Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Kokonuht

Sia - Chandelier Cover

Kokonuht — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 00:47:49 +0800

Hey guys, I just recorded my very first youtube cover and first time playing and singing at the same time (literally never done it before in my life, just started 2 days ago).

Just posting here to share! Hope you guys enjoy!

Do forgive my mistakes and poor sound quality! Recorded on an iPad!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vSOX6OQ-fM&feature=youtu.be

Many thanks!!

Also, hope I'm able to share this here o_o and did not go against any rules or something.

Cheers
Rayhan

Skinny Beginner's Journal

Kokonuht — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 22:43:06 +0800

Hey guys, so I'm here to keep a journal of my workout progress and see how everything goes. Hopefully this motivates me to be disciplined as well.

Before this, I have lifted a bit on and off without discipline and not consistently (was never consistent for more than 2 weeks I think). I have seen some slight gains back then. Now I'm planning to be consistent and disciplined. Also, following a proper program. Hope to see this takes me another step towards my goal.

Starting weight : 57kg
Height : 171cm
Age : 20

Nutrition : IIFYM
I don't really calculate Carbs or Fats but I just eat and try to keep my total calories to maintenance/slight surplus. +300ish.
I calculate protein intake and try to get minimum 0.75g/lbs of bodyweight. If I can get more, I will.

Main sources of protein :
- Chicken Rice
- Eggs (Usually half-boiled as they're the easiest to prepare)
- Protein Shake
- Milk
- Peanut Butter Spread on Bread

Current program I'm following : All Pro's Beginner's Workout

Summary of program :
-2 work sets for each exercise, 2 extra warm up sets for the first 3 exercises.
-1 week 3 times, 1st time - Heavy, 2nd time - Medium (10% less weight), 3rd time - Light (20% less weight)
-1st week 8 reps
-2nd week 9 reps
-3rd week 10 reps
-4th week 11 reps
-5th week 12 reps
-Heavy day of 5th week is Test day. Any exercises that I cannot complete 12 reps of that current weight with proper form, for the next cycle, I repeat the weight. If I can complete 12 reps with proper form, increase weight by 10%.

I've done the first cycle and just started on my second cycle.

The exercises I do following the program are, in sequence, as follows:
1. Squats
2. Bench Press
3. Bent Over Rows
4. Shoulder Press
5. Stiff-legged Deadlifts
6. Barbell Upright Rows
7. Calf Raises

*note* All weights listed below are based on one side of the barbell. So the proper total weight would be to x2 the weight I wrote and + 5kg (barbell / ez bar weight).
*note* Everything here is done using a Regular Barbell & EZ Curl Bar that weighs 5kg.
*note* Everything here is done at home so I do not have full access to plenty of weight plates thus I make due of what I have.
*note* Barbell Upright Rows is done on a EZ Curl Bar to make it easier for the wrists.

Format of weights
Heavy Day - Medium Day - Light Day

1st Cycle Weights (kg) Started : 19/9/2014 Completed : 23/10/2014
1. Squats 8.5 - 7.5 - 6.5
2. Bench Press 6.25 - 5.5 - 5
3. Bent Over Rows 6.25 - 5.5 - 5
4. Shoulder Press 5 - 4.75 - 4
5. Stiff-legged Deadlifts 5 - 4.75 - 4
6. Barbell Upright Rows 2.5 - 2.25 - 2
7. Calf Raises 6.25 - 5.5 - 5

2nd Cycle Weights (kg) Current Cycle Started : 26/10/2014
1. Squats 9.25 - 8.5 - 7.25
2. Bench Press 6.75 - 6 - 5.5
3. Bent Over Rows 6.75 - 6 - 5.5
4. Shoulder Press 5 - 4.75 - 4
5. Stiff-legged Deadlifts 6.25 - 5.5 - 5 (still trying to get proper form before moving heavier, I feel that I can go more heavier but I'll probably do that after this cycle)
6. Barbell Upright Rows 3.75 - 3.5 - 3 (still trying to get proper form before moving heavier, I feel that I can go more heavier but I'll probably do that after this cycle)
7. Calf Raises 6.75 - 6 - 5.5 (still trying to get proper form before moving heavier, I feel that I can go more heavier but I'll probably do that after this cycle)

Post Cycle Reviews
1st Cycle
-Form on Bent Over Rows and Stiff Legged Deadlifts and Squats can be improved.
-Can actually see triceps now. *exciting*
-Right pec and right arm is slight bigger than left pec and left arm.
-Current weight : 60kg (this is after dinner as well so I'm gonna weigh again tmrw morning and edit this weight here)

Notes to self
- Add photos to compare for progress
- Only weigh in the morning after waking up to when weighing for progress to ensure consistency
- Try to assemble a proper meal plan with most of its calories counted

[WTB] Cheap 2nd Hand Piano

Kokonuht — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 01:35:55 +0800

Hey guys,

Am looking for a second hand piano. As long as it's functionable. Please do post here or PM me asap!

Thanks.

Macronutrient Question

Kokonuht — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:20:54 +0800

Hey guys,

I'm a newbie.

I was beginning to plan my meal and researched online on macronutrients. I'm an ectomorph. Not sure if that makes a difference though.

I remember reading somewhere darklight said that 0.75g of protein/lbs is sufficient and more than that is just not needed.

Then I read online reading where macronutrients ratio should be at 40:30:30 (C:P:F) or 50:30:20 (C:P:F)

Also, I read online that for bulking, we should take 20cal/lbs or maybe more if that doesn't work (since I'm an ecto).

Now considering that I weigh 125 lbs. My total daily calorie intake should be 125 x 20 = 2500 calories

Now if I use the ratio method, I should be taking in 1000 : 750 : 750 (C:P:F) calories

Carb : 1g = 4cal
Protein : 1g = 4cal
Fats : 1g = 9cal

That would mean I should be taking in : 250 : 188 : 83 (C:P:F) grams.

Now according to the ratio method, I should take in 188g of protein, while I personally only weigh 125 lbs. That's basically 1.5g/lbs of protein, which is twice of what darklight suggested.

Then again, if I were to follow darklight's suggestion, that would mean that I would be taking less than 2500 calories, unless I fill in the missing protein with carbs or fats.

That would also mean, if I put it into ratio, my daily meal would be like 40 : 15 : 30 or 50 : 15 : 20.

I'm kinda confused here, hope someone could help me out.

Or, should I just aim for 5 ~ 6 meals a day and calculating on protein intake (eg, 0.75g/lbs) while consuming more carbs (self estimation). Not to mention working out for 3 ~ 4 days per week.

Beginner seeking advice

Kokonuht — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:25:42 +0800

Before I ask my questions, here's my weight, body fat and stuff based on calculators.

Weight 58kg
Height 171cm
Measurements:
Waist (at navel) 84cm
Neck (at narrowest) 34cm

Body Fat 20%
Fat Mass 12kg
Lean Mass 46kg
Body Fat Category Acceptable

Calc : http://www.webcalcsolutions.com/fitness-ca...y.asp?acctnum=3

My body type is an Ectomorph.

So I was wondering, since according to that calculator, my estimated body fat is at 20%, should I cut it down further before trying to bulk? However, being an ectomorph I lose weight really easily. I just got sick and wasn't able to eat well and I've noticed I've lost some weight already.

Alright, so now on to the questions :

1. What kind of Protein powder should I get and what's the optimum price I should pay so that I don't get ripped off?
I should be getting some kind of Whey Protein powder so a recommendation of Brand + price estimate would be great!

2. Do I only take protein shakes for pre/post workout? For the rest of the day, get my protein from solid food? Theoretically, is it possible to get all protein required from protein shakes / protein bars.
Just saying but, as long as I achieve the amount of protein I'm supposed to get for the day, it doesn't matter in what way I get it, correct? Though it also doesn't mean that I can gulp down 150g of protein worth of protein shake right? As the body would require time to absorb the nutrients and stuff. Is that why people spread the amount of protein they take throughout the day in 5 - 6 meals?

3. Does amount of meals per day (specifically meal times) affect results even though I still achieve the amount of calories I'm supposed to get?
There's lots of people talking about eating 5 - 6 meals per day but would it be okay if you ate 3 meals per day but with the same amount of nutrients for those 5 - 6 meals?

4. I can't do squats. Not even on body weight. The more lower I go, the more my heels raises. I try to force my feet flat but then I lose balance as I go lower. I've researched it online and it has something to do with my hip bone flexibility? Anyone faces the same problem and can give some advice on what I can do to correct this? Currently, I'm trying to force myself to stay at the squatting position and hold on to something then slowly let go, try to gain balance and if I lose balance I just hold on again. I wonder if that works?

5. How would you warm up? I've read that you use lighter weights than the weight you usually use. But how light exactly and how many sets/reps? Or does it depend on individuals?

Thanks for your time!

Cheers

Have you tried vlogging?

Kokonuht — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:37:58 +0800

Hey guys! Was just wondering if anyone else tried vlogging? I recently just did one and it was so much fun to do! Despite that it was my first time and I spent a total of 5 hours + doing everything.

Here it is!
[YOUTUBE]4dZvehm155s[/YOUTUBE]

Might do another one soon!

Hope to see more people vlog too! Do share your vlogs here too so I can check em out!!

Peace!

Want to learn how to sing?

Kokonuht — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 20:52:55 +0800

Hey guys! I've decided to write a review for this singing course that I got online. I usually don't do this but because it's really helping me out so much, I just HAD to share it. I'll share my review here.

"I've always wanted to sing better. Though due to some personal problems, I literally didn t sing much during my childhood. I still went for singing competitions and so on. I never really placed in any of them. I still remember, it was 2 years ago, 2010, I had to urge to sing better, hence I went online looking for info on how to sing. I came across Singing Success. I tried it for 6 months. Had 2 lessons. Nothing helped me. I guess SLS wasn t helpful to me. I don t mean to bash on it but it just didn t work for me.

Eitherway, as I was giving up on hope, I was on youtube, watching videos, then I saw recommended channels : kentamplin . I was curious since the channel had no avatar. I clicked on it and I saw Ken Tamplin. I watched a heck load of his videos. After 2 days, I decided to get the gold bundle. I participated in the forums as well when it first came out! Ken was amazingly helpful. Even after having problems downloading, missing content etc. Eventually I still got the program. I guess it was fate that led me to find Ken!

So I started out volume 1. I went on this for two months. Just to make sure I did everything right. Ken would help me in any way. As long as I had a problem / question, he d be there to answer. I can t stress enough on how helpful Ken was. I was also very active on the forums, helping out others who had the same problems as me while learning from other people s problems and mistakes as well!

After getting volume 1, for the first whole month, I was doing it wrongly. I consulted Ken as to why I didn t feel anything different. So Ken told me to do some scales for him. It was then that he told me I was supposed to get into the scales and just sing it out loud, not holding back. It was from then onwards where I started seeing amazing results. I suppose because it was building up my chest voice.

My range dramatically increased as well in a month or two. Not lying. Before I started KTVA I could only reach up to an E4 or F4. If I were to really strain, I could ve got up to a G4 or maybe even A4. After Volume 1, I could reach A4 without much strain at all. That feeling was just amazing. When you don t know how high you re singing but it just feels so easy and less strain.

After Volume 2, I could reach a C5 easily. After being warmed up. This part was just mind blowing. After a month, I went on to Volume 3, the audio exercises were tiring and kinda difficult (in the sense of getting used to the scale pattern). I persevered through all that. Now I can even reach up to an A5 in full voice. This was after warming up of course. If I didn t warm up, I could still easily reach a A4 or B4. It was crazy.

I can t stress enough on how much Ken has helped me with my vocal journey. I am not lying, I have proof. I recorded myself before I did any vocal training, once after SS, once or twice after KTVA. The link is on the forums. Look for a discussion thread : "[Before/After]Back from vacation"

I totally recommend KTVA to ANY kind of singer. No increase your range in 1 week bullcrap but the real deal. The only thing I ask of you is to have patience and participate in the forums so if you have any problems at all, we, the other KTVA students can help each other out with our experiences and knowledge.

The forum is one of the greatest plus points to KTVA s course. Seriously. Any problems at all, just post it there and we ll help you with your vocal journey !

I ve been doing KTVA for 1 year + and I doubt I m ever going to stop! Thanks Ken!

Cheers
Rayhan (Kokonuhtz on forums)"

Main Website : http://kentamplinvocalacademy.com/

Ken also has a youtube channel. He uploads his lessons with his students on youtube as well. This stuff is LEGIT. I AM NOT LYING. I have proof of my own singing improving. Here's the link :
https://www.box.com/s/006acq8mcouyidp558iv

To be honest, I didn't find much Malaysian / Singaporean / Asians doing this program. I've asked Ken personally and he told me that I'm one of the 3? students he has from Malaysia. I've been doing this since 02 July 2011. I haven't post a proper cover of myself in a long time. If you still don't believe me, please do post below.

Oh and about some of the punctuations missing from the review, it's because I copy and pasted it from my review which I posted elsewhere. Damn technical errors -o-!

Sincerely,
Rayhan

EDIT : I bought the full course which cost me like +-RM 2,000. You can of course buy the course individually. It consists of 3 stages. Though the full bundle is too worth the money! I didn't regret one bit at all. He even gives a 100% money-back guarantee. Just that you have to tell a reason why you want it to be refunded. Ken wants people to learn from his programs and not much about the money (of course it still is but not fully). He's a 70s-80s rock singer. You can just youtube search him and a bunch of vids will pop up. This is NOT a scam.

EDIT :: I hope I didn't violate any rules on Lowyat lol.

If you're wanting to learn how to sing rock, I have to say, this is the best place to learn for Ken himself is a rock singer.

Performing Arts after SPM

Kokonuht — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:42:46 +0800

So yeah.. I'm interested in this section ! I was wondering what colleges are available for this and which you guys would recommend? Anyone here studying performing arts? Oh and what do you study in it? Personally because I love to perform, hence I thought of taking this but I have no idea what I would study / career options o_o

Pursuing Music After SPM?

Kokonuht — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:52:12 +0800

I posted this at the Education Essentials area already though I think here would be a better place to post it and I'mma copy paste what i posted.

I'm 17 this year, taking SPM. I pretty have a vision on where I want to be in the future. I have decided to pursue music and I have my eyes on ICOM as of now. Planning ahead of course. Well I've e-mailed them before and got more info on their courses though there are some stuff that I need more explanation from. They didn't really answer that question of mine so yeah :|. Oh my main instrument is my voice. Piano is my secondary instrument which I'm only up till Grade 3. Stopped when I was 10. Continuing SOON!

Well, I'm kinda confused about the Berklee Transfer Program (BTP) and Bachelor of Music (HONS) in Professional Music (BMus). I'll copy and paste the programs.

CODE

BERKLEE TRANSFER PROGRAMME (BTP)

Semester 1
Fundamentals of Music Theory
Performance Lab
Private Instruction (0)
Preparatory English for College
Acoustics for Musicians
Malaysian Studies

Semester 2
Contemporary Music Harmony
Basic Ear Training
Music Technology & MIDI Systems
Traditional Harmony & Composition
Private Instruction (1)
Music Performance Studies I
Academic Writing in English

Semester 3
Scoring for Rhythm Section
Adv. Contemporary Music Harmony
Intermediate Ear Training
Traditional 2-Part Writing
Private Instruction (2)
Music Performance Studies II
Moral/Islamic Studies

Semester 4
Aural Training
Malaysian Music History
Private Instruction (3)
Ensemble Performance in Jazz and R&B Music

Semester 5
Arranging for Horns
Western Music History
Private Instruction (4)
Ensemble Performance in Pop and Rock Music

CODE

BACHELOR OF MUSIC (HONS) IN PROFESSIONAL MUSIC (BMus)

Semester 1
Music History
Aural Training
Ensemble Performance
Digital Audio Applications

Semester 2
Music History
Ensemble Performance
Arranging for Horns
Analysis of Audio Systems

Semester 3
Scoring for Voice & Orchestra
Commercial Arranging for Rec. Studio
Recording & Mixing Techniques

Semester 4
Scoring for Voice & Orchestra
Negotiated Project
Commercial Performance Production
Live Sound Reinforcement

Semester 5
Performance Recital
Arranging for Large Ensemble
Music Production Projects
Graduation Project

Semester 6
AV Post Production
Graduation Project
Internship

So as you can see, one of the main differences is that one has contemporary music. While the other one doesn't. So I was wondering... what does contemporary actually mean? I google-d it, it said that it's like "of the present", so I assume it's like modern music? Am I right? This is one part that I'm really confused on and I don't really know which to go into. I know I still have a lot of time though planning ahead won't hurt right? Hopefully anyone from ICOM can enlighten me or anyone who knows about the programs above. (Also, can someone give me an example of contemporary music? o.o)

Also! I was wondering how's the facilities in ICOM? The whole surroundings. Is it good?

Oh and if I were to NOT choose ICOM, where else would I go to study Music? I heard Lim Kok Wing ain't that good?

ICOM Question?

Kokonuht — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:22:50 +0800

I'm 17 this year, taking SPM. I pretty have a vision on where I want to be in the future. I have decided to pursue music and I have my eyes on ICOM as of now. Planning ahead of course. Well I've e-mailed them before and got more info on their courses though there are some stuff that I need more explanation from. They didn't really answer that question of mine so yeah :|. Oh my main instrument is my voice. Piano is my secondary instrument which I'm only up till Grade 3. Stopped when I was 10. Continuing SOON!

Well, I'm kinda confused about the Berklee Transfer Program (BTP) and Bachelor of Music (HONS) in Professional Music (BMus). I'll copy and paste the programs.

CODE

So as you can see, one of the main differences is that one has contemporary music. While the other one doesn't. So I was wondering... what does contemporary actually mean? I google-d it, it said that it's like "of the present", so I assume it's like modern music? Am I right? This is one part that I'm really confused on and I don't really know which to go into. I know I still have a lot of time though planning ahead won't hurt right? Hopefully anyone from ICOM can enlighten me or anyone who knows about the programs above.

Also! I was wondering how's the facilities in ICOM? The whole surroundings. Is it good?

Oh and if I were to NOT choose ICOM, where else would I go to study Music? I heard Lim Kok Wing ain't that good?

Looking for Korean Language Tutor

Kokonuht — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:15:32 +0800

So I didn't know where to post this, I thought this was the most suitable place so I posted this here. My friend and I are looking for a Korean Language Tutor around Subang Jaya, Selangor area. If you are one / you know one, please do PM me or leave a reply here ^^ I'm interested in learning ! My friend and I that is ! Please help us find a korean tutor! Thank you! We planned to go for ICLS but we think that maybe a tutor will be better? Comments and feedbacks on ICLS are welcomed =)! Thanks!