Yang, founder of Extinct Games, went from casual lifter to organiser of Singapore's premier strongman competitions, all by age 24. In this episode, he shares what it really takes to build a strongman scene from scratch. From convincing overseas athletes to fly in,  navigating sponsorships, to running events showcasing jaw dropping feats of strength.

He also breaks down the creative side, from locally resonant challenges like the Merlion Shield Carry and team competitions, to the American-style showmanship that makes the sport compelling to newcomers.

Whether you're an aspiring promoter, athlete, or entrepreneur, Yang's story is one you don’t want to miss.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Yang and Extinct Games

02:16 - How Yang discovered strongman through outdoor gyms

03:20 - The appeal of moving and dynamic events in Strongman

04:59 - Yang’s decision to drop out of the military to pursue his passion

06:20 - The traits of entrepreneurial mindset Yang exhibits

08:19 - The story behind the name "Extinct Games" and its meaning

10:13 - Building Singapore’s first international strongman competitions

11:51 - Challenges in securing venue and sponsorship for international athletes

12:48 - Convincing brands and local sponsors to support Strongman events

15:00 - Organising big international events: attracting top athletes

16:53 - Logistics of sourcing equipment from around the world

29:58 - Creating unique Singaporean-themed events

32:34 - Risks involved in organising extreme feats and insurance challenges

36:48 - Upcoming competitions and expansion plans

40:51 - The future of strongman in Asia and Yang’s vision for Extinct Games

45:34 - Lessons learned from organising competitions and managing resources

56:07 - Tips for beginners interested in trying strongman

Brought to you by ⁠Hygieia Strength & Conditioning⁠

Hygieia Strength's Social Media Links:

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⁠Facebook ⁠

⁠YouTube⁠

Connect with the Hosts

Shaun Pang - ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Marvin - ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Send feedback or questions to [email protected]

Shaun and Marvin break down what coaching actually is and how to choose a coach who's right for you. Whether you're looking to hire a coach or evaluating the one you're already working with, this conversation gives you practical criteria to make a confident decision.

The Value of a Coach

By Coach Shaun

https://www.hygieia.com.sg/library/articles/the-value-of-a-coach/

00:00 Introduction to the episode and coaching fundamentals

02:00 Identifying your goals to find the right coach

03:20 Specialised coaching and the importance of demographic experience

4:45 Differentiating between coaching high-level athletes and general populations

06:00 The significance of personality, communication, and connection

08:42 What to look for during your initial consultation

11:40 Evaluating a coach’s knowledge and teaching methods

14:00 Layered approach to teaching lifts and movement patterns

18:00 Cueing, feedback, and intra-set communication techniques

23:00 Observing and triaging issues during live lifts

28:00 How effective evaluation and feedback improve training outcomes

33:00 Signs of progress and when coaching is effective

35:15 The efficacy of online coaching versus in-person training

37:00 Benefits and limitations of remote coaching

41:00 Motivational factors and the importance of ongoing learning

43:30 Differing skills required for effective online and in-person coaching

46:00 Personal experiences and how coaching styles adapt to client needs

50:00 Accountability, program adherence, and virtual support

53:30 Final advice on choosing a coach that fits your needs and goals

Brought to you by ⁠Hygieia Strength & Conditioning⁠

Hygieia Strength's Social Media Links:

⁠Instagram ⁠

⁠Facebook ⁠

⁠YouTube⁠

Connect with the Hosts

Shaun Pang - ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Marvin - ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Send feedback or questions to [email protected]

In this episode, Shaun and Marvin discuss the common mistakes lifters make that cause them to get stuck, and the different ways to break through and keep making progress.

The First Three Questions

By Mark Rippetoe

https://startingstrength.com/article/the_first_three_questions

Brought to you by ⁠Hygieia Strength & Conditioning⁠

Hygieia Strength's Social Media Links:

⁠Instagram ⁠

⁠Facebook ⁠

⁠YouTube⁠

Connect with the Hosts

Shaun Pang - ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Marvin - ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Send feedback or questions to [email protected]

In the inaugural episode of the Hygieia Strength Podcast, hosts Shaun Pang and Joannes Marvin discuss how they got into strength training and the origins of Hygieia Strength & Conditioning.

Shaun recounts his transformation from a fat kid to a personal trainer. Marvin shares his discovery of barbell training and how witnessing strong older lifters inspired him to switch careers.

They emphasise the role of strength in health and well-being as one ages and offer practical advice on coaching older lifters.

Brought to you by Hygieia Strength & Conditioning

Hygieia Strength's Social Media Links:

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Connect with the Hosts

Shaun Pang - Instagram, LinkedIn

Marvin - Instagram, LinkedIn

Send feedback or questions to [email protected]