Thursday, 28 August 2008

ALWAYS ON THE GO
Actor and illusionist Lawrence Khong’s idea of a relaxing holiday is to ski till he drops or a hard workout coupled with a game of polo, he tells JUNE CHEONG
- The Straits Times | Mind Your Body 'Fit & Fab'



By JUNE CHEONG
junec@sph.com.sg

Lawrence Khong, 57

Illusionist, actor, pastor and national polo player

Recently performed with his 27-year-old daughter, Priscilla, in a magic theatre show called MagicBox at the Esplanade

FITNESS REGIMEN:

Gym session with a personal trainer two to three times a week, involving a half-hour cardio workout and one hour of weights training.

Polo playing twice a week

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What are the three most important things in your life and why?

First, my Christian faith. Second, my wife whom I dated nine years before we married. This year is our 31st anniversary. Third, my four children – the youngest 21 – and my five-year-old grandson.

What do you do to keep fit?

I work out at the gym with a personal trainer two to three times a week. I do half an hour of cardio by myself and then one hour of weights training with my trainer each time. In addition, I play polo about twice a week.

What’s your secret to looking so fabulous?

I think young and am always game to try anything new. This gives me a zest for life and living. I also watch my diet carefully.

Has there ever been a time when you weren't fit and fab?

In the mid 1990s, I travelled a lot doing international conferences and I was not conscientious about exercise. I ended up gaining weight and losing flexibility in my movements.

What's your diet like?

I eat a lot of white meat and watch my carbohydrate intake. I have given up sodas, ice cream and oily food like char kway teow.

What are your indulgences and why?

I generally don't indulge in food because eating is purely functional to me.

Do you count your calories and why?

No, I don't count my calories. I just eat in moderation and have more meat than carbohydrates.

Do you take supplements?

I have been taking a muscle-building supplement which helps me to build a little more bulk and to recover from my workouts more quickly.

What's your sleep routine like?

I sleep about six hours a day and I function fine with that. I am also good at catching 10-minute naps to revitalise myself.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I enjoy my work. My work is my passion so it brings me much joy. I also enjoy sports like polo and skiing. I try to get my family involved in what I do so that I can spend time with them.

What do you do to relax and why?

I hate doing  nothing because I start to think about my work and the problems I face. I relax by going for a hard workout or a game of polo. I like to take skiing vacations and I ski from morning till evening until I drop. This is relaxing for me. Of course, if I am really sleep deprived, I will just crash for one day and sleep the day away.

Would you go for plastic surgery and why?

I may because I am in show business. I have not done it yet, though.

Do you think you're sexy?

My wife thinks I am sexy and that's all that matters.