MOVE by DOUG

- Testimonial from Jason -

Here's another testimonial from a long client, Jason, whom I'm extremely proud to share. As someone who came to me years ago with a simple humble objective of getting fitter, he has grown tremendously since, tackling one high-end goal after another. I've seen him grow as a father as well, who still continues to invest into his health and fitness, so that he can not only stay physically capable of playing with them but also impress them!

The journey hasn't been easy as well as we navigate setbacks and injuries, however, I am grateful for his steadfast dedication and faith in me.

Check out the video which shows a compilation of his greatest hits!

Here's Jason in his own words:
“One of my fondest memories of training with Douglas was almost passing out in my first session years ago! Though I was not terribly unfit but I felt that I needed guidance to improve my fitness and health. It has been a decade now and I have achieved so much from getting stronger, leaner and more flexible. What I complement Douglas most for is his ability to cater to a wide array of objectives – be it strength, stamina, flexibility or rehabilitation, he is honest and studious in addressing them. My goals have evolved over the years especially since becoming a father who wants to stay active and energetic, to which he has always been able to accommodate my needs. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have him as a trainer and recommend him without hesitation.”

- Going Beyond Linear Progression -

If you've been following me, you would have seen me gleefully posting stories of my students breaking some new records in their strength lifts. But as delighted as I am, this really isn't my main area of concern.

Hence, here's another "life advice" post without any accompanying sexy video (lots of fitness p**n accounts for that). For us ordinary folks who don't center our entire lives around how much we bench, squat or smash fitness competitions, we cannot be focused on our numbers and must ask different questions and find our own answers.

For every elite fitness person you see on social media, there are easily hundreds if not thousands of folks out there striving to make the best out of their average bodies and lives. They are, in a sense, the "silent majority" who may or may not post their content online, and if they do, there is nothing particularly outstanding to see.

But these people usually command the most respect from me because they don't do it for the 'gram, they have to work against their own biological limitations and life constraints. Their progress won't look as fantastic but it is no less significant or worth congratulating.

-Abandon Resolutions, Think Lifestyle Change -

Bombarded with advertisements on joining the latest gym or to train with the hottest trainers in town? Friends encouraging you to participate in the next HYROX together or your feet itching to run in the next Stan Chartered marathon (while your heart trembles at the thought)?

Resolutions are all good since they can be motivational but I'm not here to sell the latest package or tell you how fast people drop their resolutions by Chinese New Year. Going against the grain, here is a little blurb written up (with no accompanying video!) to probe you to go beyond resolutions and instead invite you to examine your lifestyle and ask what changes you'd like to make.

A post like this will not be life-changing in itself; it is here to spur you to think deeper and remind you to take an hour (or more!) to reflect on your current habits, consider whether it connects to your values and then make plans on what changes you feel free enough to make.

Don't feel pressured that this has to be world-changing or complete self-transformational; small steps can lead to big changes so long as you maintain walking forward no matter how many stumbles you incur.

And there you go, no flashy glamorizing ads. Now how's that for a change from your regular fitness social media content?

#2025

- Abandon Resolutions, Think Lifestyle Change -

- Why Treat your Training as Skill Learning -

This post is not about giving you specific advice on getting more muscle, losing fat or doing your workouts harder so it is very different from many fitness content. But this paradigm shift I'm getting at here could change your overall outlook and approach to health and movement.

As my question above poses, if you think about anything we want to get better in life, it is too simplistic to tell someone to improve by repeating a practice mindlessly. So it is the same with fitness and movement, whether you have modest goals like squatting heavier or doing better chinups, or more complex ones shown in the video with muscle ups, dragon squats and more.

More is not better. Faster is not better. Better is better.

But to do that, it requires the hard and unfashionable work of analysing your body, movement capabilities, weaknesses and more. Instead of assuming you can get better pushups by doing uglier pushups faster and harder, take a step back and analyze what is going on and how you can improve.

It is through this approach that's why myself and my students can move in more complex ways.

Now sadly, it might even mean some goals might be too out of reach because your body doesn't possess the potential or the work demand is too high.

But so what? The important thing is we should aim to gain more clarity and understanding of ourselves so we know where we are and what we can aim for. If not physically, then mentally and emotionally, we become a more mature and complex person in movement and health.

- Testimonial from Maryanne -

Thrilled to share this testimonial from a long-time client, Maryanne, who is one of the strongest (physically and psychologically) ladies I know. With her spunky and her "can-do" attitude, along with a zest to try new things, training her is akin to helping a young child develop their highest potential. Sure, Maryanne is not some "xiao mei mei" (Chinese slang for sweet young babe), but everyone loves her for who she is, and her personality shines through in her training.

Check out the video which shows a compilation of old and new clips, including material from her rehabilitation days.

Here's Maryanne in her own words:

“I was recommended to Douglas by a personal friend (who is also a trainer). It has been about 10 years and it has been a roller coaster ride of a journey training with him. As someone who is very active, constantly trying new hobbies e.g. skateboarding, martial arts, parkour, cello, golf, I have been through so much ups and downs in terms of injuries and achievements. Doug has been a steadfast and reliable trainer who keeps me afloat in my worst times and celebrated my best moments as well.

One of the most significant periods was when I had to undergo surgery for my shoulder and needed extensive rehabilitation after that. Doug was not only patient but attentive to my needs and brought me out of this rut. I am far stronger and more resilient, thanks to him.

Last but not least, as a middle-aged woman, I am appreciative of Doug being sensitive to the needs of aging women. For that reason, strength and mobility have now formed the foundation of future-proofing me, my husband and some of our friends who are enjoying and reaping the benefits of his training."