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Losing It In Paradise: Introducing DJ Tank

If you’ve spent much time in Phuket, then you have undoubtedly met Tom “DJ Tank” Saharut Somsanuk. King of the Phuket social scene, Tank describes himself as, “a mixed up nutcase, but a nice one. Born and raised in the US; discovering his Asian roots in Thailand.” At 38, Tank has decided to take control of both his weight and his life. He’ll be working with Phuket Fit over the next year to lose some pounds and rediscover his fitness. We’ll be checking in on him every few weeks, to see how his journey is going. Here’s what he has to say…

Tell us about DJ Tank!

Everywhere else, I’m Tom. On this island, I’m DJ Tank. Wedding DJ, Club DJ, Radio DJ. I’m in people’s lives on the radio during the day, and then at night, I’m DJ at their functions. It seems like I’m constantly working. For weddings, you have to reserve me six-months in advance.

How did you first hear about Phuket Fit?

I found at about Phuket Fit through Phuket Fit’s GM. I had met him somewhere on the island and he invited me to come to camp for a BBQ Beatdown. I had a great time.

Have you been doing much exercise before now?

The only exercise I ever got was on the job. Working as a DJ for six or seven hours is sweaty. It’s tough. But no other exercise besides that. Even that was getting harder and harder to handle.

What kind of food were you eating?

I lived on fast food. Anything that was deliverable. That’s the only thing I ever had time to eat. McDonalds was the main offender. My average order there would be a super-sized Big Mac combo with an extra double-cheeseburger on the side.

Do you feel like you finally have the motivation now to lose weight?

When I’ve tried to lose weight before, it required a level of energy that I just didn’t have. I’m working full-time, so I can’t be so tired after a workout that I’m unable to work. There has to be a balance between work and fitness, so that I’m not drained for my job. I’m working with Phuket Fit now to make that happen. So far, so good.

Have you set any goals for yourself to work toward while you’re training?

Training wise, I really want to get down to 150 KGs in six months or a year. My main goal is to be healthier and more comfortable in everyday life.

Are you looking forward to being able to perform any activities that you’ve previously missed out on because of your weight?

To be honest, just walking around with family. Doing normal things. Walking around a park with anyone. I just want to be able to enjoy it without getting exhausted. Short term, I want to get more energetic. During my first workout at Phuket Fit, even one lap would tire me out. Now, a week later, I can walk two laps while still talking.

Whats your starting weight?

I started last week at just over 200 KGs. After one week of training, Im now down to 196 KGs. Im already seeing big results!

Tank’s Fitness Plan

5 Workouts A Week At Phuket Fit

1-Hour Per Session

  

Sample Workout

Warm Up:

Walk 400 Meters Holding A 5K Plate 

3 Rounds, 10 Reps Per Exercise:

Bicep Curls

Toe Taps On Box

Tire Flips

Walking Plate Press

Around The World

Battle Ropes

Steps Ups

Cool Down:

Boxing Drills

Sample Meal Plan

Breakfast:

Two Soft Boiled Eggs

Black Coffee  

Snack:

Fresh Fruit

Lunch:

Chicken Breast

Brown Rice

Fresh Veggies

 

Snack:

A Handful Of Almonds

Dinner:

Steak or Salmon

Salad

Fresh Veggies 

Check back soon to follow DJ Tank on his journey!

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Benchmarks: Week Sixteen

Welcome to Phuket Fit’s weight loss and fitness blog. I’m your host, Aaron Rowland. I’m a 27-year-old writer from Los Angeles, California. At my heaviest weight eighteen-months ago, I weighed in at 160 KGs.  I’m here at Phuket Fit to lose weight, improve my fitness and have the adventure of a lifetime. I’ve been here ten months so far and I’m staying indefinitely. My favorite exercises are the bicycle crunch and the medicine ball slam. Tire flips, suicide planks and burpees give me nightmares.

Blasting Fat, Building Muscle

In weight loss, each week present a new challenge. Things that worked the previous week might not in the following one. Weight can also vary for a variety of factors. Water retention, fat loss, muscle gain, having just eaten or taken a trip to the restroom, etc. As I mentioned last week, it’s important to track more than just the number on the scale whilst losing weight. It’s important to take into account a variety of objective and subjective measurement tools to most effectively monitor the changes your body is making. Over the next few weeks, I’ll explore some of these ways.

Trekking Up Big Buddha

If you come to Phuket Fit for weight loss or fitness, you will quickly learn about the Big Buddha hike. Every Tuesday morning, in the Bodyfit class, a group of 30-40 Phuket Fit guests hike up a steep 4.2 KM hill in Chalong to Phuket’s Big Buddha landmark and temple. At less than a 5 KM run, some might underestimate how difficult it can be. With steep hills and sometimes-sweltering heat, some beginners can take well over an hour to finish. Prior to my Week 15 weigh-in, my personal best time up the hill was slightly over thirty-eight minutes. This week, though, I was able to trim forty-five seconds off my time for a personal best of thirty-seven minutes and fifteen seconds. Fitness tests like this can be a great way to assess progress when trying to lose weight and improve fitness.

The End Of Week Sixteen

I step on the scale looking forward to a big number. That’s how it has always worked in the past. If I gain weight or plateau one week, I’m typically rewarded the next with a big number. Unfortunately, that isn’t what happened this week. It’s official. I’ve hit a true plateau. That means the next few weeks will be a big shake-up. I’ll be throwing out the old playbook and writing a new one. New kinds of fitness and activity, new meal plans. I’ve also changed the scale’s setting to read in LBS instead of KGs. It’s easier for me to help track my progress that way, having grown up with the imperial measurement system.

What’s Up Next?

Later this week, I’ll be introducing you to DJ Tank. He’ll be working with Phuket Fit to lose weight and he’s a really interesting character here on the island! He’s got a long way to go, but you can see the determination in his eyes. Also, check back next week to how I’ve changed my weight-loss system and see if it helps to improve my weekly results!

Have a great week of weight loss! If you set your mind on it, I know you can do it!

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Victories: Wineke Krull Getting Fit After Graduation

A 24-year-old from Holland, Wineke Krull has spent the last three weeks working hard at Phuket Fit. Preparing for a new life as a criminal lawyer, Wineke decide that now was the time to take control of her life and lose some weight. Having just graduated from university, she searched online for an inexpensive fitness boot camp and discovered Phuket Fit. This is her story…

How did you find out about Phuket Fit?

I had heard about doing fitness boot camps abroad, so I searched online to see where I could do it cheaply. I looked at going to either Ibiza or Thailand, but it was a lot cheaper to do it here.

What first made you want to come to Phuket Fit?

After a few years of being a student, and living the “student lifestyle,” I decided it would be a good time to lose some weight. It seems like right after graduation would be perfect timing.

When you arrived at Phuket Fit did you set any goals for yourself?

I wanted to lose 10 KGs during my four weeks at Phuket Fit. I had no idea if that would be possible, but that was my goal.

Are you on your way to achieving that?

I’ve been here now for three weeks, but I didn’t weigh myself when I started, so I don’t have a real starting point. I did weigh myself after my first and second weeks, though, and lost 4KGs that week alone. So, I think I’ve hit my goal. If not yet, then definitely before I leave. My clothes are already getting too big.

What accomplishments at Phuket Fit are you proud of?

Physically, I feel better. Also mentally. Last year, I hiked Lions Head in South Africa and I really struggled. When I hiked up Big Buddha here, I felt great and did it in a really good time. I already feel stronger in every way.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about coming to Phuket Fit?

Just come. Don’t think you’re unable to do it. There are a lot of extremely fit people here, but there are also people who aren’t. Don’t be intimidated. Everyone is here with their own goals.

Have you learned anything that you’ll use back home?

The exercises I’ve learned. I’ve been sending the class workouts to my trainer back home so I can continue with the intense workouts when I’m done here.

Do you plan on coming back to Phuket Fit?

I would love to come back. I might be able to, but right now I’m still just a broke student.