Lifestyle Change

To say that I'm enjoying my new lifestyle is a massive understatement for me. I'm totally loving it! I certainly didn't expect just buying a car and driving it around would have meant such a difference but I'm sure feeling it now.

In fact, I have been thinking of getting a car since last year but never had the courage to take the plunge. The cost of owning and maintaing a car was deterring me, but when COE prices hit rock bottom recently, I decided that the time was ripe.

I did my sums, over and over again. I wanted to make sure that everything was affordable. The more I drive, the more I realise how freaking expensive it is to drive in SG. Other than the downpayment and monthly instalments, the ones that gives u a jolt of reality are the parking and ERPs cos they just come everyday. Then there's petrol. The road tax, insurance, maintenance I don't see it yet, but I know it will come.

Since I got my baby on Wed, I've been making that few extra rounds to familiarise myself with the roads and as well as the potential that it has. It certainly is a very thirsty one, though it pales in comparison to my colleague's monster (wouldn't even call it a baby) which simply gulps petrol like it's free.

Getting to places has become more and more convenient, I've even armed myself with a $400 GPS already (I predict more car accessories to follow). I keep having this urge to buy things cos I know I can just dump it in my car. And some of my friends are already starting to plan meals at places previously inaccessible.

Not everything is rosy with a car though. I've already experienced the pains of not finding a parking lot! At STC too. (Makes mental note to self to leave home earlier before STC classes) Just today, I attended the 3.30pm BC class at STC. I left home at 3pm, reached STC carpark at 3:20pm and only found a lot 15mins later, hence I was slightly late for the class.

Enough about my car, cos I don't want to turn this into a car blog. Besides, I'm sure it's only the initial excitement, which will die off in a while.

Alright, now something pertaining to the gym, which I'm sure is where most of my readers are more interested in. We're in the midst of doing the new release BC39.

Today, one of the members (sorry to use you as an example, I don't know if you read this) came and told me that she actually enjoyed BC39 after doing it for a few times. And she was one of the few who came to tell me she didn't enjoy BC39 when she did it the first time round.

I hate to sound like a broken record, but this has come time and time again. When people do new releases for the first few times, it's always 'not nice', 'don't like', 'music not inspiring'. I've heard it all before.

All those favourites recycled time and time again in classes were new releases too. Does it mean that all new releases are no good? When I did BC39 in Auckland for the first time, I was also wondering what the hell I was doing. Until I did it a few times then I found the music engaging and the release endearing.

I like BC39 so much that even outside of my own classes, I attend others too. Like today, albeit slightly late.

Had a chat with one of the members after class, she was one of my regulars in my hardcore Wed FES class. Not sure how many of you readers here were regulars in the Wed evening class, or have attended before, but I can tell you that I LOVED the class to bits. I miss it so much now.

Those were the days when the class was packed like sardines, I like packed classes cos of the atmosphere, but what I liked even more about that class was that the crowd was HARDCORE. Week in week out, I played the hardest and toughest tracks but everyone just sucked it up and stayed all the way. I felt the adrenaline and my heart pumping each week with all the tracks cos I was just pushing myself all the way. There is a tinge of regret that the club premises had to shift, and I had to give up my weekday classes... but the HARDCORE class will stay etched in my memory forever.

As I was speaking to the member, I also came to realise that my teaching style has changed significantly. Those who attended my classes during the early days would know that I'm 100% serious and no-nonsense in class. My face was stern perpetually and I would be very harsh and focus on technique and safety all the time. One fellow instructor who attended my class before said she was very stressed because it felt like there was no room for mistakes.

But the me today is different. I've lightened up a whole lot and I'm starting to joke around in class. I don't think many people know that I'm very cheeky by nature and I'm letting that personality out in class recently.

If there's any reason for the sudden change, I would clearly attribute it to a change in job. Back in those days when I was taking all those weekday classes at Raffles Place, I was working at a job which I hated. The pay was good, very very good, some might even say obscene, but the stress was unbearable. I felt suppressed at work, the work environment sucked, I detested most of my colleagues because they were so flat out arrogant and thought the world of themselves. (Just for example, someone in the company can say things like "$300 monthly parking in Raffles Place is dirt cheap. It should be $1,000!" - I just couldn't stand working under such people.) I guess I was only staying because the pay could allow me to go NZ several times a year without batting an eyelid. I'm so glad I'm out of there.

Perhaps that was why I was so serious most of the time. I had so much frustrations at work that I just had to vent everything out. What better workout to do than BODYCOMBAT? Punch the s**t out of your system.

Now that I've changed jobs, I feel so much better. Liberated is the word. I like my boss and my colleagues, I am fine with the culture, I'm used to the pressure/stress, but one thing which has changed is I can't make it in time for any 730pm class (regardless whether I'm attending or teaching) because I work so much later now. But I guess I shan't complain because there's always a tradeoff. We can't have the best of both worlds.

Back to today, I suddenly got this idea to go to Novena Square after gym/dinner to walk around. I guess having a car helps now. I've always liked Novena Square because it's quiet and there's a feel good factor there because it brings back many sweet memories.

I went there because I wanted to check out Nike store. I have this weird habit - I don't spend money often, but when I start spending, it usually comes in a form of a spree. It's like a spending spree exacerbated, which isn't too good.

On Sat, I already spent $100+ at Nike Suntec because I thought my gym wardrobe was getting a bit old and I am starting to make plans for the Apr/May filmings in NZ, what am I going to wear for the filmings. BTW, the Singapore football team jersey I wore for BC39 was planned, except that I didn't know the red jersey would be that conspicuous in the DVD.

So today, I spent more money on Nike stuff at the Novena outlet again. And I really have to write this down because I think the service from the staff there was top-notch. I'm hardly impressed by service standards in Singapore, but the sales assts really deserved my plaudits.

I bought quite a bit of stuff, and this nice girl actually did all the calculations and worked out that I'm just a bit short on $250. She suggested I buy something else to top up to $250 which will qualify me for VIP discount 10%. She was patient enough to explain the perks. Previously the discount was only good for a year, but now it's for good, and a 25% discount on my birthday month. Considering how much I spend on Nike, this was really a good deal, so I went sniffing around to top it up.

Then as I made payment for all my stuff, the total came to $296, and the cashier even extracted a $45 item to separate the billing, so the first bill could come up to $251 to qualify for the VIP, then use the VIP discount to charge for my other item. It's not much, the $4.50 could probably buy me a scoop of Haagen Dazs ice-cream, but I was just impressed by the gesture. It meant extra work for them because they had to swipe my card twice and do the extra billing.

I felt very good about the entire thing, to the extent that I even lent my VIP card to the next customer who bought 2 pairs of shoes and got a 10% discount just like that. The staff didn't make a fuss too, so everyone ended up happy.

Food for thought, wouldn't the world be a better place if we all passed some goodwill around?

Whatever the case, I'm liking my new life as it is now.

My New Baby

Went down to collect my new baby from Alexandra this afternoon. I have never spent so much money on a single item before, but this time round I think it's money well spent. I worked hard for it and I am rewarding myself for my hard work put in over the past year.

J calls it a Sarah Jessica Parker, cos the letters are SJP XXXX... trust her to think of such things

My baby cost me more than S$80k, it is a lot of money to me, but the moment I test drove this car, I knew that this was the car for me.

I went straight back to office, not before getting hit by 2 ERPs. Damn, driving in Singapore sure is expensive. But the feeling... how should I describe it?

After our official working hours, a few of my team members went down to the carpark with me to take a look at my baby. My boss called and asked where is everyone and immediately guessed everyone must be at the carpark. (Sidetrack a bit - my boss is very supportive of his staff spending money and buying things to reward ourselves).

They all drive different cars - Renault, Honda Civic, Mini, Nissan Fairlady, Hyundai, etc... so basically I let a few of them drive one round in the carpark. I felt pleased with the good reviews, which probably already justifies the premium I paid for the car.

My female colleague (who is thinking of getting a car) was the receipient of the first ride, I sent her to the MRT station.

I guess my parents were excited when I reached home, but honestly I wished they wouldn't nag so much... from parking to topping up cashcards to driving at very low speeds... I don't think putting $100 in the cashcard is alot because it will probably be depleted in less than a week with the ridiculous ERP charges and insane parking fees.

My brother was inspired after I showed him, and he's aiming to work hard to achieve his goal after he starts working.

It feels good to be driving my own car on the roads and not having to take taxis anymore. I still feel all the excitement. It is after all, my first big purchase. Hope this excitement doesn't die down too fast.

Launch Again

Today we launched the latest round of Les Mills releases. Bodycombat and Bodypump at 3 outlets, Bodyjam at Parkway, Bodyattack at Suntec and Bodybalance at GWC.

I launched BC39 with Elaine and Rhomeiny at Parkway, and I must say I certainly enjoyed myself very much. It helps if you like the release (nothing to do with me attending the filming, I certainly didn't quite take to BC36 done during Global Summit as I did for BC39), the music is good and I especially loved the choreo for some of the tracks.

I can definitely see myself recycling ALL of the tracks for future classes and there's unlikely any track which will be binned for good.

Complexity for BC39 is back to low levels, but intensity levels are kept high with the reps and longer combos. I presented T7-10, and T8 has to be one of my favourites. I love the burn on the shoulders and seeing grimaces on the many faces.

I didn't do BP69, would have liked to, but the chronic injury on my left elbow isn't going to allow that.

Stayed for BJ48, and it is awesome. I really loved the entire release and the 2 major blocks - Jive 2009 and UF 'Oh'. It was very well presented by Rhomeiny, Ben and Seb, so I could just let loose and enjoy the release. Still can't dance very well, but there's no harm going for a class and enjoying.

I've got some news that there will be Bodyvive, Bodyattack and Bodycombat instructor courses coming this year. I've already trained for BA and BC, and BV somehow doesn't appeal to me.

The logical choice would be BP, but I haven't been fated to attend the course. Registered 3 times but due to business trips/cancelled courses, I haven't had privilege to do the training. Still don't think I'll do BJ though!

That's it from me... another busy week ahead, but then again, what's new?

499 and counting...

I'm updating my Excel spreadsheet for my BC tracks selection right now, my routine I go through after every single class, and I just realised that I have officially conducted 499 classes!

When I started this journey just under 2.5 years ago, I didn't know how far I would take this and how many classes I would eventually conduct. It was all for fun and little did I know that I would reach this milestone.

While I'm proud of my accomplishment, what I take heart in is making people enjoy their classes and their workout. Exercising should never be a chore. I know I'm sounding cliche here but this is seriously how I feel.

There has been alot of sweat (pun intended) along the way. I fought hard (yet another pun) and I've seen many people come and go. There have been supporters and there have been detractors. The most important thing for me is that I enjoy what I do. I guess when the day comes when I dread doing new releases and have to drag myself to classes, I will call it a day.

How fitting that my 500th class should be the launch of the new release - BC39. I am sure we will have a blast and everyone will LOVE the new release. I feel that enthusiasm is infectious, if instructors love the release and deliver in a way that they like the tracks, participants will like the tracks too.

P.S. - I happen to love BC39!

Some Random Pics

Firstly, I have to give credit to the person who helped me with the screenshots. I owe you not one, not two, but many many... for all the help other than the screenshots. Appreciate everything you have helped me with, and I will always treasure you as my good friend.

Here's a chance for you to spot Wally! I mean, spot me. (Doubleclick to see all the full sized pics! - it's a bit late now, no time to resize pics and do nice nice edits)

Bodycombat 39 - Presenters simulating the combo in T2


Bodycombat 39 - Track 3


Bodycombat 39 - Track 5 (note the difference)


Bodycombat 39 - After T5, with PJ standing beside me. Check out my Singapore team jersey!


Bodyattack 64 - Spotted in running track


Bodyjam 48 - Luckily for me, it's dark. Very dark. Last filming of the day, started at 8:30pm. Phew!

Harder Than It Looks

What's harder than it looks? BC39 of course.

On paper (choreo) and on video, BC39 looks simple, lower complexity, easy moves, but the repetitions will kill you.

Watching the video again brings back all the fond memories of my little expedition to Auckland last Nov for the filmings. While I can't wait to go for the Apr filming again, let us focus on the present.

Those who have access to the video will see me at the bottom left corner in a prominent red top. It wasn't intended to be flashy, but I was just discussing with Lynn what I should wear for the filming because I wanted it to be representative of Singapore. I decided on wearing the football team jersey with the flag on it, but little did I know the red appeared so 'red' in the DVD.

I love watching the video because it brought back all those memories. The atmosphere was electrifying as usual and I had alot of fun. I made it a point to try to appear in the video so that when I look at the video again years later, I will tell myself - been there done that.

On the release, I'm finding myself liking the lower warm up more and more. It's the song. It has really grown on me. The tracks which looked deceptively easy were T4 (oooh the 16 knees), T7 (this is a killer) and T8 (my arms). Even T5 is no joke.

Besides BC39, I have heard that I appeared in BJ48. I didn't even stand in the front row, stood quite far back so I don't know how I managed to appear. I haven't seen the video yet but I'm panicking cos I'm wondering if I made a disgrace of myself cos I can't dance very well. But seriously this BJ is not to be missed! I haven't liked a release of BJ so much since BJ44 and BJ45 (Global Summit).

For TF, we will be officially launching the new release on 15 March. I shall spare everyone the details here and let everyone enjoy the workout during the launch itself.

Weekend Of Sleep

It has been an eventful past week, not only was it the last week of the month, ensuring that I would not get ample rest, I also spent the most money I've ever spent in the space of 2 days.

The adrenaline kept me going, or rather it kept me sleepless for a few nights. Nevertheless, I was exhausted and deprived of sleep.

I did push myself hard for my 2 Sat classes, and I backed out of a track in my second class. Halfway through the class, I was thinking if I was going to make thru those flying jumpknees in 'Check Your Head' unscathed before I pulled the plug and ditched it at the last min.

I went to bed on Saturday night before 10pm. For the life of me, I cannot remember when was the last time I slept for nearly 12hrs. A rainy Sunday ensured another nap which recharged me further.

I've just finished watching the League Cup final between Man Utd and Spurs. Went all the way to extra time and penalties, yet I'm not feeling any signs of sleepiness.

The next three days will be important for me. The anticipation is already killing me. For now, I shall convince myself to sleep because it's another long week ahead. Suddenly, the NZ trip in end Apr seems so far away. I need a break, desperately.