Luxurious Magazine sits down with champion bodybuilder Reagan Kang and discovers there is far more to this young man than a perfectly sculpted physique.
Hi Reagan, thanks for taking some time out to talk to us. One of the most noticeable things about you is that you obviously work out! How do you maintain a body like that?
Reagan: It is my pleasure and thank you for having me. It took me quite a while to build my physique. It’s all the result of carefully planned workouts and a clean healthy diet. I carefully sort out the food and physical activities needed and supplement it with a healthy lifestyle.
Was there a particular time in your life that you decided ‘I want a better body’ and did any family members or media personality influence you?
Reagan: I was a national swimmer from the age of 7 until 15. But after I stopped, I lead a very unhealthy lifestyle, bingeing my way through food whenever I could. At one point, I touched 110kg! Before I found some inspiration which ultimately helped me to get off my butt.
That was the time when I picked up my first fitness magazine and saw a group of dedicated fitness enthusiast who was passionate about changing people’s lifestyles. That interest turned into a passion where I realised I needed to get back in the game! My dad is also a personal trainer, so with his support, I was able to pick up things back up quickly.
As a personal/fitness trainer you are surrounded by the type of equipment you need to keep in shape, does your job still give you time to work out?
Reagan: With the frequency of classes I can’t stress enough that fitness is very important for everyone of all ages. Even my job gets me a minimum of 10 to 18 classes a week. I still workout to maintain muscle density and volume. Fortunately, I am blessed with good genetics which helps me to keep me fit. Nonetheless, I am still able to slot in at least an hour each day dedicated to working out.
What does the average day for a fitness trainer consist of?
Reagan: My day starts off with a good big breakfast. Then we head into the gym where we train our clients or we conduct classes. We sometimes get the morning session off or the evening session off. Most days we are full-on with a minimum of 3 classes, clients workout, and our workout on the same day! It all ends with a nice cold shower and some much-needed sleep!
Do you ever wake up in the morning and say to yourself ‘no no no I’m too tired!’
Reagan: Sometimes the body says ‘NO!’ but, I always remind myself: “People come to the class because of me and my passion of changing their lifestyle, I shall never let them down.” That’s my greatest achievement to see the smile on their faces.
You are a very accomplished junior swimmer, did this help you to build your basic muscle structure?
Reagan: Yes, without any doubt. Swimming is considered to be a very therapeutic workout base. Many doctors and physiotherapist advise their patients to do if they ever had an injury. Swimming has helped me build my stamina and helped with flexibility and agility.
Luxurious Magazine: You were also a champion bodybuilder, tell us about your achievements and whether you have any further ambitions in that field?
Reagan: This was one of my greatest achievements so far. Reaching extreme fitness levels and trying to sculpt a perfect body was always my goal. I think of bodybuilding as an art. The decision to compete as a bodybuilder was an impromptu one because I had no idea how to do it or where to start. So, I started things by doing research, changing my diet plans and amplifying my workouts.
There were ups and downs. I was alone in this and wanted to do this on my own. In 2009 I took the overall champion for Mr Penang Junior above 75 kg and managed to qualify for the nationals. My preparation for Mr Malaysia was so tiring, sometimes I feel like giving up. We pushed our bodies through the roof! We dehydrated ourselves for 2-3 days to get the perfect level of definition. To my surprise, I managed to bag the title of Mr Malaysia Junior Category for my hometown. It was amazing, I felt ecstatic. For now, I am concentrating on improving my fitness level, and spreading the knowledge and education to my clients in achieving their own goals.
Aside from your fitness-related achievements, I know that you have also been on a reality show called ‘Ultimate Prom Night’ tell us about that experience
Reagan: It was a funny story actually. There was this campaign held by Nivea and it was run in my college. My friends and I were just having fun getting our pictures taken. A few weeks later I received a call asking me to participate in their reality show. I was thinking of trying something new so I just went with it. I did what was asked to and ‘voila’ I was voted throughout Malaysia to represent them as The First Ultimate Prom King held by 8TV. It was a fantastic experience and I have learned a lot throughout the weeks of preparation.
How did you get involved in modelling and what are some of the campaigns you have done?
Reagan: After the Ultimate Prom Night show, I received calls from various talent companies where I’d sent my resume to and this helped me to win campaigns and advertising work. This is how I found myself in the modelling industry, plus, I am always excited and ready to try out something new. I have been fortunate to do various Digi Telco campaigns, tv ads and magazine ads among others.
So, Athlete, fitness instructor, reality shows, bodybuilding, what else does the future hold?
Reagan: ‘THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!’ I am always all amped up for any challenges and opportunities!
I know that some ladies reading this will be wondering, what is your relationship status?
Reagan: That’s for me to know and for you to find out!
Thanks again for taking the time to talk to us, is there anything you would like to add?
Reagan: I want to thank you guys for the opportunity to do this interview. I wish you great times and all the very best!.
Read more interviews conducted by Luxurious Magazine here.