Chawanee S.
(Chao)

My fitness journey began during my middle school days when I first discovered yoga. It not only sharpened my focus but also significantly improved my academic performance. However, a major turning point came when I studied abroad. Adapting to a new food culture caused my weight to skyrocket. In fact, I gained so much weight that when I returned home to Thailand, my own parents couldn't even recognize me at the airport!

“My own parents couldn't recognize me at the airport.”

That shocking moment became my wake-up call. I realized I needed a sustainable change — not a temporary 3-day or 7-day crash diet, but a permanent lifestyle transformation. I began diving into textbooks and medical literature until I found the ultimate truth: long-term weight loss requires building muscle through weight training combined with cardio.

From that day on, I spent all my free time at the gym. Back then, lifting weights was far from popular among women. I had to endure countless discouraging comments like, "Be careful, you'll look too bulky." I chose to ignore the noise and saved my breath, knowing exactly what my goals were. Every morning, I woke up early to run before class and strictly managed my diet (though I am much more flexible now!). It took me years of hard work and dedication to finally achieve my goal, but the results are permanent — I have never gained the weight back. More importantly, alongside my new physique, I also gained an invaluable sense of self-discipline.