Local Spotlight: Celebrity Trainer/Top Personal Trainer/Men’s Health Cover Guy Chris Cheng

2003-2007 Fitness First, Top Personal Trainer/2006 Fitness First Asia , Top Personal Trainer/2009 Fitness First Members’ choice “Most Reconised Trainer” Award/Winner of Nu you magazine “Men We Love” Competition ’05/Nu You magazine, Feb ’07, Sexy Legs/August Man magazine, Feb ’07, Tummy Tuck/Singapore Tatler Wedding magazine, Feb ’07, The Professionals/Gadget 3 magazine, Jan ’09, Weight Reduction/Cover Model for Men Health Magazine May ’04 issue/Men’s Folio magazine, voted as one of the 8 Singapore freshest Lookers, Sep & Oct ’02/Model Chris Cheng Talks With FitnessSutra.com

How and why did you decide to become a fitness trainer?
Chris:I used to be a skinny kid and was the weakest among my peers. This also led to a lack of confidence in me. It didn’t take long until I met one of my childhood friends on the streets who got buff. He used to be as skinny as me before. After seeing his transformation, I got inspired and begun to read up a lot. I took up courses and spend time understanding the aspects of nutrition and training. It was a tough journey though, but I broke out of that 53kg scrawny frame eventually and successfully transformed my physique. Then, I thought I could help others
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Tell me more about your specialties in terms of fitness and exercise.
Chris: Increase strength and gain muscle mass, Increase endurance and cardiovascular fitness level, Lost fat and tone physique, Dietary guidance, Pre and post-natal workout, Release stress and muscle tension, Correcting posture and muscle, Imbalance assessment, TRX Training, Muay Thai.

You got the 2009 Fitness First members’ choice “Most Recognised Trainer” Award during your career at Fitness First, Top Personal Trainer of the year 2003-2007 & Asia Top Personal Trainer of the Year 2006. Tell me what is that significant factor that makes you stand out?
Chris: I am a consistent worker and I enjoy my work. I feel very proud when my clients achieve desirable result. I also work well with hardworking clients that have no proper fitness direction.  For instance, some members commit 6 days a week in the gym to workout, but are not receiving correct guidance or trainings. That is when I step in and I like to work with this group of people. Because with my proper guidance and their hardwork, we will be able to achieve desirable results. I’m also a naggy trainer!(Laughs) That is why they will heed my advice in the end. With saying this, I have quite a number of success stories as well.

What are some things to keep in mind to avoid/prevent injuries when exercising?
Chris: Avoid sloppy movements like bad posture and using momentum to carry heavy weights. Most importantly, do not overload your body, if the weights are too heavy stick to light weights, until you are able to handle that amount of weight.

What is your advice for staying motivated to workout?
Chris: First off, you got to like training. Then adopt realistic goals and work towards it. After all the hardwork, reward yourself with your favourite food.

What does your current diet look like?
Chris: I try to eat clean and watch my diet by consuming foods that are low in oil, fats, salt and sugar. I try to refrain from eating refined carbs and processed food as well. My typical meal consists of lean source of proteins, fruits, and veggie.

Do you take supplements and what supplements do you take?
Chris: Err… I don’t take supplements other than vitamin C. I mean I used to take protein shakes, but not anymore. Is it ok if I say that I’m not on supplements? After all NutriFirst is an affiliated site.

Yes, it’s perfectly alright, no problem at all, Lol! So why did you stopped taking protein supplements?
Chris: Well, I used to take protein supplements, but I felt that it was too heaty for me, so I stopped taking it.

I saw some celebrities like Dai Yang Tian and Elvin Ng in your Facebook photos; do you train celebrities as well?
Chris:  Yes I do. In fact Felicia Chin and Nick Shen are my clients and I’ve had a few training sessions with Patricia Mok.

Could you describe your training routine?
Chris: Day1- Chest, Triceps, Abs
Day2- Back, Biceps, Oblique
Day3- Legs, shoulders, Lower Back
Resistance Training 4-6 sessions a week.
Cardio Training 2-3 times a week (jog, sprint, swim)

What are your future goals, dream and plans?
Chris:  At the moment, I’m only capable of helping 30-50 clients. I hope that one day I’ll be able to help more people. If possible, I would like to write a fitness book too.

What are some of the means of contacting and connecting with you (e.g. personal website, Fb fan page, contact details etc.)?
Chris: I do not have a facebook fan page or personal website yet. But you can reach me at Facebook by my name, “Chris Cheng”.

Wow, its definitely an honour to do an exclusive interview with Chris. A nice guy with a fantastic physique! Chris is a freelance trainer and conducts personal training as well, he can be reached at 90686950.