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May Chow has had a busy time of it in recent years. Voted Asia’s Best Female Chef for 2017, she was running her restaurants Little Bao and Happy Paradise while working up to 16 hours a day, feeling stressed, and losing touch with her work-life balance.
“I was about to turn 35 and I thought ‘Wow – I’m never going to be less busy; there’s no chance of me being healthier later’,” she says.
May had never had concrete fitness goals; when she first started with ATP, she jokingly said she wanted to have “abs”. “It was something I thought I’d never care for. But the plan put in place after my initial consultation was so concrete I could see it was achievable.”
That consultation was with ATP gym manager Alex Hunter. Alex says, “It was clear that we required an approach tailored around May’s role as a chef and taking into account her previous training experience. We looked at her goals through our lens of Daily Routine, Nutrition and Activity and built an integrated approach.”
According to Jon, the first step was to go through a “movement screen”. “This showed me how to tailor programmes for May. Even then, I continually observed and adjusted exercises where necessary. Skill development was the priority – I didn’t want her just doing however many reps I told her. I wanted to heighten that mind-muscle connection.”
Following this tailored and everevolving approach meant that May could train safely and sustainably using the most efficient methods to achieve her goals.
“This journey has redefined my lifestyle and reset my work-life balance. Before, I would prioritise work over other activities. Now, fitness has a scheduled time in my diary. I see pictures from 10 years ago and can’t believe how I looked. I still work up to 16 hours a day, but I feel really fit. what I eat, and I really notice a difference. I’m more clear-headed and have longer energy throughout the day.”
She adds, “Many women have lots of things to juggle in life – being top of their game in a professional environment while balancing family life and more. But they should never forget a fitness focus. Fitness creates more stamina and better mental wellbeing for excelling in all those other areas.”
Award-winning chef MAY CHOWstartedaprogramme with ATP Personal Training 12 months ago. At the time, she was stressed and tired, and looking for balance in her life. We find out what happened.