Finally, the long awaited announcement for the Trainers on Asia’s very first Biggest Loser was made a couple of days ago – and to those of you who haven’t heard, the Biggest Loser Asia Fitness Trainers are Dave Nuku and Kristy Curtis!
Dave Nuku (originally from Wellington, New Zealand, but now residing in KL) will be leading the Blue Team, and for those of you who would like to see more of him, here’s his Biggest Loser Trainer audition video which I found on YouTube:
Dave is also the regional fitness manager at Fitness First Asia, and the author of the series of books called BodyFirst (you would have definitely seen these if you’re a member at Fitness First!). Though Asia now has our very own Biggest Loser version… in the eyes of the public… Dave will still have big shoes to fill…
Bob Harper, from the Biggest Loser (US-version)
As for Australian-Chinese Kristy Curtis (Read Team), who is a little more low profile compared to Dave, she comes from a background of having her own body image struggles as a teenager. Tried really hard, but couldn’t find her video, or more photos. Just like Dave, Kristy too won’t be able to help but be compared to TV’s meanest trainer…
Jillian Michaels
That aside, I am certain that Dave and Kristy will each have their own strong personalities and styles that will shine through and become evident throughout the inaugural Asian-edition season of the show. I hope that the people will give these guys the chance for them to show us who they truly are, without first judging them and comparing them to others.
My thoughts on the selection of trainers:
To be honest – I really am glad that the organizers have taken the time to choose two great individuals who not only look great on screen, but also have the EXPERIENCE, and who also appear to live the life that they preach. Dave and Kristy are not newbies in the industry. The worst thing that could have happened would be to have a trainer who is more career-minded rather than being a genuine life-changer, or someone who didn’t look fit enough to inspire others.
On the other hand, I must also admit, that I can’t help but be a little disappointed because no Malaysian made it as a trainer (many auditioned) – (and NO, I’m not being a sour-grape, I didn’t even audition) – and as a fitness professional here in Malaysia, it simply confirms what I’ve always known, which is that the Fitness Industry is still at it’s infancy here in Malaysia. The good trainers need to rise up and make themselves known – to improve themselves and to be awesome in what they do, and to carve a name for themselves. For too long, has the personal training ‘business’ been seen as an unrealistic career. But things ARE picking up, and people ARE beginning to value us professionals now more than before.
As fitness professionals here in Malaysia, a nation that has YET to realise that exercise is the answer to most of the health problems we face… we have a long way to go before the world takes notice that there are industry shakers here in Malaysia.
So until that day… be excellent in what you do, for our day will come.
From the bottom of my heart – I’d like to congratulate Dave Nuku, and Kristy Curtis – your lives will never be the same again… and may it be for those in your teams as well.
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This post was written by...
Noel Chelliah, ACE-CPT, ACE-LWMC, has been recognized as one of the Top Transformation Experts in Malaysia. No stranger to being overweight himself, Noel has gone through a life-changing transformation himself, from fat, to fit. In 2010, Noel founded the DailyMuscle Body Transformation Camp, which today helps hundreds of individuals exercise and practice healthier habits. In his spare time, Noel serves the community with various programs that promote a healthier lifestyle, and enjoys playing with his dogs.
My name is Noel Chelliah, and I’m a Transformation Specialist and founder of the 
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I think most fitness trainers in Malaysia do not know much about nutrition which is important part of fitness.
foongpc: True – a personal trainer is usually expected to know the basics of nutrition, the food pyramid, a balanced diet, etc – basic knowledge and tools which are actually sufficient to trigger favourable changes on their clients. A few good trainers will actually be very experienced in getting their clients to adhere to better eating habits without it being too ‘difficult’ for the client, and the end result is something more do-able and sustainable for the client.
But at the end of the day, advice from a personal trainer cannot replace the advice of a nutritionist or dietitian. (unless he gets a degree in nutrition of course).
I think you made an excellent point there that both of the picked trainers live the life they preached. This is truly important for a very simple reason; how can they tell people what to do and believe in when they themselves don’t do it. Would anyone even believe in them.
Yes they do – in fact, I bumped into Dave Nuku working out at the gym a couple of days ago – this was at 7AM.