“We become STRONG by starting WEAK, we became FAST by learning from being SLOW, we become READY by being totally UNPREPARED. We grow in whichever path we walk down with curious and open hearts. As long as we keep MOVING forward, we’ll eventually get where we want to be.” – Khairul 

This Is Khairul’s Story

For Khairul who’s a big-time foodie and loves to shop, he didn’t expect his life to change and get to where he is today as a personal trainer. Born in Johor and raised in Putrajaya, Khairul Azwan has been a personal trainer since 2017 after having to quit his 9-5 office job. His childhood mainly involved moving from one place to another due to the nature of his parent’s occupation. “I always believe that when 1 door closes, 2 more doors will open. I also believe that for every problem, there will always be a solution”. Hence, the same concept applies to his career. 

Despite being a personal trainer for a little over 4 years, has he always been into this industry all this while? Not quite – in fact, Khairul shared with us that he wasn’t a sports person at all when he was younger. 

“During my high school years, I was always the last one to be picked in every sports or PE class. The only sports I was chosen first was ‘Tarik Tali’ and shot putter because I was the only ‘big sized’ person on the team,” Khairul shared. 

His Journey Of Being A Personal Trainer

Being a personal trainer has its ups and downs – but the one thing that stuck with him is how he is able to help himself transform into a better person, mentally and physically, which he could apply to all his clients as well. 

Having the ability to transform one’s mindset and lifestyle is the best part of being a personal trainer for Khairul as he achieves satisfaction through the entire process. 

Of course, like every job, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. However, it is all worth it to him because of how happy it makes him feel. “There will always be unexpected long hours of working, and also canceling plans for getaway trips with family or friends but somehow, it will always be worth it.” 

Fitness Changed His Life

Without ever expecting it, fitness completely turned his life around – but for the better. During his personal trainer journey, he experienced both good and bad sides in terms of physical and mental health. “When I was in a bad shape, I was vulnerable mentally due to my physical shape. I always thought the world turned its back on me.” 

But once he turned his mindset around and start to work on himself more, he began to see the world in a much more positive light. “As I started working on getting a better shape, the wheels of fortunes turned upside down. When everybody saw how much I was changing, they slowly approached and complimented me while asking for tips at the same time. I was becoming a person that spreads positive vibe to everyone.”

Khairul’s Best Advice 

To aspiring personal trainers, Khairul shared his experience and advice. First and foremost, if you want to be a personal trainer (PT), you have to walk the talk and show it through your actions and knowledge. “The very first time I stepped in the gym as a PT, my colleague told me that if you wish to be a PT with that shape, dream on.” 

It was ultimately kinda harsh, but sometimes we need that slap of reality in our life to make a change. Hence, that’s why Khairul decided to change his life around by transforming himself into a better version physically. “It was harsh but it’s all true, how can we properly train others if we don’t train ourselves.” 

When you’re a personal trainer, it all starts with you. Once you’re able to be good at what you do, you’ll be able to soar high. 

“Without knowledge, action is useless and knowledge without action is futile. The fitness industry is changing all the time and the best way to deliver is to keep on learning and practicing,” Khairul said. 

What about life as a whole? When it comes to motivation, whether it is through fitness or life in general, it’s not easy to stay motivated all the time. 

Khairul shared, “You have to create your own motivation by consistent movement with something that you love to do. Take ownership of your own motivation and stop waiting for motivation to happen to you!”

We hope Khairul’s story has inspired you the way it inspires us! If you want to change the life of others, it all starts from within! Transform yourself first, and then help transform the lives of others after. 

Do you have your own story to tell? Drop us an email at: contact@happyhormones.my 

Khairul’s Instagram: @khairul_azwan95