Is fitness just another bug caught during the pandemic?
*Disclaimer: The Keto diet mentioned in this article is not in promotion of the diet fad. Please consult your dietician before engaging in any diet trends. None of us in this interview are health professionals. This interview was conducted in the hopes of understanding what helps some of us stay motivated to our health & diet plans.
Since the pandemic, many of us have been hit with the fitness bug. We’ve dipped our toes into the pool of online workout routines that tempt us with the promise of attaining abs in 2 weeks. How many of us have stuck to the routine & aside from appeasing our subconscious obsession with vanity, have we given much thought to our health?
Perhaps the key to transforming this fitness bug into a sustainable lifestyle as things shift back to the “norm” is having a better understanding of the importance of health & having that knowledge turn into conviction.
Join us for a conversation with one of our colleagues, Wendy, in the Administrative office as she shares her journey of health & weight loss!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I’m a typical administrative & accounts staff. The only unusual thing about my job is that I’m working for a funeral company! Over the last 10+ years, I’ve always seen myself as a ‘fat girl’.
Q: What inspired you to embark on your health &a weight loss journey and what are some programmes that you’ve undertaken?
A: Hmm, prior to my diet journey, I’d spent most of my time eating, sleeping & working, to which most of it was spent sitting. This was probably one of the major factors of my weight gain. Eventually, it got to a point where I even felt breathless just by walking.
All of this accumulation led me to viewing myself as ‘fat’ & that was when I told myself I have to do something about it. I’d say that it was the realisation of where I was at in terms of health & the guidance of my colleague, Theeny, that inspired me to embark on my health & weight loss journey. Thanks Theeny for sharing with me all your health tips & experience!
I’ve been doing simple exercises like Tabata (where a 4-minutes set is equivalent to an hour of running). I’ve been doing 20 minutes of Tabata and having home prepared keto meals.
Featured left to right: Wendy, Theeny & Jenny Tay after an Absolute Cycle session for the company’s bonding activity
Q: Many of us have attempted a diet or exercise programme, especially during this pandemic but have failed to stick to it. How did you do it?
A: Sheer determination *laughs*. Perhaps it’s because of my previous attempts over the past decade. My focus was largely on weight loss & I’d tried various diets & supplements as means to an end. Of course like most of us, I failed to stick to it because I was unable to enjoy the food I was consuming.
During this pandemic, my perspective shifted to one that was focused on health & not just weight loss. I would attribute this shift in perspective to the industry that I’m in. Seeing life & death on a daily basis has prompted me to think about the efforts I’ve been making in life, in terms of keeping fit & healthy.
Q: Through this journey that you’re on, are there any discoveries you’ve made about yourself?
A: I’ve discovered that with the right perspective, I’m able to be consistent! I’m much fitter than when I first started – I’m able to jump, run & most importantly, chase after my bus without losing my breath *laughs*! Of course, a big plus is that I’ve lost 23kg over the past year.
Q: Is there anything in particular that you enjoy during this journey?
A: I’m certainly enjoying the learning process of keeping healthy.
Q: Do you have any advice or tips for those of us who struggle with consistency when it comes to our health?
A: I’d say to not cave in to the “I can’t do it” mindset! You’d be surprised by how far you can go when you break that mental barrier.
Q: Do you see yourself continuing this lifestyle?
A: I’d say yes. I definitely see the importance of having a balanced lifestyle and what it does for one’s health. Working in the death care industry has helped me see that efforts in one’s health is crucial.
Q: What are your long term health goals?
A: I hope to inspire and impart the knowledge that I have gleaned through this experience to those around me.
Q: How do you celebrate your milestones?
A: I celebrate them by treating myself to a bigger meal! Of course, I follow that up with exercise *laughs*.
This article is part of a series of interviews with our colleagues in the various departments of our company. Check out our Funeral Insider Funeral Insider page to get an insider’s view on what life is like in the death industry!