From Self‑Doubt to Stronghold: Clarissa Koh’s Fitness Journey
Picture this: a 21‑year‑old nursing student who once stared at her reflection and thought, “Ugh, bad!” She dove headfirst into the world of weights, and the results? A viral 56‑second TikTok clip with 34,000+ views. Who knew a simple pull‑up could turn into a comeback story?
Why Clarissa Picked the Weights
- January 2021: “I didn’t like the way I looked” → goal: get stronger.
- Joined Nanyang Polytechnic Sprint Kayak Team (NYPSKT) (yes, kayaking + muscle‑building).
- Hacked a new hobby that grew into a passion for sweat‑drip.
Early Struggles – The “Heavy” Side of Fitness
Clarissa admits she battled with self‑esteem and confidence. “I’d get frustrated digging for those heavy weights or feel completely drained,” she admits. The good news? She got a boost from her seniors and a supportive boyfriend.
The Dreaded Pull‑Up
Check out how it all began: Clarissa was working out at Yio Chu Kang stadium’s fitness corner, pulling up with a resistance band. A handful of weeks later, she nailed her first unassisted pull‑up — and it was at her ex‑boyfriend’s place. He laughed in triumph, and she knew it was the moment she’d always wanted.
Progress that Packs a Punch
- Current routine: 3 pull‑ups with perfect form.
- On “good days”: up to 5 pull‑ups.
- Netizens flooded the comments with cheer—because who doesn’t love seeing a teen overcome insecurities?
Modern Life Lesson
It turns out that chasing a new hobby can be a mental workout as much as a physical one. In Clarissa’s case, the courage to lift heavy cans became a way to lift herself out of doubt and into confidence.
Bottom line? You might be rolling your eyes at the idea of pulling yourself up, but it could become your own confidence‑boosting workout.
Clarissa’s Unstoppable Weekend Warrior Routine
Every time she logs a tiny win—like nailing a perfect plank or finally splashing through the water—she feels a little spark in the chest. Add some heart‑warming comments from her followers, and that spark turns into an unstoppable blaze of motivation.
Her “Daily” Magic Formula
- NYPSKT Water Training over the weekend—because who doesn’t love a splashy workout?
- Weekly 5 km run—keeping the heart rate up and that steady pace in place.
- At least two gym sessions each week—lifting, smashing, and feeling the burn.
- Balancing a hectic nursing shift—turns her schedule into a real-life Jenga tower.
She’s honest about the chaos: “Right now it’s kinda messy with the nursing attachment,” she laughs. But seeing her gym bros cheering her on keeps the gun‑oriented iron momentum alive.
The Reality Check
Clarissa says she’s not exactly a fitness guru—after all, she hasn’t earned a “qualified” badge yet. Still, she shares the truth: the road to fitness is a real pain. But that pain is worth it when the comparison shifts from “who’s better” to “who was I yesterday?”
She quotes herself: “There will always be folks who are stronger, faster, and bigger. But in this journey, I’ve learned that the only person you should be measuring against is the person you were yesterday.”
Side Note
Curious about a Tabata twist or a dance‑based cardio? Read the evergreen guide on how you can finish your Tabata without a round of prata (thanks, TikTok-famous SAF encik!). It’s another rallying point for those who love a little TikTok spark along their fitness journey.
While Clarissa’s story is one of grit and late‑night shifts, her message is universal: pick your own pace, chase that little daily win, and let the world watch (or just shrug) as you get stronger.
