Why can't you walk/run like everyone else?

One would think that people working out in KLCC Park would be more than welcomed, especially since the area was designed for outdoor activity. Apparently the security guards patrolling the park think differently. My client and I have been harassed 3 times inside of 6 workouts by security personnel while training. The thought that anyone would like to do more than just walk or run around the track seems to be a bizarre notion boarding on indecent public behavior. It is as though the sight of a bouncing medicine ball could single-handily upset the serene order of the park and threaten public safety.

Hopefully after today the matter has been resolved, after speaking to the head security officer, Omar, for yet the third time. I have assured him that no plants, animals or children were harmed or exploited during any of the exercises.

Lucky Face

Yesterday I was told by an unknown Indian chap, "you sir, have a lucky face". But this came as no surprise, because I was previously enlightened by two other members of the Indian Luck Brigade. So I am well aware of the lucky engraved lines on my face outlining the good fortune that lies ahead me.

Before the 'Good Samaritan' could finish asking me for my vital statics (marriage status, place of birth, name, favorite flower, a number between 1 and 10, so on and so forth) I politely interrupted him, thanked him for his time and stepped off. When I looked back, I noticed the expression on his face looked less than lucky. I guess it was because he didn't get that RM donation he was fishing for.

A truly pious act should be committed without expectations, therefore you will never be disappointed.

Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

You will know how you lived your life by the events that follow your death. Few people will be given a memorial service so large that it has to be held at the Los Angeles Staple Center only attended by those bearing a ticket to enter the arena.

In fact most people's death will go largely unnoticed. The simple reason being that the common man's/woman's existence is barely recognized, except by one's immediate family and a few close friends.

In a day a million births coincides with a million deaths. That's the cycle of life. What one does in between determines their fate thereafter and how you will be remembered; or not.

Whether you loved Michael Jackson or hated him. One thing for certain is that you know who he was, what he did and when he was no longer. For that to have happened speaks volumes about the man.

Obviously no will know whether Michael Jackson would have approved of his memorial services that toke center stage around the world today. But in my opinion the way the events unfolded were very reflective of his life...funny, sad, touching, happy, pop-iconic and sometimes bizarre.

Personally, I am a big fan of Michael Jackson's music and stage shows. Despite some of the strange stories and events that surrounded his life, he touched the world in a positive way through song and dance. That's what I will choose to remember. Judgement lies elsewhere.

Doing it in the park

In the last month before Gold's Gym shut its doors there was a lot of chatter amongst the members about what fitness center they would join next. I was solicited for suggestions on several occasions by numerous people. But funny, I didn't give much thought to where I would workout. The gym in my condo is a joke, and I can't bear the thought of joining a former competitor's gym. So I think KLCC park will have to be my stumping grounds.

The playground is actually a great place to workout, minus any screaming kids. The surface surrounding the area is non-skid and cushioned. There are plenty of bars to hang the TRX (suspension trainer) and bands on. The track is close by for warm-up and sprints. I certainly can't complain about the aesthetics or lack of space. Best of all, I can get a white chocolate latte from Coffee Bean when I'm done.

All That Remains...

The aerobic room tends to be at the center of the action in most fitness centers. Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur was no exception to this rule. But now only the shadows dance in the dark. All that remains are memories written in the dust and few loosely scattered items left behind in the exodus. It's hard to believe that less than two weeks ago, I taught a boxing class in this very room.

In the end it's not the room that I will miss, but the good times I had teaching, laughing and playing in it. I look forward to the next opportunity to hop, skip and jump on another aerobic floor; like I did on this one.

You Don't Have to Glitter to Shine

In spite of Gold’s Gym KL not being the most fashionable or popular fitness center in town, what makes it worthwhile to work-out there is the fact that people make places. What it lacks in aesthetics, Gold’s Gym KL more than makes-up for in attitude, historical context and recognition.

The type of people that work-out at Gold’s are mostly of the ‘no nonsense variety’; persons concerned more about exercising than using the gym to broaden their social circles. It’s a gym that functions on raw simplicity and effective grittiness. Those that like to hit it, push it, pull it and slam it are all welcomed.

Any serious bodybuilder will tell you that the first Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, California put the sport on the map and helped pave the way for designing modern day fitness centers based on form and function. Which other gym in Malaysia can make that claim? None.

Take the logo of every fitness center in Malaysia and show it to people around the world, and it is 100% guaranteed that the ‘Joe Gold’ logo will be the most recognized.

So if you ever wanted to know why anyone would choose to work-out at Gold’s Gym Kuala Lumpur, when there is a perfectly nice chrome and glass cappuccino serving fitness center down the road, now you know.

Sadly the first and only Gold’s Gym located at City Square in Malaysia will be closing its doors 26 June, but I have a feeling Malaysia hasn’t seen the last of ‘Uncle Joe’.

Oatmeal, Enough Said

Outside of drinking water, this is the most important food in my diet. Regular consumption of oatmeal does more to improve health, than a months worth of workouts. That's why I eat a bowl of natural disease and cholesterol fighting oats mixed with nuts, fruit and honey just about every morning for breakfast. Plus, it's a time saving meal. It takes me just 2 minutes and 30 seconds to boil a bowl of water in the microwave, and then just another 45 seconds to add and mix-up the ingredients. The honey and fruit give me immediate energy, and the oats digest slower to give me long term energy and keeps me full throughout the morning.

It should be a crime to leave home without eating oatmeal.