Think Sundays are rest days? Think again. Founder of Sunday Shred, Jason Richard Sinarwi, is best known for his outdoor community group workout that takes place every Sunday morning at Tamar Park, which combines strength, conditioning and endurance exercises in an intense session of circuit training.
Sunday Shred has grown over the years and has become Jason’s branded group classes at TORQ, which are called Tuesday Shred, Wednesday Shred and Thursday Shred—each day targeting different body parts such as abs and glutes with varied exercise stations.
Ahead of his next fitness collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Bam Festival on October 12 and 13, we caught up with Jason to talk about how his fitness journey started, his favourite cheat day snack and his passion project.
Hello! What do you do?
I’m Jason Richard Sinarwi—born and raised in Hong Kong. Aside from being a freelance personal trainer, I currently manage a personal training studio (TOPFIT) and a community-based group class platform called Sunday Shred.
What’s something not many people know about you?
I grew up wanting to be an actor or a music artist (or both). I am currently working on a studio rap/R&B album, which I plan to release next year.
How and when did your fitness journey begin?
I started off working out at home and in public parks doing push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and all that. When I turned 18, a friend’s dad asked me to show him a few exercises he could do, and that was the first time I got paid to help someone with their fitness. Currently, I train a large network of clients and couldn’t be happier.
Tell us about your most memorable coaching experience.
My most memorable coaching experience was when a man walked up to me and told me about his life going downhill. He was depressed. We began training, and some sessions ended with tears.
Over the years, I’ve watched him change and grow—both physically, mentally and emotionally. Until this day, he still shares his life updates with me. It was the first time I felt appreciated and discovered how much of an impact I could have on someone’s life as a coach. It is not something to be taken lightly.
What do you like most about outdoor workouts?
Outdoor workouts are sweaty, gritty, dirty. It’s the complete opposite of what we, as creatures of comfort, strive to be. Training outdoors is a whole new mental game.
How many times do you work out a week now?
Four to five times a week. I switch around between bodybuilding, powerlifting and basketball.
What’s your favourite exercise and why?
Heavy deadlifts, hands down. To me, it requires the most concentration and focus, and it forces me to shut the world out so I can get the weight off the ground.
And your least favourite?
Calf raises. I just… nah.
Something you have yet to try in the fitness/wellness space?
Being in the industry for over a decade has taught me a lot. It’s given me the ability to see and learn things, both at present and in retrospect. I would like to give back by helping up-and-coming coaches through talks and workshops.
Favourite treat day meal?
I am a sucker for a good cinema popcorn—butter and caramel. It’s got to be 50/50.
Any athletic brands/products you swear by?
Anything that doesn’t tear when I squat or stink when I sweat. If it fits, I’ll wear it. Nothing lasts forever.
And finally… what’s your personal definition of healthy?
Being healthy, to me, goes way beyond physical strength, looking good naked, and having followers on Instagram.
It’s about having a heart that understands that at the end of our lives, what matters most when we look back is how much love and value we gave back to the people around us along the way.
Follow Jason on Instagram at @jaerichbro and Sunday Shred at @sundayshredhk
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