Handy Ong

What was the main reason why you wanted to become a physio?

Throughout my active career, human physiology and anatomy became something ingrained in my daily routine. From a young age, swimming was my to-go sport and took this to the next level. Understanding movement grew on me and I never looked back. As a swimming coach, and now as a physiotherapist, the causes of ineffectively and inaccurately moving our bodies intrigues me tremendously.

Throughout these years, I am more and more focused on guiding how to move properly for longevity purposes and without discomfort. I feel it is almost a mission for me to work proactively on one’s health, be it mental or physical.

Why do you believe everyone needs to have a coach to stay healthy?

I am a firm believer of accountability; to let those in need of guidance in moving better. Just like me, we all have our blindspots. Limited views of vision of where we may need to improve on is a human trait we all have to accept.

Stretching inaccurately or fighting through discomfort – be connected to modern-day ailments such as office syndrome or tight hips – is something I see too often done. We believe my clients do know what they need to do but in the end, more damage may be done.

What is the biggest misconception / myth out in the world about health and wellness?

Whatever the internet may say, there are simply no quick fixes in our industry. Good things do not happen overnight. It is not how our body works. The most important thing we forget is that the healing magic happens when our body is at rest.

Progression must be done slowly and controlled. Results will come once we allow our neural network to connect the dots and make the changes.

Good things simply do not happen overnight. 

For you personally, what makes Aspire stand out from the crowd?

Throughout my life and career, regularly surrounded by other health and exercise specialists, Aspire has taken health to the next level. The razor-sharp strategies on results and achieving client’s goals is second to none. And all is tailored to the individual.

Unlike other fitness centres, Aspire is very much science-driven. Through constantly keeping its finger on the pulse in the latest findings, I am constantly learning more about how the human body works. This definitely has helped me in getting a better understanding.

From your experience as a physio, what is the biggest struggle for clients these days?

I am surprised about how many inaccuracies are out there, even from licensed professionals such as myself as well from reputable healthcare providers. As a rule of thumb, doing no harm and genuinely caring for our clients is a non-negotiable for me.

The healthcare system is one that simply needs more attention to the care of patients and their struggles to move them out of wellness and into fitness.

A fun fact about you

I am a bit of a globetrotter.

I was born in Indonesia but grew up for most of my life in The Netherlands – I am holding a Dutch passport. My time studying for my Masters in physiotherapy in Belgium. sSince 2022 I consider Thailand as my home.

One of my visions is to make a serious impact in the healthcare industry in South-East Asia