Jean Ng
Education Officer, Singapore Chinese Girls' School
Fitness Coaching:
I've been training with my Trainer, Coach Khalim, since 2011. Incorporating many different types of functional training like TRX, SandBells, ViPR, Sandbags, Muay Thai & KettleBells, to name a few, I've seen tremendous change in me. I'm stronger, fitter, leaner & in great shape now. I like the approach of combining functional exercises and the emphasis on a good, pristine diet.
Health Coaching:
I have had terrible acne breakouts on my arms and shoulders since I was 17. The acne breakout stopped after contraceptive pills were prescribed, but I know long-term use of such medications would be harmful. I highlighted this to my trainer, who is also a Health & Wellness Coach. Khalim suggested I should do a program called 'Detox & Reset'. I hesitated as I thought it was going to be tough but Coach Khalim encourage to give a try The first three days were torturous—no chocolates, ice cream, sweets, cakes, cookies, and so on. As anticipated, I had mood swings and headaches, but that's where the coaching & encouragement comes in. I had the thought of giving up in the beginning but with the Coach's support, motivation & the belief in me plays a big part to continue with the program.
The program is a personalised design based on my lifestyle & activity. During the first three days, I had to follow the diet strictly, as this is crucial. From the 4th day onwards, I started to feel lighter & happier, and more motivated. The feeling was incredible. It not only greatly enhance my performance in training but my energy level & cardio respiratory fitness has never been better.
The diet not only made me leaner but what's more essential & is that my SKIN CONDITION SHOWED TREMENDOUS IMPROVEMENT WITHOUT ANY FORMS OF DRUG PRESCRIPTIONS. The acne breakout stopped with the redness and scars fading. I also managed to lose that extra 1.5kg in only ten days which was for a while difficult. I am confident and determined to continue with a healthy diet after this round of detox. And for sure, I'm looking forward to the next cleansing program. I feel like a million dollars every day. My energy levels are through the roof, and I can do exciting things. I don't feel like a victim; I feel like an active participant in my health!
"I noticed my friend Jean looks different recently. Her facial complexion has improved a lot, and her long and straight hair seems to glow and looks nice. Then I realized that she had gone through a detox session! Wow! So that's the power of detox! Jean has now become happier and more cheerful. "Jean's friend, Meng Choo.
"Jean is different from the past! Could tell that she lost weight and her face became smaller!" Jean's friend, Sandy.
Nicole Teo (46yo)
I was eating very little & feeling tired all the time, but I couldn't lose any weight. I've never liked exercising, but I knew I'd start exercising if weight loss couldn't be achieved through dieting. Gyms intimidated me because the equipment looked so complicated! However, I know through my dance background that form is essential & that incorrect form can lead to injuries. So I planned to get a Personal Trainer to show me the ropes of using the equipment for a few sessions & then I would continue to exercise on my own.
Khalim completely changed my mindset on weight loss. I learned that looking only at the weighing scale is myopic: I may weigh lighter on the scale, but it says nothing about my strength, flexibility & agility. I started struggling with an 8kg kettlebell & now I can clean & press single-hand with a 20kg kettlebell (on a good day ☺). I am being reminded time & again how functional my training is & how they have assisted me in my life.
I often travel for work & my luggage is usually 10-23kg. I can put a 12kg cabin bag into the overhead compartment of a plane or a train or take it down without assistance. I don't struggle to put a 23kg bag on the check-in belt or take it off the carousel. I'm thankful I could manoeuvre my 23kg luggage through the snow-covered slippery ground without falling during my last trip to Seoul. I don't sit to put on my shoes; I can stand easily.
The examples are just too many to list. I'm far happier now: my metabolic rate has increased; I can eat (sensibly, of course) & I've got better energy levels.
Mok Fee Lee
Khalim, Please see attached the blood test results I spoke to you about & the note from my doctor. All readings have improved, and I am now in the normal range for everything. The cholesterol ratio is fantastic. The improved fasting glucose level meant I was no longer in danger of being diabetic. As you know, I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes. These are my concerns, and I am glad I have moved further away from these two issues. Thanks for your guidance in diet and training since September 2015!
I embarked on an exercise programme at age 53. I was apprehensive about training under a personal trainer as it was a crazy idea for someone my age. In addition, exercise was never a priority in my life. The initial body aches and pains made me doubt if personal training was for me. However, with your encouragement and coaching, things began to get better. You are experienced enough to know what should be done and what exercise is appropriate under different conditions. My goal is to maintain good health and gain physical strength. Having goals and an excellent coach to journey with you will make things happen. Even though I am reaching 55, I now think nothing is impossible.
Thanks, Khalim.
Nora Khai
Condition: Diabetes (Pre) - 2016
Early January 2016: 14.9mmol/L (fasting)
30 January 2016: HbA1c 9.5% (unacceptable)
6 May 2016: HbA1c 5.8% (ideal)
Start weight: 65kg
Current weight in May: 48kg
Waist measurement: start, 40; now, 32
Blouse: start, 40(tight); now, 32(loose)
Energy level has improved tremendously.
Countless self tests, proper meal plans and exercise. I went to 'WAR' with diabetes when my doctor told me I was pre-diabetic when I went in the clinic and was tested with a fasting blood glucose of 14.9mmol/L.
I was truly upset and felt lost when I first heard the news in early January 2016. My doctor wanted me to start taking medication to control my blood sugar level. Knowing the side effects of the medication in the long run, I told my doctor to give me some time before putting me onto the medication. My father has diabetes and is on medication. My late mother, though she wasn't my birth mom, also had diabetes.
I approached Coach Hana from DTSsg™ and spoke to her of my condition. I was very worried as I am turning 36 this year and to be diagnosed with pre-diabetes at my age was shocking. I have two kids who are still schooling and I knew I have to make significant changes if I want a better outcome health wise.
After consulting with my coach, I started with a strict programme called DnR by DTSsg™ as part of my 6-month programme. It was very challenging but I was determined to improve my condition. Coach Hana was very encouraging and gave me assurances whenever I needed it. I had to take my blood tests very often in a day to monitor my blood sugar level to ensure that my blood sugar doesn't go too low or too high. I logged everything I drank and ate and how I felt and sent it to my coach every evening for review.
I began the programme in mid January. By Day 10 into the programme, I could already see that my fasting blood sugar level had dropped tremendously... It was ranging between 5-7mmol/L consistently. During a review with my doctor at the end of January 2016, my HbA1c was 9.5% which was in unacceptable range. Again, my doctor suggested that I took a low dose of medication to control my blood sugar level. I asked the doctor for a time frame that he would allow me to try getting my blood sugar level in control. He gave me another two months but he did express his worry as it can be very dangerous if I am not able to control my blood sugar level.
I shared my doctor's feedback with my coach and we discussed our next steps. She assured me that I was on the right track and reminded me that HbA1c is a 3-month average and since I started the programme only in mid January, the result reflected at the end of January is not a good reflection of my effort. With regular blood test I have been taking, we agreed that my blood sugar level was on the downtrend. She then suggested that I start adding physical activities into my lifestyle. I engaged Coach Khalim from via-strength as my personal trainer and started training with him in mid February. I have not been doing any form of exercise for a very long time, but with a personal trainer, my programme was crafted specifically for me. It was still tough but manageable.
Blood tests, proper meal plans that gets adjusted whenever my coach feels necessary by checking my log and exercise. Everything was done with close supervision from my coach. My coach also keeps reminding me to try to stay calm and not feel stressed too much, something that I had to really be aware of. My whole family went through personality profiling to help us understand each other better, improving our communication within the family. I find this very unique to DTSsg™.
My coach reminds me that being healthy is not just about eating healthy and exercise. My emotional well being and relationship with my family and people around me and my relationship with GOD must also be positive.
I've just received my blood test results and immediately shared with Coach Hana. My HbA1c tested on 6 May 2016 was 5.8% which is in the ideal range. My doctor asked me how I did it without medication. Hehehe...
I am very grateful for the guidance and support my coach has given me. She kept me calm in the 'storm'.
My journey has just began... My family has joined me in making positive changes in our lives. I am surprised that my husband and children want to do what I do after they see the positive changes in me. My husband joins me in my trainings now. I'm sure he will share his testimonial soon too. Even my dad, has started making some changes and he said he is feeling good now.
Coach Hana and Coach Khalim from via-strength are an amazing husband and wife team. They coach with heart. I'm looking forward to see their company grow and be successful.
If I can do this, you can too!