Hi! I’m Boon, the creator of this website. Since you’ve landed on this page, I presume you want to know a little more about me. I’m just a regular guy with a passion for fitness. That passion led me to a coaching career, earn a PhD in the exercise science field, and dedicate my time towards helping others with fitness. Want to learn the full story about my journey leading up to this point? Read on to find out!

I got into fitness as a student while pursuing a diploma in *surprise alert* Aeronautical Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic. Sadly, the only time I exercised my brain in those 3 years of study was right after graduation, where I derived that the probability of me enjoying a career in engineering is pretty low. Why? Poor GPA lah, what else? After completing my national service stint as a combat medic and still hooked on working out, I decided it would be silly NOT to pursue an education in line with my passion for fitness then. Surely the only natural step next would be to obtain a bachelor’s degree directly related to fitness, right? Oh, how I missed being young and naive, haha.

The Fitness industry probably has one of the FEWEST full-time employment opportunities available across all industries. Majority of fitness professionals are self-employed, and having a bachelor’s degree in the field is uncommon as it is not required in order to start working. As such, the full-time job prospect for a kinesiology/exercise/sport science bachelor degree holder was dim, to say the least. Sadly, almost 10 years later, little has changed. Blinded by optimism at that time, I eventually graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science) from Edith Cowan University, Australia.

My interest in the science field was soaring high at this point. Determined to become an expert in the field, and to open doors to a potential career in research, I immediately sought post-graduate opportunities following graduation. In 2015, I began my PhD journey, conducting research on resistance training (a strong interest of mine) and the fascinating topic of exercise immunology. Five and a half years later (which felt like 10 years), I was conferred my PhD by Nanyang Technological University (Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science at NIE).

My first step into the fitness industry in 2014 was as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Singapore Sports School (and later, the National Youth Sports Institute). I fell in love with the job almost immediately and am thankful to have found role models along the way. Until today, I credit my positive experiences as a S&C coach for igniting two passions of mine that still stands- coaching and educating, and resistance training advocacy (for its many proven health benefits).

In 2018, I entered a new and rewarding phase in my career when I joined Sport Singapore as an Active Health Coach, which was a novel profession then. Our work revolved around public education on three main pillars of health: Physical Activity, Nutrition and Sleep. Six days a week, we would engage the Singaporean public through talks, workshops, exercise classes and other in-lab services, hoping to nudge the public to adaopt healthier living habits. I had a very memorable experience establishing and running the Active Health Lab at Admiralty Medical Centre, alongside other passionate and wonderful coaches and support staffs.

In 2021, I made the bittersweet decision to part ways with the organisation. Having interacted with numerous folks in the community, patients, physios and doctors over time, my perspective of the ‘sedentary lifestyle problem’ in Singapore slowly shifted. Eventually, when I understood the true complexity of the problem, I knew it was time to take the next steps. Over the years, I’ve learnt what are the specific problems that I want to dedicate my time and energy towards, and decided to waste no time exploring solutions.

A few things became evident to me at this stage of my career:

1. We can reduce diseases across the nation if we harnessed the strength of all fitness professionals in Singapore. But agencies with authority (and public funding) need to (and have a duty to) rally the troops.
2. We aren’t lacking fitness expertise in Singapore, we lack governance. Unlike finding the cure for cancer, the fitness problem experienced worldwide is not held back by limited understanding of the topic. What we need is better utilization of available resources.

Resolving the problem of physical inactivity is a major interest of mine. I also desire to see more people adopt resistance training. These are perhaps the most effective ways to reduce chronic diseases around us, so everyone can lead happier and more meaningful lives.

But let’s talk about the challenges.

Over the years, I’ve learnt that there are COUNTLESS barriers that can hold one back from getting fitter. There are three in particular that many people face, which I’m interested in resolving. 

1. Lack of knowledge– People who hold back thoughts of exercising because they don’t know how.
2. Lack of financial resources– Many people do not have enough disposable income to pay for the help they need. Because, you have to admit, fitness services (gym membership, classes, personal training, etc.) can be pretty costly.
3. Lack of time– People are literally too busy to exercise! When I was working a full-time job while juggling my PhD studies (the equivalent would be family and kids for some of you), I did ZERO exercise and had almost no recreation time. So I understand the difficulties. 

My goal is to create or find solutions to those barriers, one tiny step at a time. I figured that by having a website, it will be a lot easier to upload information, share knowledge, explore solutions, launch campaigns, etc.

On another front, I’m interested in helping companies cultivate a fitness culture at their workplace. Given Singapore’s reputation for being one of the most overworked cities in the world, I strongly believe that employers need to play a more proactive role in their employee’s fitness. Sport Singapore, for instance, grants their HQ employees 2 hours before knock-off time on Fridays to exercise or play sport. 

Meanwhile, I will continue to help all those I can through educating, informing and coaching.

I also want to meet more like-minded professionals in the health and fitness field. If you think our combined efforts could amplify impact, reach out to me!