READ OUR BLOG
Enjoy articles about health and fitness, as well as client features, written by our personal trainers.
Search for any topic here.
STRENGTH
Linda Sim: I train so I can be healthier and stronger
Linda wanted to get stronger and healthier and set out to find a gym that could support her in her goals. At Level, she found personalized attention and support from her trainer Alice.
Bernadette Bong (age 65): “I train so I can improve my physique and get stronger”
In this interview, we feature Manny (our very own personal trainer) and his mom Bernadette on her journey to get stronger and improve her overall strength, cardiovascular fitness as well as body composition.
Kelvin Wang: “I train to be able to do things I never thought possible before”
Growing up obese, Kelvin has always struggled with body image issues. Since training at Level, he has gained the confidence to do a handstand, try wakesurfing / surfskating, hike in Peru and run a half marathon.
Leanne Sim: “I train for better mental health”
Leanne felt a lot of stress and anxiety during COVID in 2020 and working out regularly at Level made the COVID situation so much less stressful.
Helen Chua: “I train so I can improve my mobility”
Due to long hours at work, Helen suffered from mobility issues and had difficulty squatting and climbing stairs. She started training at Level to improve her mobility.
Ng Siah Heng (age 59): “I train for a high quality of life in my golden years”
Ng Siah Heng began olympic weightlifting when he was 58 years old, proving that it is never too late to get started. His goal is to increase his strength, flexibility and mobility for his golden years.
Wing Yee: “I train for confidence, empowerment, discipline and mental clarity”
From only doing cardio for exercise, Wing Yee now strength trains because it helps her feel more confident, disciplined and for the mental well-being.
Camellia Abd Gani: “I train so I can build more muscle mass”
From Spartan Training to Small Group Personal Training, Cammie has been training at Level for the last three years to build more muscle mass.
Kelvin Ngian: “I train to build more upper body strength”
Kelvin has been a regular at Level’s classes since Oct 2020. In Feb 2022, he decided to try small group personal training for a more structured and focused training programme.
Audrey Tan: “I train so I can have my cake and eat it”
Having trained with John since 2019, Audrey loves her lean physique but most importantly, she loves how John does not restrict her diet.
Mai Tomida: “I train to elevate my fitness levels”
When Mai stopped making progress in her HIIT classes, she decided to start personal training with John Cheah to elevate her fitness levels.
Desmond Lim: “I train for a stronger body”
After sustaining injuries in Crossfit and boxing, Desmond, a fashion director at Vogue, began Calisthenics training at Level. His goal was to build a stronger body.
Nadiah Hazwani: “I train to improve my confidence”
Nadiah wanted to get stronger to carry her two kids, but she subsequently realised that she wanted to train for herself, for her mental and emotional well-being.
Marcela Viola: “I train to strengthen my core”
An aeriel instructor, Marcela has been attending Handstand and Calisthenics classes to strengthen her upper body and core.
Clarence Lim: “I train so I can build muscle and get stronger”
Clarence has been coming to Level for almost 2 years, but only started personal training 2 months ago. He wanted to get bigger and stronger, and gain some muscle too.
SENIORS
Coach Ileane talks about her Rehab and Seniors experience
With a background in breath work, neurological pain management and strength training, Coach Ileane focuses on restoring confidence, independence and resilience in older adults.
The Benefits of Strength Training for Seniors
As we age, maintaining our physical, mental and social health becomes increasingly important.
Getting Mum and Dad to Train
We spoke to Coach Phil and LEVEL client Erica to find out how they got their parents to start strength training.
Client Spotlight: Jenny Yeung (Age 72)
At 72 years old, Jenny Yeung has embarked on a fitness journey that has transformed both her physical and mental health.
Bernadette Bong (age 65): “I train so I can improve my physique and get stronger”
In this interview, we feature Manny (our very own personal trainer) and his mom Bernadette on her journey to get stronger and improve her overall strength, cardiovascular fitness as well as body composition.
Ng Siah Heng (age 59): “I train for a high quality of life in my golden years”
Ng Siah Heng began olympic weightlifting when he was 58 years old, proving that it is never too late to get started. His goal is to increase his strength, flexibility and mobility for his golden years.
Thomas Coffman (age 66): “I train for better metabolic health”
As the Dean of Duke-NUS Medical School, Thomas Coffman understands the benefits of being metabolically healthy and has been training at Level for the last six years.
Mr and Mrs Xie (age 55 and 50): “We train so we can improve our mobility”
When Julie started personal training at Level, she convinced her parents (age 55 and 50) to join too, as she thought it’d be good for them to build some strength and lead a more active lifestyle.
SPORTS PERFORMANCE
Tristen Yee: “I train so I can be better at table tennis”
In this interview with one of our youngest clients, Tristen opens up about his training experience, his goals, and how personal training at Level has transformed not only his physical abilities but also his mental strength.
Eleni Sardi: “I train so I can be a better runner”
As an avid runner, Eleni embarked on a personal training programme designed with plyometrics for strength to improve her running performance.
Barbara Latimer: “I train so I can box better”
Barbara, a boxing instructor, wanted to build her overall strength, reduce body fat and gain muscle mass. She was also hoping to strengthen her back after she suffered a lower back injury from Muay Thai back in 2017.
Matthew Coleman: “I train so I can perform better on the rugby field”
A rugby player, Matthew Coleman wanted to perform better on the rugby fields despite injuries. Alex developed a personal training programme that would help him achieve just that.
Arjun Raghavan: “I train so I can win my squash games”
Arjun loves a good game of squash. It was with the goal of improving his game and preventing injury that he started working with his personal trainer Jeff.
Adelene Stanley-Cheah: “I train so I can dance better”
As a freelance dancer, Adelene is moving all the time. She decided to work with a personal trainer to prepare for her upcoming dance tour in China.
Cheryl Teo: “I train so I can chase my Olympic dream”
Cheryl is a national sailor who is training to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her personal trainer developed a programme that would allow her to see the results of her hard work in the gym on water.
REHAB
Naddy Shamsur: I Train So I Can Rehab My Knee After Surgery
When Naddy suffered a knee injury that subsequently required surgery, she knew that she needed to tap the expertise of experienced trainers to help her with her rehabilitation.
Motoko Gollent: “I train to rehab my shoulder injury”
Motoko suffered a shoulder injury as the result of a miscalculated adjustment during yoga. After surgery, she started training at Level to rehab her shoulder and regain her strength.
Marc Torel: “I train so I can regain confidence after a knee injury”
After Marc tore his ACL and MCL, he lost confidence and was afraid to lift heavy. It was Jamie, his wife, who suggested doing personal training sessions at Level.
Wee Shu Ting: “I train so I can practice yoga pain free”
As someone with scoliosis and SI joint issues, Shu Ting wanted to engage in strength training to help prevent injury and let her maintain a pain-free yoga practice in the long haul.
OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING
From Injured Athlete to 1st Place in National Weightlifting Championship
Learn more about how Daniel overcame multiple back injuries to place first at the National Weightlifting Championship in his category.
Barbell Club: Behind The Scenes
The Level Barbell Club trains 6 days a week at Robinson Road, and is made up of an interesting assortment of people. We caught up with Daniel, Sherling, Manoj and Jacintha and asked them if they get tired of lifting, of Coach Wu, or of each other.
Coach Spotlight: Wu Chuan Fu
We caught up with Wu Chuan Fu, our beloved weightlifting coach and asked him about his history as a weightlifter, his love for finding beauty in this sport and whether there’s hope for us as uncoordinated people.
PRE / POST-PARTUM
Jamie Victoria Guna: “I train post-partum so I can regain strength and get back to work after pregnancy”
After giving birth, Jamie knew she had to recover her pre-pregnancy fitness levels if she wanted to return to work as a boxing instructor.
Sheetal Pritmani: “I train pre-partum so I can be strong when my baby arrives”
When Sheetal found out she was pregnant, she wanted to be able to lift her baby without injury, and prevent aches and pains during pregnancy.
WHY WOMEN LIFT
Why Women Lift: What are the benefits of lifting weights for women?
We asked our female clients and trainers: What are the benefits of lifting weights for women? Here’s what they had to say.
Why Women Lift: Will you get bulky lifting weights?
We asked our female clients and trainers: will you get bulky lifting weights? Here’s what they had to say.
Why Women Lift: Is training with light weights better than heavy weights for women?
We asked our female clients and trainers: Is training with light weights better than heavy weights for women? Here’s what they had to say.
Why Women Lift: Is Aerobic Exercise More Effective than Resistance Training (for Burning Fat?)
We asked our female clients and trainers: is aerobic exercise more effective than resistance training (for burning fat)? Here’s what they had to say.
Why Women Lift: What would you say to a woman who’s afraid to lift heavy?
We asked our female clients and trainers: What would you say to a woman who’s afraid to lift heavy? Here’s what they had to say.
COACH SPOTLIGHT
Coach Spotlight: Bronson on Mental Health
On World Mental Health day, we asked Bron to speak on on men’s mental health.
Coach Spotlight: Shannon on Eating Disorders
At LEVEL, we asked Coach Shannon to speak candidly about her own perspective on women’s mental health and eating disorders.
Coach Ileane talks about her Rehab and Seniors experience
With a background in breath work, neurological pain management and strength training, Coach Ileane focuses on restoring confidence, independence and resilience in older adults.
Coach Spotlight: Shannon Chan
Meet Coach Shannon—former dancer, athlete, design student, and self-proclaimed food enthusiast—now channelling her love for movement and learning into helping others thrive in and out of the gym.
Coach Spotlight: Sam and Erin Prep for Hyrox
Coaches Sam and Erin share how they’re building strength, resilience, and confidence in their HYROX prep—one smart session at a time.
Coach Spotlight: Wing Yee takes on Everest Base Camp
Trainer, coach, and now high-altitude fiancée, we asked Wing Yee what it really took to reach Everest Base Camp (and say yes on the way up).
Coach Spotlight: Erin’s Run for Cancer
We caught up with Erin, who recently took part in a 100km relay to raise funds for cancer. Invited by a friend to join a 10-person team, she saw it as a meaningful way to support a good cause.
Krystle & Bronson Take on Hydrox: A Dynamic Duo Ready to Compete
Hyrox Taipei: Krystle and Bronson are taking on HYROX Mixed Doubles—can this powerhouse duo dominate the ultimate fitness race in Tapei?
Coach Spotlight: Sam’s Recovery Journey
In this interview, he opens up about the injury, the recovery process, and how it has reshaped his perspective on training and movement.
CLIENT STORIES
Client Spotlight: Alex Jeffrey
For Alex Jeffrey, staying active isn’t just about fitness—it’s about being present and engaged for his three young children.
Client Spotlight: Helen Chua (She is Strong)
Hear from Helen, who has completed two batches of She Is Strong
Client Spotlight: Nian Kai on His Fitness Journey with LEVEL
At LEVEL, every client’s fitness journey is unique—shaped by their goals, challenges, and the personalized training experience we provide.
Client Spotlight: Jenny Yeung (Age 72)
At 72 years old, Jenny Yeung has embarked on a fitness journey that has transformed both her physical and mental health.
Client Spotlight: Claudia Thia
Stepping into a gym can be an intimidating experience, especially when you’re unsure of where to begin or how to navigate the equipment.
Client Stories: It Takes Two Hands…to Handstand
Marcela and Asawinee are both regulars of our Handstand classes with Lorne, so we caught up with them to find out a bit more about this common love for being upside down.
Client Spotlight: Adithi and Yiamunaa
Adithi and Yiamunaa have very different goals, yet train together under the watchful eye of coach John. We caught up with the both of them to see how their training has been affected by the lockdown, and what they’re doing to get back on track.
Client Spotlight: Emilie Potvin
We caught up with Emilie, who works with governments across Asia to think about how technology affects the future of transport. It’s not a coincidence that she’s one of the first clients who have used technology to advance her own journey in fitness!
Client Spotlight: Daniel Tan
We caught up with Daniel, who normally spends his time in Coach Wu’s barbell class. With the circuit breaker in place, he’s now moved to train remotely with Alex, who is working with Daniel to maintain strength and muscle over the course of the month.
Client Spotlight: Premilah Streram
We caught up with Prem, who fell in love with us at first sight (her words, not ours). When she’s not running a Spartan Race (Prem ran 3 in 2019!), she works as a Dentist. We asked her about her training, and how it’s evolved across her time at Level.
Client Spotlight: Sarah Cole
We caught up with Sarah Cole, a prodigal coach of Level who’s now at the other end of the coaching relationship. Her goals have changed dramatically over the years and what drove her years ago is firmly in her rear view mirror.
Client Spotlight: Shin Hui
Shin Hui came to us to get in shape for her wedding: her body weight dropped from 57.2kg to 52.8kg, and body fat percentage also decreased from 25.5% to 20.1%!
PERSONAL TRAINING
Client Spotlight: Alex Jeffrey
For Alex Jeffrey, staying active isn’t just about fitness—it’s about being present and engaged for his three young children.
How to Enjoy Party Season Without Loosing Fitness
You’re probably seeing glittering lights and hearing merry melodies now that the holiday season is in the air.
6 Things I Wish I Knew before Starting my Fitness Journey
Our female trainer Krystle shares six tips for beginners at the gym – useful for anyone just starting on their fitness journey!
How Much Does A Personal Trainer Cost in Singapore?
To give you an idea of how much to pay for a personal trainer, here’s a back-of-the-envelope summary of average costs based on the prices of personal trainer in Singapore.
How to Set Up Your Home Gym
Let’s face it: we’re in this for the rest of the year. With all the gyms in Singapore possibly reopening with some kind of capacity restriction, we’re already in an unprecedented winter— and it’s here to stay.
Weightlifting- Wait, What?
John Cheah talks about Weightlifting: the myths associated with it, how he think it makes sense for people who work in a 9-5 job, and how to start trying it for yourself.
WEIGHT LOSS
What is More Important for Losing Weight? – Diet or Exercise?
I’d say the first step to seeing change starts with exercise, simply because an hour three times a week is more actionable at first.
Can I Gain Muscle and Lose Fat at the Same Time?
A better question whould be what is the optimal condition you need to be in to perform your day-to-day function.
SPARTAN TRAINING
Coach Spotlight: Dimitri Stroobant
We caught up with Dimitri, who came in second in the 30-34 age group in the Spartan Beast held at Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru. We spoke to him about his training, his advice for first-time Spartan Racers, and his plans for the new year.
Should I Run A Spartan Race?
As someone who has run a Spartan Race before, here’s what I think: whether you’re someone generally fit and strong, or if you’ve been inactive on your couch for 10 years, do your homework, and then take that next step.
Spartan Race Client Spotlight: Aneesh Chowdary
Despite it being his first spartan race, Aneesh completed all the obstacles at the Bukit Timah Spartan Sprint on the 3rd of August 2019, coming in top 50 in his age category.
The Bukit Timah Spartan Race 2019 – “Veni, Vidi, Vici”
The 2019 Bukit Timah Spartan Race saw familiar faces return to run with Team Level, along with a host of new faces who thoroughly enjoyed their first taste of obstacle racing.
© 2014-2026 Level Pte Ltd | Personal Training in CBD, Singapore.
All rights reserved |Photography by Juan Chan | Privacy Policy