Singapore #Fitspo of the Week: Jerald Foo

Life goes beyond the digits on the scale and your body is capable of so much more! Yahoo’s #Fitspo of the Week series is dedicated to inspirational men and women in Singapore leading healthy and active lifestyles. Have someone to recommend? Hit Cheryl up on Instagram or Facebook!

Name: Jerald Foo (@jeraldfoo)

Age: 35

Height: 1.76m

Weight: 75kg

Occupation: Realtor

Status: Attached

Food: I eat anything and any amount you put in front of me; I'm definitely not a picky eater.

Exercise: Three days of strength and two days of cardio at Body Fit Training (BFT).

Q: When you were younger, were you active in sports?

A: Absolutely. From a young age, I was always drawn to sports and fitness activities. Whether it was playing soccer, basketball, or running around in the neighbourhood, I loved being active and challenging myself physically.

The one thing I did excel all through school until my university days was the 400m hurdles event in track and field. It took a lot of discipline, focus and agility and I loved it.

What did you get into as you got older?

As I got older, I began exploring other sports that provided me with a sense of leisure and enjoyment. Alongside my active pursuits, I delved into activities such as leisure diving and snowboarding. These sports allowed me to embrace the beauty of nature while engaging in thrilling and exhilarating experiences.

Taking up these less competitive sports provided a wonderful balance to my fitness routine and allowed me to appreciate the joy and relaxation that can be found in recreational pursuits.

You did modelling full-time at one point.

Yes, modelling full-time was an incredible chapter in my life. I still do it as a hobby when time permits. It allowed me to express myself creatively, work with talented individuals and experience different aspects of the fashion and entertainment industry.

It was an enriching experience that taught me a lot about myself and the importance of self-confidence.

Was there any pressure to look a certain way?

While I do engage in the occasional modelling shoot, I prioritise my real estate career now as it aligns with my long-term goals.

Regarding the pressure to look a certain way, I believe it's important to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle. However, I've learned to focus more on being authentic and embracing my own unique qualities rather than conforming to specific standards. It's about feeling confident and comfortable being who I am.

Why did you choose to do real estate?

I chose to pursue real estate because it allows me to combine my passion for helping people with my love for architecture and design. I enjoy the process of guiding clients through the exciting journey of finding their dream homes. The satisfaction of matching individuals with their ideal properties is truly rewarding.

However, like any career, there are challenges. Real estate requires dedication, persistence and adaptability. It can be a competitive industry, but I embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

When you were younger, did you experience any incidents that made you feel insecure about yourself?

Yeah, I’m sure we all did. Like most people, I faced moments of insecurity and adversity in my younger years. These experiences have shaped me and allowed me to develop resilience and a deeper understanding of myself.

They taught me the importance of self-acceptance and the value of surrounding myself with positive influences. Overcoming these challenges has ultimately made me appreciate life and embrace its uncertainties.

When did you feel the least confident about yourself?

There was a time when I felt a lack of confidence in myself and it was during my teenage years. It was a period of self-discovery and trying to find my identity. However, I gradually overcame this phase by focusing on personal growth, setting achievable goals and surrounding myself with supportive friends and mentors.

Engaging in sports and fitness played a significant role in boosting my self-esteem, as it helped me develop a strong sense of discipline and accomplishment.

Did you ever struggle with your body?

I did not struggle with body weight specifically, but I did have a vision of the ideal body I wanted to achieve. To work towards that, I established a regular gym routine and focused on strength training and overall fitness. Through consistent dedication and effort, I was able to see positive changes in my physique over time.

However, it's important to note that my goal was never about conforming to societal standards or seeking external validation. It was about feeling confident and comfortable with that person I see in the mirror, and going to the gym regularly helped me achieve that. The journey taught me the importance of patience, self-care, and celebrating progress rather than fixating on specific body measurements. Ultimately, it's about finding a balance and embracing a healthy lifestyle that suits you as an individual.

Are you satisfied with your body now?

Yeah I am. I have come to appreciate and accept my body as it is, understanding that true beauty and strength come in various shapes and sizes. Rather than focusing on specific measurements or external validation, I prioritise my overall well-being and health.

By nourishing my body with nutritious food, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing self-care, I have found a sense of balance and harmony with my body. Embracing self-love and gratitude has allowed me to feel confident and content with who I am.

Have you ever received any comments about your body?

Haha, not regularly but from time to time I guess. While some comments may have been positive and uplifting, there have always been stigmas of how a person should look. However, I firmly believe that everyone is entitled to their own unique beauty, and no one should be defined solely by external appearances.

It's important to recognise that true beauty comes from within and encompasses qualities like kindness, resilience, and confidence. If I were to change anything about myself, it would be to continue cultivating self-acceptance and spreading the message of body positivity, encouraging others to embrace their own unique beauty as well.