FITNESS challenge R U Tough Enough is back, with the grand prize of US$15,000 (RM63,000) for the person who can prove that he or she is the toughest one of them all.
This extreme fitness challenge, presented by KIX HD (Astro channel 729), puts contestants through all sorts of obstacles to test both their mental and physical fitness and strength.
Launched in Malaysia in 2014, it has since expanded to include the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and this year, Hong Kong.
Last year saw the first R U Tough Enough Southeast Asia challenge, which was won by our very own Mohd Saddam Mohd Pittli, who beat 21 other regional finalists to take home both the title and the US$15,000 cash prize.
This year, R U Tough Enough comes with a brand-new logo, which has a badge-like design to acknowledge the winners as part of an elite group of athletes.
Registration is now open to all Malaysian residents aged 18 and above. To participate, apply online at www.KIX-TV.com/tough by Sept 22.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for closed-door auditions, and four will be chosen to represent Malaysia against other finalists from around the region in the ultimate showdown taking place at Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya, on Nov 3.
One of the judges for the R U Tough Enough Southeast Asia 2019 challenge is Benny Yeoh, the winner of R U Tough Enough in 2016.
During a recent interview, Yeoh, 38, related how challenging himself to become fit has changed his life.
He said he used to be overweight and unfit, weighing over 95kg at one point. “I managed to lose over 30kg, and that gave me confidence that I could overcome everything.”
Teoh related that his mission to lose weight and change his lifestyle began when he developed kidney stones in 2013.
His doctor advised him to make some lifestyle changes, such as watching what he ate and exercising regularly.
“I don’t want to remember that pain,” he said. “My life (he used to work in event management) before this was going to work, coming home and playing video games. On Saturdays and Sundays I would paint figurines. I would order fast food, sit at home and continue with my hobby.”
Eventually, Yeoh managed to lose about a third of his body weight, dropping down to 62kg. At that time, he still had not developed any muscles.
“I did cardio exercises and also watched my diet. From Monday to Friday, I would join three classes in my gym ranging from yoga to TRX. I would do different activities. I would eat clean things like meehoon soup with no oil and chicken breast every day.
“On weekends, [I would have a] cheat day but I would still control my food intake. Within eight months, I had stopped eating junk food and fast food.”
His cheat meal? “Half a pack of potato chips. That’s all!” he added with a laugh.
He now weighs about 74kg, having added on muscle weight.
Yeoh also changed careers, and is now a fitness activation specialist with several gyms. He organises and designs group workout programmes.
He said he decided to take part in R U Tough Enough in 2016 after a friend suggested he give it a try.
At that time he was doing physical training in the gym on a regular basis.
“I felt it was the time for me to test myself and see how far I could go,” Yeoh said, explaining what ultimately made him sign up.
When he took part in R U Tough Enough, he did not think he was going to win. He just wanted to do his best.
His advice on those wanting to take part? “Take the first step and register for the competition first.
“KIX HD posts a lot of videos [so that] competitors can see the various obstacles that they need to prepare for.”
Pointing to his head, Yeoh added: “Preparing yourself mentally is the [most difficult part].”
