Alim Roslan, Founder of Beastcamp, Brunei Calisthenics and BAR-RAGE, on how minimalism in training is more than a passing fad.
When did you start doing calisthenics?
I started when I joined the military in 2005, since basic recruit training is calisthenics. I took it more seriously and advanced in 2012. Little did I know that it was going to be such a big feature in my life.
What motivated you to take this sport?
I started doing weights at the gym but got injured and decided to work back to my roots of working out, which is calisthenics. The calisthenic body is a cohesive body. One of the incredible things about calisthenics is that we respect movements that use the body as a whole, rather than isolate small parts of the body during training. And we do this using our own bodyweight, without ‘hurtful’ weights.
While researching the calisthenic revolution on YouTube, I chanced upon a group called Barholics and was amazed by their unique feats of strength and flexibility. Kenneth Gallarzo, a Barholics member and co-founder of the World Calisthenics Organisation, provided personal online training. Since then, I’ve kept it up and competed in Battle of the Bars organised by WCO.
I believe calisthenics is as much a social movement as it is a professional sport.
Who is your biggest inspiration in life?
My biggest inspiration in life is my dad. His character, ‘never say die’ attitude — everything about him is a huge inspiration to me. I really look up to him. He pretty much brought me up to be who I am.
Describe your typical day.
My typical day starts at 0700 with a quick workout routine of pull-ups and push-ups. After breakfast and shower, I usually study ‘till noon as I’m currently taking a course in fitness. After lunch I’m off to the gym for at least two hours. Some days I’m training a client. Afterwards I have my protein, shower and do some administrative work. At night I’ll do the same routine – pull-ups and push-ups.
Check him out on IG: @alimroslan