Weight Loss, Powerlifting, and Self-Discovery

Name: Sharina Shahmann

Hometown: originally from Malaysia but currently lives in Melbourne, Australia

Occupation: Data analyst

When and how did you become interested in fitness and nutrition? When I had to lose weight. I was morbidly obese and my health while still okay at that point, had the risk of becoming worse. I was a great candidate for lifestyle diseases and decided that life is too short to allow that to happen.

What is your favorite way to exercise/stay fit? Lifting weights! I also do HIIT, boxing and I walk my dogs everyday.

Favorite activewear outfit or brand? Too many but right now I quite like Fabletics for its reasonable prices and good quality products. You don't want to be squatting in sheer leggings!

Any tips for people who want to stay/get healthy? Start it. Don't put it off, don't make excuses. Your health is important and you only have one life to live. Focus on one good lifestyle change a week and never follow fad diets.

Favorite meal/snack? I love almonds and dark chocolate occasionally as a snack. Watermelon as well when it's warm!

What do you love about your body? How strong it has become and how much stronger it is going to be. I occasionally struggle with body image issues but most of the time now I can look past it because I know what my body is capable of and there isn't another body like mine.

What are your passions and aspirations for the future? I am planning to compete in powerlifting this year and I am finishing up a fitness course which means I'll be able to help other people like me who are eager to be healthier and fitter.

What does authentic mean to you and in what ways are you authentic? Authentic to me means knowing it is all me in that gym putting in the hard work. Knowing that I will have bad days and that doesn't mean I'm a failure. It means I am honest with myself as to where I am with my goals and if someone asks me if this journey is hard or easy, I can tell them that it's been hard but it's been the best journey of self-discovery and self-love that I've ever been on.

Sharina is an Australia-based fitness beast. Follow her on instagram @dumbbells_and_dumplings or on her blog at dumbbellsanddumplings.wordpress.com

#fitness #nutrition #weightloss