Getting fit was never on the cards for Mr Alvin Low.
It got so bad that the 43-year-old financial consultant would hate shopping for clothes because it hurt his self-esteem too much.
Mr Low tells The New Paper on Sunday : "I used to have to pay more for bigger clothes, and it really made me feel bad about myself.
"I thought that was the way my life would be."
But that has changed since he joined the Get Lean Get Strong Challenge 2016.
The challenge is jointly presented by The New Paper and fitness equipment specialist AIBI. (See report at left.)
In April, Mr Low and nine other contestants were selected from a pool of over 80 applicants.
Since then, he has managed to shed an impressive 14kg.
He says with a laugh: "I can actually feel the difference.
"I have not bought new clothes yet, but my colleagues tell me my clothes look so loose now that I am swimming in them."
The insecurity he used to feel has been replaced with hope, and Mr Low is determined to lose even more weight.
"Thanks to the challenge, I now know what kind of food to avoid and what kind of exercises I can do to keep fit," he says.
According to Mr David Devito, who is the challenge's trainer, Mr Low's dedication over the past few months has been impressive.
Although contestants are expected to attend training sessions twice a week, Mr Low has been attending at least three times a week.
Says Mr Devito: "Alvin has improved tremendously and with the flexibility and strength that he has gained, he is now carrying heavier weights safer."
Mr Low's can-do attitude extends outside the training sessions.
According to Mr Devito, Mr Low takes his advice about food seriously, which has contributed significantly to his improved health.
"He has been really great with his diet as he follows it closely," says Mr Devito.
"Alvin has more energy to be with his family, which, for me, is far greater than having lost all the kilograms so far."
Mr Low says he does not work hard for the prizes or the bragging rights.
It is for his 40-year-old wife and two daughters, aged nine and 11."The reason why I joined was to get fit for my family," says Mr Low.
"I wanted to get healthy so I can be around to care for them."
This article was first published on Aug 21, 2016.
Get The New Paper for more stories.
