Grayce Siuhui is a fitness enthusiast and bodybuilder who has taken part in competitions like Physique War and WBPF Nationals.
Roslyn: Were you active since childhood, or was bodybuilding your first foray into training?
Grayce: I have been sedentary all my life up till the age of 18 when I started doing some form of exercise like running and other forms of cardio. Back then, I did not have a single ounce of knowledge regarding weight lifting, resistance training, building muscle, or even proper nutrition! All I knew was to run a lot, eat fruits and vegetables, and cut the carbs.
It's a mixture of friends and online inspiration that got me into fitness and bodybuilding as I was inspired by their achievements! I started lifting weights as a beginner in August of 2013 when I was 18 but only started training seriously when I was 19. Now that I am 20, I feel like I have come a long way and made considerable progress for someone who hasn't been training hardcore for a long time. In fact, I only started lifting very seriously this year so I feel like I still have a very long way to go before I reach my dream body and true potential.
Are you self-taught, or did you have personal trainers/mentors to guide you in the beginning?
G: I am self-taught, but also have mentors to guide me. I like to do my own research on the internet and do some trial and error. At the same time, I do have a personal trainer that I can seek workout, nutritional, and supplementation advice from. I feel that I am really blessed to have so many people helping me and picking me up along the way of my fitness and bodybuilding journey. I have also forged several valuable friendships and met many hardworking and inspirational individuals that I look up to.
Who is your greatest inspiration? What kept you motivated?
G: My greatest inspiration are a few IFBB* bikini/figure Pros such as Ashley Kaltwasser (pictured below) and Janet Layug! I am motivated because I want to see improvements in my physique and my fitness levels.
What are some challenges you face in your personal life, and how do you overcome them?
G: I occasionally face problems with time management because of the heavy workload in school.
I am currently a year 2 Psychology studies student in Ngee Ann Poly. It's difficult to juggle that with workouts, cardio time, meal prep, sleep, and my social life.
I try to plan everything out so I don't have to rush too much and get things done properly. Time management is key when it comes to a busy lifestyle that most of us lead.
What advice would you give to girls today who look up to you as their inspiration?
G: I will tell them to see their fitness journey as a marathon and not a sprint. Nothing great was ever achieved without consistency, patience, trial and error, hard work and persistence.
Are you planning to take part in any competitions soon? How have your competitive experiences shaped you?
G: I might be competing next year or maybe in 2017 when I graduate from polytechnic. I have learned that contest prep and stepping on stage in a bikini isn't easy -- You need to be physically and mentally ready to be judged by a panel, and not allow a placing to dictate your feelings. As long as you know that you have worked hard, dieted hard and did everything you could to bring your best conditioning and package on stage, you are already a winner. You're part of the minority of people who workout to be a bodybuilder.
* International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness