Name: Andee Chua (he/him)
Age: 35
Occupation: Experience & Inclusion Leader at a tech company
Status: Married
Food: I’m currently in a cutting phase and eating on a calorie deficit. Most weekdays I stick to simple meal preps like chicken breast, rice, and vegetables: the classic bodybuilding meals. I actually like eating the same thing every day because it takes the stress out of deciding what to eat. Weekends are different though, that’s when I enjoy better meals, whether it’s date nights with my husband or gatherings with friends.
Exercise: I train at the gym five times a week, and on top of that I run twice a week with some hybrid training mixed in. I’ve just signed up for my first HYROX in Singapore this November, so I’m definitely clocking in a lot more running these days.
When you were younger, were you active in sports?
To be honest, I never really saw myself as a sporty person growing up. I did basketball and swimming quite a bit, but that was more because of my height. At 1.88m, people kind of expected me to play basketball, so it felt more like an obligation than something I truly loved.
What I was actually drawn to was dance and music. I started dancing when I was 10 and that quickly became my world. I trained hard, competed a lot, and that was really my version of sports. Dance gave me discipline, creativity, and an outlet for expression. I stuck with it all the way into my mid-20s, and I think that was what really kept me active and connected to movement.
What did you get into as you got older?
After army, I started exploring fitness more seriously. The gym became a big part of my life. I got into weightlifting and bodybuilding, which opened up a whole new world for me. Around that same time, I joined dragonboating. I’ve always loved water and the idea of being part of a competitive team sport, so dragonboating was perfect. It was intense but so fun.
At one point I was juggling both bodybuilding and dragonboating, which was quite a lot, but I loved it because it pushed me in different ways. That period really shaped how I looked at training and what my body could do.
You dabbled in bodybuilding for a while.
Joining a bodybuilding competition was honestly a bucket-list thing for me. I’d always looked at people who competed and thought, wow, that takes so much discipline, but I never imagined I’d do it myself. Then one day I thought, why not? I love a challenge, so I went all in.
I spent about a year cycling through bulking and cutting, and eventually I got a coach to prep me for a competition. That whole experience was eye-opening. I learned so much about nutrition, macros, water intake, and how precise you have to be to get stage-ready.
It completely changed the way I understood food and training. It was tough though. Very tough. Prepping for stage can feel like torture at times. I’m really glad I did it because it gave me so much knowledge and discipline, but I also knew it wasn’t something I’d want to repeat. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime challenges that taught me a lot and I’m grateful for it.
You are also a model.
Modeling happened really by chance. About 10 years ago, I got scouted and before I knew it, I was debuting in Milan Fashion Week with Giorgio Armani. That moment was surreal because I became the first Singaporean male model to walk for Armani in Milan. From there, doors just kept opening.
I got to walk in Paris and New York Fashion Weeks, work with different brands and magazines, and also spend time working in Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. The whole experience was like living a completely different life. It gave me the chance to see the world, meet incredible people, and step into a very creative industry. Looking back, I feel really lucky to have had that journey because it shaped how I carry myself today.
Why did you decide to start a run club?
Community building has always been a huge passion of mine. That’s why I started OFF:FORM, which is a social run club that’s inclusive, chic, and queer-friendly. I wanted to create something that’s not just about running for performance, but also about style, connection, and fashion.
Every run is paired with a different experience, whether it’s collaborating with people in fitness, wellness, fashion, music, arts, or coffee. Basically, all the things I personally love. To me, running is more than pace and distance. It’s about belonging, identity, and creating shared memories. OFF:FORM is a space where people can feel safe, inspired, and part of a community, regardless of how fast they run.
What’s your fitness regime now and what are your goals?
My training style has changed a lot over the years. Right now, I’m really focused on being more functional. That’s why I decided to sign up for HYROX in Singapore this year. To be honest, HIIT has never been my thing. I’ve always been more into controlled weight training, but I thought it was time to challenge myself with something different.
These days, I gym about five times a week, I run twice a week, and I mix in hybrid training. My goal isn’t just about how I look anymore. Of course, aesthetics are nice, but I’m more focused on my cardiovascular health, endurance, strength, and also how fitness supports my mental health. At this stage of my life, I want to feel good, perform well, and know that I’m taking care of my long-term health. Looking good is just the cherry on top.
Do you feel pressure to maintain your physique?
Honestly, no. People who know me well have seen me at all stages. Sometimes I’m really lean, sometimes I’m bulked up and carrying more body fat. That’s just the nature of cutting and bulking. I don’t stress too much about it anymore. I’ve gotten comfortable with the fact that my body will change depending on what I’m focusing on. What matters to me is that I feel good mentally and physically. If I’m strong, healthy, and enjoying the process, then that’s enough.
What does fitness mean to you?
Fitness to me is about balance, inside and out. It’s not just about building muscle or looking good. It’s about moving well, eating well, feeling confident, and managing my mental health. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised it ties so closely to overall wellbeing. I’ve also become more aware of things like injury prevention, stress management, and recovery. Fitness is the one thing that grounds me no matter how busy or stressful life gets.
When you were younger, did you experience any incidents that made you feel insecure about yourself?
Yes, for sure. I was always that tall, skinny boy in school, and that made me an easy target for bullies. Compared to the sporty and athletic boys, I always felt like the odd one out. I wasn’t the alpha type, and that definitely made me insecure. It’s funny because those insecurities are part of what pushed me into fitness later on, to prove to myself that I could build strength and confidence in my own way.
Have you gone through any adversities in life that made you change how you viewed life?
Two years ago I broke my left shin and needed surgery. For someone who’s so active, being forced to stay in bed, walk with crutches, and go through months of rehab was really tough. I couldn’t run properly for a year and that was frustrating. But it also gave me perspective.
It taught me to slow down, listen to my body, and be patient with myself. I started focusing more on mental health and taking care of my overall wellbeing, not just physical performance. Looking back, I actually appreciate that period because it showed me that setbacks are temporary and you can always rebuild.
When did you feel the least confident about yourself?
Definitely during my secondary school and polytechnic days. I was always tall and skinny, and no matter how much I ate, I just couldn’t gain weight or muscle. The gym was intimidating back then because I didn’t have proper guidance, and I felt like I didn’t belong in that space. I struggled a lot with body image because I compared myself to people who were more muscular or athletic. It took me a long time to get over that, and fitness eventually became my way of building both my body and my confidence.
Are you satisfied with your body now?
Yes, I’m very happy with where I am now. I don’t obsess over having abs or staying super lean, because I know that’s not realistic or healthy long-term. What I focus on now is performance, whether it’s running faster, lifting heavier, or improving in hybrid training. The way my body looks is just a reflection of the goals I’m working on. I’m comfortable with some body fat, I’m fine not being stage-ready, because what really matters to me is strength, functionality, and feeling good.
If you could change anything about yourself, would you?
Honestly, no. I’m proud of who I am today and I’ve worked hard to get here. I wouldn’t change anything. If anything, I just want to keep leaning into the things I’m passionate about like fitness, community, and wellbeing. My hope is that by living authentically and sharing what I love, I can inspire others and create positive impact.
