The animal style

I came across those 9gag type of photos whereby it shows the different types of male physique...now who came up with the idea of categorizing the male physique using animal allusions...otter mode, bear mode, beast mode (animal style rules yall!!)..and then comes the segregation between fitness models, athletic, built and bodybuilder...don't they all look like they work hard to build muscles = a Body Builder? lol!
I bet all the pro bodybuilders (Jay, Dexter, Phil, Kai) went through those different stages before they became pro. Why then don't they label it amatuer bodybuilder or noob body builder or intermediate bodybuilder and pro bodybuilder?
I guess it's human nature for some of us to label people for reasons leading to an ego boost, acceptance in group, increased self-esteem and to be able to walk around confidently without the fear of being stereotyped/pick on/socially outcasted, etc etc ? Bet they are other reasons as well (very subjective topic indeed).
On a good note, hope ya'll have a good day and take care of your health (haze+drastic change in weather = recipe for a health disaster).
Toodles now! =)

Danie Dharma

Hello again everyone! It's been awhile...

Since the Singapore Nationals 2012 are creeping around the corner, what better way to build up to the event by having a sneak peak into the life of one of the competitors. He is well-known in the local bodybuilding circle and he has competed in numerous events and attaining numerous medals. He has been featured in news articles, television shows and interviews. He is none other than, Danie Dharma!

Profile

Name:  Danie Dharma

DOB:  25 July 1986

Marital status:   Married

Occupation:  Navy Regular

Height:  1.71m

Weight: _90kg_ (Off-season) _75kg_ (Contest)

Hometown:  Jurong West

Gym:  Jurong West Clubfitt

Team (if any): 

Achievements:   

2005
NUS Muscle War Tertiary below 70kg : 3^rd
Inter ITE Bodybuilding Contest above 65kg : 1^st
Pesta Sukan Lightweight Category: 2^nd
Pesta Sukan Quadrangular (Singapore,Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand)  Lightweight Category:  4^th

2006
Muscle Storm below 70kg: 1^st
NUS Muscle War Open Category: 4^th
CDANs Bodybuilding Contest Open Category: 3^rd
Junior Nationals Lightweight category: 3^rd

2007
CDANs Bodybuilding Contest Open Category: 3^rd
Muscle Explosion Under 21 Category: 1^st
Junior Nationals Welterweight and Above Category: 5^th
Junior Nationals Classic 1.71m Category: 3^rd

2009
NUS Muscle War Open Category: 3^rd + Most Improved Bodybuilder
Muscle Explosion II Below 70kg Category: 1^st
CDANs Bodybuilding Contest Open Category: 3^rd

2010
NUS Muscle War Open Category: 1^st
Nationals Lightweight Category: 2^nd
Nationals Classic 1.71m Category: 2^nd
SEA Championships Lightweight Category: 6^th
World Athletic Physique Classic 1.71m: 5^th
Muscle Explosion III Jr Above 70kg: 1^st
Muscle Explosion III Classic 1.71m: 1^st
Muscle Explosion III Open Category: 2nd

Interview with Danie Dharma

TRB:  How have you been Danie & welcome to The Reading Bodybuilder! Now I’ve known you way back since 2004, we’ve worked together as bouncers at events and all & I’ve seen you compete throughout the years. How about sharing with the readers here on your humble beginnings. 

Danie:

Thank you man! Yeah, have known you for such a long time, and it is truly an honour being your friend!

Well, I started off as a skinny guy. Weighed only 47kg back then, and was subject to all kinds of school bullying. I took up the sport to overcome school bullying, but that was not the only reason. Since childhood, I always wanted to be huge and muscular when I grew up due to watching too many Arnold movies. So it was a childhood dream of mine on top of a very good means to overcome school bullying!

When I started off, I did lots of reading about training and nutrition. It helped that I was an express student who had an interest in science. Managed to piece together a sensible training and diet plan, and the rest is history! One aspect I am proud of, pertaining to my beginner days is that I went through the journey all by myself. I had no trainers or training partners. Just library books, magazines and a whole lot of determination to transform!

TRB: Your achievements have made you a local icon especially in the Indian community. You were featured in a Vasantham TV show as a bodybuilding icon. What was your reaction when they first called you up for the show and has any members of the public approached you after that in the streets? 

Danie:

When they first called me up, I was excited about it, but at the same time, very nervous! You see, my Tamil is not very fluent, and I was afraid I would give people a bad impression about myself if I spoke poorly on TV.  The first time, it was only a few minutes segment, but it took hours to shoot as I had to keep repeating my lines! The second time was a whole episode! I managed to pull through as they allowed me to speak English for a good part of it. As for the public’s reaction, people did recognise me, and they did come up to me and tell me that they watched the episode, and that it was inspiring. Others expressed sympathy for what I went through during my bullying days. I felt glad that I got this opportunity to reach out to all out there that might be experiencing school bullying like I did. I hope I got the message across that they should do something about it.

TRB: Before I forget, let me congratulate you again on behalf of The Reading Bodybuilder on your marriage! You have been with Saras for so long and finally ya’ll have tied the knot. Share with us your fairy-tale love story.  

Danie:

Oh thank you very much!  Well, I met her through a mutual friend who had been trying to set us up.  I still remember the day I first met her, it was 12 November 2006. Soon after, that friend set us up again by asking both of us out and leaving halfway. We had our first really long hearty conversation that day and just clicked. I guess my friend knew all along that we were both meant to be. She was really sincere since the first day that I got to know her, and it has been 5 and a half years since!  She has brought so much happiness to my otherwise dull and empty life, and has been my pillar of strength all along!

 

TRB: I’m happy for you Danie! So will you be taking a break from competitive bodybuilding now and focus on building a family? 

Danie:

Well, I’ll definitely not compete as much as I have done before. If the situation allows, I’ll definitely compete! I hope I can win a gold on an international stage at least once in my life.

TRB: Well I’m sure when you have kids in future, they will be proud that their daddy is a bodybuilder. Would you want them to follow your footsteps as well to be a bodybuilder? 

Danie:

Oh, I will leave that decision to them. I have seen this on many occasions, where a child attends all kinds of classes to accomplish his parents’ dreams for them, and I think that isn’t fair to the child. I’ll let my child pursue what he wishes to do in life. If he decides to take up bodybuilding, that would be awesome though!

TRB: You’ve competed in both local and international competitions. Tell us which of the competition is the most memorable one for you?

Danie:

Thus far my most memorable contest was NUS Muscle War 2010. My body responded extremely well to my diet, and I got into the best condition of my competitive life thus far. It was also the first time I won an open category.

TRB: One thing I realised about you is that you are always calm and composed whenever you prepare for a contest. Don’t you feel nervous or worried that something might go wrong during your dieting phase?  

Danie:

Well, I find it pointless getting too stressed about it. We can’t control our competitors’ physiques, only our own. As long as we remain in utmost control of our diet and get into the best condition possible, there is nothing more one can do to ensure a win. It also helps that I have competed numerous times as I know how my body reacts to dieting.

TRB: I also notice that you seemed to be unfaltering by other bigger competitors whenever you compete in an open-category contest. How did you managed to be so poised and confident then?  

Danie:

I guess I’m just so focussed on flexing the correct muscles on stage that I do not think much about the opponents around me. It is definitely more important to flex correctly and look as good as possible for each pose. Otherwise, it would be a waste dieting for so many weeks and peaking on the day!

TRB: You’ve been long enough in this business. Share with us your opinions on the future of this sport in Singapore?

Danie:

Honestly, the future of Singapore Bodybuilding looks dull but there is hope. Dull because there seem to be full time bodybuilders in all the other countries except Singapore. They get paid to live their passion and dream, and are not tied down by the stresses of a full time job. Here, the bodybuilders have to work a full time job and fund their own bodybuilding expenses. For the bodybuilders like me who do not work in a gym, it would be a challenge to even head to the gym 3 times a week. It doesn’t help that expenses in Singapore are high and rising. 

The sports complex gyms, which are affordable, are reducing their weights, making it very hard for elite bodybuilders to train. Commercial gyms seem to be the only option but cost a bomb. It is like without a decent salary, one can kiss their bodybuilding dreams goodbye here.

The reason I say there is hope is due to this: Despite all of this working against the bodybuilders here, there is so much passion fuelling all these guys to continue training and competing! I believe one day, this passion will overcome the current obstacles, and perhaps one day we might have full time Singaporean bodybuilders instead of full time China table tennis players in Singapore!

TRB: So when will we be seeing you on-stage again?

Danie:

The 2012 National Championships!

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

Danie:

Firstly, a big thanks to Fauzi for featuring me in this blog. I think this blog is a really good effort to give more people an insight into the local bodybuilders’ lives. Thanks for the efforts and this contribution to the bodybuilding scene!

A shout out to all the local bodybuilders, keep up the good work and keep that passion burning!

Last but not least, to wifey Saras for being so supportive of my bodybuilding all these years. Thank you!  

Thank you Danie for your time here at The Reading Bodybuilder! I'm sure some of your tips here would be useful for those who are new to competition and will be taking part in the upcoming Nationals 2012. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours and we look forward to your best contest shape at the Nationals 2012! 

Best wishes,

Zee (22.06.2012)

9 more days to Nationals 2012

Hi everyone, it's been awhile since I've posted something on this blog. About 9 more days till Nationals 2012! I'm sure lotsa people are looking forward to this event, especially the athletes who're doing their tuning in right now. Good luck and see ya'll there!

Lex Tan

Hello again fellow readers and welcome to The Reading Bodybuilder! I hope all of you had a great weekend especially for those who’re in Sunny Singapore. Well, our guest for today hails from the western side of Singapore, towering high at close to a height of 1.8m! Known to some as the “Gentle Giant”, though he often wrecks havoc at the gym with those heavy-weights. Let me present to you, Lex Tan!

Profile 

Name: Lex Tan

DOB: 26/02/1988

Marital status: Single

Occupation: Fitness Personal Trainer

Height: 1.78m

Weight: 100kg-110kg (Off-season) 88kg-90kg (Contest)

Hometown: Bukit Panjang

Gym: Fitlion Gym @ Punggol CC / SSC Clubfit Gymnasiums

Team (if any):  -

Achievements: 2008 National Juniors  - Above 70kg – Champion

                                2008 National Juniors – Overall Champ; Mr Junior Singapore

                                2011 MuscleWar - 5^th Place

                               

 

Interview with Lex Tan

TRB:  What’s up Lex? I heard that you’ve been busy with your PT these days. Well it’s a pleasure to have you here with us at The Reading Bodybuilder! Now you held the title of Mr Singapore Junior back in 2008. You must’ve started training at a very young age then right? Share with us how you got into this sport and how was life like before you became a bodybuilder? 

Lex: Hello! Thanks for having me here!

I started training when i was 16 years old, I was actually inspired by the movie; Commando by Arnold Schwarzenegger when i was 11. Long story made short, it wasn't until I was 16 where i decided to use the amount of money i saved up (continue reading to find out how the money came about) to apply for a gym membership and some supplements.

TRB: I remembered the time when you had to diet for nearly a year in preparation for the Juniors contest in 2008 due to the change of competition dates. Could you tell us how did you managed to persevere that long and stick to your contest diet?

Lex: Yes correct! It was indeed a grueling year, having to face many disappointments and worry about being called up for NS enlistment before i even get to stand on stage!

Since i knew it was my last shot in the Juniors category that year, Determination and the hunger to really win after dieting for so long were the key factors that made me persevere through. I also wasn't studying anymore during the time when I started preparing for the show, therefore it became a daily routine just to stay on the diet and maintain my body until the confirmed date of the competition was out.   

TRB: Well you are known for starting your contest preparations much earlier than most bodybuilders. What are some challenges that you have faced during this pre-contest period? How did you managed to overcome it?

Lex: Usually I'll start preparing at 16 weeks out.

Adapting to changes in lifestyle, packing my meals everywhere I go and rejecting friends gathering or parties are the challenges I face time to time.

I'm a person who actually shuts off my mind from the outside world when I start my contest preparations. To treat every contest that I prepare for as if it’s 'my last' keeps me driven and motivated to be the best I can be come contest day.

TRB: You are one tall guy and I’ve seen you get pretty huge during your off-seasons. How do you deal with unwanted stares when you walk around in public? 

Lex: Hahaha, thanks but I still don't think I'm huge in any way yet. Back to the topic, I’ve always believed in being humble everywhere I go, sometimes I’ll just return a smile or achknowledge them by nodding my head.

 

TRB: I believe there were some occasions whereby you had to control yourself from trying to knock someone’s teeth out while you were out walking in public. Now how do you deal with these young punks or troublemakers? 

Lex: Haha! I'm definitely not a troublemaker or trouble seeker in any way but most of the times I'll just ignore these people unless I feel the need to confront them. I’m sure you and other fellow bodybuilders can agree that I’m actually a pretty laid back fellow. Most of the time, even if I’m half way through my workout, I’ll still joke or fool around.

TRB: You would fit the bill of a “BIG brother” image. What advice would you give youngsters nowadays to keep out of trouble?

Lex: To remain calm and think before acting would be my advice. The Laws in our country isn’t something pleasant to mess with.

TRB: Your last contest was in MuscleWar 2011 whereby you’ve presented to us another great physique of Lex Tan. When can we expect to see you onstage again?

Lex: Thanks! Although I felt I could have done more to be better. Hmmm, lets put it as MuscleWar 2013 if everything on my side goes well. 

TRB: Now, let’s move on to the next question pertaining to our sport. Do you think there is a need to be highly competitive as a bodybuilder since it is an individual sport in itself? How much is too much of a rivalry in this sport? 

Lex: I’m sure everyone competes to WIN or to prove something. Being highly competitive is a must especially when we are doing it alone. We plan our own training, our meals, our supplementation and we don’t get paid for all the sacrifices we go through along with it. But, being humble as we are being highly competitive is definitely something we must have within ourselves.

Personally I feel that when rivalry turns sour and leads to jealousy or even to the extent of insulting fellow competitors openly is uncalled for, that is when it is too much in this sport. Poor sportsmanship is what I’ll call it.

TRB: Let’s say that you’ve had a bad day at the gym, what would you do to make yourself feel better?  Would you apply the same concept if you didn’t perform as well in a contest?

Lex: I’ll lie down on my bed, think about the sacrifices and pain I went through to get to where I am today, I’ll also think about the people who once looked down on me and didn’t believe that I would step on stage and of course the thought of people who have been supporting me all along gets me fired up. It’s the feeling of trying to prove something again so much that it gets me going all over again.

Hmmm.. As for after a contest, its almost the same concept, except that I’ll browse through the pictures and hear from my friends first and then I’ll think about what I could have done or not do to perform better and start planning on what I should focus and improve on to better myself the next time.

TRB: Complete this sentence, “If I weren’t a bodybuilder, I would be a ....”? 

Lex: Haha! This is interesting! Here it goes “If I weren’t a bodybuilder, I would be a scrawny slacker playing online computer games at home, cycling, drinking and partying with friends”

Since young I’ve always been hooked to online first-person shooter games and have always wanted to build a high performance PC for the games.

As for cycling, if you did read the 1^st question of this interview, the money which I saved up and spent on gym-membership and supplements was actually a promise within my group of secondary school friends that each of us would save for a period of about 6mths to get a mountain bike which in the end didn’t happen as I was the only person who actually saved up for it!

And lastly, drinking and partying is what I see majority of young adults do these days, I don’t understand the fun or thrill behind drinking though, but I’m definitely not one and will never be one! Haha!

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

Lex: Firstly a big thank you to you! The man behind TheReadingBodybuilder! Giving me the chance to be featured and creating a blog to remember the local bodybuilders.

A big shout out to my family and loved one who have always been by my side, supporting me and loving me for who I am.

And of course to my friends and training buddies, always there to provide me with a listening ear when I’m down with problems and pushing me through my workouts.

Thank you everyone!!! 

Now what an awesome interview we have there fellow readers! I’m sure all of us can’t wait to see Lex Tan onstage again. Once again, The Reading Bodybuilder would like to thank Lex Tan for being with us here today. May all of you have a blessed Sunday! 

Best wishes,

Zee (1.4.2012)

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)