Go Team Metro East! (The Main Event II: The Grand Body Combat Marathon)

Perhaps the most awaited event by gym addicts such as me, "The Main Event II: The Grand Body Combat Marathon", organized by Fitness First was held last October 7, 2007 at the NBC Tent at the Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The event was attended by team and individual representatives from each Fitness First club, donned in their combat attires and poised in their best forms. The teams faced off against each other in displays of synchronization, technique, energy, and team unity and it wouldn't be a surprise how huge the amount of effort, time and dedication that each team poured into this. Our team gave more than 100%, and coupled with the ordinary stresses of our daily work, most of us were down sick the following week.

Eliminations for Fitness First Metro East were held on August 30, 2007 and luckily I was able to make it to the final 12 finalists who will represent the club, considering that I didn't have enough preparation for the event (busy with critical work at school, I had to give up my gym sessions), so I was not exactly that fit. But I thought, I'm glad that I made it to the top 12, this gave me an incentive to keep up with my fitness goals, which I have been failing to achieve, and of course, to get to hang out with my fellow Body Combat addicts, and get first hand training from the instructors! We had more or less a month to prepare…

Training was intensive. And when I say intensive, I really mean INTENSIVE! Imagine 2-3 hours of non-stop Body Combat drills. We were only allowed to drink water every hourly break. We had to practice during the late hours, with the security guard of the club already asking us to leave the studio. We had to practice outside the club (In Ateneo actually), to train ourselves sans the comfortable air conditioning and accommodations of the gym. All part of the training. It's funny how you get used to working out long hours, that a standard 1-hour Body Combat class wouldn't cut it. You find yourself wanting for more pain and sweat!

Everyone poured in their skills and talents, and in one way or another every team member helped out in building our image. Of course, I helped out in creating the brand image for our team. Since our chosen colors were black and yellow, and our costumes were military-inspired, I had to create something to evoke aggressiveness. It should be recognizable, familiar yet unique in its own way. It should also match up with our chosen name, "Zodiac Avatars". It should look good as a tattoo (since we decided that we will all get henna, to my misfortune) and represent the mixed martial art nature of Body Combat. Drawing inspiration from Manny Pacquiao's own Nike logo, and of course the iconic Transformers logo, and of course, my familiarity with Chinese glyphs I came up with this final design:

The team is actually considering merchandising the logo for Fitness First Metro East members. Imagine that in black caps and muscle shirts. We already came out with pins and ID cards, but this was limited only within the team. And here's my Spiky Baby to go with it!

Richard and Liz came up with our tarpaulin design, inspired from a Heroes poster. Looks cool no? But we were laughing our heads off looking at how hilarious our poses and facial expressions were (Look for Judy Anne "nawawalang anak" look, the strict principal, "nakatawa kung galit", mischievous grins, "UP Oblation", Cynthia Luster, "Geisha", etc…). How I would love to add talking balloons…

October 7, 2007… Day of the event. Most of us were already sick (flu) which we think we got from our last late practice, but we still managed to get enough strength for the event. Lunch at PASTO, then headed to Fitness First Fort to warm-up and prepare. The atmosphere there was quite tense. We were already tense and excited, and everyone in the gym being in a competitive mood. It was daunting seeing the other teams in their costumes and make-up, getting ready for the event.. I know ultimately, and I hope, every participant was in this for the fun and joy of doing Body Combat. In no time, the tent was raging hot as the instructors led the group in two and a half-hours of workout (I think that was around 26 tracks, lost count!). The space was cramped, we have to adjust our blocking to the ever shrinking space (The team in front was pushing us back, and the team behind us were complaining already), and accidentally, you're bound to kick someone in front or behind you. It was exhilarating! Seeing the whole crowd punch and kick in unison to the upbeat music (Body Combat 33 is cool!).

Everyone was tired after the event, but miraculously, we still had energy to cheer ourselves on. We bagged the 3^rd place in the Team Category and four of our open category participants were finalists! Congratulations to the other teams!

Now that the event is finished, and we (participants and instructors alike) are still recuperating (I actually suffered from a combination of flu, allergy and bronchitis), I can't help but think how much we gained from the event. Not only were we moved closer to our fitness goals, but most importantly, we found friends among each other. I miss the training already. Even if the team is no longer aspiring for an event, we are hoping that we still find time to train (and go out) together.

Go Team Metro East!

For more pictures from the event, please proceed to my Flickr albums: The Main Event II: The Grand Body Combat Marathon.

Dragonfest (Body Combat Marathon)

In celebration of Valentines Day and the Chinese New Year, Fitness First MetroEast organized the Dragonfest Body Combat Marathon last February 15, 2007. It was a 2-hour long (lasted from 6PM to 8PM) non-stop Body Combat event. Body Combat is Les Mills' "fiercely energetic program inspired by martial arts and draws from a wide array of disciplines such as karate, boxing, taekwondo, tai chi and muay thai." A normal scheduled class usually lasts an hour, but events like these lasts longer, so think of it as 2 back-to-back combat classes in one straight run! Of course, I am not one to miss this event, especially since it's been quite a long time since such an event has been organized.

Training for the event was no problem for me since I've been attending combat classes almost regularly, and if I fail to attend a class, a video and downloaded music is enough guide for me to do the classes at home. The recent release of combat really triggered an upsurge in the number of participants in the classes, and combined with its wonderful musical tracks and new martial art moves (first introduction of the capoiera!), my love for Body Combat, became already an obssession. Yes, I have memorized the choreography for most if not all of the tracks of the recent releases already. Also, I have also been faithfully rowing the ergs at the gym, this time increasing my regular distances to 10,000 meters per run (that's around 42-45 minutes of indoor rowing), training up for a half-marathon (21, 097 meters) and eventually a full marathon (42,195 meters!).

Of course, what I have been truly preparing for was the opportunity to wear and design a new combat attire attuned to the theme of the event: Dragonfest! Some of you would remember the combat attire I designed in my previous post "If you're gonna be sick, be sick with this!" where I also mentioned I bought my new Nike Free 7.0 shoes. I thought of brewing up a design built around the base colors of my shoes, which has become my regular shoe of choice whenever I attended combat classes: red and black. I drew this design, again, during an EXECOM Meeting, and as he did before Mitch also drew his own version (Igorot!) of my idea:

Now, Project Runway... The details in the costume would basically revolve around the concept of my earlier tattoo design entitled "Dragonfire". The pants and the top would be easy to acquire but the major challenge for this costume was how to put the detail on the apparel. Initially, I thought of having the design emboidered, but this would cost a lot, considering that this is a customized design. So that was out of the question. I thought of doing the embroidery work myself (and of all the faculty in CAMP who would teach me emboidery, it would be Sir Bal! Sir Bal knows how to do embroidery!), but the time constraints did not allow me to do that. So it all boiled down to basically spraypainting the design over the shirt, and have the design stitched on the pants using colored fabric. Of course, cost has to be kept to the minimum.

Pants were bought from Plazafair for P500, sale price, and the red cotton shirt was bought from SM Department Store for P199. Spray paints used were already acquired at home (originally going to be used to repaint my laptop), and the fabric was recycled from an old portfolio envelope. Here's the process, until the final product:

I had to run from Montalban so I could reach Fitness First MetroEast in time for the scheduled Dragonfest Body Combat Marathon. I had to register, freshen up and prep... I was more or less prepared for the 2 hour long exercise, except for deep inflicted bruises on my left biceps and right deltoids (don't ask why...). The event was well attended, the gym hall was at full capacity. Somehow, I was fearing that people might hit each other... I was afraid I might kick another participant unknowingly. The gym hall was jumpacked, I had to position myself near the back, among the "titas" and "newbies". My combat addict friends were all positioned at the front. I brought my camera to get pics of the event, however, I wasn't able to get action shots of the event itself since I myself was the participant. I was hoping my gym buddies Aimee and Jun would be there to cheer me on, pero they were either sick or busy at that time. Oh well, I was on my own and I did my best, I think. Here's the before and after (winners) of the event:

The marathon ended promptly, and somehow I wasn't that exhausted at all... I was even looking for more action! Anyway, I didn't win anything... my costume was shunned in favor of the cliche fatigue look, and since there would only be a champion (1 winner) for each category, I wasn't good enough. But you know, one of the judges/organizers actually approached me after the event and showed me the scorecards. If there was a 2nd place, I would be the unanimous 2nd place winner for the male junior division. That was enough consolation for me, even if I didn't receive any prize or trophy. The knowledge alone that I finished 2nd place is enough prize for me.

But wait, why do I always have to settle for 2nd place (as I remember, the last time I joined the semis for the Ultimate Body Combat Marathon, I was also 2nd... and so it goes for most aspects of my life)...am I not good enough? So what's next? Body Combat Instructor auditions on Feb. 24, 2007 at Fitness First Ortigas. Hoping to pass, but if not, it will surely be a good workout anyway.

If you're gonna be sick, be sick with this!

"If you're gonna be sick, be sick with this!" That's what fitness instructor Dan Cohen said after the conditioning track of Body Combat 30. How I wish I'd be sick after a good workout rather than be stricken down by this fever/upper respiratory tract infection I've had since new year's eve. Once a member of family has the virus, the rest of the family is sure to get it. Gelyn and I are the current casualties, with Archie and my parents already past it. This was further compounded by the fallout of smog resulting from the firecrackers of new year's celebrations. Now as I lie here on my bed, drowsy and weak from an overdosage of paracetamol and lagundi, how I wish I was up and fighting as the fellows above. I've been out of the gym for almost a week now, and I can feel my body being pulled back. Got to heal soon and fast!

I like going to the gym not only for the fitness benefits it could bring, but because it can be an ideal venue for stress release. Especially if we talk about my favorite group exercise class, Body Combat, which is "the empowering cardio workout where you are totally unleashed! This fiercely energetic program is inspired by martial arts and draws from a wide array of disciplines such as karate, boxing, taekwondo, tai chi and muay thai. Supported by driving music and powerful role model instructors, strike, punch, kick and kata your way through calories to superior cardio fitness. (from Les Mills)" I've never had any martial arts training before and people knew how clumsy my body was, so I would have second thoughts of ever joining a group class (I couldn't forget the first time I joined a Body Jam class. I discovered how inflexible and awkward my body was! Not to mention being harassed by the instructor). But pretty soon, classes after classes, I got addicted to Body Combat. It didn't stop there, I joined the Body Combat Marathon (which is 2-3 hours non-stop version of the original class, testing your endurance, form and strength), where I was able to be one of the finalists in the Body Combat Challenge Finals held at the PICC Forum last year. It was such a big event, each participant has to arrive in their best combat costume, and I did. Here is what Mich and I came up with (we doodled as we attended the EXECOM Meetings):

Mich made a funny caricature of the selected costume:

Even designed a personalized henna tattoo, which caused an allergic reaction (I almost thought my right arm will be marked with keloid for life!) and had lightning designs etched on my hair. Here I am with the costume in action:

Before, I always asked why people would engage themselves in such situations, join such events which really can't be classified into any official sport. Besides what's at stake (a trip to Australia/New Zealand, with free Les Mills Training, free 1 year gym membership, and many more), it's the assurance that you're fit and healthy and you're having fun while you're at it. If you think my costume's too much, you should have seen what the others wore (or did not wear for that matter... as you can see above). I didn't win but I had tremendous fun.

Before I joined in Body Combat classes, I participated in RPM and Cycling (formerly Cosmic Cycling) classes at the spinning studios in the gym. RPM is "the indoor cycling workout where you ride to the rhythm of powerful music. Take on the terrain with your inspiring team coach who leads the pack through hills, flats, mountain peaks, time trials, and interval training. Discover your athlete within – sweat and burn to reach your endorphin high. " (from Les Mills). Cosmic Cycling classes are basically the same, but gives more emphasis to upper body workout, by combining trunk and body choreography while spinning. These classes has got to be the sweatiest classes there is. Not everybody gets the sense of cycling for an hour on stationary bikes, but you have got to give credit to the instructors for providing excellent music and choreography to make it an exciting experience. These classes also have their regular showcase events such as the Cycling Marathon which is a 3 hour non-stop RPM/Cycling, in which I fared better (recently, I made it to 1st place Male Category in Fitness First Manila, and 2nd place Male Category in Fitness First MetroEast).

Scanned these from a feature page in Action & Fitness magazine (July-August 2006 issue). Here you see Aimee, my gym buddy, who always bags the 1st place in every marathon event, that is, unless beaten ahead by cramps. It's more fun to participate in events held at Fitness First MetroEast, because not only are you surrounded by wacky fellow gym addicts, friends and instructors, they also offer the best giveaways and prizes!

Besides these group exercises (there's Body Pump and Body Balance too), there are the usual fitness machines and free weights. I don't pump iron in the free weights area, and I've grown bored of the treadmill machines. Recently, I've been focusing on the least popular gym equipment: the indoor rowers (or "ergs" as they are more commonly known in other countries). I really don't understand why these machines are so unpopular. In fact, some gym managers have positioned these rowers inappropriately. If you use these machines this way, be very careful as you might hit your head against the wall, especially if you're a forceful rower. And believe me, these rowers will move! When I used one of the rowers in Fitness First Eastwood, the rower actually moved without me noticing. Before I noticed, I was already halfway down the width of the hall!

From Men's Health Magazine: Where you sit when you work out could determine how fast you lose your gut. Irish researchers recently reported that men burn more fat while rowing than while biking. In the study, scientists measured the amount of fat used for fuel while men exerised on wither a row-ing machine or a stationary bike. The result: Participants burned 40-50% more fat when rowing than when cycling, even though the duration of the exercise was the same. The likely explanation is that because rowing machines incorporate both your upper and lower body, they work more muscle, says lead investigator David Ashley.

The manufacturer of the indoor rowers, Concept2, has a website where you can log your progress in their machines. In fact, during the holiday season, they organized an incentive challenge for online members to complete 200K meters in 30 days. I made 206K meters and they'll be sending gift packages (shirt, pin and certificate) soon. I'll be joining up their video making competition for a chance to win one of the new rowers (valued at P150K! each). I have yet to accomplish 1 million meters before I can join their Million Meter Club.

Hope I get well soon... I could already feel the calories pile up in my belly due to this temporary gym hiatus. Can't wait to try the capoiera moves and evasive side kicks in the new release of Body Combat on my new set of kickers: authentic brand new Nike Free 7.0 Trainers (P4900 value at Nike outlets) bought from eBay for only P2900 (including shipping!). Got them on the rare varsity red-black color combination too.

“People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas” Going regularly to a gym warrants you with occassional guiltless pig-outs.

Possible next physical feats in my agenda includes joining up with my brother Archie in his mountaineering activities, a major marathon event, and perhaps a minor triathlon event.