Bodybuilding is usually synonymous with men, but an increasing number of Malaysian women want to have bodies that are beautiful too.
Female bodybuilding practitioner Nana Al-Haleq, 29, said a lack of confidence in her body some time back was a driving factor which led her to embrace the sport three years ago.
“I like to go for outdoor activities such as rock climbing, but I still lacked confidence in my own body shape until I started looking for a personal trainer and actively worked out at the gym.
“After that, changes in my body shape began encouraging me to share pictures of it on social sites such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter till I gained many followers,” said the Psychology and Communications graduate.
She said her husband also supported her growing interest in the sport of bodybuilding.
“I stopped working after two months of marriage to focus more on the sport, with my husband’s support,” she told The Rakyat Post.
For Linora Low, 31, having a well-built body created the impression among her peers that she is tough and she has been called ”bro” (brother) by others.
“Sometimes they call me ‘bro’ but they still treat me like a lady nevertheless,” she said.
The Mix FM radio deejay had previously been called ‘the ball’ for having a plump body.
She said the intake of protein supplement was important to get a well-built body.
“Protein supplements are for when the body does not have enough nutrition. With a busy lifestyle I need enough food to build muscle and fulfill my body’s everyday needs,” she told The Rakyat Post.
Hanisah Shahril, 23, is of the opinion that bodybuilding is associated with fertility problems in women and that the public is still sceptical over the participation of women in the sport of bodybuilding.
“Exercise should be according to individual capability and the advice of professional coaches on how to be fit,” she said.
Courtesy of: The Rakyat Post