Break fear, break records—the mantra Alvin Netto has been living with to promote and spread awareness of the importance of mental health in Malaysia. According to the Malaysian Mental Health Association 2020 report, the incidence of mental illness among Malaysians increased “two-fold” during the Covid-19 lockdown, resulting in more Malaysians seeking counselling, mostly for stress-related issues. I recently spoke with Alvin about his achievement of putting a mark on the Guinness World Records for the male-category most weight lifted by kettlebell swing in 12 hours and 24 hours.
Hello Alvin. Before we go to more serious questions, tell us more about yourself and what triggers the journey of the ‘break fear, break records’ mantra.
From setting world records to being the first Malaysian to be awarded the Personal Trainer Of The Year 2019. I’m considered to be one of the most sought-after personal trainers here in Malaysia. My clients love that I inspire them to be an achiever through movement and mindset. In order to lead and inspire others, I must lead by example and do my hard thing. Break Fear, Break Records, Alvin advocates mental health, emotional resilience and physical well-being by swinging a 20kg kettlebell over 24 hours to raise money for Yayasan Health on World or YHOW.
After that urge of starting this adventure, what did you do first?
After I achieved Malaysia’s book of records for doing 2,727 chest-to-ground burpees in 8 hours. I decided the next one is Guinness World Records. Hence the first thing I did was to send in my application to attempt for Guinness World Records to understand the guidelines and requirements. It takes 3 months to process an application and weeks for them to respond to my enquiries. The guidelines are very strict and I need to ensure I am clear with the type of kettlebell swing and the attempt I am about to do. Because there are many types of kettlebell swing out there like squatting to swing or swinging the kettlebell overhead. My attempt was the original kettlebell swing which lifts a kettlebell from a hang position between the legs so that it reaches a point where the arms are parallel to the ground by extending at the hips to thrust the kettlebell up
When was this?
Probably around October 2019, right after I achieved my 2nd Malaysia Book Of Records for most burpees.
Fast forward to 2022, and you now have a world record to your name. Swinging the kettlebell for 24 hours non-stop is no joke. Tell us more about how you came up with the idea, and prepare yourself for the action.
It took me 18 months to prepare for it. Guinness World Records is a totally different level because it means you are the one and only in the world, the best in the world to earn a particular world record.
I look out for Jonathan Wong to be my coach. We sat down and strategise the whole training leading up to the event. My main objective is to finish the attempt, injury free. I analyse the kettlebell swing movements and create a training plan to bulletproof my body to be able to kettlebell swing for 24 hours.
In 2019, the world record for the most weight lifted by a kettlebell swing was about 170,000 kg. Then in February 2022, someone broke it at 253,704 kg and then another person broke it again at 258,134 kg in September 2022, a few weeks before my attempts.
I didn’t want to break the current world records with a little extra margin. I want to set my own world record of exceeding 300,000+kg. That is the world record I want to set for myself. Aside from training, working with Yayasan Health On World and UNITAR International University as venue sponsors truly helped me to prepare. A lot of behind the scene planning to make this campaign a successful one. I feel sometimes the preparation is more demanding than the training.
While you’re in action in that 24 hours, what was on your mind at that moment?
The whole 24 hours is work time for Alvin. Time for me to do what I prepare for, execute my plan and do the hard thing which is the swing. Embrace pain and hardship. I must embrace my pain and persevere through 24 hours of kettlebell swinging. Accepting that something is going to hurt and at the same time it is going to reward you beyond measure, is a critical part of my success. You can achieve anything you set your mind to; provided you are willing to sacrifice and embrace the pain and hardship.
They say glory will last forever. This glory is indeed a proud moment not just for you and your family but for Malaysia as a nation too. Who are your biggest supporters behind all these world-class achievements of yours?
It takes a village to raise a champion. For this campaign, shoutout to the people of Yayasan Health on World especially to Dato ‘Aliyah Karen and Dr Sangeeta, the two masterminds that bring success to this campaign. The people of UNITAR, Marc and Badrie provide us with the logistic support for the campaign. My team of Achievers were there for more than 24 hours beside me as I swing. They count each swing and make sure everything runs smoothly which allows me to focus solely on my attempt.
The team of witnesses who were there to verify and count each swing on as the eye for the Guinness World Records. The generous sponsors and donors. People who show up to support us and those who pray for us with success near and far. Every support in any way makes it possible for me to do what I need to do.
Alvin, tell us more about your other previous stunts too. Tell us all.
In 2018, I wanted to raise some awareness and funds for a non-profit organisation, Small Changes Malaysia, so I decided to run backwards for 12 hours without stopping because running a marathon was too common to raise a fund.
On September 29, 2019, I entered the Malaysia Book of Records for the second consecutive year and at that time it was for performing the Most Numbers Of Chest-To-Ground Burpees. I managed to do 2,727 burpees within a time frame of 8 hours and raised MYR 41,867 for needy cardiac patients. Check out the video here on Facebook.
What do you actually want to tell fellow Malaysians with all these achievements of yours?
If I can break two Guinness World Records, you can do it too. There is nothing special about me. All you need is to dream big and work really hard to achieve it. If you can see it in your mind and you have the courage to speak it, it will happen.
As you know, mental health is getting more and more mainstream not just in Malaysia but globally. In your own words, is exercising or having regular physical activities will help, or something else?
Movements create emotions. Each time we move, we change our current state of mind. When you are sad, depressed, lost or unmotivated, stand up and walk around. Go out for a run or lift weights in the gym. Just move!
Coming back to your breaking records gig, what’s next?
Probably something tougher and more interesting than 24 hours kettlebell. The longest plank seems something hard to break as the current record is 9 hours 31 minutes. Let me know if you have any suggestions. I will consider it.
Any parting words Alvin?
We are all Achievers in our life and destined for greatness. I invite you to break my Malaysia Book of Records, Guinness World Records or any other records. Reach out to me for questions or assistance and I’ll be happy to guide you in your journey.
Malaysia Boleh!
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