Looking to boost your energy levels or lose weight with fitness training? Here, one expat in Singapore shares her inspiring body transformation journey at Ultimate Performance and how it has benefited her holistically.
To help her create healthier habits, build her strength back after pregnancy, lose weight and ultimately prioritise her health, Swedish expat SARAH JOHANSSON (33) turned to Ultimate Performance Singapore (U.P.) for guidance. She knew that the personal training gym’s no-nonsense methodology coupled with its holistic approach to health was just what she needed to achieve her goals for good.
Sarah started her body transformation working with personal trainer Nicole three times a week. The goal was to build strength with resistance training and weights, and get familiar with all of the exercises. Currently, she sees Nicole once weekly and trains solo on the other days. “My other weekly sessions are on my own, based on the programmes Nicole has designed for me. I track it all and share videos with her for feedback.”
Now, just one year later, Sarah is happy to report that she’s enjoying the very results she was after – and then some. She tells us more about her health journey:
Tell us about your body transformation. What results have you seen?
I started with the goal of losing 20kg in body fat and getting stronger overall. Since working with Nicole at Ultimate Performance, I’ve dropped three sizes and 30kg, and I look like a completely different person. Looking back, it’s a bit difficult to imagine that I was 30kg heavier just a year ago!
How has this body transformation changed your life?
I went from a state of feeling physically weak, overweight and low in energy to strong, healthy and energetic. I feel stronger and happier in general.
I’ve also gained the confidence to work out in a gym setting. Before starting with U.P., I was mainly doing group fitness classes, as I didn’t feel I had the knowledge to lift weights in the gym.
What do you think makes U.P.’s training programme so effective?
U.P. focuses on strength training, but also on everything from diet and sleep to how other lifestyle habits effect our physical and mental health. One of my key takeaways from this experience is the importance of diet, and how having the right diet is key to achieving the results you want. Whether it’s to lose weight or get fit.
What do you like most about your workout sessions?
Going to the gym used to be something I felt I had to do because it’s good for my health, but now, it’s the highlight of my day – especially my weekly workouts with Nicole.
Our strength training sessions give me lots of energy and guidance, and I’m always pushed to my maximum, which I find a bit more difficult when exercising on my own. Also, I can now achieve things that I once thought were impossible – doing pull-ups, for example!
What keeps you motivated?
In the beginning, it was the fast changes that I could notice from our bi-weekly progress checks. Physically, my body-fat percentage was dropping, and mentally, I noticed a difference in energy levels.
Now, weightlifting has become my new hobby and I’m exercising several times a week on my own. Knowing the positive impact this has had on my health makes it easy to stay motivated – plus, I really enjoy it.
I have even inspired my team at work to follow suit! We’ve been doing weekly private group classes at U.P.’s rooftop for the past eight months.
Now that you’ve hit all your goals, what’s next?
My goals now are focused on getting stronger and hitting new personal records in the gym.
If you’re keen on a body transformation, want to lose weight or build muscle book a consultation.
Ultimate Performance Singapore
#01-01 Manulife Tower, 8 Cross Street
6536 8649 ultimateperformance.com/sg
This article first appeared in the April 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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