Ling (right) and Wei aim to raise awareness of CrossFit among Sarawakians.
WALKING into the workout area at CrossFit Kuching (CFK), I did not see it as all that different from other gyms.
I could see a whole range of weightlifting or bodybuilding apparatuses – several free weights, exercise balls, kettle bells as well as other workout equipment.
I was browsing through the list of exercises under the Workout of the Day (WOD) on the notice board when Dan Ling asked: “Rather interesting to name the WOD ‘Grace’, don’t you think?”
Ling was instrumental in bringing CrossFit to Kuching – an uncharted market for the workout regimen a couple of years back.
Without giving an answer to his own question on ‘Grace’, Ling proceeded to introduce me to certified CrossFit trainer Carter Wei, who said the regimen should be seen as being far beyond the typical workout.
“CF is not just a fitness programme but also a community. This is particularly the reason our members are into it – they do it together, ‘suffer’ through all the tough sessions together and celebrate their achievements together. The collective mission – as far as CFK is concerned – is aiming for a fitter Kuching,” he told thesundaypost.
“Now, we have around 50 members with an average addition of a dozen newbies every month. Each must go through the prep-course comprising fundamental CrossFit movements, safety aspects and also nutrition.”
Ling stressed the need for beginners to take the prep course, saying it would explain to them all the fundamentals involved.
“Previously, the programme had a bad reputation primarily because some overenthusiastic participants went all out during training – without listening to their coaches and paying any attention during the prep-course. As such, they injured themselves.
“CrossFit is actually safe. I’ve seen many middle-aged people doing it. Still, like any other sports, it will remain safe provided it is done within a safe and proper environment,” Ling explained.
Wei concurred, saying he would conduct background checks on beginners as a precaution, especially against injuries and related health issues.
“We introduce them slowly to various levels of intensity, taking them gradually into the programme and addressing issues concerning health and injuries with them.”
The objective of CrossFit is to attain optimal fitness.
Everyday moves
On the actual CrossFit exercises, Wei said they were simply movements – constantly varied, functional and done in high intensity.
“It’s branded as ‘CrossFit: Sports For Fitness’ and as such, the goal is optimal fitness. It’s among only a few programmes that can scientifically and methodically measure your fitness level and visibly record your results,” he added.
Ling said CrossFit revolves around the seven basic human movement patterns – squat, lunge, push, pull, bend, twist and gait.
“Everyone does these basic movements. What CrossFit does is adding intensity to these movements so that the muscles, joints and other bodily functions will continue to perform efficiently.
“The intensity can come in various forms such as through the added weights or resistance from barbells or cable ropes, or repetitions or scaling. You can see a 60-year-old grandmother and an Olympic athlete doing exactly the same movements during a WOD, but what differentiates between them is the intensity.”
Ling also pointed out that CrossFit should be seen as a sport.
“What’s beautiful about it is that it turns exercises based on basic human movements into a format that is quantifiable. This means you can mark or adjudge a participant’s performance through movements being measured either against time or repetitions.”
For now, it seems local fitness enthusiasts have begun to know more about CrossFit than it was two years ago.
A member lifts weights as part of her WOD.
Girls’ magnet
Wei noted that the programme appeared to attract more women than men.
“Ultimately though, CrossFit is a programme for all genders and ages. We have members above 50 testifying that they’re actually feeling and looking better after taking up the programme. We also have young members – the youngest is 11 – but of course, they’re doing the WOD with a different intensity that is more suited to their age and physical condition.”
For Wei, the aim is to spread and raise the awareness of CrossFit among Sarawakians.
“We like to have more outlets statewide. Fitness should be a part of life. People should not be doing it for only three months just to lose 10kg. We like to think that we have the best option when it comes to CrossFit, but we should all strive to be fitter and healthier.”
Similarly, Ling would like to see more women as well as senior citizens getting on board.
“The perception that gyms are the male domain should be dismissed. Through CrossFit, women can become fitter without looking bulky and appearing less feminine. For elderly people, this is the thing that they should be doing. You cannot say you cannot do it. Age is never a limiting factor,” he said.
Right after the mention of women, I asked Ling about ‘Grace’.
“It’s actually a naming system devised by CrossFit founder and chief executive Greg Glassman.
“He once joked that any workout that ‘leaves you flat on your back – staring up at the sky and wondering what the hell happened – deserves a girl’s name!’,” he laughed.