Q How did you pick up weightlifting?

A I started weightlifting about three years ago, which is also when I began to be more focused on keeping fit. I wanted to be stronger and do things that girls are not known to do, such as pull-ups and lifting barbells.

People have asked me if I was worried about becoming too muscular. But this never bothered me because men and women are genetically built differently, so I know I will not be as muscular as a man.

As it turns out, I love the rush of endorphins after a workout, and enjoy pushing myself to lift heavier weights.

About a year ago, my personal best was 115kg for a deadlift, 100kg for squats and 65kg for a benchpress.

Q Why have you stopped lifting heavy weights for now?

A I was diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome - where joints can stretch farther than normal.

The condition has been causing me a lot of pain in my joints, so I am focusing more on functional and polymeric training at the moment.

Q How has the focus of your exercise changed over the years?

A I used to concentrate on working my tummy and thighs as these are the areas where I seem to gain fat easily.

I then realised that we need to treat our body as a whole instead of focusing on spot-reduction, which is a myth. It is impossible to lose weight in specific areas.

Q How do you react if you miss an exercise session?

A I tend to feel restless and grumpy. It will somehow affect my mood for the rest of the day, like waking up on the wrong side of the bed.

Q Has there ever been a time when you were not fit and fab?

A When I was in secondary school, I used to eat fast food and cup noodles almost daily. I also snacked on potato chips all day long.

Fortunately, I was an active kid - I was a netball player and joined the dance club - and that helped to keep my weight in check.

I do not think I was healthy even though I was slim.

Q What do you think helped you to stop craving fast food?

A Fast food is loaded with sodium, which is why we crave more of it. I realised that if you stop eating it for a while, you will notice you do not want it as much as you used to.

Q What is your diet like?

A I do not follow any diet plan but I try to eat most of my carbohydrates in the daytime.

I avoid soft drinks as they are empty calories - calories which I would much rather save for food. I also make sure to share dessert with others.

Reducing our calorie intake equals double the happiness.

I have a habit of snacking on fruit, nuts and yogurt throughout the day, mostly every half an hour.

I have a very sweet tooth, so it's great that many fruits are sweet. My go-to fruits are kiwis and apples.

I also add these to my oats or muesli for an added energy boost.

Q What are your indulgences?

A I love durian, cake, ice cream, waffle and, well, basically all sinful desserts. But I try to limit myself to eating these no more than thrice a week.

Q How do you achieve work-life balance?

A I can be quite the couch potato so whenever I'm free, I like to watch random YouTube videos with a cup of hot Milo on the side.

I also love reading novels and I'd go the library to borrow them.

I think it is important to keep one's life organised to maintain a good balance. I make it a point to plan my week ahead and to stick to the schedule.

Q What are the three most important things in your life?

A The most important thing in my life is, of course, my loved ones. The other two are happiness and food!

Q Do you think you're sexy?

A No, I don't. But I have definitely become more confident since I started weightlifting.