[VIDEO] Exercise to become stronger, not just slimmer

KUALA LUMPUR – As a teenager, Ili Kamal thought that eating once a day was enough to help her lose weight. Although it did have a slimming effect on her − on most days − it also left her with very little energy.

The former data analyst turned professional physical trainer shared with The Vibes that she only consumed one meal a day because that was the only way she knew how to be slim in order to be “accepted” by society.

“After going through so much to lose weight, I ate only one chapati a day. Back then, I didn’t know the healthy way to lose weight,” she said.

Growing up, Ili had always struggled with her weight despite being active in sports.

“I’ve always had issues as my weight fluctuates − I was overweight in high school but I gained more when studying in the United States.

“That was when I hit three digits for the first time. I was 115kg. Each year I return home (from the States) for Raya, I would gain 10kg.

“When I came back for good, I realised that the weight had taken a toll on my body. I felt tired on most days and experienced back pain when I drive or sit too long. It hurt so much that I felt like crying. I thought I had a slipped disc,” she said.

She decided to consult a specialist and discovered that a slipped disc was not the cause of her ordeal.

Instead, it was the sedentary lifestyle she adopted for four years whilst studying in the US.

“I was always lying down in bed while doing my assignment on my laptop. So, that’s one of the reasons contributing to my lower back pain whenever I walk or try to sit upright.

“Through my diagnosis, I learnt the importance of caring for our body’s main support structure – our spine. Whenever we stand upright, sit down or walk − if our lower back is not strong enough, we’re going to feel pain.

“That was when I understood the importance of exercising – how it was not about aesthetics but about building a stronger body to help us through the day,” she added.

Ili began scrolling through Instagram to develop a better understanding of health and fitness and to find expert advice to help in her weight loss mission.

She soon found a personal trainer who offered her free guidance.

“I would always keep my meal plan and workout routine in check with my trainer.

“I’m not going to lie and say I don’t feel tempted to eat more, but my trainer did tell me not to feel guilty about it and said I could still eat a little more.

“Food is food − you can still eat what you want so long as you control (the portion),” urged Ili.

During the first half of 2018, Ili managed to shed 40% of her weight − down to 68kg in time for Hari Raya Aidilfitri − after reducing her intake of sugar and carbohydrates and committing herself to regular exercise.

By attempting various types of exercises, Ili figured out what workout regime best suited her.

“I discovered that in certain classes, instructors are there to teach while others are there to help. So, after I found exercise classes that helped me improve, I followed in their footsteps.

“They inspired me to help others learn how to exercise properly and to find the type that suits them,” Ili added.

Following her passion for fitness, Ili opened a fitness studio with her college friends, who were fitness enthusiasts too, and started teaching classes.

Unfortunately, by this time the pandemic had hit and Ili was forced to close down her studio and transition into online classes.

Ili soon realised after managing a fitness studio that her passion was for teaching so she opted to freelance with other studios and organisations in an effort to gain more experience and exposure.

Her clients are mostly women.

“I love advocating strength training to women because I believe it’s the most effective way to get lean.

“I also wish to break the stigma (amongst women) that by using a dumbbell and undergoing strength training, you bulk up.

“That’s a myth. It’s not easy (for women) to bulk up − it takes a lot of work.

Losing weight is not a straight and easy path − as Ili explains − it requires consistency, determination and commitment.

To discover more about Ili’s incredible fitness journey, watch the attached video for advice and tips on how to stay healthy and in shape. – The Vibes, April 12, 2022