Sunday November 25, 2007
Passion for bodybuilding
By CHONG YONG WEI
AT first glance, Kimberley Chai Wan Xian looks just like any other college girl with her bubbly smile and waist-length hair. But her broad build, narrowing into a 25'' waist, and the veins that run up her forearms, are indications that she is the rare female bodybuilder.
The Taylor's University College student, who is also a freelance personal trainer, talks about her passion for bodybuilding.
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Kimberly is proud of being a female bodybuilder. |
A: I have always been a huge fan of bodybuilding. Since young, I have always admired muscular men and women, and had hoped that one day I would have the opportunity to join their ranks. I used to be a really chubby child and was constantly teased about that. I wanted to change that too.
At the end of my PMR examinations, I began training at very basic gym near my house, which did not have a fan or air-conditioning. That was three years ago and I have not looked back since.
Q: What is your typical day at the gym like?
A: A typical session for me takes up two hours. I would start off with cardiovascular exercises, usually on the elliptical runner for 20-30 minutes as a warm-up. Next, I would move on to the weights section. I do not train more than one or two muscle groups in a day, so I make sure I give each and every muscle ample attention. I then finish off my routine with sets of abdominal workouts to strengthen my core muscles.
Q: How do you juggle between your A-Levels studies and bodybuilding? A: For me, it is a matter of wanting it badly enough. I do not see a hectic college life and studies as an excuse to cut down or to bring my passion to a halt. Time management is all-important. My gym-bag is usually packed by nighttime. I am usually in college from 8am-3pm. The very minute I reach home, I'd grab my gym bag and cycle off to the gym. I do my assignments and studying at night, right after dinner.
Q: What do your family and friends think about your enthusiasm for bodybuilding?
A: Initially, they objected to my hobby. My friends and family did not understand my need to observe a strict, high-protein diet or why I took supplements like protein powder.
On top of that, there was also the misconception that women who do weight training would end up looking big, muscular and masculine.
In reality, bodybuilding takes a lot of hard work, discipline and dedication.
Today, I have proven that bodybuilding is not merely a hobby but a lifestyle. My parents used to think that bodybuilding was a waste of money but they now support me by paying for my monthly gym fees. Without them, I don't think I would be anywhere today, and I am grateful for their support.
Q: Who are the people or what are the factors that motivate you in this sport?
A: My idols in bodybuilding like Cory Everson and Lenda Murray – women who have made it big in this industry – inspire me because they are women who have put their heart and soul into pursuing what they stand for today, female bodybuilding.
I always believe that if they can have that opportunity, passion and drive to succeed, so can I.
My boyfriend, a fellow bodybuilder, is my best friend and mentor, and is a constant source of help and support. He has been guiding and motivating me along in bodybuilding as well as pushing to extend my limits.
Q: Somehow, there is a lingering perception that bodybuilding, a sport dominated by males, is not suitable for girls. Have you ever encounter problems because of this stereotype?
A: I used to get many funny stares whenever I approach the weights section in my gym, which is frequented by more men than women. It used to make me feel inferior, especially when I was lifting much lighter weights compared to my male counterparts.
Sometimes, there are people who'd come up to me and ask me why I would want to have “big and ugly” muscles! But I believe that beauty is subjective.
Today, I believe being a female bodybuilder and a member of the minority has made me different, and that is something I am proud of.
Q: Would you recommend bodybuilding to Malaysian students, and why?
A: Definitely. Bodybuilding is a sport that builds stamina and encourages a balanced and healthy lifestyle. For me, it has been my escape and refuge from the hassle and stress of the outside world. I always look forward to my workouts after a hard day of studying. It is a great relief for me, especially during the exam season.
Nevertheless, it is a commitment and one must have the right attitude and mindset in pursuing the sport, and this discipline in training principles can also be applied in everyday life.
Bodybuilding has made me a much more confident person and has changed my outlook on life. I am sure it will do the same for any youth.
Q: Are there any problems faced by young Malaysian bodybuilders, and if so, what are they and how we can improve on the situation?
A: It would have to be the lack of information and publicity regarding the sport. There should be more outlets for young Malaysian bodybuilders to get involved in the sport and more effort should be put into promoting bodybuilding such as in the US, where bodybuilding is a fast-growing, popular culture.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about bodybuilding?
A: That training is the only important part of the sport. People believe that as long as you lift heavy weights as much as you can, you will be on the right track to becoming a bodybuilder. In reality, training technique is equally if not more important then the amount of weight carried. More importantly, diet and nutrition play a vital role in constructing a bodybuilder's physique.
Q: What are your other interest besides bodybuilding?
A: I enjoy dancing and aerobic. I've just started to take up long distance running too and it is becoming very addictive! And just like every other girl, I love shopping and makeup.
Q: What would you advise all the budding teenage bodybuilders out there?
A: Never be discouraged or deterred by what others say about what you do or believe in. Always believe in yourself and your potential, for the battle is never lost until you yourself give in. It is only a matter of wanting it badly enough.
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