Singapore American • June-July 2016
How to Sweat Like a Pro! By Lauren S. Power
W
hen I’m on the treadmill, I chase visions of my thinner, tanner self. I imagine what life will be like when I jog without jiggle, frolicking confidently with other nymphs on the beach. If I can just push through the last five minutes of cardio, I will be that much closer to achieving my dream! I have never caught up to this mythical version of myself and, some days, I feel so far behind that I should give up the chase. Guess what? Even the most successful gods and goddesses of the Iron Temple (aka your local fitness studio) have felt the same sense of defeat from time to time. Those rippling biceps and tight glutes were earned through pain, sweat (and maybe a few tears). Even professionals can get lost on the path to health and happiness. What makes them fitness heroes is simply that they keep going. Below are some of the ways they stay motivated.
Marysia Hometown: New York & Los Angeles, USA Years in Singapore: Almost three Main areas of fitness: Yoga, Acrobatics, Running, Swimming What is your weekly workout routine? I run 25 minutes to the gym four times a week. Six days a week, I do one and a half hours of acrobatics in the morning and one and a half hours of yoga in the afternoon. Some weekends, particularly if I’m a bit hung over, I enjoy a swim. Can you give advice to people looking to jumpstart a fitness program in Singapore? I’m probably biased because I work for Pure, but I whole-heartedly believe that the members of the Pure Yoga and Fitness communities are sincerely committed to supporting everyone’s development. How would you describe your fitness journey? Gradual. I’ve been doing yoga for more than 14 years and never meant be a yoga teacher or spend so much time studying it, but here I am. Which fitness communities have you found to inspire you and support your fitness goals in Singapore? The yoga community is amazing! Watching my students of all ages and backgrounds progress amazes me. Their willingness to work, play and connect is incredible. Many of my students are surprised that I continue to aspire to so much more physically. Some think I am crazy, but they all see my passion and support me whole-heartedly. I am deeply grateful.
Training in acrobatics is new to me. Because my teacher, Ido Portal, trains me long distance from Germany, I spend a lot of time in the gym alone. The fitness trainers help me with the equipment and are happy to explain training techniques that I don’t understand. Their friendliness goes a long way because still I often feel like a lost puppy stumbling around amongst the fitness gear.
Kristin Hometown: Washington DC, USA Years in Singapore: Two years, but I went to international school here from seventh grade until I left for university in Sydney. Main areas of fitness: Yoga, but I also do paddle boarding, cycling, diving, tabata and am taking flip lessons. I do not like running. What does your weekly workout routine look like these days? I ride my bike absolutely everywhere, even in this heat. I practice whatever yoga class I can get into five to six times a week. On the weekend, I run a bootcamp with my friends, and we each take turns facilitating classes based on our skills. I used to go to the gym and take fitness classes, but I’m really trying to work on my flexibility and handstands. How would you describe your fitness journey? A struggle! I love wine and Mexican food way too much. Luckily, I’m on my feet all day, so I guess it’s just a lifestyle. Which fitness communities have you found to inspire you and support your fitness goals in Singapore? It’s all about finding your people: friends, colleagues, a boyfriend who is into staying fit. It makes it easier when you have partners in crime to stay motivated. Have you encountered any challenges or barriers to getting involved in fitness activities and communities in Singapore? Teaching six to seven yoga classes in a day can be exhausting. More than that, I need yoga for the physical aspect of sweating and breathing. Spiritually and mentally, it really helps me deal with my own thoughts, with people and with life. It’s taken me a while to find my practice here. From your experience, can you recommend any resources or give advice to people looking to jump start a fitness program or join a fitness community in Singapore? Find your people, even if it is just one friend. Try everything! It’s not about being the fittest person on the block, but about finding what makes you feel good. I admit I go through phases where I’m lazy, but I have my people.
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