Photos by Kelvin Tay
Most of us usher in the New Year in a similar manner - we reflect on our accomplishments and set new goals to achieve. But after a few months, we fall off the bandwagon and the next thing we know, it is mid-October, and we are far from achieving those targets we had set 10 months ago.
This is a common scenario. Gym memberships soar in the first quarter of the year while everyone is still in their “New Year, New You” mode. Given work and personal commitments, not everyone is able to follow a strict fitness regimen to achieve the goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the year.
Slacking off could also be a result of boredom from doing the same thing repeatedly. Whatever the reason may be, it should not stop you from starting the new year on a strong note.
If you started 2018 wanting to learn a new skill while getting healthy but have not done much to make that change, why not start 2019 by giving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai a chance? Martial arts is a fun way to lose weight, stay active and get fit while learning something new. No two days are similar which reduces boredom and it also gives everyone a community and a sense of belonging.
But before you sign up, be sure to do it right.
Start Training the Right Way
This may seem obvious but more often than not, when aiming to achieve a target, many tend to go with the flow instead, which defeats the purpose of setting goals in the first place. Life gets in the way for everyone but most know how many hours we will be spending at work and how many hours of sleep you need on weekends. Factor all this in when creating a plan for yourself. If you know you only have 60 minutes every day to work out, then plan your routine around it. Schedule your workout sessions into your Google Calendar or your smartphone and let your family and friends know that this is your plan for the next 12 months. Let no excuses come between you and this plan. If you decide to train BJJ, talk to the instructor to come up with achievable long term and short term goals.
Be a One Percenter
Make small progress in your fitness journey one session at a time. Create a mindset that you will be one percent better than what you were yesterday. If you do one FaMA Fit class a week, aim for two the following week. If you ran 5km in 35mins, try to improve your time by 30 seconds in every subsequent session. The key is to make progress and slow progress is better than no progress. It is the small victories that will lead you closer to the finish line.
A Friend in Need
Studies have shown that people who work out with a friend are more likely to achieve their goals than those who do it alone. Working out with a friend also gives you a sense of accountability because you will have to plan your workouts in advance and will be less likely to cancel on someone whom you’ve given your word to. A friendly competition during a workout session can also add some fun to your routine. Muay Thai and BJJ is an awesome workout with a friend.
Motivation Comes From Within
If you have fallen behind in your fitness goals, do not feel demotivated. It is never too late to pick up where you left off and get back on track. Start a fitness journal (there are numerous apps that you can choose from) and log your progress.
Remember, getting started is the hardest part but it is better to start today instead of postponing your resolutions. Life is about constant improvement.
FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts Established in 2016, FaMA is a world-class martial arts training facility located in the heart of the Central Business District in Singapore. Walking distance from the Clarke Quay MRT station, FaMA’s main goal is to help people improve their lives through martial arts regardless of age or athletic capability. Each program is led by experts in their respective fields. Whether it is weight loss, a fun workout, camaraderie, competition training, or just to break a sweat, FaMA has something for everyone.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai, or The Art of Eight Limbs, is a martial art developed in Thailand thousands of years ago to help the Kingdom protect itself against invaders. Using the human body as a weapon, Muay Thai practitioners are well-versed in punching, elbowing, kicking, kneeing, and clinching with their opponents. What was once only used for self-defence and protection of the Kingdom, Muay Thai has grown to become one of the most popular sports not only in Thailand but in the world. Muay Thai is known to provide a complete total-body workout that will help build lean muscle, core strength, and help with weight loss. At FaMA, Muay Thai classes are taught daily by Tanaphong Khunhankaew, or better known as Kru Ping, and Kru Jerel Louie.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ as it is commonly known around the world, is a self-defence martial art that enables a smaller, weaker person to protect themselves against a much larger attacker using leverage and pressure. Formed from Kodokan Judo in Japan, Jiu Jitsu found its way to Brazil in the 1910s through Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka and no-holds-barred prize fighter. During his time in Brazil, Maeda accepted a young Carlos Gracie as his student. Carlos would later pass on his knowledge to his brothers, most notably Helio Gracie - the father of modern Brazilian Jiujitsu. The Gracie family would go on to spread BJJ through The Gracie Challenge and eventually the creation of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Today, BJJ has grown to be more than just an effective unarmed fighting system. It helps young children deal with bullies and adults live a healthy lifestyle. BJJ classes are offered daily at FaMA under the tutelage of Black Belts Zoro Moreira, Robyn Goudy and Thiago Gaspary.
FaMA Fit
An all-in-one fitness class suitable for everyone, FaMA Fit incorporates moves from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing and Kickboxing together with functional training to help develop flexibility, mobility, strength, balance, and stamina. For beginners who are just starting out, the FaMA Fit Fundamentals class is an entry-level program that will work the entire body. FaMA Fit and FaMA Fit Fundamentals classes are run by professional athlete Coach Kirstie Gannaway.