Women have long shunned strength training in favor of aerobics, spinning and yoga. Now, attitudes are slowly shifting in line with a global movement that holds health, strength and beauty in equal and symbiotic regard.

 

Flo Napasab is from Bangkok and works as an account strategist for a marketing company.

 

What exercise did you do before strength training?
I did a lot of cardio. 

Why did you start strength training?
I got bored doing the same workout without seeing any results, so I decided to try a strength class at BASE. 

Why do you enjoy strength training?
I love how you see measurable progress—in terms of body shape it gets the best results.

Did you have any reservations at first?
I thought that lifting heavy weights would make me look big, bulky and less feminine. My perception has completely changed—I’ve seen many positive changes in my body and am stronger and leaner. I’ve also learned about strength training principles, like progressive overload and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). I’ve also learned a lot about strength training principles from John [Del Castillo], my coach, such as progressive overload and rate of perceived exertion (RPE).

What’s been your biggest achievement in strength?
I competed in the recent Thailand Open Powerlifting Competition; to lift at national level was a proud achievement and a fun goal to aim for. On a personal level, I’ve gained strength while losing eight kilos, proving you can build muscle  without “bulking up.”

What have been the main benefits of strength training?
Losing weight (I even had to bring my watch rings in a few notches!), improving my body shape and butt, burning more calories, better posture and providing my body with a strong foundation for all activities. I’ve literally never felt better.

Do you think Thais’ attitudes towards strength training are changing?
A typical approach in Thailand is to try and lose weight through intense cardio as it’s often perceived that lifting heavy weights is not for women. In fact, it’s pretty difficult for women to get bulky—they would need to consume excess calories or do specific training.