My fitness transformation: “Within 6 months, I could see that I was toning up – even though I was already relatively lean. I was sleeping much better as well and having better control over my stress management and nutrition habits. I’ve even started to meal prep my weekday lunches. The Genesis Gym coaches review my diet regularly and provide adjustments to improve on my food intake to better fuel my body.”
(Agnes Ng, 41, Genesis Gym Eunos)
Hi, I’m Agnes Ng and I’ve been training with Genesis Gym since mid-November 2016.
Previously, I was working out on my own at a neighbourhood gym, using mainly dumbbells and machines. Even though I was already relatively fit, I was aware that my right leg was weaker than the left due to 2 previous knee injuries and surgeries.
During that period, I wasn’t sleeping very well either and would wake up once or twice each night. On hindsight, maybe I was sometimes over-training.
I wanted to progress beyond what I was doing, and to learn the proper techniques in squats and deadlifts. I recognize the importance of knowing the correct techniques and form to train safely and effectively for the long term.
I also felt I was hitting a plateau with my own training. So, I was ready to go beyond my comfort zone and try something new – even if it meant taking huge steps back to re-learn or start from scratch if I have to.
I came across one of Genesis Gym’s Facebook ads and after going through the website, I was curious if Genesis can help me overcome certain limitations which I face in my fitness journey. So I called up and the rest is history.
With Genesis Gym, I felt that the environment is just right – it was spacious and not at all intimidating. I was impressed that all the coaches knew my name by my second visit. The coaches were knowledgeable and particular with getting me into the correct form for all the exercises right from the start.
Over time, there was some degree of trust. I know my trainers know what I’m going after, and I trust them to plan out exercises which are best to address my weaknesses and yet are challenging enough to push me further.
With the coaches, we have developed some form of friendship even though we usually don’t have much time to chat. There is this sense of trust and understanding that goes beyond verbal communication, and I’ve found that with the Genesis coaches.
I remember there was one evening, I was so stressed up with my work deadlines and sports commitment, when I stepped into the gym and saw one of my trainers, I immediately hugged her and tears welled up. Without saying anything, she understood what I was going through and we went on to complete one of the best sessions for that programme that evening.
Within 6 months, I could see that I was toning up – even though I was already relatively lean. I was sleeping much better as well and having better control over my stress management and nutrition habits. I’ve even started to meal prep my weekday lunches. The Genesis Gym coaches review my diet regularly and provide adjustments to improve on my food intake to better fuel my body.
I’ve also become more aware of the effects of stress on my body and health as a result of the coaching sessions at Genesis Gym. It has helped me to change my mindset whenever I encounter something negative, and I’ve learned to be less critical of myself. I’m still facing some physical limitations in my right knee which doesn’t allow me to progress at the pace I would like to. But I’ve learned to be grateful for what I’ve achieved so far in my fitness journey and I look forward to more improvement.
9 months on, I feel that Genesis Gym is like a friend whom I look forward to meeting up with on a weekly basis, someone who accepts who I am and is patient enough to wait for me to improve and grow. Someone who is encouraging when they know I’m stressed out and never allows me to give up on myself.
Going to the gym for me, is not merely about getting that sculpted look. It’s about gaining good health, being empowered and to be in control of the physical body and also the mind. This is something which I hope will stick with me in the long run, even when I’m in my 50s, 60s and beyond.
Some friends have noticed the changes in me and have asked about where I’ve been training. To that, I always tell them, “Come join me at Genesis!” You’ll only know what I’m talking about when you experience the difference yourself.
To find out more about the transformation journeys of Agnes and others, visit: bit.ly/transformations2017.
Sign up for your own fitness transformation journey with Genesis Gym here.