Lifting Heights

Whether facing a crowded room or an open space, being in the midst of many is no easy task. Allstar Leona shares her journey of balancing life as both a cabin crew member for Asia’s best low-cost airline and as a professional bodybuilder.

1. Before we take off – tell us three fun facts about you, Leona!

• Some may find it surprising, but I’m a senior cabin crew member for AirAsia

• After seeing seven-time Figure Olympia Champion Cyd Gillon, I was inspired to dive into competitive bodybuilding, aiming to build a physique like hers

• I love pushing myself to new heights; there’s just so much to learn along the way.

2. What does your daily training routine look like?

I’ve got a split routine that I’m pretty consistent with. You know, it’s important to target different muscle groups on different days with rest in between. That way, it allows my body to recover and grow.

During competition season, a lot of prepping goes on to ensure my body’s all warmed up! There’s a lot of work behind the scenes, from calculating my macronutrients to prioritising protein while maintaining my carbs and fats intake. The planning process determines my results.

3. How do you balance life as both a cabin crew and a bodybuilder?

When it comes to planning my routines and meals, I like being on the get-go and planning a month ahead of time. Being a cabin crew member is no easy task, especially with my hectic flight schedule, but at least my workout and meal routines provide some consistency.

I’m only human, so stress isn’t anything out of the ordinary. I guess what keeps me in the groove is being focused and driven. After all, this lifestyle aligns with my passions and goals. It’s really important for me to be aware of my mental and physical state, ensuring that I’m allocating enough time for both workouts and rest days, and fitting them around my work commitments.

4. In what ways has your journey in bodybuilding contributed to your personal growth and development?

I’ve learned a lot through bodybuilding. From time management, self-discipline, and commitment, there’s always something new to learn because my training and diet require effort and dedication. The journey’s been really valuable both personally and professionally; I’ve developed skills that I can apply to my role as a cabin crew member. We’re all about ensuring the safety of ourselves and those around us, so we have to be on the move.

5. What are some challenges you faced during your journey and how’d you tackle them?

As a bodybuilder, I’d say my biggest challenge is managing my nutrition and calorie counting. Initially, I disliked the idea of tracking every single calorie I consume, but as I gained more knowledge and experience, I recognised its importance.

I find fitness apps really helpful in minimising my struggles, especially during the early days. They help me track my daily calorie intake and break down fat, protein, and carbs, ensuring nutritional consistency, especially during competition season.

6. How do you keep track of your diet and figure out what works best for you?

I’ve come a long way since the beginning of my bodybuilding journey. I used to be very strict about what I consumed; I’d feel guilty for even giving myself a KitKat as a treat. Well, now I’ve learned to not be so hard on myself and that moderation and balance are key.

Over time, I’ve found that understanding my micronutrient requirements helps a lot in developing a healthier perspective towards the food I consume. This has changed the entire food game for me, so a little treat won’t harm my diet, as long as it fits within my overall nutritional goals.

7. Tell us about your proudest moments!

As a cabin crew, my proudest moments are whenever I ensure a smooth and successful flight with my crew. As a bodybuilder? There’s one unforgettable moment for me, and it’s winning the WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) figure title. The entire experience felt surreal; holding that trophy in my hands was everything I had worked so hard to achieve.

The journey was a complete roller coaster ride. I had to adapt to a whole new scene, especially because I had just transitioned from the bikini division to figure. I remember feeling intimidated by the other competitors because of their muscular physiques. But despite that, I kept my chin up on stage.

8. What advice would you give the ladies out there looking to pursue something in a male-dominated area? 

To all the women out there looking to step into territories often dominated by men, it’s crucial to set clear goals for yourself and stay focused. Conduct thorough research to make your goals achievable.

Results don’t come overnight; persistence throughout the journey is key. Recognise and celebrate your milestones, but remember, it’s not the end. There’s always room for improvement and growth, both personally and professionally.