It was an intense face-off between CrossFitter Amotti and former firefighter Hong Beom-seok the final quest of Physical: 100 season two. The returning contestant Hong, managed to get the upper hand in the first round. And just when victory was upon reach, Amotti reversed the tides to win the reality show and proved he’s among the most physically fit individuals out there. Looking back, it’s been quite a journey for Amotti. He was touted as a strong contender from the start, even voted as a leader. But his team was eliminated early in the game, only to come back in the so-called “Avengers” team. He also managed to beat the members of his own superstar team to win the top prize. Now, he has a new role keeping him busy: Amotti is the new ambassador of lululemon.
But Amotti’s emotional journey goes way back. It’s a story he briefly mentioned in the show and one that many did not expect. Following a devasting car accident, Amotti was told he might never walk again. But through hope, perseverance, and support from his loved ones, he overcame the odds. His win in Physical: 100 season two didn’t only put him at the top physicality but also symbolised his hard-earned determination to be his very best self. It’s been quite a fight but the YouTuber and CrossFitter embraced it with open arms. Hot on the heels of his triumph in Physical: 100, Amotti is the new face of athleisure brand lululemon. He graced its new campaign featuring the brand’s multi-talented shorts.
Lifestyle Asia sat down with Amotti to talk about his lululemon ambassadorship, working with the brand, and his time in Physical: 100 season two. Of course, we didn’t miss the chance to ask about his workout routine and tips.
Amotti looks back at Physical: 100 season two and his life-changing road to recovery
Congratulations on winning Physical: 100 Season 2. What was your reaction when you won?
I had to get back to my routine right away, so I went to the gym later that day to prepare for a bodybuilding competition I had soon after. The win actually allowed me to relax a bit and focus on everything that I had to do first. It didn’t really feel real because I had to keep it a secret until everything aired. Once the season premiered, it was a very joyful and happy moment as many people around me congratulated and supported me.
You got a second chance after being chosen for the “Avengers” team, was this something you were expecting? How did that feel for you?
I was not expecting to get picked at first because I thought Jung Ji-hyun would choose people who used to be on his team before. However, I decided to get even more serious and do my best to contribute to the team.
No one would’ve known about your accident and recovery until you shared in the show. Many viewers said you were inspiring. Can you tell us more about your recovery and how you got to the point of being physically healthy again?
It was devastating to hear that I might not walk or work out ever again because of the accident. Fortunately, I had my mother by my side to help with my recovery. Watching her care for me made me feel like I needed to overcome my injury as I spent many days in the hospital going in and out of tests, surgeries, and physical therapy. My recovery led to developing a newfound relationship with my well-being. I realised that having a positive mindset and a supportive community is really important. Now, exercising has turned from being just a goal to something that gives me joy.
Besides winning, what else were you hoping to achieve when joining the show?
When I first entered the competition, I never thought that I could win first place. Instead, I went in with the thought of giving it my all and seeing how far I could go. I wanted to push myself and take on this new challenge with my best effort. I am grateful that the competition allowed me to take my personal best achievements to new heights through challenges I normally would not have undertaken.
Out of all your qualities, what would you say is the biggest factor that led to your win?
I think that having a strong mindset to keep pushing forward really helped lead me to victory. It’s important to stay positive and believe that you can do it if you keep calm and stay patient. This is also what allowed me to have fun while competing. I think having a support system around me also helped me cultivate and maintain my mindset throughout the competition.
Physical: 100 winner Amotti reveals his workout routine and tips
What is your typical daily workout?
I start my daily workout in the morning at 9 am and continue exercising until 2 pm with a personal training session in between. First of all, I base my workouts on CrossFit. However, I don’t stick to just one type of exercise. I mix in some functional training and weight training to develop my entire body.
What are some advantages of CrossFit?
CrossFit prepares your body for anything. So, it helps you strengthen and develop all parts of your body evenly. Another thing I think most people don’t think about is that being an athlete is also about your mental endurance. CrossFit also helps to train this as you need to practice discipline, and diligence, and step out of your comfort zone to keep challenging yourself as that is the only way you get better.
What is your advice to those who want to get into CrossFit?
There might be a perception of CrossFit being quite dangerous, but it really depends on how you work out. My advice is to not be too greedy and overdo things at first, you need to make sure you do your best to avoid getting hurt!
Are there any sports or physical activities that you want to try?
The first one that comes to my mind is sports climbing. I’m also interested in plogging, which is an activity where you pick up trash while running. It sounds like a nice low-intensity workout, so I’d like to try it.
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lululemon ambassador Amotti shares his favourite items and go-to workout outfit
What are your favourite lululemon items?
I like wearing my favourite Metal Vent Tech Wide headband from lululemon when working out and it’s what I wore during Physical: 100. It helps keep my hair in place and sweat out of my face. Plus, it stays comfortable no matter what I do or how long I train.
What’s the ideal workout outfit for you?
These days, I really enjoy wearing lululemon’s Metal Vent Tech top and Pace Breaker shorts as a set because they keep me feeling my best. They allow me to exercise even harder. Both are thoughtfully designed with technical fabrics that are lightweight and stretchy. Also, they help to remove any potential distractions so I can fully focus on working out when I train.
You seemed surprised to see your pictures at the lululemon store in one of your vlogs. Can you tell us how that moment felt for you?
As it was the beginning of the wonderful partnership with lululemon, it was incredibly meaningful. It’s an honour to be lululemon’s ambassador as they have supported me throughout my CrossFit journey. I really enjoy being part of their well-being community.
Watch Amotti on ‘Physical: 100’ season two, exclusively on Netflix. Browse through the new lululemon multi-talented shorts featuring Amotti here.
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Written by
Jianne Soriano
Senior Digital Writer (Growth) - Dining, Culture & Travel
An introvert at heart, Jianne has an immense passion for storytelling. After working in Tokyo, this Filipino, Hong Kong-born native is back to tell stories about her home(s). When she’s not writing, you can find her looking for the best hojicha spots, binge-watching her comfort movies, or travelling solo.
