Charles Johnson: One Percent Training

Charles Johnson: One Percent Training

Magani unites tradition with the new; reimagining the traditional batik shirt for the needs of our contemporary society. We combine Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage with the latest innovation in performance wear material to build the ultimate durable and comfortable shirt for the modern Indonesian man who is constantly on the move. 

As we celebrate Indonesia’s heritage, we also celebrate the individuals who are unintimidated by the sweat and hard work required to defy challenges, push boundaries, and move Indonesia forward.

Meet the #MaganiMen who have inspired us that with grit and endurance, there are no limits to what you can achieve. #NOSWEATNOLIMIT

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#MaganiMen — Charles, HYROX Coach & Founder of One Percent Training, began with CrossFit before discovering HYROX—a challenge that reshaped his passion for fitness. With his partner Stefan, he built One Percent Training to help people get “1% better” every day through community-focused hybrid training. Balancing coaching, family, and his own races, Charles believes growth comes from consistency and enjoying the process.

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Can you tell us about your story—how did you start your journey in sports and decide to build One Percent Training?
I started CrossFit back in 2018 and trained quite seriously until around 2023 or 2024. That’s when I first discovered HYROX. It caught my attention right away — something about it felt different. I started learning more, training for it, and eventually joined my first HYROX competition in 2024. It was tough but really fun — that experience made me realize I wanted to keep doing it and share it with more people.

That’s how One Percent Training started. Together with my partner, Stefan — he’s a coach based in Jakarta at Bengkel Sultan — we began running pop-up events to introduce HYROX to more people. We’d host sessions at gyms, invite people to try, and explain what HYROX actually is. At first, it was really just about spreading awareness.

What made you fall in love with hybrid training in the first place?
Honestly, I got bored of the usual gym routine — upper day, lower day, repeat. After I got married, my wife told me to try this new CrossFit gym. I joined a class and thought, this is different. The sessions were just one hour but very efficient — you could build strength, burn fat, and learn real skills like gymnastics or weightlifting.

Later on, when I tried HYROX, it felt like a new challenge again. It has that CrossFit foundation but adds a different kind of excitement. You’re always learning something new — that’s what I love about hybrid training. In hybrid training, it blends strength and endurance—think of it as being able to lift heavy and run long, all in one workout. It’s about training your body to handle different kinds of effort, not just one type of fitness.

You’re a HYROX coach and a hybrid athlete. How has competing helped shape the way you train and coach others?
HYROX is basically a race format that mixes running and functional fitness. You run one kilometer, then do one workout station — things like sled pushes, wall balls, lunges, or burpees — repeated eight times. It’s designed to test both endurance and power equally.

Some runners might be fast but not strong enough for the lifting part, and vice versa — that’s what makes it so balanced and exciting. When I started competing myself, I learned how to train more efficiently. That experience helps me coach others better — I understand the pacing, recovery, and mindset they need.

For beginners, how is HYROX different from CrossFit?
HYROX is definitely less technical and easier to get into, especially for beginners. You don’t need to learn complicated barbell lifts or master high-skill movements like in CrossFit. It’s not as intimidating — the focus isn’t on lifting super heavy, but more on building endurance and overall strength through consistent, approachable workouts.

If functional training focuses on movement patterns that help you in daily life — pushing, pulling, squatting, running — HYROX takes that same foundation and turns it into a sport. The format is structured: you run 1 kilometer, then complete a functional workout station, and repeat that for eight rounds. So it’s a blend of cardio and strength, testing both your stamina and power in a balanced way.

In hybrid training, it blends strength and endurance — think of it as being able to lift heavy and run long, all in one workout. It’s about training your body to handle different kinds of effort, not just one type of fitness. That’s why I fell in love with it. It’s still challenging, but it feels more inclusive and fun for people who just want to try something new.

The name One Percent Training feels simple but strong. What does it mean to you?
For me, One Percent Training is all about progress — not perfection. The idea is simple: help people become one percent better every single day. Some days will feel great, some won’t, but if you keep that mindset of showing up and improving little by little, that’s already a win.

I think that “one percent better” approach keeps people motivated, especially when life gets busy. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t always happen overnight — it’s about building consistency and celebrating small improvements. Whether it’s lifting a little heavier, running a bit faster, or just staying disciplined through tough days, those one percent add up over time.

What’s your view on being fit vs being a high-performance athlete?
Being fit, to me, means being active at any age — it’s about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and moving your body regularly. But being a high-performance athlete requires another level of focus, discipline, and consistency. It’s about committing to a plan, tracking your progress, and pushing your limits with intention.

Personally, I don’t always train for peak performance. Most of the time, I just want to maintain a solid level of fitness so I can stay active and balanced. But when I have an upcoming race, like HYROX, I switch gears and train with a more structured goal in mind. It’s a rhythm — some seasons are about building performance, others are just about maintaining a healthy foundation.

As a coach, how do you balance effective training with flexibility for your clients?
It really comes down to structure and discipline. If you don’t plan your schedule, it’s easy to lose consistency. I usually design 12-week personalized programs so my clients can see their progress mid-cycle and adjust based on their goals. It’s very results-oriented but still flexible enough to fit into their lifestyles.

Of course, it’s not just about the workouts — recovery, sleep, and nutrition play a big part too. A good program only works when you commit to all aspects of it. I always remind clients that improvement doesn’t just happen in the gym; it happens in the way you rest, eat, and take care of yourself outside of training.

How do you find each athlete’s “1%” and help them grow?
Before we start any program, I always ask clients what their goals are — why they want to train, what motivates them, what they want to feel at the end of the process. That “why” becomes our reference point when things get tough.

I like to say, “choose your hard.” Training is hard, but so is staying stagnant and doing nothing. When people understand that, they start to see training as a personal investment rather than a chore. And as they stay consistent, that one percent improvement each week becomes something they can really feel and measure.

What are the most common myths about hybrid or performance training that you want to correct?
A lot of people think HYROX or hybrid training is only for elite athletes — that it’s super intense and you have to run fast and lift heavy every time. That’s not true at all. It’s not about pushing to your limit every session; it’s about being smart, listening to your body, and training with balance.

Hybrid training is built to be scalable. You can go at your own pace, adjust the weights, and still get an amazing workout. It’s designed for anyone who wants to get stronger, move better, and improve endurance. Consistency and recovery matter more than going all-out every day.

One Percent Training has a clean, community-driven image. How do you keep that culture alive?
Community is everything for us. We try to stay connected through regular events — from HYROX pop-up workouts to running meetups with local gyms and partners. We’ve been doing this since late 2024, and almost every weekend we host something new in the Jakarta or BSD area.

We also have a small online channel where members get early access to classes and events. It’s not just about working out — it’s about building a space where people feel encouraged and supported. That’s what keeps the energy alive and the community growing.

How has the HYROX community influenced you personally?
The HYROX community might still be small in Indonesia, but it’s growing quickly — and it’s really inspiring to see. The atmosphere is competitive in a good way; everyone pushes each other, but there’s a strong sense of support too.

Seeing younger people and first-timers step up and challenge themselves makes me want to keep improving as well. I think that’s what makes this sport special — it connects people through shared effort, no matter their level.

How do you make intense training like this more approachable for new people?
We focus on making it fun and team-based. For example, we often organize beginner-friendly HYROX sessions where people train in pairs — they can share the reps and weights, so it feels less intimidating. It builds teamwork and confidence.

A good example is our recent PaddleRox event, where we combined padel and HYROX workouts. People could try both sports in one session — it was lighthearted, fun, and still gave that hybrid feel. It’s a great way to introduce the concept to new audiences without overwhelming them.

What’s been your proudest moment so far as a coach?
I’ve only recently started coaching, but one of my members joined a HYROX event and actually made it to the podium. What made it special is that both of them were women in their 50s. Seeing them achieve that — that’s my proudest moment so far.

What’s your vision for One Percent Training in the next few years?
We want to grow One Percent Training into something bigger — maybe open our own space someday, but more importantly, build a stronger hybrid community in Indonesia. We also want to collaborate with more lifestyle and sports brands that share our values.

Our events give brands a chance to connect directly with people who live active lives — it’s a bridge between performance and lifestyle. I think that’s where fitness is heading: not just about working out, but about being part of a movement that connects people through wellness.

How do you balance coaching, family, and your own training?
Honestly, with a lot of structure. A typical day for me starts with taking my kid to school, then coaching or doing PT sessions. If I have free time before pickup my kid, I train for one to two hours. Later, sometimes I have more PT clients or meetings — I also run an agency — so every day is full, but that’s part of the rhythm. Discipline isn’t just for workouts — it’s for life balance too.

If you could give advice to your younger self when you first started, what would it be?
Be patient, and enjoy the process. When I first started competing in HYROX, I was always chasing the next challenge — asking, “What’s next?” after every race. But over time I’ve learned that the growth happens in between — during the consistent, everyday grind.

So far, I’ve competed four times in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taipei, and each experience taught me something new. Breaking personal bests feels great, but the real win is learning and staying hungry for improvement.

How do you see the fitness scene in Indonesia evolving?
It’s evolving quickly. Running has become really popular lately, and people are starting to care more about living active and balanced lives. Functional and hybrid training add a new dimension to that — it’s efficient, guided, and community-based.

I think as people look for more purpose in their workouts, training styles like HYROX will keep growing. It’s not just about looking fit anymore; it’s about feeling capable, confident, and connected.

What about Magani resonated with you?
What stood out to me most is the fabric — it’s light, comfortable, and feels great on the skin. The print quality is amazing too. I think Magani really brings something new to the table — using batik in a modern, functional way.

Most batik shirts are stiff and formal, but this one feels breathable and easy to move in — like something made for people with active lifestyles. It’s stylish but not overdone, traditional yet versatile. For me, it’s a perfect example of how local culture can evolve into something fresh and wearable.

Click here to follow ⁠⁠Charles Johnson on Instagram.

Click here to follow One Percent Training on Instagram.

 

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