In this busy and bustling urban life, do you feel as if your body is weighed down by the daily grind? Don’t worry! Today, we’ll take you into a vibrant and dynamic world of Animal Flow. This unique workout not only helps you rediscover animal-like flexibility but also awakens your inner primal energy.
In this episode of AmSTRONG Stories, we invited regional leaders of Animal Flow in Hong Kong - Tracy (@the.crazy.t), Shin (@shin.bluemonkey), and Billy (@billykwokcy) - to introduce us to this workout and share their stories, philosophies, and how they grow together with the community and build deep connections.
Q: Hi Tracy, Shin, and Billy, could you introduce each other?
Tracy: Hello! We are the regional leaders of Animal Flow in Hong Kong. Shin is the most charismatic among us, he usually represents us on stage at large events.
Shin: I’m Shin. This is Billy, our martial arts representative, who often takes center stage for action shots.
Billy: I’m Billy. And this is Tracy, the "manager” of our team.
Q: Can you introduce Animal Flow to us? What makes it special compared to other workouts?
Shin: Animal Flow is a bodyweight training system. We don’t just superficially mimic animals, we utilize their movement patterns to train strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination through various movements on hands and feet. It’s a very comprehensive training system.
Billy: Exactly. It helps enhance our athletic performance, whether in sports like basketball or martial arts.
Tracy: I’d like to add that the most special part about Animal Flow is that it reminds us we are all human animals. As kids, we were incredibly flexible, so why can’t we be that way as adults? If you ask me what makes Animal Flow unique, it’s that it helps us rediscover that sense of flexibility.
Q: How did you all meet and what brought you closer together?
Tracy: It was this place - Tamar Park. For flowists like us, it holds a special significance. We first met practicing on this grass and getting to know each other.
Shin: We came together mainly because of a shared interest and a genuine passion for Animal Flow, so there was no need to force it connections, it happened naturally.
Q: What does “community” mean to you?
Tracy: I believe a community is about having shared goals. When everyone is passionate about the same thing, that genuine enthusiasm binds us tightly together, creating connections that are hard to break.
Shin: I see community as a diverse group where everyone has their strengths. We bring our expertise together for a common goal, and that’s a beautiful feeling.
Q：What do you think is most important in building a community? As regional leaders, how do you unite everyone in the Animal Flow community?
Tracy: As regional leaders, I never see myself as a leader in a traditional sense, I don’t put myself at the center. Our role is guides. We strive to make every event and teaching experience impactful, so that every Animal Flow coach feels like they are growing with us. Only then can we share our most sincere passions with them and extend it to a wider community.
Shin: Sincerity and joy are contagious within a community. When we see those around us happy, we become happier too, creating an endless cycle of positivity.
Billy: I focus on helping everyone with techniques and showing them how fun and beneficial Animal Flow can be for their bodies.
Q: How do you three work together as a team to promote Animal Flow?
Shin: Tracy is the mastermind behind our marketing strategies, while Billy focuses on technical aspects and movement guidance. I’m just lucky to be chosen to collaborate with them. Haha!
Q: What do you think is the most important quality in teamwork?
Tracy: I believe in honest communication about any ideas. As long as you’re sincere, there’s no need for excessive consideration. Our communication as a team is straightforward, which fosters an efficient and pleasant team atmosphere.
Q: What are your hopes for the development of Animal Flow in Hong Kong?
Tracy: We hope more and more people will participate and continue growing in this field. I want more people to experience their bodies through this exercise, as it’s a genuine communication tool with oneself. Often, we want to build muscle or get fit, hoping to become stronger or leaner, but we don’t truly listen to our bodies. Animal Flow provides a great opportunity to improve the communication between our bodies and minds. I hope we can spread this message.
Q: What challenges have you faced in promoting this workout over the years?
Shin: A significant challenge is that many people are afraid of getting their hands and feet dirty on the ground. While we enjoy the fun of it, we hope newcomers can break through that barriers and truly enjoy the experience of being human animals.
Billy: I think a challenge also lies in overcoming mental barriers. Many people encounter Animal Flow through online videos and think it’s as impressive, but feel intimidated, thinking they can't do it. I want people to know that it’s an easily accessible workout that can be used for morning warm-ups or evening stretches, allowing more people to gradually engage.
Q: Have there been moments that made you feel the other two possess strong leadership qualities?
Shin: Absolutely! Take Tracy, for example. Every year, we organize a large event called International Animal Flow Day. Tracy has many creative ideas for the behind the scenes arrangements and planning. Her execution is also strong. When she assigns tasks, we jump right in. Billy has great community cohesion, he has many students who support Animal Flow community activities.
Q: What equipment do you find essential for practicing Animal Flow?
Billy: A phone, a camera tripod, water, sunglasses, and a bag to carry all these items.
Shin: I prefer a lightweight, water resistant bag that can hold a water bottle because I tend to sweat a lot as soon as I start moving, so the water resistant feature is crucial for me.
Tracy: Since I’m responsible for taking photos, I need to bring a lot of camera gear, so my bag must be spacious with plenty of compartments.
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Through this enlightening interview, we learned that Animal Flow is more than just a workout, it's a lifestyle. Tracy, Shin, and Billy's infectious enthusiasm and humor remind us that connecting with our bodies can be a truly joyful experience! They also highlight the vital roles of teamwork and sincerity in strengthening this community. We hope this sharing inspires you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the charm of Animal Flow.
Do you also want to feel this flexibility and freedom for yourself? [Click here] to check out the Animal Flow community classes led by local volunteer coaches! It is your chance to experience the workout and embrace the joy of being human animal.
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