As a child, Jordan Yeoh admired the physiques of martial arts star Bruce Lee, Conan the Barbarian and the buff characters in the animated television series ThunderCats.

Shyness, however, prevented him from hitting “the intimidating gyms” that were full of muscular guys.

“Eventually, I got tired of my party lifestyle and decided to make a change. With a good buddy joining me, I signed up for the gym, and that’s when I discovered a whole new chapter in my life,” he says.

Today, the 37-year-old Malaysian is very different both mentally and physically.