OBC My Cult

Original Boot Camp – (noun) Also known as OBC (abbreviation).

1. A military inspired, outdoor group personal training programme that utilises discipline based motivational techniques. Originated from Australia and founded by Chief Brabon. Special training programme by combining the ATP, anaerobic and aerobic level of conditioning all in 1 hour of workout, 3 times a week (the official definition).

2. A cult-like clique of fitness freaks and/or psycathletics and/or sport maniacs who congregate on a field of grass and soil (sometimes mud and water) 3 times a week and carry out trance-like exercise for 1 whole hour chanting ‘Hooyah’ at intervals. Usually ended with arms wide open looking up to the sky saying Grace (the unofficial version).

Yes, my running chronicles would not be complete without an exuberant account on OBC. I joined OBC, Bandar Utama (yep, just like any other cult, there are branches for the ease of convenience of various congregation from different locations) in June 2010. My friend, TJ posted some information on his facebook status on OBC and with the curiosity killing the cat inside my heart, I sent him an e-mail asking him what’s OBC about. An instant mail came giving me a brief ‘official definition’ of OBC and an invitation to join a free trial session (also known as BAFD – Bring Along A Friend Day) on the following Friday. I agreed. And I dragged my exercise bestie along. On that faithfull Friday morning, we woke up at 5 a.m and dragged our heavy and lazy butts all the way to Subang, lost our way before we finally made it to the semi-muddy field in a mist of darkness. Of course, I discovered to my horror upon arrival that TJ did not turn up at all (with prior knowledge and full intention to deceive me). Before I had the opportunity to retreat, the session had begun. After 20 minutes into the work out, I caught a glimpse of John’s facial expression staring at me with a look that said “What the hell you have gotten me into?” and I replied with my facial expression that said “Trust me, the feeling is mutual”. We survived, after all. It felt good to embrace the break of daylight with smelly armpits soaked in sweat and a clear conscience that some calories had been burnt. Of course, our muscles…err….I mean our fat body mass, were sore and stiff for the next two or three days. We found out that OBC BU was starting in June and we decided to join the 7am-8am session (known as the Bravo Platoon). To be more accurate, John signed up for both of us when I was on a holiday in Japan. This is how I started my faith in OBC…about the same time when I began my running chronicles…

I skipped a couple of sessions in the first month. I was never a morning person and with the effect of sleeping pills and relaxant, it was not easy at all to wake up at 6 a.m three times a week. The only motivation that kept me going was my kiasuness and my fear that John would outbeat me at OBC. However, slowly but surely, I began to attend regularly. After two months, I was virtually addicted to OBC! I would go for OBC on Monday morning and by the time the evening came, I would miss OBC already and couldn’t wait for Wednesday. On Tuesday afternoon, I would suffer from bouts of depression. Of course there were times I dreaded OBC…especially when I was having a hang over and made to do push ups non stop. In short, it is a love-hate relationship. Yes, OBC and me, it’s a serious long term relationship and my facebook status should just state ‘In a relationship with OBC’.

I learnt a lot of things at OBC. For example, I discovered that there are various types of push ups – Military Push Up, Diamond Push Up, Dirty Dog Push Up (it is obvious that this is not an enticing pose at all), Scorpion Push Up, King Kong Push Up and even Indian Push Up. There are few poses which always remind me of Karma Sutra positions (not that I read before) – the Indian Push Up, the Table Top, etc. But, trust me, sex is the last thing on your mind when you are sweating and panting and trying to perform the pose, in correct if not perfect form.

I also came to know a lot of good friends through OBC. Everybody is so close to everybody and we are indeed just like a family. These people whom I see 3 times a week, 12 times a month, are caring and loving and fun to be with. As a whole, they demonstrated to me the enthusiasm towards life, passion towards work out, the spirit of never give up and so on. There are people with various injuries but would still go on running, climbing, working out. There are people who survived cancer. There are people who have kids at home and juggling between the family and work. I am not writing this out of courtesy or politeness, as I lacked both, but yes, from the bottom of my heart, I am grateful I am party of OBC BU and I am perfectly happy with my OBC family members. Rain, hail or shine, till old age do us part….