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These 7 fit mums rock the stage in bikinis

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 11 May 2015   Posted by Cheryl Tay


It takes a lot of courage for some to wear a bikini in public, but these seven mothers lift weights and don bikinis to compete on stage. They confidently wear their stretch marks and C-section folds proudly, hoping to inspire women out there. [Read the full story on Yahoo here.]

Group shot (2)

Gisele Lim

Age: 36
Occupation: Special Education Teacher
Kids: Phoebe Faith Chan, 8
Height: 172cm
Weight: 54kg
Diet: A balanced diet of whole, natural and unprocessed food most of the time
Training: 6 times a week of HIIT, weightlifting and group classes like Bodypump and RPM, as well as one session with a personal trainer
Competitions: Muscle & Fitness War 2015, Women’s Figure – 3rd

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What made you decide to compete?

I never fancied myself competing. However, I realised that even with the limited but regular workouts that I had been doing at the gym, I had begun to inspire others around me to get fit. Firmly believing that women can take control of their bodies if they put their minds to it, I decided to compete in the hope of inspiring others to start getting fit and strong. The discipline involved in getting fit will benefit these women in all aspects of their lives.

How do you hope to inspire?

I realised that previously, the limited but regular workouts I was doing at the gym was already inspiring others around me to get fit. Thus, holding firm the belief that women can take control of their bodies if they put their minds to it, I decided to compete in the hope of inspiring others to start getting fit and strong. The discipline involved in getting fit will benefit these women in all aspects of their lives.

Women have to realise first and foremost that their bodies are beautiful. They conceive, nurture and bring life into the world with their bodies. Their bodies are wonderful and amazing. I never advocate anyone being obsessed with weight. It is much more important to be fit and healthy, and to be confident and proud of your body.

Did you struggle with post-pregnancy weight gain?

I gained about 20kg when I was pregnant and lost most of it within months. I am not obsessed with weight though; in fact I am now heavier than I was before getting pregnant, but much fitter and stronger.

Do you feel more confident about your body before or after birth?

I was very conscious about my stretch marks after birth and I even stopped wearing bikinis. I didn’t want to be judged or laughed at. Now I wear them as my badge of honour from the wonderful birth of my daughter!

Kareen Lai

Age: 32
Occupation: Director of Mums In Sync
Kids: Twins Aasha and Kiran Fan, 4
Height: 1.65m
Weight: 56kg
Diet: As clean as possible with minimum processed food; cooks at home as often as possible, with lots of greens, lean meat, salmon, clean nut butter and quinoa
Training: Works out almost everyday, doing things like weights, gymnastics sprints, swim or climb
Competitions: Singapore Fitness Model Search 2014, Miss Bikini Fitness (above 30 years old) – 3rd

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Did you struggle with post-pregnancy weight?

Absolutely!! I gained 30kg during the twin pregnancy. Before you think it’s normal because I had twins, let me tell you both of them added up to less than 3kg. So all the gain was on me and it was no fun at all! It took me a good two years before I lost all the weight and became lighter and leaner than pre-pregnancy days.

What do your husband and kids think about seeing you in a bikini on stage?

My husband is supportive in what I do. In fact he was the one who chose my bikini colour! We brought the twins to the competition finals too and the moment I stepped out on stage, I could hear them scream “Maaa meeeeeee!!” right from the back. That moment told me it’s worth the experience for them. I think children gain so much by being exposed to such experiences and seeing their parents do things differently.

Do you feel more confident about your body before or after birth?

I definitely lost my sense of confidence after child birth. I never felt so pudgy, fat and weak before, plus the tummy just refused to go away after a year! All these made me lose my self-confidence and self-image, but I worked hard to get my body back and now I want to share my journey with others.

Inspired by my own weight loss journey, I want to reach out to other mummies to let them know that it is possible to lead a sexy fit motherhood amidst all the duties, responsibilities and multiple roles. Thus I started Mums in Sync and I also published my first book, “18 Again – Bringing Out the Sexy Fit Mummy in You”.

Gladys Leong

Age: 35
Occupation: Full Time Personal Trainer
Kids: Ian 11, Zac 6, Wyn 2
Height: 157cm
Weight: 38kg
Diet: No cold drinks; homecooked meals of brown rice, quinoa or wholemeal pasta with beef, chicken or fish with a huge serving of vegetables; no sugar in tea; lots of fruits
Training: Daily training (except Sunday) on different body parts (eg. arms and triceps, chest and abs, back and shoulders, legs and core, cardio and TRX, full body touchup)
Competitions: Singapore Bodybuilding Federation Nationals 2014, Women Under 160cm – 5th

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What made you decide to start competing on stage?

It was a challenge to myself and also for the ladies in my movement NoFlabMommas – if I can do it, they can keep fit too! I want to let mums and mums-to-be to realise that it’s possible to look better then before through dedication, eating wisely and exercise.

What do your kids think about seeing their mother on stage in a bikini?

They were ecstatic and couldn’t wait to play with my medal! My sons also boasted to their friends and teachers about me in school, haha!

How did you deal with your post-pregnancy weight?

I was exercising throughout my pregnancy. I gained about 20kg for each one, but it only took me a month and a half to get back to pre-pregnant weight.

Barbara Chng

Age: 40
Occupation: Part-time personal trainer; helps husband with wine business Ayden Wines
Kids: Twins Brad and Ariel, 4
Height: 157 cm
Weight: 57 kg
Diet: Healthy balanced diet that consists of vegetables, sweet potatoes, oats, beef, chicken breasts, eggs, fish, dark chocolate and almond nuts; five small meals a day and a treat meal on Sunday
Training: Weights and moderate cardio from Monday to Friday for about two hours
Competitions: WBPF South East Asia Bodybuilding Championships 2014, Athletic Physique (below 165cm) – 2nd

Barbara Chng (1)

How did you overcome your post-pregnancy weight gain?

I was depressed as my post pregnancy weight was 76kg! I ballooned from 45kg to 85kg during my pregnancy. It took me a year of healthy eating, inline skating, jogging and weight lifting to lose 37kg. After all that, I picked up bodybuilding only at the age of 40, but it;s never too late and I wanted to show my children that in whatever their passion lies, if they put their heart and mind into it, they will succeed.

What are some tips you have for mothers-to-be who fear weight gain?

With proper nutritious food and exercise, it is definitely possible to get back to pre pregnancy weight.  Set goals like “I want to be able to fit into my pre pregnancy shorts/skirt/dress again.”  Most importantly, enjoy the pregnancy and be happy, because being pregnant is a miracle and a blessing.

Do you feel more confident about your body after birth?

Pregnancy has taught me to listen more to my body.  When I was pregnant, I felt that my body didn’t belong to me anymore and I wanted to eat food I usually don’t eat, as well as not eat food I usually eat.

I was also bedridden for the last few weeks of my pregnancy for fear of early labour. After birth, I was thrilled that my body belonged to me again; hence I appreciate and love it even more.

How do you hope to inspire?

Before I had kids, many mothers tell me that they never regained their pre natal figure after having kids, and that their bodies are ruined. I compete not because I wanted to prove them wrong, but I compete to prove myself right – that it is possible to regain your pre natal figure and perhaps build an even better and stronger one. To be able to inspire others in turn inspires me even more!

Wendy Hau

Age: 44
Kids: Beatrice 20, Leah 16, Jacob 15
Height: 162.5cm
Weight: 51.2kg
Diet: Flexible dieting – essentially intuitive eating where you are aware of approximately how much protein you’re consuming and you consume your carbs and fats at strategic times, and also get in sufficient fibre. It is a diet composed primarily of whole food sources with a sprinkling of fun indulgences on the side, hence giving complete freedom over food choices.
Training: 5 days a week of heavy lifting with occasional metcon workouts
Competitions: NPC Fort Lauderdale cup 2013 (Masters Over 40s Bikini Division) – 9th; IFBB Shawn Rhoden Classic 2014 (Bikini Open) – 5th

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What advice do you have for women who struggle with post-pregnancy weight gain?

For fat loss goals postpartum, consistency and dietary adherence is absolutely paramount. If you can’t follow your nutrition programme consistently, then you won’t get anywhere. If you’re having an impossible time losing fat, consider switching gears and building some quality muscle for a while. You’ll not only look better when you lean back down, but you’ll likely have an easier time, as lean muscle is metabolically active.

What made you decide to start competing on stage?

 The idea of competing has always appealed to me. It’s what got me to fall in love with fitness in the first place. The concept of bringing your body to its physical peak through months and weeks of dedicated work has always seemed natural to me. As a (recovering) perfectionist, I’m always looking to bring my best to whatever it may be that I’m doing – whether it be academic, career-oriented, or physical.

Have you faced any backlash for competing in a bikini?

Yes, but it doesn’t matter how you choose to live your life – whether you compete or wear a bikini, are a mum or single, go to the gym or sit on the couch every night – whatever you do, someone will judge you for it. I try not to respond to haters and critics because these are the people who will find a reason to project their insecurities, negativity and their fears onto you if you let them.

What are some of the valuable life lessons you have learnt through your fitness journey?

Your workouts are a commitment that you’re making to yourself for your long-term health. If you can train, you are fortunate. There are people who are limited in their abilities and are not able to. Appreciate that you have the gift of being able to train and exercise when you want and as hard as you want. When the alarm goes off early tomorrow morning or you’re tired from work and don’t feel like training… Remember the people who can’t. Be thankful, and go pick up something heavy 🙂

Angel Aw

Age: 36
Occupation: Freelance Personal trainer
Kids: Kyle 7, Colby 5
Height: 161cm
Weight: 57kg
Diet: A clean diet generally of high carbs due to high energy requirements for frequent training days and much travelling around during work
Training: 4 to 5 days a week doing a mix of body sculpting, movement-based exercises, plyometrics and cardio, as well as 2 hours of yoga once a week
Competitions: Singapore Bodybuilding Federation 2011, Model Physique – 3rd

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When did you start going to the gym?

15 years ago when a friend dragged me to California Fitness and even helped me pay my first month membership when I barely had enough. That was when I met my husband, who was starting out as a trainer and I was his first trial session. We became friends at the time and I’ve never stopped training with weights since.

How did you lose the post-natal weight?

I gained 15kg for each pregnancy and I made an elaborate plan to lose weight after the first one, but nothing worked out! My fitness level was crap, I was hot and sweaty all the time, not to mention the boobs were frequently engorged, and it was emotionally taxing to be away from the baby.

I also spent six hours a day travelling on public transport just getting to and from work and fetching the baby. But being in the fitness industry meant I have to do more than what I preach, so I started with short cardio sessions daily, and worked up to circuits and weights.  It took me four to six months to get back to pre-pregnancy conditions.

What does your husband/kids think about seeing their wife/mother on stage in a bikini?

My kids generally pull my clothes to cover me up if I even wear a midriff, so I didn’t show them pictures. My husband on the other hand, is happy to put me in a bikini to go shopping if he can. He thinks more highly of me than I think of myself, and has encouraged me to compete more.

What are some tips or advice you have for mothers and mothers-to-be?

First love your body. If you love it and take care of it well, you’ll know you’ll never let it deteriorate (in fitness or health) no matter what. Pre-pregnancy weight is not important when you know you are giving your body the best you can. I’m at my heaviest, at non-pregnant state, and nobody’s ever asked me about it. Inevitably, your body shape and size will reflect your hard work; don’t be misled by your weight if shape is your true concern.

Do you see yourself as an inspiration?

Actually I took part in the competitions purely for experience, just to try different things. As for being a role model, it’s more complex than just having a nice physique. I want to show other mothers that I too, have many things to do. I spend a disproportionate amount of time thinking about food, as well as exercise.

Yes, exercise is part of my work as a trainer but I’m not saying everyone has to be like me. I just want to show them that in spite of that impossible schedule, it is possible to balance health and wellbeing in a way that doesn’t have to sacrifice looks, figure, work or family life – if this is what they want.

I have learnt and am still learning how to best balance my life at the same time. I feel good doing it and I truly hope it inspires, so that inspired women in turn will inspire other women.

 

Filza Dorah Sim

Age: 35
Occupation: Personal Trainer
Kids: Irfan Rais Sim
Height: 153cm
Weight: 54kg
Diet: High protein, low carbs, low fat
Training: 6 times a week of weights training, focusing on specific body parts with cardio training twice a week
Competitions: WBPF National Bodybuilding Championships, Athletic Physique (Open) – 1st

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Why do you compete?

I like facing challenges, because when I overcome them, it makes me feel strong, powerful and accomplished. As a woman, I think it’s very important to have a sense of those feelings, as it helps you feel very secure and gives you that added strength and positivity when it comes to your outlook on life.

How did you overcome your post-pregnancy blues?

I put on 23kg for just one son! I had borderline gestational diabetes and because my son was breech, I had to go thru caesarian so I was only able to start working out six weeks after birth. However, I met with an accident a few months later so I was not able to workout at all for two months. Eventually I lost the 23kg I gained and another 2kg in eight months after birth.

Do you see yourself as an inspiration?

I do hope to inspire mummies out there that it really is possible to get the body shape that you desire, no matter how old you are or how long ago you have given birth. I have done it myself and I have also helped many clients achieve that. On Instagram, I have many ladies telling me that I inspire them and it makes me happy and somewhat accomplished knowing that I give people hope that things will get better and they will achieve what they want.

Any advice?

Be positive and have a plan. You will definitely put on weight during pregnancy and you can’t avoid it. Plan ahead on how you intend to lose the weight, including your diet and workouts. Don’t just sit around and worry for 40 weeks!

What really helps is to keep working out safely (under doctor’s advice) throughout your pregnancy to stay fit and healthy. It will then be a lot easier to lose the weight after.

The best is to start working out even before you get pregnant so your body recognises the body shape and it will be easier to go back to that than starting a brand new lifestyle.

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  • About Cheryl Tay

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    First establishing herself in the world of cars and motorsports, Cheryl Tay is a sports and fitness blogger who advocates living an active and healthy lifestyle. Founder of body image movement Rock The Naked Truth, Cheryl overcame over a decade of eating disorders and is now passionate about helping people with similar struggles. She also has a running club ROCKrunners and a tri-enthusiast club ROCKtri.

    Rock The Naked Truth encourages others to be comfortable in their own skin and to learn that there is more to life than just being a slave to the numbers on your scale. Truly, life has more meaning than just forcing yourself to look good - it's most important to be happy and feel good about yourself!

    Previously...
    > Fitness columnist for Yahoo! Sports
    > Founder of ELITE (fitness competition)
    > Motoring writer for TODAY
    > Columnist for Rev / Run magazines
    > Official photographer for ONE Championship
    > Media manager for Formula Drift Asia
    > PR manager for PETRONAS Syntium Team
    > Business development for Kartright Speedway
    > F1 youth speaker for Singapore GP
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  • cheryltaysg

    It doesn't cost anything to be kind. I often say, It doesn't cost anything to be kind.

I often say, if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't.

We are all familiar with keyboard warriors who hide behind the invisible wall of anonymity, throwing out negative comments and trying to spread bad juju to you. ❌️❌️❌️

If you really have something you're not happy about, find the courage to speak up about instead of resorting to cyber bullying.

You have no idea how your mindless remark can ruin a person's life. I'm not exaggerating.

I've gotten thick skinned over the years and I won't let this bad juju into my life. In fact, I can't help feeling sorry for these people because they are either miserable and bitter in their lives and/or projecting their insecurities onto others.

Channel this energy into something more useful and do something for the community, if not yourself. Hate is a very tiring emotion.

It's just basic respect.
    LATE NIGHT OUT! Well, by my standards anyway since LATE NIGHT OUT! Well, by my standards anyway since I go to bed by 9pm haha.

We went to @gastrobeats.sg just to see our gurls @itshaneri and @rriley perform and it was AMAZING! I’ve missed live performances and they SLAYED IT.

It was so nice to just groove to their sick beats in the company of friends… and this stranger who danced really intensely and close to us, and then photobombed all our group photos. LOL!

Till the next performance…

Sorely missing @itshaneri in this photo.
    One month to Ironman 70.3 Desaru and three months One month to Ironman 70.3 Desaru and three months to Berlin Marathon!

The biggest challenge, I feel, is balancing training with the rest of my commitments and managing the fatigue from day to day.

But I like the structure and routine it gives me. I sleep by 9/10pm and wake up at 4/5am everyday, I start my day with training and there’s a rhythm going.

Best of all, I like the friends I make from this sport. Because it’s three sports in one, it means having friends from three disciplines.

I love getting to know the various communities and knowing that I’m not alone!

We are all in this together, committing time to the sports we love, signing up for races, knowing it's not easy yet we still do it.
    Happy to have directed, produced and starred in th Happy to have directed, produced and starred in this video, alongside these amazing people @preetitris @craigtoh @hellojaimeee @azfarhashim.jpg @zubnaz @thesquirmygremlins!

Cycling is a great way to explore a place and get fit at the same time. Singapore actually has pretty scenic cycling routes - how much of Singapore have you seen on two wheels?

The MOVE HAPPY EXPLORE SG RIDE is a virtual cycling initiative by @ltasg in partnership with @orange_room_asia to encourage people to get active and explore Singapore on their bicycles.

There are 10 curated routes involving the use of cycling paths, park connectors and footpaths to showcase path connectivity between town centres, transport nodes and parks. The more routes you complete, the more rewards you get!

Sign up at www.exploresg.lta.gov.sg.

🎥: Huang House Productions

#movehappyexploresg #cyclingfriends #cyclingsg #sgcycling #exploreonbike
    I don't know about you but I feel like as you grow I don't know about you but I feel like as you grow older, it's harder to make good friends because people are busier with their commitments and it's challenging to find the time to meet or have deep conversations.

When I was struggling with body image and my eating disorders, I was such an insecure person that I became a bad friend. I would project my insecurities onto others and as a result, I lost valuable friendships.

Now I'm working on being a good partner, friend, sister, daughter and colleague.

Grateful that I managed to spend some time with @itshaneri today at @trapezerecclub - one of the treasured friends I have who show up for me every single time. ♥️

#trapezerecclub #bebettereveryday #friendships
    Never too old to pick up new skills! I actually s Never too old to pick up new skills!

I actually started taking Class 2B lessons way back in 2010 but I gave up because I was struggling.

10 years later, I still struggled but this time I stuck it through and I'm now in the midst of getting my Class 2.

Riding a motorbike is not the difficult part, navigating the circuit and its various obstacles is. I remember being so stressed!

Just remember that age is just a number and you should go and do whatever you've always wanted to, even if it's something that mostly has young people. Who cares!

#motorbike #class2 #nevertooold
    Joined another beach cleanup this morning, organis Joined another beach cleanup this morning, organised by @rwsentosa! I’m always in for one!

We focused on ECP Area G this time and we spent a lot of time picking up the tiny pieces of plastic, cigarette butts, straws, broken styrofoam etc. I reckon we picked up about 100 cigarette butts at least. Paul said there were 336 by his count.

Grateful for the weather which wasn’t too bad and for new friends made. Thanks @paulfosterrr for the jio!

Who wants to join me for more?

#beachcleanup
    It's gonna hurt, you're gonna suffer, there's defi It's gonna hurt, you're gonna suffer, there's definitely gonna be pain (physically, mentally, emotionally). Yet I still do it, you still do it, we all do it.

Why do we do it? Because it gives us structure, purpose and lots of opportunities for growth and self-development.

As we grow older, we have less goals in life to work towards. Most of the time we are busy working to pay the bills and to lead the lifestyle we want, and our goals tend to be more material, eg. you want to get a new car, you want to upgrade to a bigger house.

For me, signing up for endurance races gives me something to work towards, non-material goals that help me see improvements in my strength, my mind, my body. It's also refreshing and you can see the results, ie. your timings get faster. Scoring a personal best in sports is very satisfying!

What about you? Why do you like signing up for races?

P.S. Not sure if you can see but I'm sticking my tongue out here haha!

📷: @ks.runner

#RoadToBerlinMarathon
    Sometimes, we need to slow down, take stock of our Sometimes, we need to slow down, take stock of our lives and spend a moment in gratitude. A simple reset of the mind and body can do so much for your well-being.

I started my weekend a little differently, with morning yoga beside the water and the grand @royalalbatross in the backdrop, with @fearlessfi guiding us through the poses. This was much-needed and I headed onboard next for a breakfast sail around the south of Singapore.

The sea breeze felt so good on the face and there is something therapeutic about going out to sea, taking in its vastness. Find time to get out and absorb some Vitamin Sea - you need it more than you realise!

This Yoga Breakfast Sail with Royal Albatross is one of their wellness activities for @wellnessfestsg and I think it was a great pairing of yoga and breakfast at sea. I felt refreshed and relaxed after!

Singapore may be a tiny island on the global map, but we do have various types of wellness activities and initiatives to revitalise and recharge yourself. Whether it's a walk in nature, a fitness class or a sound healing session, find what works for you and constantly practise self-care. Then share that love around ❤️!

#WFS2022 #VisitSingapore @wellnessfestsg @visitsingapore @stb_sg @royalalbatross @lululemonsg
    I feel a close affinity to the sea, probably becau I feel a close affinity to the sea, probably because of my sport of triathlon where the first leg is a swim in the open water. I don't really want to swim in dirty water! Lol that's not the main point.

The point is, marine litter is becoming a greater issue. Worse, marine litter is a transboundary issue because it can be carried by wind and tides.

On our part, other than doing beach cleanups as a remedy, start by taking your litter with you. Is it really that hard? Go to the beach, have a good time, and then take your rubbish with you.

We are very very lucky that we have a lot of dustbins and surely it doesn't take a mammoth effort to bin your trash when you're leaving?

Organised this beach cleanup with BMW Group Asia and I will be doing more on my own too - just reach out if you would like to join me or do it yourself!

Thank you to those who showed up on a wet and gloomy morning to do this with me. I'm so grateful!

#beachcleanup #marinelitter
    #wakeuppretty and why I like eyelash extensions! #wakeuppretty and why I like eyelash extensions!

This is bare-faced me, which is 95% of the time, as I only do makeup when I have a shoot or some kind of special event.

The only thing I have here are eyelash extensions and they have been a lifesaver for me since 2015, along with my eyebrow embroidery and eyeliner tattoo.

There are 2 main kinds of lashes you can attach to your eyes - the temporary falsies that you use glue / magnetic eyeliner to stick onto your lashes, or these ones that last about a month but take 2 hours to be manually stuck onto your own lashes, one by one. You can choose the length and volume for these lash extensions, so you can have 3 lashes stuck to 1 lash of yours for example for more volume.

Here’s what I like about lash extensions:

- You wake up pretty and not too sleepy
- You don’t have to spend time doing much makeup or any makeup
- You pretty much look quite made up

What I don’t quite like:

- Your own lashes will get weaker so I try to rest them and not do them all the time
- The individual lashes start dropping and because can’t decide what drops first so you get ‘holes’ and it can look messy
- You have to return to the salon to get them removed or you can wait till they eventually all drop. Sometimes you get like one weird lash sticking out in the middle of your own lashes haha
- You need to sit there for 2 hours to get these done
- You can't wash your face properly because you need to be delicate and wash around the eyes carefully
- You can't rub your eyes when they are itchy

Well I used to be addicted to this and would feel weird/empty/naked if I didn’t have them but now I try to go for months without them just so I can rest my own lashes and apply serum to strengthen them.

They can be quite expensive but waking up pretty does outweigh the inconveniences, so if I have a lot of shoots or events or occasions where I wanna look pretty with minimal effort, lash extensions are my go-to.

**This set is the Kim K lashes, 6D volume, C curl, that I do at @hlashessg which is home based and I love her skills! Tell her I recommended her and you might get a discount 😉

#eyelashextensions #shotoniPhone #iPhone13Pro
    As I’m always running around, I sometimes forget As I’m always running around, I sometimes forget to eat or don’t have time to prepare a meal properly. And now that I’m training up for races, I want to make sure that I’m eating properly so my body gets the nutrients it needs to function optimally.

I’m so grateful that @yolofoodsg has stepped in to help me on my #roadtoBerlinMarathon. I don’t have to worry as they send me lunch and dinner, fresh, daily on weekdays, complete with a snack and coconut water.

You can choose the type of meal plan you want, eg. the portion size, and you can give them your preferences such as no lamb, non spicy etc.

I like the element of surprise, as different things come everyday and you get a variety of meals so it’s not boring.

Most importantly, the food is tasty and yummy! I like their healthy version of their Nasi Lemak (swipe to second video) and their snacks and desserts are not bad too.

They also have frozen meals and extra protein from their mart which you can keep for the weekends or for extra meals.

Use 'CHERYLTAY15' for 15% off!

#healthyeating #mealplan #freshdaily #shotoniPhone
#iPhone13Pro
    I really hope people will learn to take care of ou I really hope people will learn to take care of our beaches. Have a good time at the beach yes, but please make the effort to take your rubbish with you. It's not even that big of an effort because we are very lucky to have many dustbins around us and cleaners who regularly clear the trash.

I organised this beach cleanup for last Saturday morning with BMW Group Asia, some friends and family, and the rain was disruptive, but everyone soldiered on and continued to pick up litter.

It was low tide and gosh, there was so much rubbish embedded in the sea floor, for goodness knows how long. Some of the plastic even started to disintegrate as we tried to pick them up.

We only managed to clear about 12 full sized rice sacks (reused these instead of buying bags) from 50 of us, because we spent a lot of time trying to pull out the rubbish stuck in the sludge.

I went back to the beach yesterday, to the same spot, and saw there was rubbish strewn everywhere across the sand again. Like hello, we just cleaned it!! 🤦‍♀️

So people, enjoy the beach, have your fun, but please take your rubbish with you ok!

#BMWxCherylTay #BMWGroupAsia #beachcleanup #sustainability #marinelitter #takeyourrubbish
    This was how I chilled over the weekend, literally This was how I chilled over the weekend, literally chilling out LOL. This was me doing the Cold Immersion Therapy at @trapezerecclub because I am not a fan of the cold, but I know this ice bath brings great benefits (like increased blood circulation and reduced inflammation of muscles to boost recovery) so I was game!

Honestly, the first 30 seconds were the hardest and then the body adapts and you just have to focus on your breathing and relax. After that I was actually quite comfortably enjoying myself - the body never fails to amaze!

I also did their Movement & Mobility class before this and that was a real struggle because I am so stiff from always being in repetitive motions for extended periods of time for my sport of triathlon. The deep stretches hurt a little but I felt good after.

Capping off my wellness weekend was an Introspective Forest Night Walk at Sentosa's Imbiah Trail with @untamed_paths. I love walking in nature but I've never walked at night because it's dark and can be creepy. However, this was an interesting experience and I learnt a lot. We got to see amphibians and nocturnal invertebrates and the air was cool from the rain prior.

There are so many ways for us to work on our personal wellness and I had a really engaging weekend with different types of activities as part of @wellnessfestsg. There are still a lot of things happening till 12 June so check out www.wellnessfest.sg - there are free and paid events you can sign up for.

Wellness should not just be for this period though and hopefully you get valuable takeaways from these experiences to carry them into your lifestyle!

#WFS2022 #VisitSingapore #shotoniPhone
#iPhone13Pro
    Are you tired or lazy? I think this is an importan Are you tired or lazy? I think this is an important differentiation we need to learn how to make.

When it comes to your fitness regime and you have a routine in place, it’s normal to have days where you don’t feel like it. Or many days when you don’t feel like it haha.

But do you know if you’re really exhausted and fatigued or you’re just making excuses? Learn to listen to your body cues. Does it need sleep? Have you been eating well? How stressed have you been?

Don’t push yourself if you really need a break. Work and life can really overwhelm us and we are only human.

But if you’re just lazy and always making excuses to get out of your workout, then please have a conversation with yourself and realign your objectives. What do you want to work out for? And how can you stay committed?

For me, I’m training for a race so my goals are different and I do have a bigger obligation to put in the work. But if you’re just trying to keep an active lifestyle, keep yourself motivated, remember the purpose and learn to tell if you’re tired or just lazy!

Seen here wearing my new @asicssg GEL-KINSEI BLAST LE shoes - took them for an 18km run and I’m liking them! Share a photo of you working out, tag @asicssg and #AsicsForSAMH and they will donate $5 towards mental health support.

#workout #asicssg #getupandmove #tiredorlazy #activeliving #shotoniPhone #iPhone13Pro
    Traded my tri bike in for a different type of bicy Traded my tri bike in for a different type of bicycle at the Spin Orchestra, one of six experiential zones of The Wellness Sensorium! As you cycle here, you trigger interactive lights and music - very pretty at night especially. 

The Wellness Sensorium runs until 12 June and is open daily, for free, at The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay. Ticket booking is required though, through www.wellnessfest.sg.

The other zones are interesting too, including the Stone Ritual where you can engage in a stone stacking ritual and The Monument of Good Vibes where you can write a quote to inspire and be inspired.

There's also a Masterclass Studio which has different types of activities going on, from fitness classes to stitch meditation, nutrition and mental health talks. I signed up for Sunset Cardio, which was a Boxing HIIT session by sista @victoriacheng.

These are all part of the Wellness Festival Singapore which has a wide range of activities running across the island. I attended the Finding Your Inner Balance day workshop by @bluesky.escapes, which had Qi Gong/Tai Chi, a gut health talk, a healing sound bath, raw chocolate making session and a wholesome plant-based meal at @livingcafesg. Definitely learnt a lot to help improve my health!

Head on over to www.wellnessfest.sg to check out all the different activities and see what might pique your interest!

#WFS2022 #VisitSingapore @wellnessfestsg @visitsingapore @stb_sg
    I still can fit into my trisuit! LOL I dug this @t I still can fit into my trisuit! LOL I dug this @teampurpose custom trisuit from the depths of my cupboard after not touching it for over 2 years. Forgot to give it a wash before wearing it and I kept smelling this musty scent oops.

Queen Bitch is out too, off the trainer and back on the road. Less than 2 months to Ironman 70.3 Desaru (my slot was carried over from 2020) and all I want is for my legs to hold me up to the end hahahahahaha.

My key race is still the BMW Berlin Marathon in September, but I’ll still do my best for this!

#cheryltayworksout #triathlon #ironman703desaru #racingisback #specializedsg #specializedshiv #queenbitch #cycling #swimbikerun
    Reasons why we run - @thehuangergames made me writ Reasons why we run - @thehuangergames made me write this, LOL. Hence my face!

This is part of the Puma Run XX Nitro experience at Bugis+ Level 2 atrium, where you can play their activities and complete for a 30% discount off their running collection in store.

Swipe to have a look at what we did and head down before this Sunday!

#pumarunxxnitro #pumasg
    ⚡️GIVEAWAY⚡️ I love how convenient and us ⚡️GIVEAWAY⚡️

I love how convenient and useful the Taizjo’s NOIR Phone sling case, especially at events, because I don't have to carry a bag just for my phone and I can be hands free without worrying where my phone is all the time.

I’ve teamed up with @Taizjo to giveaway 1 x NOIR Modular Crossbody Phone Sling Case with Detachable Black Lanyard Strap (worth $64.90)!

All you gotta do is:

👍🏻 Like this post & follow me (@cheryltaysg) and @taizjo
💬 Tag 2 friends who would love this giveaway as well ✨

💓 Bonus: Repost this to your IGS and tag @cheryltaysg and @taizjo 

This giveaway ends on 6 June 2022, 2359h.

Winner will be notified via Instagram DM! 
For those of you who can’t wait, use CHERYLTAY for 10% off.

#takeitanywhere #taizjofam

*please check www.taizjo.com for phone model availability 🙏🏻
    'Twas a hot weekend! 🥵🥵🥵 Desaru was indee 'Twas a hot weekend! 🥵🥵🥵 Desaru was indeed hot and humid, totally what I was expecting, so be prepared for a sufferfest if you're doing the Ironman 70.3 Desaru.

My race entry was brought over from 2020 so I guess I'm doing it lol. My focus is still on the Berlin Marathon though!

Headed down to the race site over the weekend to check it out and here are my observations:

Swim - The water is clear and you could see the sand bottom till quite far out. When I was there, the conditions were calm and it was nice to swim in.

Bike - A couple of roundabouts and mostly long straight roads that stretch far ahead, lined with trees, with rolling hills similar to the profile of Mandai. But be prepared for a few tough slopes! Not super tough that you have to get down and push your bike la don't worry.

Run - I couldn't check out the actual run course because the golf course is closed to public, but I heard it's shaded in some parts, some rolling hills as well, and it's 3 rounds around the golf course.

Hotel - If you're staying at the official race hotel, Westin Desaru, the rooms are big so lots of space for all your race gear. Balcony is big, shower stall has a ledge to sit on when you're too tired to stand and shower, lift is big and can fit a few bicycles.

But the service in the main restaurant Seasonal Tastes is slow. You can drive out to the coffee shops further out away from the coast as an alternative or bring your own food haha.

OK I hope this comes in helpful for those of you going up for the race in July! I drove in with my own car so if you need tips just DM me ok.

📷: @jacqtours

#ironman703desaru #desarucoast
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