Category: gym news

I never know how these posts go over but I just love writing them. Finding new music is hard for me since the stuff I like to play in the gym isn’t mainstream and I’m cut off from so much where i am. I just stumble on this stuff.

I’m very protective of what we play in the gym. Until recently we’ve let people play a little of whatever they want and I’ve gone in sometimes and thought WTF is this?!? I hated it because I hate rap and pop just in general. Don’t like it in any way. Plus people were getting a bit bitchy about turning it up when we said it was too loud. So I got a new stereo that we locked up and now we play set music.

This is important to me because we’re trying to establish a certain culture in the gym. It isn’t for everyone, it isn’t supposed to be. It reflects my values and beliefs and I was letting other people play their stuff but it alienated me. I felt like a stranger in my own house. That’s not gonna happen.

So here’s the stuff we’re playing these days. Hope you like it and if you don’t, you will after hearing it over and over. 🙂

This was so epic that when I first heard it, I actually got out of my chair and started working out. That’s how powerful this is. It’s like aural testosterone. If this doesn’t make you want to work out, there’s no hope for you and you should join an aerobics class with the other nice ladies.

BIG fan of As I Lay Dying. I realize the style doesn’t suit everyone’s taste. But again, if this doesn’t make you want to work out then nothing will. Look at the singer, he even has big delts!!

Here they are working out in a gym like ours:
Good bunch of guys.

And for the ladies, we have something more hard rock-ish. Great band, good tunes. See that look in her eyes? Oh, man!
Enjoy!

Hello and welcome to what we hope will be an annual event — Taiwan’s first ever Tactical Strength Challenge (TSC)
Here’s what the competition part of the challenge looks like:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ODDVcHMOz8]

The challenge has two parts: 1. you agree to make the deadlift, pullup, and kettlebell snatch a part of your workout from now until the first weekend of May 2013 and keep us updated on your progress, AND/OR 2. if you feel so inclined, you come compete at the TSC competition on 04 May 2013 at Formosa Fitness.

On the morning of May 04, we have weighins at 10am and the competition starts at 10:30am. Everyone gets three chances to pull a deadlift max. When everyone has pulled, everyone (guys and gals) does a set of max pullups. You’re done when your feet hit the floor. After that, you do a set of max kettlebell snatches in 5:00 with the 12kg (women) or 16kg (men’s beginner), or 24kg (men’s open division). The winner is the one who gets the most points in the three events.

AND ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY! We’re supporting Chinese Taipei’s deaf athletes.

If you’re interested in joining, please signup here.

We’re excited to be bringing this type of competition to Taiwan for the first time. It’s your chance to participate in an international fitness event.
I can answer any questions folks might have.

Hope to see you there!

 In the past I often bought equipment because it was what I thought was needed to drive the business. But at this point we have most everything we need for most people to use.

So now my outlook is a bit different. I’m buying some equipment simply because I want to and because it’s fun to use. The more hardcore among us will enjoy using it while the masses may not get it but that’s as it should be. Not everything needs to be used by all people but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth having.

Take for example our new zercher harness. This allows folks to do much heavier front squats and zercher squats without breaking their wrists and elbows. Basically this road warrior-looking thing takes a movement that most people would avoid because they don’t have the form and makes it accessible to most. I love it. Front squats used to be a rarity for me but now I do them all the time and I’m looking forward to setting PRs on this thing.

So enjoy the new toys!

Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!

Showing off our new toy: the glute ham raise. This thing is a bitch. Be careful when you play with it — it has a bite. Try partial movements at first.
Here’s a look at how to use it:

And here’s a look at how NOT to use it:

The GHD situp is not a good movement for many reasons. The likelihood of getting hurt is enormous. Check out this article.

Don’t be a douchebag that has to show off his tattoos and show what a badass he is and then injure yourself. Use exercise equipment intelligently and with attention to detail and you’ll get great results. If you need help, please ask our trainers!!