Once possessing a thin body with a height of 1.74m but weighing only about 52-53kg, Mr. Chau Viet Son (37 years old, personal trainer) turned to street workout (calisthenics) with the desire to improve his health.
After more than 10 years of effort, Mr. Son has not only changed his figure and health, but also turned a small corner in Lang Hoa Park (HCMC) into a familiar rendezvous for people who love street workouts, where anyone who wants to exercise can participate for free.
“In those days, I and my younger brother went to Lang Hoa park to practice. At that time, street workout was still quite unfamiliar in Vietnam, guides in Vietnamese were very rare, I had to both practice on my own and grope around on forums.
When we practiced in the park, many people were curious and stopped to observe, then whoever wanted to practice, I guided them. I didn't dare to admit to teaching, simply seeing someone who wanted to call to practice together. I shared everything, practiced together," Mr. Son shared.
In fact, initially Mr. Son often actively invited viewers to participate in training. But after a while, he realized that not everyone who was curious really wanted to practice. Many people only tried for a few sessions and then stopped, so he then started adjusting, only guiding those who actively came to him, asking how to practice. "People who really want to practice, want to improve their health often have a more serious attitude and maintain better training," he said.
From a few people practicing together, gradually a group of street fitness enthusiasts was formed at Lang Hoa park. The special thing is that there is no head here, no student list or tuition fee. Those who come first guide those who come later, new people after a period of practice continue to support other new people.
According to Mr. Son, this sharing culture has helped the training activity to be maintained for many years. Even during periods when he is busy with personal work or absent for many months in a row, people still meet to practice as usual. Currently, the group mainly practices from 7:30 am to 9 am from Monday to Saturday.
The training equipment today is also formed from the contributions of participants over many years. "The training equipment here is all contributed by everyone to practice a little bit and then it becomes like it is now," Mr. Son said.
What makes Mr. Son feel happiest is not the increasing number of people following him, but the inspiring stories he receives. There are people from Tay Ninh who wake up at 5 am, drive down to the park to practice and then return on the same day. There are also overseas Vietnamese who come home and come to thank him for his guidance videos that help them improve their health. "Those things make me feel that what I do is meaningful," Mr. Son expressed.
Having been attached to street workouts for more than a decade, what Mr. Son wants to spread is not only exercises or movement techniques but also awareness of early health care. "Good health helps my life go in a more positive direction. Then, I will have enough health to face and "balance" all other aspects of life.
In life, sometimes we still have periods of irregular living such as staying up late, parties, stressful or prolonged work. If we have a good health foundation, we will have better endurance, and the body recovers faster than those who do not exercise. Therefore, start training and exercising as soon as possible," Mr. Son expressed.
