Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Lose Weight by Mixing It Up


Cross-training is an effective method for reducing excessive body fat and unwanted inches. Great, but what is cross-training? It simply means performing 2 or more different exercise movements consecutively within the same workout, or performing different exercise movements in successive workouts. For example, one can do 15 minutes of cycling, then 15 minutes of jogging on a treadmill, followed by 15 minutes of rowing for a total workout time of 45 minutes, or perform one of each exercise for 45 minutes on separate sequential workout days. That’s cross-training.

The preceding example of cross-training uses three different pieces of cardiovascular equipment which are effective at burning calories. But their combined use also gains additional benefits for the primary & secondary muscles involved in the movement resulting from the broader variety of musculoskeletal movement, varied points of emphasis/intensity and the unique synergy of the workout. This remains true even when the same muscles are used to perform like exercises back-to-back on 2 or more relatively similar cardio-machines. For instance, the function of two machines may be the same, but variables such as speed, hand and/or foot placement, elevating heights, mechanical mechanisms, amounts of resistance and other machine adjustments can vary widely. This causes the body to biomechanically adjust and react differently to the varied designs of each machine. The added challenge of cross-training between cardio exercises can really supercharge an otherwise boring and mundane workout.

Do not think that cross-training is just for elite athletes. The technique is suitable for persons of all fitness levels and is not dependent on using specific types of equipment for a particular length of time. Mode, duration, frequency and intensity are flexible variables relative to a person’s individual needs and abilities.

The benefits of cross-training include:



  • Increased propensity to adhere to regular bouts of cardiovascular exercise due to a change in exercise modes, physical challenge and the need to adjust and adapt to a variety of stimuli


  • Minimizes occurrences of plateaus by placing the body under varied amounts of healthy controlled stress to elicit desired adaptations on a more uninterrupted basis


  • Reduces the chances of injury from the “over-use syndrome” of performing a repetitive movement over and over again for long periods of time


  • Allows one to comfortably prepare the body to perform more strenuous forms of exercise, for instance, going from walking on a treadmill to jogging outside


  • Increases knowledge of how to perform other exercises when favorite pieces of equipment are not available


  • Brings the “wow” factor back to working out, and plows a steady path to achieving one’s weight loss goals.


Written by Brett M. Crosby for Fitness Malaysia ISSUE 1 (August 2008)

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur Push-Up Competition

Event:

  • Push-ups thoroughly test an individual’s muscular strength and endurance of the upper body (triceps, anterior deltoid, and pectoralis major). The male and female from each division who performs the greatest number of consecutive push-ups wins the contest.

When:

  • 14th July through 14th August

Cost:

  • Gold’s Gym Kuala Lumpur Members – Free of charge
  • Guest/Non-Members – RM20 for entry fee & 1-week pass

Form:

  • Men will assume the standard push-up position with only the hands and toes in contact with the floor. Women will use the modified push-up position (bent-knees). In either case the hands must be shoulder width apart. Also the contestant’s hips must remain in a relatively neutral position throughout the performance. Any repetition grossly performed will be disallowed by the witnessing trainer.
  • When ready the competitor begins by bending his/her elbows and lower their chest 4 inches from the ground. A marker placed directly underneath a contestant’s body signifies the correct lowering distance when touched by the chest. One repetition of the exercise is complete when the contestant returns to the starting position.
  • The competitor’s score is the total number of push-ups completed before reaching the point of exhaustion. Note, rest is only allowed in the “UP” position of the exercise.
  • Each participant may perform the test as many times as they choose in order to achieve the best score possible throughout the duration of the contest.
  • To record a score simply schedule an appointment with a trainer, or as ask a trainer on the spot if they are available to administer the test.

Divisions by age:

Male/Female
Age 15-19
Age 20-29
Age 30-39
Age 40-49
Age 50-60
Age 61+

Award:

  • A contemporary replica of the Gold’s Gym logo featuring “Modern Joe” mounted on a handsome base will be awarded to the male and female from each division who performs the most consecutive push-ups.

In case of tie:

  • Ties will be decided by having those contestants from their prospective divisions participate in a face-off. Each contestant will be given 1-minute to complete as many push-ups as possible with prescribed form to declare the winner. If a tie still exists, the process is repeated until a winner is declared.

Waiver:

  • All contestants are required to read, sign and date a release of liability form outlining the potential risks associated with vigorous forms of exercise at the time of registration. Any persons who do not comply shall be excluded from the competition

No sour grapes syndrome:

  • No record of performance is official unless a fitness trainer representing Gold’s Gym Kuala Lumpur witnesses the act and verifies it with their signature.
  • Witnessing trainers reserve the right to validate or void any contestant’s official performance in accordance to the rules of the contest. The trainer’s judgment is final.

Registration/waiver forms:

  • Forms are available at the Gold’s Gym Kuala Lumpur front desk – Lot G 105 Ground Floor City Square, Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: +603 2164 8303, Fax: +603 2164 3303, Email: brett@goldsgymkl.com

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur Triathlon

Champions
Rowing ~ Single Leg Squat ~ Dips

Men's Advanced - ages 18 - 49
Sheikh Md Bokhari

Women's Advanced - ages 18 - 49
Karen Husband

Men's Beginner/Intermediate - ages 18 - 49
David Picart

Women's Beginner/Intermediate - ages 18 - 49
Cecilia Letchumy

Men's Senior - ages 50+
Shamsuddin Hassanuddin

The entire staff and management team of Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur sincerely thanks everyone who participated in the event, and we congratulate and salute you all for your outstanding effort.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur

Triathlon
Recorded Performances



Men's Junior Division Beginner/Intermediate - ages 18-49



Rowing - best time over distance (2,500 meters/resistance at 5)
  1. David Picart - 9:48:58
  2. Jerry Piotrowicz - 9:59:3
  3. Shahim Jenabi - 10:07:1
  4. Mohd Arib Amarudin Md. Yusuf - 10:42:2
  5. Sim Keng Yong - 11:06:0
  6. Greg Ward - 11:07:9
  7. Nicholas Brown - 12:11:20
  8. Joshua Anthony - 12:13:00

Single Leg Squats - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (body weight)
  1. Picart David - 41 repetitions/1-minute
  2. Mohd Arib Amarudin Md. Yusuf - 40 repetitions/1-minute
  3. Nicholas Brown - 37 repetitions/1-minute
  4. Greg Ward - 35 repetitions/1-minute
  5. Shahim Jenabi - 16 repetitions/1-minute
  6. Sim Keng Yong - 13 repetitions/1-minute

Dips - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (50% of body weight)
  1. Jerry Piotrowicz - 58 repetitions/1-minute
  2. Shahim Jenabi - 55 repetitions/1-minute
  3. Joshua Anthony - 51 repetitions/1-minute
  4. Greg Ward - 45 repetitions/1-minute
  5. Nicholas Brown - 44 repetitions/1-minute
  6. Sim Keng Yong - 44 repetitions/1-minute
  7. Picart David - 41 repetitions/1-minute
  8. Mohd Arib Amarudin Md. Yusuf - 41/1-minute


Men's Junior Division Advance - ages 18 - 49

Rowing - best time over distance (5000 meters/resistance at 10)

  1. Sheikh MD Bokhari - 22:23:3

Single Leg Squats - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (body weight + 25 lb plate)

  1. Sheikh MD Bokhari - 29 repetitions/1-minute

Dips - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (70% of body weight)

  1. Sheikh MD Bokhari - 55 repetitions/1-minute



Women's Junior Division Beginner/Intermediate - ages 18-49

Rowing - best time over distance (2,500 meters/resistance at 5)
  1. Najidah BT Che Amay - 11:57:5
  2. Cecilia Letchumy. Ceci - 13:40:1
  3. Fathimath Thoufeega - 13:45:9

Single Leg Squats - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (body weight)
  1. Cecilia Letchumy. Ceci - 47 repetitions/1-minute
  2. Fathimath Thoufeega - 37 repetitions/1-minute
  3. Najidah BT Che Amay - 33 repetitions/1-minute

Dips - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (40% of body weight)
  1. Cecilia Letchumy. Ceci - 40 repetitions/1-minute
  2. Fathimath Thoufeega - 32 repetitions/1-minute
  3. Najidah BT Che Amay - 31 repetitions/1-minute
  4. Amanda Arokianathan - 12 repetitions/1-minute


Women's Junior Division Advanced - ages 18 -49

Rowing - best time over distance (5000 meters/resistance at 10)

  1. Karen Elizabeth - 23:51:4

Single Leg Squats - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (body weight + 10 lb plate)

  1. Sheri Tibbles - 32 repetitions/1-minute
  2. Karen Elizabeth - 26 repetitions/1-minute

Dips - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (60% of body weight)

  1. Karen Elizabeth - 40 repetitions/1-minute
  2. Sheri Tibbles - 33 repetitions/1-minute



Men's Senior Division Beginner/Intermediate - ages 50+

Rowing - best time over distance (2,500 meters/resistance at 5)
  1. Shamsuddin Hassanuddin - 11:06:7

Single Leg Squats - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (body weight)
  1. Shamsuddin Hassanuddin - 34 repetitions/1-minute

Dips - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (50% of body weight)
  1. Shamsuddin Hassanuddin - 35 repetitions/1-minute


Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur Men's Staff
Rowing - best time over distance (2,500/5000 meters)
  1. Brett Crosby - 9:36:1 (2,500 meters/resistance at 5)
Single Leg Squats - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (body weight or body weight +25lb)
  1. Brett Crosby - 29 repetitions/1-minute with 25lb plate
Dips - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (50% of body weight or 70% of body weight)
  1. Brett Crosby - 50 repetitions/1-minute at 50%, 46 repetitions/1-minute at 70%


Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur Women's Staff
Rowing - best time over distance (2,500/5000 meters)
  1. Qhal Dianatasha - 24:58:2 (5000 meters/resistance at 10)
Single Leg Squats- maximum repetitions in 1-minute (body weight or body weight +10lb)
  1. Qhal Dianatasha - 20 repetitions/1-minute with 10lb plate
Dips - maximum repetitions in 1-minute (40% of body weight or 60% of body weight)
  1. Qhal Dianatasha - 42 repetitions/1-minute at 40%
Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur


Triathlon Contest




How To Officially Register A Performance


There are two ways to officially record your performance of rowing, single leg squats and dips. "Officially record" means a trainer must be present for the full duration that you perform a particular exercise to verify the exercise was completed with the form stipulated by the rules of the contest. Upon conclusion of the event the trainer will record the results and provide their signature as confirmation on the contestant's registration form.




  1. Schedule an appointment through the front desk receptionist to have a trainer present during the event(s) you wish to perform. This assures that a verifying trainer will be available at a time that is most convenient to you.


  2. You may also inform any available trainer on-the-spot that wish for him/her to view your performance(s), if time permits. However any prior scheduled events or duties will over-ride such requests.



No Sour Grapes Syndrome:
No record of performance is official unless a fitness trainer representing Gold’s Gym Kuala Lumpur witnesses the act and verifies it with their signature.

Witnessing trainers reserve the right to validate or void any contestant’s official performance in accordance to the rules of the contest. The trainer’s judgment is final!
Absolutely no “do-overs” once the official recording of the exercise begins.




You Now Have From 15th April to 4th May To Complete All 3 Events

GO FOR IT!!!

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur Triathlon Contestants





Who's Up For The Challenge!







Men's Beginner/Intermediate Ages 18 - 49
  1. Picart David
  2. Mohd Arib Amarudin Md. Yusuf
  3. Simkempyoup
  4. Muhammad Aiman B. Rosli
  5. Mazlan Mohamed
  6. Ardana Sidr
  7. Greg Ward
  8. Muhammad Aizat B. Amdan
  9. Owen Parker
  10. Salehuddin Bin Omar
  11. Ibraham David
  12. Hamal Abdul Razak
  13. Nicholas Brown
  14. Joshua Anthony
  15. Othman Mohd Yusop
  16. Ali Asgari
  17. Shahin Jenabi
  18. Samsar moktar
  19. Jerry Piotrowicz (Sr. walk-over)


Women's Beginner/Intermediate Ages 18 - 49


  1. Martin Gwende'lle
  2. Hazarina Bt. Meor Hassan
  3. Norazlina Bt. Md Roza
  4. Fathimath Thoufeega
  5. Amanda Arokianathan
  6. Cecilia Grace Pakiam
  7. Sharon Sinha
  8. Najidah Bt. Che Amat
  9. Karen Elizabeth

Men's Advanced Ages 18 - 49:

  1. Sheikh Bokhari

Women's Advanced Ages 18 - 49: Vacant

  1. Sheri Tibbles

Men's Senior Beginner/Intermediate Ages 50+

  1. Raymond Aryuloose
  2. Ismail Bin Mat. Saleh

Women's Senior Beginner/Intermediate Ages 50+: Vacant

GGKL Inter Club Staff Triathlon: Not competing against members or guests

Men

  1. Malcolm
  2. Brett
  3. Tom
  4. Shah
  5. Hafiz
  6. Ridwan
  7. Izwan
  8. Steven

Women

  1. Qhal
  2. Dina
  3. Amutha
  4. Soya
  5. Erin
  6. Sadiah

Note: Please leave a comment if there is a misprint in the spelling of your name.

Training Tips & Tricks:

Rowing Calculator - Setting your pace is an important part of achieving your goals and doing your very best. To calculate the pace you need to row in order to cover a specific distance in a specific amount of time just left click (rowing calculator).

Single Leg Squats Training - Advanced: Change your center of gravity. Make balancing during a single-leg squat even harder by using your arms: Stand with your right foot slightly off the floor (don't move it behind you) and your right arm straight above you. Bend both knees to lower your body, then bend forward and reach for your left foot with your right hand. Return to the starting position, finish a set, and repeat on the other side.

To prepare for the advanced level exercise described above try performing a single leg chair squat first, then progress to the more difficult version. Just right click (single leg chair squat) for instructions on how to perform this exercise correctly.

Three Moves To Improve Performance On The Dips Challenge - Just right click the statement to the left to uncover the secret.

Malcolm, a Gold's Gym personal trainer, suggests saving your weakest event for last, thereby giving you the maximum amount of time to train and improve your performance. Take advantage of the fact that each contestant has over 3 weeks to complete the required exercises.

Brett, Gold's Gym Sr. Fitness Consultant, suggests swinging both arms from high to low while standing from the seated position during the single leg squat to gather momentum to propel your body forward and up.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Triathlon: Rowing, Single Leg Squat, Dips

Ground Floor, City Square Shopping Centre, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Tel:03 - 2164 8303/9303, Contact Person: Brett M. Crosby - Sr. Fitness Consultant brett@goldsgymkl.com, website: http://www.goldsgymkl.com/







Contest Begins: 15 April thru 4 May
2008



Win Great Prizes!



Now your sweat is worth the price of gold. We invite all members and guest to take part in our triathlon for the fun and exciting chance to compete and have fun. There is absolutely no entry costs for Gold's Gym members. Guest contestants are required to pay and entry fee of RM80 which enables them to full use of the facility during the dated period of the contest. Upon completion of the contest guest contestants may apply their entry fee towards joining Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur as a privileged member ( some restrictions apply).



To Enter:



Obtain a copy of the Wavier/Registration Form from the above address, completely fill-in all the necessary information and pay any applicable fees. On request a form may be faxed to individuals, however entries requiring a fee will not be valid until payment is received. No entries will be accepted after 14 April.

Events:
















  1. Rowing (best time over distance) - using Concept II Rower

  2. Single Leg Squat/Stand & Sit (maximum repetitions in 1 minute) - using Cybex flat bench

  3. Dips (maximum repetitions in 1 minute) - using Nautilus Assisted Dip/Chin-up


When: Contestants must complete all three events between 7 April, 2008 and 30 April, 2008 to qualify for prize rewards. There is no obligation to complete the events in any particular order or on any particular day. Each task must be performed in the matter prescribed by the rules and procedures of this contest and be witnessed by a Gold’s Gym Kuala Lumpur fitness trainer. Failure to adhere to the rules will disqualify a contestant.

Cost:
Existing members of Gold’s Gym at the start of the contest may enter the competition free of charge.

Non-members of Gold’s Gym at the start of the contest may enter the competition for a fee of RM80. This will entitle such persons to full use of the facility during the dated time period coinciding with the contest. After such time a non-member contestant who has successfully completed all three events may choose to become a member of Gold’s Gym and enjoy full privileges at the present rate of membership. However their entry fee into the contest will be credited toward their joining fees.

Categories: Junior Division Men/Women 18 yrs to 49 yrs, Open Senior Division Men/Women

Beginner/Intermediate (men/women) - This category is for persons who have a basic knowledge of fitness, and achieved a level of fitness that allows them to workout at a minimum of 70% of their maximum heart rate. Such persons should have no muscle skeletal, neurological or muscular dysfunctions that would put their health at severe risk while performing any of the outlined tasks of the contest.

Advanced (men/women) - This category is for persons who have worked out consistently for 1 year or more and achieved a level of fitness that allows them to workout at a minimum of 80% to 85% of their maximum heart rate. Such persons should have no muscle skeletal, neurological or muscular dysfunctions that would put their health at severe risk while performing any of the outlined tasks of the contest.

Note: Contestants in the “Open Senior Division Men/Women” will follow the contest rules pertaining to the beginner/intermediate level.

Prizes/Rewards:
Each contestant who successfully completes all three tasks will receive 2 free 30-minute personal training sessions worth RM90 & a certificate of completion.

The contestants with the best time or number of repetitions recorded in a particular event from each category will receive a silver commemorative Gold’s Gym replica weight-lifting plate key chain.

The contestants with the best over-all combined performance comprising all three events from the beginner/intermediate category will be awarded the grand prize of 3 one-hour personal training sessions and a Gold’s Gym Jacket (total worth of RM345). The contestants with the best over-all combined performance comprising all three events from the advance category will be awarded the grand prize of 5 one-hour personal training sessions, a Gold’s Gym jacket, and a Gold’s Gym backpack (total worth RM550).

Rules:
Rowing
Beginner/intermediate contestants shall row a total distance of 2500 meters at a set resistance of 5 striving for best time.
Advanced contestants shall row a total distance of 5000 meters at a set resistance of 10 striving for best time.

Single Leg Squat/stand & sit
Beginner/intermediate contestants are given one minute to complete as many repetitions as possible with a specific prescribed form (body weight only).
Advanced male contestants are given one minute while holding a 25 pound (11.36 Kg) plate with both hands to complete as many repetitions as possible with a specific prescribed form.
Advanced female contestants are given one minute while holding a 10 pound (4.55 Kg) plate with both hands to complete as many repetitions as possible with a specific prescribed form.

Dips
Beginner/intermediate contestants are given one minute to complete as many repetitions as possible at a counter resistance that is 50% of their body weight for men and 60% of their body weight for women with a specific prescribed form.
Advanced contestants are given one minute to complete as many repetitions as possible at a counter resistance that is 30% of their body weight for men and 40% of their body weight for women with a specific prescribed form.

Form:
Rowing - all contestants must have both feet strapped on to the foot rest and keep both hands on the rowing handles at all times during the official time trial. If a contestant has to dismount the rower for any reason he or she is disqualified.

Single leg stand & sit - all contestants may use either their right or left leg to stand from a seated position using that decided leg only. The leg not in use may not assist in the balancing of a contestant in such a way that any portion of that leg below the knee touches the bench, the floor or the supporting and working leg. Nor may a contestants hands touch any portion of the bench, the floor or any portion of the body below the waist. Advanced contestants are required to hold a 25lb plate with handle grips with both hands for this portion of the contest. Other than a contestant’s hands, no other portion of the body is allowed to make contact with the held plate.

Dips - all contestant must begin the exercise with both arms in full extension, then lower their body in such a way that the elbow joint decreases to at least a 90° angle. The witnessing trainer will provide a fist marker to indicate that a contestant has lowered their body to the required level. Then the contestant must extend both arms to return to the starting position of the exercise to be counted as one complete repetition.

In Case A Of A Tie:
Ties will be decided by having those contestants from their prospective category participate in a face-off. Each contestant will be given one minute to complete as many push-ups as possible with a prescribed form to declare the winner.
If a tie remains in effect after the completion of the face-off those participants will be declared co-winners and accept equal rewards.

Waiver:
All contestants are required to read, sign and date a release of liability form outlining the potential risks associated with vigorous forms of exercise at the time of registration. Any persons who do not comply shall be excluded from the competition.

Please review the section labeled “categories” that defines beginner/intermediate and advance to best decide what category is most appropriate for your level of fitness.


No Sour Grapes Syndrome:
No record of performance is official unless a fitness trainer representing Gold’s Gym Kuala Lumpur witnesses the act and verifies it with their signature.

Witnessing trainers reserve the right to validate or void any contestant’s official performance in accordance to the rules of the contest. The trainer’s judgment is final!
Absolutely no “do-overs” once the official recording of the exercise begins.









Frequently asked questions:
  1. Q: When do I perform my event(s)? A: Contestants have the entire period from 15 April to 4 May, 2008 to perform all events.
  2. Q: Is there a particular order the events should be performed? A: No, there is no particular order contestants must perform the events.
  3. Q: Can I invite my friends and family to participate in the contest? A: All persons are invited to join the contest, however non-members of GGKL must submit a RM80 fee with their wavier/registration form.
    Q: How do I get a trainer to witness my event? A: Contestants can get a trainer to witness their event by scheduling an appointment through GGKL's front desk or by speaking directly to a fitness trainer. Although it is preferable to schedule an appointment for witnessing an event, any available trainer on duty may witness an event on-the-spot.
  4. Q: Are any tips or suggestions for practicing for the events? A: Yes, right click on each individual task (rowing, single leg squat/stand & sit, dips) listed above under events to bring up an instructional video highlighted each exercise.
  5. Q: Can I change categories/divisions after the contest begins? A: No, you must decide what category is appropriate for your fitness level at the time of registration.
  6. How do I contact a contest representative? A: All inquires may be addressed to Brett M. Crosby - GGKL Sr. Fitness Consultant brett@goldsgymkl.com
  7. Q: When are prizes awarded? A: Prizes are awarded after the completion of the contest. Individuals will be contacted to receive their prizes.
  8. Q: How do I check my progress in the contest? A: All contestant's rankings and progress will be posted on this blog a long with any necessary updates.
  9. Q: Do I need to be an athlete to participate? A: No, a variety of people with many different fitness levels will be entering the contest. The primary concerns are to be safe, have fun. the true competition is in performing your individual best.
  10. Q: If I fatigue and can't do anymore repetitions before 1 minute is complete while performing the single leg squat and dips will I be disqualified? A: No, each contestant has up to 1 minute to perform as many repetitions of each task as possible. If a contestant fatigues before their time is up, the trainer will count the number repetitions completed before the contestant was exhausted.
  11. Q: Can the personal trainer I'm working with witness my tasks? A: No, the witnessing trainer must be one who has not engaged in personal training services with you.
  12. Q: What if a contestant is unable to complete all three tasks due to physical limitations, may they still enter the contest? A: Yes, all registered contestants may compete in all or parts of the contest. The main objectives are to have fun and be safe. No contestant will be excluded from participating due to limitations. Simply, choose the events that meet your level of fitness.

Good Luck!