TIME OUT Body & Mind Interview

Here’s a recent interview from TIME OUT Magazine in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

Celebrity fitness secrets: Allan Wu

Updated:  1 Nov 2012

You travel a lot for work. How do you keep fit on the go? 

Honestly, when I’m in the middle of an intense filming schedule, I don’t really work out at all. I’m too tired and the hours are long. But I use that as motivation when I’m done filming to exercise more and get healthy again. In the past, I would try to exercise while I’m on the road, but it’s just too much of a hassle. When I haven’t worked out for awhile, I start feeling guilty and I’ll get back in shape. I know I’ll come back harder, stronger, faster and swifter. Since starting a Chinese drama in Singapore, I sometimes go three months without working out. I just kind of get thin, I don’t get fat. In that way I’m lucky, I guess.

What sports do you enjoy?

I enjoy a lot of team sports. I used to play a lot of beach volleyball and basketball and was on my football team in high school. But now a lot of my friends work, so I have to do more lonely sports like running or swimming. I still enjoy playing tennis, if I can find one friend. I’m going to go snowboarding this winter. I don’t really use it to stay fit, it’s more for fun.

Do you have any sports or fitness idols? 

Michael Jordan, he is someone everyone can admire as he sets a very good example. Right now I like LeBron James. Usain Bolt, I like him but he’s a little bit too cocky at times.

Do you have any special diet tips? 

Everyone can eat all they would like to but in moderation. Our bodies, as we get older, don’t need as much as we’d like to shove down our throats. Also, I try to drink a lot of water. It helps to keep your system flushed out. I definitely try to stay away from supper, like after eight or nine. That’s when your metabolism slows down and you’re more prone to gain weight. I try to chew more as it breaks down your food and digests easier. I eat more small meals versus big meals to reduce hunger pangs.

As a father of two, how do you motivate your children to get involved in physical activities? 

I’m very participatory. I’ll actually go out and run laps with them and time them. I see a lot of kids today are a little bit obese. Especially with iPads, internet, TV, movies – it’s so easy to just sit on your ass all day. It’s important to me that the youth of today be educated on healthy living.

What was the most challenging event you have experienced in your life thus far?

Long term, I’d say being a father. I have a newfound respect for full-time mums and the amount of time and effort they put into raising a family. Being a parent has made me want to be a better person. I don’t cuss as much now. I want to do things properly and treat others right because I don’t want to set a bad example for them. For a short term challenge, I would say ‘Fear Factor’. I had to drink 21 shots of blended worms, maggots, stinking cockroaches and rotten fish eyes. I don’t know how I did that, but I did. Another challenge for me now is working in China and having to perfect my Chinese. I’ve always been a lover of challenges; if it doesn’t kill or break you, it makes you stronger and you come out a better version of yourself.

How do you prepare yourself mentally before a particularly challenging task?

I used to get really nervous. I’m very methodical with my preparation, I go over it repeatedly and imagine going through the whole project. You have to do your homework. It’s important to stay on your game, because there are a lot of people who want to take over your place.

What advice would you give to those wanting to overcome the psychological barriers that stop them from achieving their fitness and health goals? 

It’s easy to begin a new fitness routine, but it’s hard to maintain. Remember that it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Start small – the pyramids weren’t built in one day. Take baby steps. Don’t get discouraged, be realistic.

Which is more important: brains, beauty or brawn? 

I would say brains. In this world right now, people might think beauty. Beauty helps you get ahead but beauty will fade. Brawn is the least needed. It’s nice to have all three though.

Do you indulge in a little self-pampering? 

I keep trying all these different types of massages like sports therapy, Swedish or Thai. I just can’t get into it. Either they press you too hard or they don’t press you enough. I’m ticklish too. So I’d rather exercise. I don’t really need to be pampered.  Agnetha Foong

Allan Wu is the ambassador for the AXN Big Challenge.  www.axn-asia.com/AXNBigChallenge.

You can check out the original link at:  http://www.timeoutkl.com/bodyandmind