Strong is the new sexy and fitness is the new party. With society leaning towards health and fitness, Yahoo's #Fitspo of the Week series is dedicated to all inspirational women in Singapore leading active lifestyles. Know of any who deserve to be featured? Hit me up on CherylTay.sg and onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram (cheryltaysg).
Name: Beckie Loh (@rbecki3)
Age: 29
Height: 158cm
Weight: 48kg
Occupation: Freelance makeup/hair artist, dancer, model
Status: Attached
Diet: Currently adjusting to 40% carbs, 40% protein, 20% fat diet; has a cheat meal once or twice a week
Training: Five to six times a week targeting one to two different muscle groups a day, doing compound exercises, functional training and cardio like Muay Thai or skipping
When did you start going to the gym?
I started going to the gym only sometime middle of last year. I grew up liking cycling, inline skating and basketball, but now I enjoy lifting weights because it really helps to tone and build muscles that make you look and feel good. No reason for me to not like it!
You have an eight-year-old daughter. How much weight did you put on from pregnancy and how did you lose it after?
During my pregnancy I gained 12kg. As it was a caesarean delivery, I couldn’t do too much exercise as my lower abdominal area would hurt a lot, so it took me at least half a year to lose the post-natal weight. I could only do post-natal massages, applying of cream and using wraps or corsets. Breastfeeding does help too.
Once my body recovered, it took me about four months of gym and Muay Thai (five to six times a week) to get me to the shape I am in now. I also controlled my diet, cutting down on brownies, desserts, snacks and fried food.
Did you ever feel not confident about your body then?
Yes I definitely did not feel confident about my body after birth, with that extra pouch of excess flab from the caesarean delivery. I also have stretch marks which don’t go away. I even considered plastic surgery to remove the excess skin and stretch marks on my lower abdominal area.
What advice do you have for mothers out there?
Try to have some alone time doing whatever they like, be it sports, dance or reading. Family is important, but don’t neglect and forget about loving yourself too. A lot of mothers tend to tire themselves out and forget about ‘me time’. Hard work really does pay off and exercise helps to boost self confidence, as well as helping you to lose the post-natal weight, leaving you more energised.
What kind of comments do you get about your body?
Some people say I’m too skinny – which I don't think I am – because I do not have chopstick legs, hahahaha! Also, some people can’t accept me being fitter than men.
Is there any sport you would like to try?
Calisthenics! It’s amazing as you learn how to control your body by using your own body weight. It improves your psychomotor skills and strength without using added weights or equipment.
Why did you decide to take part in NutriGirl?
A girlfriend of mine, Jane, was talking to me about joining NutriGirl 2016 together and coincidentally another friend of mine tagged me on Instagram about the casting and encouraged me to join too. It’s my first time joining such a competition in my life! Wearing a bikini in front of a large audience stresses me out and I get worried just thinking about it! But it’s a great big step to fork out the courage to walk on stage in bikini.
I hope to be able to be a role model or at least provide some motivation and help them to believe in themselves and achieve something they always wanted, no matter what shape, size, age or gender.
Why should people make an effort to lead an active lifestyle?
There are many benefits to being active, such as stronger immunity, improved well-being and confidence, and becoming more focused. Looking younger is another great reason to lead an active lifestyle! Stay positive and smile more, truly love yourself, stay happy and strong no matter what strikes you.
Name: Beckie Loh (@rbecki3)
Age: 29
Height: 158cm
Weight: 48kg
Occupation: Freelance makeup/hair artist, dancer, model
Status: Attached
Diet: Currently adjusting to 40% carbs, 40% protein, 20% fat diet; has a cheat meal once or twice a week
Training: Five to six times a week targeting one to two different muscle groups a day, doing compound exercises, functional training and cardio like Muay Thai or skipping
When did you start going to the gym?
I started going to the gym only sometime middle of last year. I grew up liking cycling, inline skating and basketball, but now I enjoy lifting weights because it really helps to tone and build muscles that make you look and feel good. No reason for me to not like it!
You have an eight-year-old daughter. How much weight did you put on from pregnancy and how did you lose it after?
During my pregnancy I gained 12kg. As it was a caesarean delivery, I couldn’t do too much exercise as my lower abdominal area would hurt a lot, so it took me at least half a year to lose the post-natal weight. I could only do post-natal massages, applying of cream and using wraps or corsets. Breastfeeding does help too.
Once my body recovered, it took me about four months of gym and Muay Thai (five to six times a week) to get me to the shape I am in now. I also controlled my diet, cutting down on brownies, desserts, snacks and fried food.
Did you ever feel not confident about your body then?
Yes I definitely did not feel confident about my body after birth, with that extra pouch of excess flab from the caesarean delivery. I also have stretch marks which don’t go away. I even considered plastic surgery to remove the excess skin and stretch marks on my lower abdominal area.
What advice do you have for mothers out there?
Try to have some alone time doing whatever they like, be it sports, dance or reading. Family is important, but don’t neglect and forget about loving yourself too. A lot of mothers tend to tire themselves out and forget about ‘me time’. Hard work really does pay off and exercise helps to boost self confidence, as well as helping you to lose the post-natal weight, leaving you more energised.
What kind of comments do you get about your body?
Some people say I’m too skinny – which I don't think I am – because I do not have chopstick legs, hahahaha! Also, some people can’t accept me being fitter than men.
Is there any sport you would like to try?
Calisthenics! It’s amazing as you learn how to control your body by using your own body weight. It improves your psychomotor skills and strength without using added weights or equipment.
Why did you decide to take part in NutriGirl?
A girlfriend of mine, Jane, was talking to me about joining NutriGirl 2016 together and coincidentally another friend of mine tagged me on Instagram about the casting and encouraged me to join too. It’s my first time joining such a competition in my life! Wearing a bikini in front of a large audience stresses me out and I get worried just thinking about it! But it’s a great big step to fork out the courage to walk on stage in bikini.
I hope to be able to be a role model or at least provide some motivation and help them to believe in themselves and achieve something they always wanted, no matter what shape, size, age or gender.
Why should people make an effort to lead an active lifestyle?
There are many benefits to being active, such as stronger immunity, improved well-being and confidence, and becoming more focused. Looking younger is another great reason to lead an active lifestyle! Stay positive and smile more, truly love yourself, stay happy and strong no matter what strikes you.
