time bring water bottle".....duhhh, hardllly cheating lah, after I reentered Leon was still demonstrating and talking. With the two women on stage, it was almost like the Dreamgirls theme, except there was one man on stage.

Now, for the real highlight of Saturday, dinner at the Lion's Den....

The most divine Lamb Cutlets in Port Sauce, Oxtail Stew, Mash, his signature chicken with hainanese coffee shop bread, yummy vinegared trotters, and wow, Megs brought all my favourite wines, Cloudy Bay Sav Blanc, and one other really great chablis, Sunshine, living up to her nickname, brought DOM PERIGNON no less. And Mrs Lionheart made a lovely Bailey's Vanilla ice cream!!! What a feast. Thanks a load, Lionheart and Mrs Lionheart.

FSI Missing Again

2007-06-29T10:16:00.000+08:00

Well, you can't say I didn't try. Two consecutive days in a row, I try to catch FSI, so I can lose my Body step no ## (what is it? 65?) virginity to him, but yet again, he was missing on the Thursday lunchtime slot. I realised the minute I signed the register, for his name was struck out and replaced by Bryan. My first thought was, omigoodness, is it the Monica Seles Brian? The one who grunts during body pump as though ...ahem, you know....

Anyway, turns out it was a different one, again giving credence to my theory that certains names have a predisposition of becoming instructors. I have to say, the fellow royally screwed up the first track. Dunno if he was nervous or what, after all, these are the hallowed halls where gym luminaries like Lionheart drop their sweat daily. I myself, already unfamiliar with the tracks, was even more confused that normal. Well, if his first track was like roughly shaven ice kacang, his subsequent ones miraculously turned to gelato, smooth and seamless. Which perplexed me, hence I attribute it to nervousness.

It turned out quite alright actually. By track 3 he had regained the composure and confidence of a 60 year old diva, and I couldn't really tell if there were any other errors or not. This time there were THREE men (excluding the instructor) in the class, very rare for a Thursday lunchtime slot.

I thought this release was fairly enjoyable, though I was quite winded by track 6, and very rarely do I ever have to exit the studio for a drink in the middle of the class, but this was one time. I dunno which tracks it was that FSI and Nippon Macho Lady Instructor were practising a few weeks ago that was from this release, but resembled body jam....

I like the speed track. Oh well, much as I would have preferred to have lost my Body Step No ## viriginity to FSI, I guess once you're approaching the end of your chance, anyone also can la.

From Body Step To GOF

2007-06-28T10:29:00.000+08:00

My intention was to catch the new release of Body Step with FSI, before it was too late. I happily trotted to the gym, ONLY to discover, AYO, ..... well, actually, it was Ayu... replacing FSI for body step. Not that I have anything against Ayu, I dont even know who Ayu is. But when one's mental expectation had been set for a certain thing....even the best of replacements can sometimes be inadequate. It's like going to watch a Sheila Majid Concert, but Mawi sings instead.

Anyway, with Mr and Mrs Lionheart hovering around the registration table, it didnt take much persuasion to sign up for GOF instead. GOF is not GOLF pronounced by inarticulate chinamen. It stands for GROIN ON FIRE. Otherwise known as Argh Pee Em. RPM for me is like reflexology. The first time was so painful, it always brings a shudder to go back again. Mitigating factors here would be great company, great instructor, great music. It's like saying, oh, chuck me in the gas chamber coz my friends are there.

I picked a bike next to Mrs Lion, so she was flanked by Lion and me. On my right, was a seasoned RPM-er, who likes to mutter to himself. By the end of the 2nd track, I was sweating profusely. I don't really know how to describe RPM tracks. I mean, it basically is very non descriptable. You get onto the bike, the lights go off, you cycle nowhere, up and down imaginary hills, and gasp for breath in a room with very poor ventilation. Hey, it IS like chucking me in a gas chamber.

Then came track 5. Whenever Lion declares he likes a track, I instinctively know it's going to be a killer. Yup, sure enough it is. But, the GOOD thing about RPM is, it REALLY DOESNT have to be a killer. Horny said something really weird. RIDE LIKE NO ONE'S WATCHING. Ya well, honey, that is the idea you know. No one's watching, so no turn up the dial. Okay la, I wasn't that bad, I didnt cheat all THAT much, and there were times, my resistance levels WERE enough to give me a minor cardiac.

But I do love the music, especially that Rhythm is a Dancer song. (I think that's the title). There's that usual esctatic feeling at the last beat of the song for the last track. It IS FINISHED!!!! Yahoo. My favourite part of GOF is the cooldown. It never ceases to amaze me how that "flush out the toxins" bit of the cooldown actually works. During the GOF game, I think my knees would buckle from all that lactic acid build up. But surprisingly after the cooldown, hey, I'm as good as new. (by new, I mean 40 instead of 50).

I Can't Remember My Original Heading

2007-06-27T10:09:00.000+08:00

During combat yesterday, I thought of a really good title for today's post, but I think it must have leaked out of my brain together with the sweat. I have absolutely NOOO recollection of what I meant to write.

Let's see, maybe if I mentally run through the class track by track, it might come back to me. Of course, FCI didnt want to start the class until Lionheart entered, making the rest of us mere mortals wait. For some reason, everyone tended to stand very far back yesterday, at the beginning, leaving a big buffer between the class and FCI. His amazon squad was there in full tow, which was good, because in the absence of Certifiable Steve, they provided the much needed impetus for the screaming and yelling.

I need to stretch this post, by hook or by jab, (by crook), because FCI accused me of favouring FDI and giving his class such a long write up. Yada yada yada. Anyway, in the middle of one of the tracks, with all the coolness and suaveness of a DJ in a disco, FCI does a voice over (like those DJs making a comment while the music's playing), "You Kok Hoe sends his apologies he can't be with us tonight, as he's outstation". Of course, such remarks are only meant for certain target groups, as the rest of the class didnt know what he was talking about!!!!

AHHHHHH, I REMEMBER NOW!!!!! THE TITLE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE, "LEFT FOOT FORWARD, AS IN YOUR LEFT FOOT"!!!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!! One of the Amazons gave me a knowing chuckle when he made that remark. He definitely was referring to FDI's big boo boo last saturday, though FCI was quick to say, "that wasn't a remark". (yar, right). That was for track 3.

Jinga...actually his cueing was excellent, and got us into a correct rhythm. But I find this track has one jinga too many. And it's not even Christmas yet. Jinga bell, jinga bell, jinga all the way. I actually quite enjoyed the circle track this time round, ..... Lion was expressing his dislike for the new release. I agreed with him that I didnt like it at first, though I've kinda gotten used to it by now.

Anyway, it was a great class. There was one chappie there who looked positively bushed, I was quite concerned that he may keel over..... Mrs Lionheart joined the festivities midway.

What can I say? This has to be longer than the last Saturday's post.

Very Crowded For Four Forty Five

2007-06-26T10:12:00.000+08:00

I often wonder who are these men who can attend a 4.45pm body pump class, or any other class for that matter. They must fall into one of a few categories: 1. self employed, ie, self boss, 2. students, 3. unemployed or in between jobs, 4. on mc, 5. in sales.

Anyway, I saw Lion at the foyer at about 4.25. That guy is darn busy one, it took him 20 minutes to weave his way from the foyer up to the studio. The good thing about a period of new release is, you know the syllabus, and they cant make it any harder (or easier) just because Lionheart is in the class. A surprise attendee was Megs, who doesnt normally appear at this time slot.

For the squat track, two people were carrying that insane weight of 17.5 kg on each side, ie, Lionheart and Jay. (who is sporting a new more kempt hairdo. He previously had enough hair flopping around to start a wig shop). I motioned to Megs that "they're mad" sign, when she gave a look of complete disbelief. This particular squat track is very cardio intensive, and I find myself sweating as if I'd done a run on the treadmill, after the track. I guess this is why body pump cant be prescribed as an alternative for weights workout, as its probably very cardio. Lionheart plonked on an extra kg on YI's bar for chest. Heh heh, who's the instructor and who's the instructee, sometimes one wonders.

Maria Von Trapp (or Rogers and Hammerstein) would turn in their graves to know their Lonely Goatherd song was used as a torture weapon. Lei ode lei ode lei hee hoo. I guess it is that new move, the whatchamayacallit, that is the real killer. Take that out of the equation, and the track is really not that bad. Megs didnt even bother attempting the triceps pushups after that evil first part of the track. Biceps was easy enough. No Kit Kat though.

Lunges. It was interesting to note that not a SINGLE MAN there, save for the instructor, took the option of using weights for lunges. Some gallant females did do it with weights. It cannot possibly be a good thing for the knee, this lunge on the board thingo. Or does it actually strengthen the knee?

I hate the shoulder track as well. But I couldn't jolly well carry 1kg on each side, when even the first timer started off with 2.5kg. And that conditioning track, .... Words escape me. I must make it a point to try this release under horny and richelle.

Anyone Here Done The New Release?

2007-06-25T11:52:00.001+08:00

It's good to have FDI back after a long hiatus. He's been jetsetting, as usual. Wasn't even at the Miracle 07. Sadly, none of the usual familiar faces (except Lilo) were there at that Saturday class. Sunshine apparently has a minor slip disc, Sidekick, well, I've not seen him since he became an instructor himself, at that class, so I felt rather lonely. It is sheer dedication and loyalty that brings me back to the Curve for FDI, to a class full of strangers.....

Anyway, after such a long break, I was rather looking forward to some bloopers on stage. He had Lillian up there shadowing with him, to mitigate any serious disaster.... His first question was, "Has anyone here done the new release"? I swear I saw a gleeful grin when no one put up their hand. I have, of course, done it, but I wasn't about to draw any unwanted attention in my direction. The warm up started off without any visible hitches, (Lillian is a really smiley instructor, I just noticed), and track 2 was okay too. By this time, I was getting a bit disappointed that there had been no major boo boos. Then, track 3 started, with the correct cueing, "Left foot forward", but I think he forgot that that cue was meant for us, not him, sniggggggerrrrrr. But like all great divas, he didnt bat an eyelid, and selamba only, switched it back to the correct side....I doubt anyone would have realised.

Then came the Jinga!!!! What a riot. As it is I am already confused, ..... well, I don't know how quite to put it delicately, without implying that's he was suffering from temporary amnesia. Heh heh.... but, as I said, diva being divas, they recover from their bloopers with a graceful smile, like that of a benevolent dictator's wife handing out food to the peasants.

I cant remember what other tracks were eventful, but it was a darn tiring class. Added with the fact that the last gym session I had was FCI's class on Tuesday....(boy I am really slacking off)....

Megs, You Can Buy Your Lottery

2007-06-20T14:31:00.000+08:00

Megs once said, "if there's ever a class where FCI doesnt pick on you, I'll buy lottery". Well, yesterday was such a class. Mainly because I was in the foulest of moods, and had forewarned FCI not to make any smart alec remarks to me. It worked.

As usual, the theatrics at the beginning, shouting for Lionheart to join the class. He was represented by Lionness instead, and when it was apparent that Lion wasnt gonna show, he finally started the class. Combat 32, its called.

Well, I am ambivalent about the new release. I cant say I like it, nor do I dislike it. I enjoyed it a lot better last night than at the miracle, where there were too many distractions, and too many people. I kinda like the warm up, mainly coz of the new moves. The Jinga track 4 is a bit too long, but nice combo of evasive sidekicks and front kicks to the side. Dont really know what to think of the groupie track. In any case, MJH studio is always too small for a circle. Quite like the track 6. Muay thai forgettable. Conditioning, eugh....hate anything with kicks.... cooldown, okay lah.

But of course, since FCI was teaching the class, it was a great class as usual.

Oh The Pain, The PAIN

2007-06-19T10:37:00.000+08:00

Was anticipating the new release for pump with a bit of dread, since the prognosis came back as "Lionheart likes it". If he liked it means, it must have been darn tuff. The music is quite nice though, I have to say, although the Lonely Goatherd from Sound of Music will never quite reverberate the same way it used to in my ears now.

YI was very early this time round, as I bumped into him at the cafe outside, about 4.30pm. All the mats were laid out on the studio floor, presumably to be cleaned. About 5 minutes before class started the mats were cleared, allowing us to set up our bars.

I think like childbirth, the pain has induced a temporary amnesia, because I suddenly cannot remember anything about the class, except that it was painful, especially triceps. It IS really the mother of all tricep tracks. What a treat, almost everything in one track. Overheads, sides, french press (is that what its called? the one with one weight over the head) AND surprise surprise, PUSH UPS at the end. Rachel gave a shriek after the track, echoing my sentiments. If I had carried the Lion's weight, I might have ended up with a fractured skull.

And lunges. Anything involving a board, for lunges, is bad news. So much so, I didnt even bother trying it with the bar at all. This class reminds me of my first reflexology experience. It was SOOO painful, and traumatic, it took me a year before I plucked up the courage to go again, and till today, I am never a big fan of reflexology.

Lets see, in summary, chest, triceps, lunges, shoulders, conditioning, were all, in MY opinion, killers. Though of the 5, triceps stand out as the major murderer.

Brrr, just thinking about it....that this is what we'll be doing for the next 3 weeks....why dont you just gouge out my eyes now and lay me on a bed of spikes.

MIRACLE 2007

2007-06-18T14:57:00.000+08:00

I realise now that I dislike crowds with a passion. First was the stress of having to get a carpark in the Curve. Actually, not all the traffic in that area was generated by this event. On its own right, the Curve seems to be packed on weekends.

Miracle 2007 was held in the lower ground area of cineleisure, next to the Curve. With so much music blaring in all directions, I wasn't sure which was what. Found my way to the correct venue, and saw a body attack class in progress. Looked good, I have to say. But there didn't seem to be many people at all. Not to mention, I didnt recognise any of the instructors.

As I was making my way down the escalator, bumped into shades, (you can view more pics of the launch on his blog) who was peering over my back, as I was sms-ing FCI. He snidely remarked, "I guess you're here for FCI".... "of course not", I replied, "I'm here to see all of you guys". And that was probably the truth. When else do you get all the "greats" in one stage. However, what I didnt know was, it was also a nike tribe thingie. 3 teams took 3 of the tracks.

Tracks 1-2 were by Renee, 3 was by a tribe, 4 was by shades, 5 by no 1 in tianjin, 6 & 7 were done by respective tribes, 8 by crystal, and 9&10 by FCI. The cooldown track actually allowed him to showcase his artistic-ness.

Anyway, all the guy combat instructors had their hair painted white, something like skunks, except in a weird pattern of concentric circles, that resembled target practice, or something. For the jinga track, the people kept going further and futher back, so much so I must have drifted at least 5 metres from my original starting point. The makeshift carpet was quite slippery as well.

We were supposed to vote for the best tribe. As a matter of principle, I didnt cast my vote because I felt the allocation of tracks deemed it a bit unfair to judge impartially. Naturally, the tribe showcasing the muay thai track had more to show, as opposed to the tribe that only had a power track. I'm not sure who won in the end.

FCI and me

Note the design of concentric circles on FCI's head.

FCI and Star Wars Primate

Back To Body Combat

2007-06-13T14:32:00.000+08:00

I cant remember when was the last combat class, let alone's who's it was that I last went to.

Therefore, despite aching from body pump the day before, I had to, by hook, or by jab, be there for FCI's class. Such a brilliant instructor, how could I possibly miss his class. So, I made sure I got there early as one cannot risk being turned away just because a list is full. Now that they put the list at the counter, it seems to be easier to get on, and I was number 10. YI was replacing Richelle for pump, and it looked like a pretty tough class. Lionheart was there, so I was glad I wasn't.

Although he was already late, FCI killed time waiting for his favourite member, Lionheart to re-enter the class before he began. We finally began about 6.53 or so.... 8 minutes behind time. He gave a broad grin when Lionheart finally roared in.

Not many of the usual suspects there.... Megs, Sunshine, Meenachi, Panjang all not there, though the female panjang was. Certifiable Steve was there though, leading in the shouts. Great selection of tracks. By track 4, the jinga one, I was feeling thoroughly pooped. Apparently the next release has a 7 minute jinga. Didnt care much for track 5, the group track. Seemed interminably long, and not particularly exciting. FCI did direct one of the members on the opposite side to attack me. Oh, earlier on, he made a reference, split the room into two sides, Leon Lai's side and my side. Both Lion and I went to Leon Lai's side....snigger, although he wasnt there.

However, I have to say, it was an awesome class. The energy level was superb, and its been awhile since I heard so much screaming. The women these days don't seem as powerful as they used to be in terms of shouting capacity. Maybe all the amazons became instructresses already.

The conditioning was wicked. It's the one with the kicks. Bang bang?? Thank you so much FCI for such a wonderful class.

Aching Now

2007-06-12T11:51:00.000+08:00

Am paying the price of my sloth over the last few weeks. The return to pump has rendered me nearly paralysed. I am aching in every conceivable place. My chest feels like I'm on the brink of heart attack, my thighs ....god forbid I should need to use a public squat loo in the next 24 hours, my arms, ....the baby will just to forego her usual being carried in daddy's arms for today.

Okay, maybe I exaggerate a little, but heck, I am in pain. When I first got to the studio, Riyo and Teoh were practising what looked very much like Body Jam moves, but apparently it was body step. Wow, it looks jammy!!! Their launch was at 6.45pm, too late for me, as I had to attend the opening gala of URMI, a local production of the Tempest, where exFCI was acting in. It was surprisingly very good, and his thespianic skills have certainly improved....but let me not digress.

So ya, YI was late, (actually the MJH clocks are also about 5 minutes fast), so when the clock showed 4.55, FSI very kindly took over the warm up while waiting. I am impressed that he knows the pump choreography at the back of his head, and was a super-natural at it. I half expected him to say, okay, lets warm up with a track of body step. But then again, he IS a qualified pump instructor.

Truth be told, I was relieved that YI was late, which meant he couldnt stuff all the 10 tracks into the 45 minute class like he usually does. Appreciative as I am of that mega effort, I was in too much pain, and almost did cartwheels, if my physique had allowed, when he skipped lunges. Also, he muttered when he first arrived, "oh, Lionheart isn't here, so don't worry..." and yar, boy was he right. Without Lionheart there, the bar is lowered, ...figuratively. I was probably the heaviest weight for clean and press. And YI's 12.5kg was the highest for squats, in the class. Again, I was relieved that Lionheart wasnt there..... to add to our pain. I did see him entering the gym as I was leaving though, presumably attending the Launches.

Brrr, tonight combat.

Hi, Remember Me?

2007-06-08T11:55:00.000+08:00

I'm back. Since the last post, after FCI's birthday, I've been to Vietnam, (Hanoi, Danang and Hoi An) for a friend's 40th Birthday party, afterwhich, feeling the guilt of leaving the kids at home for so long, had to ease the guilt pangs by bringing them to Singapore for the school holidays. Why Singapore? Because baby girl just got her new passport, and since I can't afford to bring them to London, I figured out the closest place to get her passport stamped, was Singapore.

No, I didnt even have time to wipe my ass, let alone go for classes at the Fitness First there, though hope springs eternal, and I did bring my sneakers, gym wear, and International FF Passport. Pity, would have loved to have surprised Ben or Leonard, in one of their classes.

Glancing at the Singapore timetable, I am amazed to note that even THERE, the names of instructors sound pretty similar to the ones here, hence espousing my theory that your name does predispose you to a certain profession. Or rather, in order to be an instructor, you must have a name that falls into a certain category. There's even a Maverick! Is that a guy or girl? Sounds like the parent couldnt decide between Mavis and Eric. No offense ya.

Anyway, after that super long hiatus, after Vietnam, I attended FSI's class on Wednesday evening, but was so exhausted, couldnt even finish track 10, so was pleased that had a good excuse to leave. (had inlaws dinner). And again, after another hiatus in Singapore, the first available class was again, FSI's class, but the old Thursday lunchtime slot. Bumped into FGXC at the foyer, and he showed me some BACK TO SCHOOL clips of the theme classes in SPK. 2ndFSI was wearing a schoolgirl's pinafore. Guffaw. Can we have those clips on YOUTUBE please.

Step was tiring. My heel ached all of yesterday after that. You know you're in for a long ride when even at the warm up, you feel winded. But it was a much needed workout. Still some familiar faces there. Well, time to get back into the swing of things. It's as if I never said goodbye.

FCI'S BIRTHDAY

2007-05-21T12:52:00.001+08:00

What? : FCI's early birthday celebrations. (REAL DAY, 24th MAY)
Where? : His place
Why? : Hmmm, long story....
When? : Saturday Night
How? : Through brilliant planning

Well, pictures paint a thousand words, so this post, is equivalent to a pHD thesis. I slaved over this 2kg cake only for him to ask me, how much? RM50 ah? Find me a 2kg cake for RM50 and I'll show you something that's inedible. The ingrate.

At least someone appreciated the food.

Sucking in belly to look more streamlined.

I dont wanna be lonely no more

That's hard

Something must have really tickled them.

It's Been Awhile

2007-05-21T11:39:00.000+08:00

I can't remember the last time I attended FDI's combat class in the Curve on Saturday. He himself has been on a somewhat long hiatus, and I got a hilarious sms from him saying that he had pulled a back muscle while stretching. Peering through the glass, (actually no need to peer even), we could see that FSI's normally packed Body Step class was rather empty. Wonder why? So FDI assumed that his class would be empty two, but no, his fans were there in full force to welcome home the missing diva. And not only that, there was even screaming/shouting in the warm up track oridi.

Sunshine was there, but really, apart from her, I dont really know anyone in the Curve. Yes, there's ladynina, lilo, etc, but I cant really say I know them well. So really, it is out of sheer loyalty to FDI that brings me there every Saturday.

Warm up was from release 20, apparently. What release are we up to now? No idea. Some of the songs were from the same list as FCI's. Field of dreams,......, hmmm, I thought it was more than that. Very spirited class. Lots of shouting.....

Anyway, this was the complete tracklist, courtesy of FDI.
Warm Up : Slave to the Music
track 2 :- living on a prayer,
track 3 :- field of dreams
track 4 :- sexy
track 5 :- bad reputation
track 6:- bring the noise
track 7:- we will rock u
track 8:- heartbeatz
track 9:- stop the rock
track 10: - breathe easy

Oh, it's stop the ROCK. I always thought it was stop the ROT. Thought it was a BN theme song. No pushups.

One Big Happy Family

2007-05-16T10:44:00.000+08:00

I think you know you've been going to a gym too long, when you kinda know everyone around you in a 2 person radius. FCI's class yesterday was one such class. It was one of those classes where everyone was there....Lionheart (who doesn't even usually do Combat...the fler had done TWO pump classes that day itself. Howwww does he do it!!!! Where does he get the energy!!!!! What is his secret? SHARE WITH US, OH MIGHTY LIONHEART!), Sunshine, Megs, Shanti Combat and Bernsy, Ah Girl, Certifiable Steve (FCI exhorted him with shouts of encouragement, "come on steve, you're gonna be an instructor soon"), Merv, and even that young boy Alvin, who has been missing for quite some time, and seems to be plumper from the absence.

I shan't even bother listing down the abuse that I got from FCI, but it was enough for Megs to proclaim that the day he doesnt pick on me, she's gonna buy a lottery. Warm up was that old old track, that reminds me of the Thursday lunchtime combat under Sop Fan. Final Countdown again, ....for some inexplicable reason, I keep yawning in classes. Not only FCI's, but almost all the classes in the MJH studio. Does that place lack oxygen?

Field of Dreams...one of my favourite track 3s. Reminds me of that golden era of Body Combat, when the place was flooded with all my favourite instructors... like exFCI... I have to say the Rock Me Amadeus is my favourite track 4, though obviously I have never quite attempted that evasive sidekick. At my age, I can't afford risking knee surgery for broken knee caps, etc. Didnt enjoy track 5 at all. Very forgettable. Track 6... something about I'm not your entertainment that one...very short track. Muay thai was the 64 knee one again. Loved the We Will Rock You conditioning. I'm sure Freddie would be pleased to know that so many sweaty bodies are writhing in unison to his music, and pumping up and down, and lifting all sorts of orifices.

My all time favourite cooldown... the Last Samurai and May It Be. It reminds me of Nikeboy. I recall him telling us, oh, this new cooldown will make you feel very special. One of those strokes of genius by the choreographers. How come no one does the crane and claw cooldown anymore huh? My 3 favourite cooldowns are probably Last Samurai, Breathe Easy, and Now We are Free.... oh, and Bohemian Rhapsody too.

After class, Lionheart disclosed some rather upsetting news. Apparently the powers that be are going to ban the use of old tracks, as the emphasis on technique(? is that what i heard) has changed. HOWWWWW CANNNNNNN???? WE LOVE OLD TRACKS. Anyway, I hope its just a rumour. Lionheart has declared his stance on the matter should such a thing take place. Sunshine, on the other hand, was bemoaning the exodus of ahem, macho pump instructors to other gyms. She say one ah, not I say.

Don't Judge Them By Their Age

2007-05-15T11:30:00.000+08:00

It's interesting to see how people take such an interest in FCI's life...so much so a matter of fact fleeting reference to his "girlfriend" was actually picked up from yesterday's post. Heh heh. Ah well, the life of celebrities. The glare of the spotlight, the flash of the paparazzi. Mere mortals like us can only live vicariously the lives of these gym equivalents of the brad pitts and jennifer anistons of hollywood. We have afterall, got our own Leon Lai, Wong Hei, Linda Carter, (wonder woman), Wayne Knight. Can we link the rest of our dear instructors to celebrities? Surely FSI must look like some Hong Kong star? What about the sweet demure Richelle?

And what about Young Instructor? With the mixed Sino Japanese parentage, .....Ken Watanabe? (40 years ago?)

Talking about YI, this young lad's classes, inspired by Lionheart, are getting harder and harder. I cant even finish the chest track. And mind you, it's the same puny weight I've been carrying since time immemorial. Long time absent Jay returned from his hiatus, and his usually beastly squats weights were reduced to the same as mere mortals. Of course, Lion was carrying his usual "can get hernia" kinda of weights. For the clean and press, he had 15 kg on each side, from the chest track, and he picked up a donut, so I thought he was gonna add to it, and gasped in horroration (cross between horror and admiration), but actually, he was taking out the 5kg and replacing it with a donut, hence making the weight a bit more down to earth 11kg. But still!!!

Biceps was a killer as well. And lunges!!! Hard to say I'm sorry ...when it ended.

Note to self: Must attend pump classes where got no lions....