team deeselUP

Here they are, the incredible team of trainers who will become a part of the growing family of health conscious gyms opening up across the city. I have spent the last two weeks getting to know these three, building a relationship based on trust, that they will kick my ass while ensuring my safety. When you can have a great relationship with a trainer or at a gym, you know you can let the blood, sweat, tears, and vomit situations arise without worrying about how you look. Let's face it, now matter how good I smell when I rock into the gym in my lululemon athletica speed shorts, colourful bra and cool racerback combo, I am going to look like a sweaty hot mess after my warm up.

So, let's get acquainted with the three men I am currently in relationship with, I asked each of them a series of questions and have compiled them here for each to own their swag and bragging rights! If you want to get the low down on UP, it's here- Ultimate Performance. Sorry if you were looking for a girl crush in this post, seriously- I am giving you THREE guy crushes! 

Aneesh Varma aka Ganesh (Photo to come!) 

Breed: Half Indian and half Chinese

Pioneer: I knew being a training is what I wanted to do and I used to train people out of my own back yard in Discovery Bay.

Skills: I can cook a beautiful beef and rice dinner and play the guitar. (SWWWWWOOOOON!) 

Wise Words: Remember the words of kungfu legend, Bruce Lee, "There are no limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. If it kills you, it kills you." 

Physical goal - get to under 10% body fat and bounce back from injuries to squat and bench press over 300 pounds (again)

Thoughts on yoga: I've done a bit of yoga in the past and I have sat the full ten day Vipassana meditation. Yoga is very calming and I do see many benefits of it but unfortunately I find it far too boring. I'll give it another try soon. (Challenge: Come take my morning yoga class at Epic MMA Aneesh!) 

Todd Scott aka Captain (America) 
Can you guess which one is Captain in the photo?

Breed: Mexican and American melting pot

Brains: I train hard and will do the same with our clients. It's a constant learning experience and a client might sneak a half rep by me every once in a while. However, I have good memory and those half reps will turn into an extra 5 if they get too cheeky! Shall we call that, Karma?

Star Sign: I am a Libra and enjoy long walks on the...oh, wait! This isn't the dating questionnaire. You might see me "in a zone" trekking through HK at pace with my headphones firmly in place. However, don't hesitate to give me a punch on the arm and say hello. I'm at UP because I believe this is the best environment to get the most out of my passion and ability. Therefore, I am always happy to have a chat. 

Wise Words: Life is about moving weight through space and most of us don't do it enough to enjoy one which is healthy and balanced. Proper training can simulate picking up your child or carrying groceries up a set of stairs. Why wouldn't you want to condition yourself to be able to do things like these as efficiently, and for as long as possible? Regardless of gender, you can feel and look confident and strong before, during and after these activities with the correct training and nutrition. 

Thoughts on yoga: I have done yoga in my home. I would love to do more of it, but I tend to get distracted by attempts to "breathe from the back of my throat". I am not disrespecting it. That approach just does not work for me. Do they have yoga for meatheads? If not, maybe you could add that to your offering! (Lucky for you Captain I do!) 

Graham Mountford aka Coach 

Breed: Half Thai and half English with a tolerant and polite disposition- apart from when training in the gym. 

Swagger: I enjoy my fashion and have a nerdy love for fragrances. An attractive woman's fragrance is second to her smile. (Are you melting yet?) 

Confession: I am currently dieting so unable to fully enjoy the spoils that HK has to offer. 

Wise Words: There's a saying, "Don't play squash to get fit, get fit to play squash." If you want optimal results from both your physique and sport, get down to the gym and clean up your diet, simple.  

Thoughts on yoga: I LOVE YOGA and have practiced it maybe a dozen times in my life. I think it can be very complimentary to a strength and conditioning program. I would like to test a theory that too much yoga is detrimental to strength gains. Maybe you could help me with that? (YES. I am DOWN to down dog after dumbbells!)  

Almost everyone has injuries and I am no exception. I have one messed up shoulder, weak grip, torn tibialis post and a dislocated tailbone so training has been frustrating when they get in the way. I am here to work hard without more injuries. The moment I read this after sharing my concerns, I felt ready to train again because when a trainer hears you- I empathize with your injuries as I have had to quit many sports due to injury and find solace in the gym. I am a strong believer in pushing thresholds but not to the detriment and health/performance, so the insight is that I will enjoy the challenge of find a way to balance how we achieve results without hurting you. - COACH