Andrew Lim

Welcome fellow readers to another ‘episode’ of The Reading Bodybuilder. Today, we have one of Singapore’s promising young bodybuilder who has already made an impact at his last contest. He has bounced back from last year’s bronze to display an impressive physique to bag the gold medal for MuscleWar 2012’s Tertiary below 170cm category. Let’s put our hands together and welcome Andrew Lim!  

Profile 

Name: Andrew Lim        

DOB: 30/01/1988

Marital status: Single

Occupation: Student

Height: 170cm

Weight: ~ 85 (Off-season) ~75 (Contest)

Hometown: Yio Chu Kang!

Gym: Yio Chu Kang Clubfitt

Team (if any): Team Superballs

Achievements: Musclewar 2011 – Tertiary Below 170cm – Third

                             Musclewar 2012 – Tertiary Below 170cm - Champion

Interview with Andrew Lim

TRB:  Firstly, I would like to thank you for spending some time for this interview despite your hectic schedule. Without wasting anymore time, let’s start out with our first question. At what age and year did you start training?

Andrew: I first started training when I was in first year of Junior college, so I was 17 years old then? But I only started training more seriously in my second year, once I got my diet and training planned out. That was the year I went beyond the ‘beach muscle’ exercises, like endless curls and bench. Haha. 

TRB: How was life like for you before you started training?

Andrew: Haha. It’s funny that you are asking this, because after so many years of training, I have very vague recollection of how I spent my time before I started bodybuilding! I guess I was a average kid then. I started off with a pretty good foundation though. I was in National Cadet Corp (NCC) in secondary school, so we are always engaging in physical activities like push ups, pull ups and running. Physical exercise aside, It was just hanging out with friends doing stupid things. Oh yes! I was in a band too, playing the guitar. Music still play a very big part in my life today, although I seldom touch my guitar already.

TRB: So, what motivated you to become a bodybuilder and why did you decide to turn competitive? 

Andrew: I only started going to the gym when my friends asked me to join them. Before that, I always thought gym was unnecessary, and doing tons of push ups was enough for a decent physique. Slowly, my friends stopped coming, and I just continued training once or twice a week, I don’t know why I did but I enjoyed the process. The intitial goal was to have a impressive physique, but I think, over time, the motivation changed. Now, I continue to be motivated by the discipline of bodybuilding. The routine, and the sacrifices. Because it takes so much out of you, it makes the whole process really meaningful and worth pursuing. I’ve never been engage in an activity that I can be so overwhelming passionate about that it consumes your every single action and thoughts. 

I contemplated about competing after four years of training. The hopeless obsession with consuming enough calories, endless repetition of heavy weights in the gym, I just thought I should translate all those into an achievement. Once I signed up for my first competition, dieting and training took on a whole new meaning. Every rep of squats, every step on the treadmill now meant something – hope that I can at least outdo other competitors in terms of work ethics. And all the sacrifices that my loved ones have to take to accommodate me, fuelled my workouts.

TRB: On behalf of The Reading Bodybuilder, I would like to congratulate you again for winning the below 1.7m category in Muscle War 2012! This year you came in with unbelievable muscle quality; you were bigger and much denser! How long did you prepare for it and what was your game plan for MW2012?   

Andrew: Thank you, and I am really thankful for the title as well. I started my diet much earlier this time round, for 16 weeks. I do not stay lean all year round, and I because I love eating so much, I tend to bulk up more than I should. So I thought I should be more prudent, and took a longer time to diet. I did a ketogenic diet throughout, because I like the science behind it. And my meals for the weekdays pretty much stayed the same throughout. Steak, eggs, and salmon. 

I don’t believe in backing down on training intensity as the competition date draws nearer. And personally, I enjoy lifting heavy as well. So I pretty much trained each muscle group (except for arms), twice a week. One would emphasize on power, and lifting heavy poundages on compound lifts. The other day would be more of a traditional bodybuilding type of training, higher rep range with shorter intervals for rest. I think I was able to come in with improvements because I continued lifting heavy, and I was more in sync-ed with how different food, especially meat interacted with my body.

 

TRB: You’ve been spotted as one of the promising bodybuilders this year. Will we be seeing you again on-stage anytime soon?  

Andrew: I am not aware of that. But, that I’m honoured to know that people think I have a chance at something. Yes, I plan to take a good year off, and see if I can get bigger before stepping on stage for the Nationals in 2013.

TRB: You are currently studying in Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and I know the amount of assignments and projects that you have to complete. How do you balance your training with school work especially during your contest-preparation phase? 

Andrew: Yes, school has always been tedious. But like many of the people I’ve spoken to in the gym, I think it would get worse once I start having a full time job after graduation, so I am really thankful I can still manage to squeeze in training, as well as work despite school work. Unfortunately, I fall into the category of people who always complain about having too much work, and having no time to train. I know for a fact that it all boils down to time management, and that is definitely something I need to work on. 

I don’t remember where I read this from, but it was one of the interviews conducted on one of the Mr Olympia contestants. And I agree with what he said. An impressive bodybuilder is not one who misinterpret between reckless abandonment and passion. Bodybuilders should work with the limits they have, and not try to push off responsibilities. A bodybuilder is first a son, a father, a husband, before he is a bodybuilder. So, I respect bodybuilders who are able to balance their life with their loved ones, before they devote every ounce of energy left in the gym. Sorry, I went off tangent for a bit, it’s just something I always think about.

Anyway, school actually becomes easier during contest prep, since all my food are prepared already, and I don’t have to eat as frequently as when I am bulking. I also tend to train a little faster during contest prep since my energy level is limited, so gym work don’t take up as much time.

TRB: Now, tell us what are your other hobbies asides from training at the gym?

Andrew: Haha. It sounds a little sad, but I am a creature of habit. You can either find me at home, in school, at work (which is also in the gym) and in the gym working out. Currently, all my free time are occupied by school work. Except for Sunday where I spend the majority of my time in church. Other than that, I give all my time to my girlfriend! 

TRB: What are your aspirations as an individual and also a bodybuilder?

Andrew: personally, I cant wait to start a family with my girl whom I have together for so long.  I just hope to make a good husband and father, and be able to provide for my family like how my parents are able to provide for me. Bodybuilding wise, I hope to compete in the US, in one of the state competitions. I understand that NPC is only open for US citizens, but you can still compete in a state competition. And of course, to visit Las Vegas for one Olympia!

TRB: Are there any local bodybuilders who have inspired and motivated you along the way?

Andrew: Honestly, I am very new to the scene, so I am not very familiar with most of the local bodybuilders. Ironically, it’s the kids in the gym that motivates me. It always warm my heart when I see kids doing the right exercises in the gym (deadlift, squats etc), and taking their exercises seriously.

TRB: Any shout-outs to your friends, family or loved ones? 

Andrew: I want to shout out to my girlfriend of eight years, Sheryl. She was there when I first started, and have been there every step of the way. Although its something that she has no interests in, she still makes the effort to understand and accommodate the huge amount of time I spend in the gym. I am really thankful, and knowing she is backstage waiting for me, my placing seem to matter a lot lesser. 

I want to give a shout out to “Team Superballs”. It’s an informal group with a few friends with the same strange desire for pain. Haha. We always come together on Sundays to train legs. We also get together to discuss about training, supplementation and diet. They are just really great guys. So a shout out to Turner, Matthew, Lutfi and Bryan (yep, he’s the first runner up in the above 170cm cat)!

Of course, to my family who has been there for all my shows, and have never questioned my passion. And of course, my pretty expensive grocery list!

To you, of course. For taking the time to create this blog. The scene here is small, and not as united as the ones in US, so we really should have each other’s back to make this into something that is worth’s people’s attention!

Wow what an inspirational story we have here by Andrew Lim!  We at The Reading Bodybuilder would like to thank you for providing us with such an insightful interview. All the best with school & we look forward to seeing you onstage again next year! 

Best wishes,

Zee (29.3.2012)

Halim Bin Ismail

Fellow readers, let us put our hands together and give a warm welcome to our next guest. He has made headlines in the local bodybuilding community – be it controversial or not. But he sure does pack some hard dense muscle to his frame and give his competitors a run for their money! Let me present to you, Halim Bin Ismail!!!

Profile 

Name: Halim Bin Ismail

DOB: 3^rd November 1974

Marital status: Married

Occupation: Freelance Personal Trainer

Height: 1.65cm

Weight: 83kg (Off-season) 65 kg (contest)

Hometown: Singapore

Gym: Fitness Quest (Fengshan CC)

Team (if any): NIL

Achievements:

2^nd place@ 47^th National Bodybuilding 2009, 2^ND place 2010 Muscle Explosion below 1.7 Metre, 3^rd place Muscle War 2012, 3^RD place 2012 South East Asia Bodybuilding Championship Myanmar.

Interview with Halim Bin Ismail

TRB:  Welcome to The Reading Bodybuilder my dear friend. Feel free to share with us your experiences & honest opinions as we go along yeah. So let’s begin with the first question. At what age and year did you start training?

Halim: At about the age of 20, I started training when I was serving my National service but it wasn’t consistent.

TRB: How was life like for you before you started training?

Halim: Life was not as interesting as it is right now of course. It was like, eat and work, eat and work.

 

TRB: So, how did you end up becoming a bodybuilder and when was it that you decide to turn competitive?

Halim: I started training for fun back in 2004, and I was spotted and encouraged by many to give a try in a competition, but, I never had the courage to do so. In 2006, I met Mr Ghani Abdul Kadir from Malaysia.  I did not know who he was at first. After that, I learnt that he was a multiple title holder in Malaysia and other countries. He was the one who took me in and I trained under him. I learnt a lot from him even though it was a short stint.

TRB: I’ve seen your wife & kids coming all the way down to support you at some of your contests. Tell us how is it like to juggle both your family and bodybuilding?  Did you have to make any sacrifices along the way? Any regrets about your decisions?

Halim: Yes, my families are very supportive to what I am doing. It was not easy, to juggle between family and bodybuilding because sometimes I will have to count myself out for outings and even holidays. No, I never have any regrets for the things that I chose to do. Because I love this sport so much.

 

TRB: You’ve competed in contests all year-round, back-to-back. Aren’t you worried that you may get burnt out? 

Halim: Yes I do have worries, but at the same time I learnt to know and read my body better.

TRB: This year, you went from 3^rd place in our local Muscle War contest to 3^rd place in the SEA championships for your category. I’ve seen your pictures & I must say that your condition was spot on. How did you get into that condition & what was your reaction after getting the bronze medal for Singapore?

Halim: Thank you. I immediately started back my season the very next day, after I was called up by Datuk Paul Chua. My preparation was actually about 4 weeks only for the SEA Championship, 18-01-2012 to 21-02-2012. It was tough as I am not that young anymore. Of course I was shocked; I never expect to bring anything for Singapore. My intention was to gain experience. But at the same time I have proved, age is just a number.

TRB:Now this may get personal, but I hope you will share with us your thoughts & opinions. For the recent HometeamNS Bodybuilding championships, you’ve placed 6^th in the open category. Some of us felt that you shouldn’t have competed since you may have been burnt out by your previous contests. So what is your reaction to all that?   

Halim: Yes, I do expect this question. But as I have mentioned earlier, I am doing this because of the love that I have for this sport. And for the placing, for me, it is just a number. I am not ashamed by it. And of course, for those who think I will bring 100% condition for HometeamNS, they are wrong. I would not want my body to be read easily. Look at the difference between Muscle War and South East Asia. I am aware that no one actually expected me to bring in that physique in just 4 weeks.  I do have a major target for 2012. And for those who by now had ruled me out. I can only say thank you, the pressure is out of me. There is always another place and another time.

TRB: Well I’m sure you’ll be motivated to do even better for your next contest! Now let’s move away from Bodybuilding for awhile. Tell us, what are your other hobbies asides from training at the gym? 

Halim: Karaoke? Hehee!!

TRB: Haha! Singing is a good way to de-stress right? Alright, how about sharing with us your thoughts about the current rivalries that have been going on in our bodybuilding scene for the past few months. 

Halim: Rivalries that gears the individual to be better should be promoted, but any rivalry that brings others down is of course, something that should be avoided. We are just a small bodybuilding community here in Singapore.

TRB: I take my hat off to you bro! Now, you’re known to be a man who’s never afraid to speak out his mind.Is there anything in your mind that you may want to share with us?

Halim: Yes I am very outspoken. That is a fact which I am born with. For all of us to stay united no matter which gym we are from. I have seen bodybuilding communities from other countries where they are so united. They cheer for each other, no matter who is on stage, but the scene here is so different. Some of us only cheer for their loved ones and hardly clap for an unknown bodybuilder. As I don’t see that there is anything wrong in cheering for someone who has put in tremendous effort and courage to be on stage. It’s so much different from what I’ve experienced in other countries. I am sorry if my opinions are offensive.

TRB: Any shout-outs to your friends, family or loved ones? 

Halim: Thank you to my loved ones, family and friends for all the supports that have been given to me all these while! And also not to forget my critics! Thanks too! You have actually made me better! Cheers!

My dear friend Halim Bin Ismail, you have shown us all your utmost dedication to this sport. We at The Reading Bodybuilder would like to wish you all the best for your future endeavours and do make our nation proud!  That’s all the time we have. Do stay tune for more updates, and who knows, you may be featured next!

Best wishes, 

Zee (27.3.2012)

Muhammad Firdaus Bin Zainal

Greetings to all fellow readers! I’m excited to bring you our very first article, up close and personal right at your fingertips. So let’s kick start our first article with one of Singapore’s well-known bodybuilder. Known for his quiet, polite and humble demeanour, but trains like a crazy hardcore machine who never knows when to stop. Let me introduce to you, Muhammad Firdaus Bin Zainal!!! 

Profile

Name: Muhammad Firdaus Bin Zainal

DOB: 24th May 1986

Marital status: It's complicated

Occupation: NSF/Personal Trainer (IFPA certified)

Height: 167cm

Weight: 92kg (Off-season) 80kg (Contest)

Hometown: Pandan Gardens, Singapore

Gym: Skyfitness, Fitness Force

Team (if any): C.E.A!

Achievements: 2009 CDANS Opens Category Champion, MuscleWar 2010 Opens Category Champion, 2009 National Bodybuilding Welterweight (up to 75kg) champion.

Interview with Muhammad Firdaus Bin Zainal

TRB:  At what age did you start training?

Firdaus: At 16 years of age.

TRB: How was life like for you before you started carrying those light weights?

Firdaus: I was in constant awe looking at bodybuilding magazines provided by my cousin and was initially skinny. I was moderately active in sports, namely soccer and track & field.

TRB: Now, tell us, what got you started into weight training and when did you decide to turn competitive? 

Firdaus: Ironically I started lifting to improve my athletic performance in track & field. I was a sprinter and a javelin thrower, these two fields calls out for short, bursting movements, power and speed. I seek the help of my cousin, Nazarudin Seladin, 5 times Mr. Asia in lightweight category to help me achieve my goals. He introduced me to the weights and the rest is history. ;-)

TRB: Tell us something about this Team CEA. As the leader of this team, what do you hope to achieve and what prospects do you see your team will be gearing towards in a few years time?

Firdaus: Basically we aim to share our knowledge in regards to chemical enhancement in bodybuilding. I hope to engage the team into a business venture and entrepreneurship because the world of health and fitness is a 'booming' industry.

TRB: Well most of us already know the “bodybuilding side” of Muhammad Firdaus Bin Zainal. Let’s talk about your personal life then. What do you do when you’re not at the gym? 

Firdaus: I tend to do a lot of reading up, spending quality time with my special someone as well as my team. We hang out usually in the weekends, playing LAN gaming, going to the beach to suntan and stuff, watching the movies, basically just chill-out and have fun. Sort of like a de-compression time off from training.

TRB: Well I know for sure that asides from bodybuilding, you are a kick-ass drummer who has performed countless times. Tell us something about that musician side of you.  

Firdaus: Am a Jazz Fusion drummer. I played in functions (hotels, shopping malls etc.)  and was also in Singapore Polytechnic's Jazz band as the drummer. Technically speaking, I am a natural at feeling-out things when it comes to music and rhythm.

TRB: A follow-up to the previous question, why didn’t you pursue on to be a professional drummer instead?

Firdaus: Hmm.. I do thought of it once or twice before but it’s just that my passion and drive are more inclined towards bodybuilding. It brings a tremendous amount of pleasure and satisfaction sculpting your physique.

TRB: Alright, now let’s look at the animalistic side of you. I know you have a cat. Tell us something about it. I hope you don’t throw your cat around like those weights!

Firdaus: Ooopsie! Hehehe... well... sometimes when my cat misbehaved, I'd scold it of course. For the most part, I love my cat and she’s my companion when I'm at home. 'Sarang' is her name, meaning 'Love' in Korean.

TRB: Now, I’ve known you for a long time, and something that not many people get to see is the emotional and sentimental side of Muhammad Firdaus. I’ve seen you write poems and long love-letters, now where did that side of you come from?

Firdaus: Ahh yes! Naturally, I'm an emotional person. My thoughts came from deep within my heart and I speak it out through words or written sentences. I absolutely believe if it came sincerely from my heart, it will definitely be reached out to the other party.

TRB: You don’t drink, you don’t smoke, you don’t club. You’re one of the most pious guys that I know of. How did you manage to not let all these temptations influence you? 

Firdaus: All praise be only to the creator, Allah Azza Wa Jalla! Maybe it was the way I was brought up and the genuine interest that I had towards my religion? I simply have no interest in these above-mentioned things.

TRB: Respect to you my friend! Now is there anything that you may want to share with us?

Firdaus: An influential figure in bodybuilding said this in his articles and forums, “TRAIN HARD NEVER QUIT”. He is none other than Lee Priest, the Blonde Myth.

TRB: Before we close this interview, I would like to pose this question to you. Most of us realised that there are some tough rivalries being intensified in the past few months. Now what do you have to say about that?

Firdaus: I have to say that they are a tad too childish for this sort of things. Remember this is an individual sport and is also subjective to the judges decision on what they are looking for come competition time; may it be mass or absolute cuts. Bearing that in mind, we have totally no control of the other competitor’s / rival’s body, but we do have some control over ours. So just do our best and be satisfied with whatever package or shape that you bring come contest day. The important thing is that we did as best as we humanly could. Jealousy is the main root of these kinda rivalries.

TRB: Wow! What a way to close it off. Thank you so much for your time Firdaus and we’re glad to have you here as our first guest.  As we end this interview, do you have any shout-outs that you’d like to make to your friends, family or loved ones? 

Firdaus: May all your dreams come true but don't forget to work hard on it! I'd like to thank first and foremost after the creator, my beloved parents. They supported me financially and morally from day one, believed in me, loved me and of course, provided me with the genetics to attain championship-ready form! 

To my Team C.E.A, you guys are my best friends, true friends, always there to support me, to drive me through my workouts, thanks Kiki (Zaki) for pushing me a few more reps for the ever-gruelling leg workouts with you and prepping me up together for the love of our sport of bodybuilding from the start to the finish. Remember colouring me up Farhan and Zaki? Hell loads of fun and thanks a gazillion, man! To Susu, you are the man, thanks for the supplemental part, like the Hemorage! Best-ever pre workout booster! And to you, Fauzi a.k.a 'Zee Jackson', thank you for your advice and listening ears! You have been the best ever friend to have ever lent me a listening ear every time I need it especially during my 'troubled' times... you know it eyh.. hehe!

Last but definitely not the least, to my special someone whom I loved dearly and truly, you know who you are. Thank you for providing me with your love and moral support which I treasured till the end. Thank you for being patient enough with me when I am in my dieting phase, all cranky and moody, not giving up on me and pushing me whenever I feel low physically and mentally from the diet and training. I treasured every ounce of your efforts in keeping up with this selfish sport of bodybuilding. I love you baby!

There you have it fellow readers! I’m sure that now, all of you would at least know a little bit more about our very first guest. I would like to once again thank my very good friend, Muhammad Firdaus Bin Zainal to willingly share his opinions and experience on The Reading Bodybuilder. 

I wish all of you the very best of health! But wait, it’s not over yet! We have one more icon coming right up, so do stick with us!

Sincerely,

Zee  (27.3.2012)

Introduction

A warm welcome to all my fellow readers.

I've created this blog especially dedicated to the Singapore bodybuilding scene. Each year, the competition in Singapore has heated up with tough challenges amongst the veterans and also promising new faces. This blog provides us with the opportunity to get to know these individuals and not let them be forgotten from the history of this sport. In addition, let us push this community forward so that the general public will recognise us as both an individual and a fraternity.


Some of you may ask, why the name "The Reading Bodybuilder"? Well, this blog provides an insight for us to read about the lives of our fellow athletes, not on a superficial level, but dwelling on their beginnings, motivations, opinions on different issues, other hobbies and talents that they have excelled on, and the likes. Asides from the athletes, we will also get the chance to get to know about the people who have been actively involved in this scene, in a way or another.

So do keep up with all the hot news, personalities and topics that I will be posting.

Best wishes,
Zee