In a world where "skinny is sexy" once dominated the fitness narrative, Coach Aira is here to shake things up. In this heartwarming, humorous, and brutally honest episode of Live Life Weekly, we follow the real-life journey of a woman who went from skipping recess to run with the boys to becoming a Muay Thai-kicking, kettlebell-swinging, community-inspiring fitness coach.

And trust us — her story will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even tie those running shoes you've been ignoring.

From Early Hustle to Trailblazer: Aira's Beginnings

Coach Aira's story begins in primary school, where instead of eating her packed meals, she spent her recess running around and playing sports. She didn’t care much for food back then; all she wanted to do was move. Her mother constantly found untouched food in her bag, torn skirts, and dirtied uniforms. From track and field to netball and even Malay dance (yes, she knows how to ronggeng!), Aira was a ball of energy from day one.

Her active streak continued through secondary school, where she represented ITE in football, did HIIT workouts before HIIT was a trend, and believed that being "lean skinny" meant success. But something was missing.

"Skinny" Wasn't the Goal — Strength Was

Back then, Aira had the flexibility but lacked both strength and endurance. Over time, her mindset evolved. Strength became the new sexy, and the goal shifted from just looking good to actually feeling strong and capable. She went on to pursue bootcamps, earn certifications in fitness and sports management, and educate herself in nutrition and health. What began as a personal journey turned into a professional mission.

Enter Muay Thai, High Rocks, and Hybrid Hustle

Aira is what you call a hybrid athlete, someone who blends multiple training disciplines. Her core focus remains kettlebell training, but she also runs, does Muay Thai, and has competed in High Rocks. She’s not just training for aesthetics; she's training for life.

"I’m a fighter and a survivor," she says. And when she says it, you believe it.

From teaching bootcamps to empowering women through self-defense boxing classes, Aira believes fitness is about more than the body — it’s about confidence, capability, and surviving whatever life throws at you.

From Clients to Community: Why People Seek Her Out

Aira works with women across various life stages. In their 20s, clients often seek body goals and aesthetic results. By their 30s, many aim for sustainable fitness routines to support their hectic lifestyles. Once they hit their 40s and 50s, health issues like thyroid imbalances, joint pain, and hypertension start to surface, and strength training becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.

 She recognises that each age group has its own motivations and designs her programs to meet clients where they are—whether it's building strength, improving posture, or simply staying consistent.

The First Step Is the Hardest

For beginners who feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the gym, Aira takes a gentle and progressive approach. Her coaching starts with foundational practices like mobility drills, stretching, and bodyweight exercises. This not only builds a safe and strong foundation but also boosts confidence in those just starting their fitness journey.

Her clients are gradually introduced to more complex workouts only after they feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. This method allows for sustainable progress and prevents injury.

Why Women Need Strength Training

"Once you hit 40, your body is preparing for menopause. That’s when strength training becomes essential," she says.

Aira strongly advocates for women to begin strength training as early as possible. But if they haven’t, it’s never too late. She guides women in lifting safely, correcting posture, and listening to their bodies. Her focus? Helping women age gracefully, with strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Battling Misinformation: No Quick Fixes

As a coach, Aira is often asked about weight loss shortcuts. Products that promise 3kg down in 5 days? She shuts that down. There are no shortcuts, she stated firmly. Supplements should support your lifestyle, not replace effort. She talks passionately about the difference between essential supplements like collagen for joint recovery and gut health versus harmful gimmicks. Her belief in holistic health over fads is clear.

Injuries, Real Talk & Recovery

Aira’s fitness journey hasn’t been all smooth. She once injured her lower back from doing cardio kickboxing classes with the wrong shoes. She laughs as she recalls the corset she had to wear afterward, the pain, and the hard-earned lessons about posture, footwear, and core strength.

Her takeaway? Never neglect your core, and always wear the right shoes.

The Coach Behind the Curtain: Balancing Work & Emotions

Coaching is more than a job; it’s emotional labor. Aira shares openly about showing up for clients even on bad days. Whether it’s a breakup or a stressful family situation, she keeps a straight face.

"I show up, touch up my eyeliner, and do what needs to be done." Her clients never see the cracks — only the strength. That resilience is what makes her such a powerful presence.

Kettlebells, Dangdut & Dopamine

So why kettlebells? It started with colourful equipment at bootcamp and grew into a love for functional training. "They look cute, but they work your whole body," she jokes.

And yes, her gym playlist includes Dangdut, Pop Yeh Yeh, and even Wings. Her friends may roll their eyes, but her workouts are undeniably effective. "I can swing the bell 200 to 500 times a day. Split reps, of course," she laughs.

Mental Health, Movement & Why She'll Never Stop

For Aira, movement is medicine. It's how she manages stress, builds resilience, and stays grounded.

"After a good session, I'm productive. I feel alive," she says. Her workouts are her therapy. As for how long she’ll keep coaching? "For the longest time," she says without hesitation. She sees herself in this industry for life.

Advice for Women Starting Out

If you're a woman thinking of starting your fitness journey, Aira has this to say:

"Start with what you have. Don’t be shy. Don’t waste money signing up for a gym you won’t go to. Try home workouts, walks, and low-pressure classes. But know your WHY." From 10kg weight loss to strength gains in clients over 50, Aira has seen all kinds of transformations. But what she values most is the consistency. The people who show up, week after week, for their health.

Her mission isn’t to make you look like a K-pop star. It’s to help you move, live, and age better.

Listen to the Full Conversation

This blog is just a glimpse into a conversation rich with stories, cultural insights, and practical wisdom.

👉 Catch the full episode on YouTube and Spotify – search for “Live Life Podcast by MyLustre.”

Trust us, you’ll want to hear the parts about gym anxiety, Pop Yeh Yeh playlists, and why 500 kettlebell swings a day isn’t just for the bold—it’s for the brave.