A little motivation

Never thought it would happen to me, after all the countless times I read up about haters and people putting down someone working towards a goal, it happened to me.

I always thought, if I got shot down, made fun of whilst working to build up my physique, it would most likely be from people who don't know me. Acquaintances, people you weren't on that good terms with or strangers - those were the people whom I thought would be the ones to put me down, to laugh at my "obsession".

The "obsession" of spending those hours, days, months and years at the gym, the cardio and especially the diet that I try hard to stick to.

But it struck me so hard the first time it happened, despite all the motivational quotes and videos I've watched - telling me to show the people who put you down how all your hard work isn't an obsession but a dedication and to use it as a motivation for yourself - the words that came out of their mouth still hurt.

I guess the worst part is that they are people whom you called friends, relatives or loved ones, people whom you trust that they got your back. It's like if the people whom you trust say such things about you, what more the people who don't know you that well, what worse things will they be saying about you.

For the rest of that day I was pretty moody but then I thought about it and those motivational posts I've seen and read came to me and I understood what it really meant.

People are going to put you down, be it out of jealousy or spite or just for "fun", only you can take those words and turn it as a source of motivation and encouragement or even strength. It just means that you have got to work harder and smarter. At the end of the day, it's you who reap the benefits of your hard work, it is you who will be accountable for your actions, no one else. Sure there might be spill over effects - your efforts and success motivating others or just creating more jealousy - but the only one to truly enjoy the fruits of labor is YOU!

Personally, I did take it negatively at that instance but then I turned it around and those words helped me break through my 6 month long plateau, where I just couldn't gain any progress in terms of my physique. In just 1 month, I saw myself making progress again and instilled in me a new found passion/motivation for what I'm working towards.

I would like to dedicate this post to all of you out there who are working hard for that dream and goal in your life, be it in fitness, career or your studies, whatever it is you are striving for... don't give up when others put you down, mock you or try to crush your hopes. Keep up the effort and in due time you will enjoy the results of your dedication.


p.s I'm not mad or angry at those who tries to put me down or make fun of me. I just wish that they'll understand what it is like to actually have a goal in life, something you're dedicated and passionate about. After all they are my friends and people I care about, so I definitely will not put down people I call my friends and loved ones. If not why call them friend?

The video can get quite crude and vulgar but I enjoy watching their videos because they are brutally honest with their advice, the Hodge Twins have been very helpful in guiding and motivating me in my workouts. I hope they can help you as much as they have helped me.

Till the next post!

One for the Ladies.

Inspiration for the ladies!

I know some of them are a little too bulky for your liking, but just like how I get motivated by the male bodybuilders, I definitely don't want to be their size.

It's the motivation and dedication I see from them, their hard work and results that in turn makes me want to achieve half of what they are.

I think that this one of the better female body building videos I've come across, so enjoy!


Till the next post!

Random Tip Of The Week.

Leave your ego at the door when you enter the gym.
If you are lifting for your ego then your body will never truly grow.
This is a sport where the only opponent is yourself.
The only one you need to impress and beat is yourself.
Don't give a sh*t about whoever else is looking at you or judging the weights you do.
The only person who gains from the workouts is yourself.
So don't give up and don't ever think you are a failure in the gym, because the only 'failure' in there is that last rep you push yourself to complete.

My 6th Month Progress

Well, I thought I'll do a post on my progress so far since Nov 2011. It's been just over 6 months since I started working out and the pictures in this post are the results I have gained in this 6 months.

In terms of weight, I was approx. 57kg in Nov 2011. Currently I am maintaining my weight at 62.5kg which is almost a 6kg gain, mostly lean muscle mass. I've yet to accurately measure my body fat %, but by ''guestimate'' I think that I was at 12-13% in Nov 2011 and about 10% now? 

One of the most obvious gains are those little finger-like muscles at the rib cage area just below the chest muscles, inter-costal muscles they're called from what I know. Very good gauge for body fat %, if you can see it you're probably at 10% and below. Likewise one of my happiest gain is my abdominal region, though I probably need to lose another 1-2% body fat to see my lower 2 abs.

Arms wise, definitely had gains, never did measure it (regrettably). If I were to estimate, probably an inch? Hitting the triceps hard really did show, arms look so much bigger and it makes one especially happy when your arms fit your t-shirt sleeves.

Next body part would be my legs, biggest biggest growth by far. My girlfriend used to say I had lady thighs cause my legs were really skinny. I started legs routine about 4 months ago but the progress far exceeds my other body parts. Haven't really targeted the calf region but will keep that as one of the main goals in time to come.

As for my chest, much more developed. Of all the muscle groups, I favour the chest muscles most. I think that it's a must have for all men. You can have nice arms, 6 pack, monster legs, sick back muscles or rock solid shoulders but if your chest is not developed, you just look weird. I'll rather have chest muscles over 6 pack abs.

I really put a lot of work into the lower chest muscles to attain the fuller look. Currently working on the upper region now so there'll be the "3D effect"(as my friend termed it).

Finally, my back and shoulder muscle group.

The back is the "hardest" muscle to train, because you can't see it! haha, it's really hard to focus on it in the gym because you have to imagine engaging your back muscles without the ability to see it with your own eyes. But it's my favourite of all the gains I've had, 'cobra head' back as the bodybuilders like to call it. I don't know about you but I feel that the back muscles have so many different groups that all the definitions just makes it look so kick ass.

My shoulders have seen it's fair share of growth as well, especially the rear delts. Never knew that I had to work it till like 3-4months ago. Since then I've been focusing on the rear delts to complete the full shoulders look. My traps have also grown significantly, personally I don't like too big traps cause it makes your neck look short, so I think as of now it's just about the right size for me.

Okay! So what am I looking forward to now would be to put on another 3kg. I plan to work on my calf muscles, getting the upper chest to be more developed and continue maintaining the other muscle groups. Also I'll hope to start a cutting phase if I get to 65/66kg and perhaps drop my body fat % to 8-9%.

Probably do another update of my progress in 3-6months time :).

Till the next post!

One for the Ladies.

Watching her video, I felt that she summarised really well the various aspects of keeping fit for the ladies.
I know many girls don't want to lift weights because they are afraid to become bulky. However, contrary to that belief, women don't bulk or build muscles like guys(you can if you want to but it'll take way more effort). In fact, lifting weights can actually help lose those fats all ladies complain about. It isn't all about cardio or running on the treadmill, especially so in Singapore where you see the ladies at the gym and all they do is run on the treadmill or cycle on the stationary bicycle.

Trust me ladies, pick up the weights the next time you go to the gym and leave your treadmill runs for after the weights workout. You'll see better results in lesser time as compared to the hours spent on those cardio machines. :)

Not too sure what's your goal body, girls, but here's one that'll hopefully be motivational to you  :)


Till the next post!

Random Tip of the Week

Good Form over Heavy Weight.

Random Tip of the Week.

When you just started working out, whatever you do works and will have results, just as long as you do something.