TO ASPIRE, PERSPIRE AND INSPIRE

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a full time degree student with a few side hustles. I’m a group coach at Union Strength and an indoor rhythmic cycling and HIIT group instructor at Ministry of Burn. Other than coaching, I do freelance copy and content writing.

With a background in cheerleading and dance, I’ve always believe movement is the medicine to both the mind and body. I love exploring and learning new ways of moving. I also believe that no matter how much knowledge and experience we acquire, we should never stop inquiring. Aside from training, I also practise pole and aerial arts. I aspire to be strong, mobile and agile.

What does a typical day look like for you?



I attend uni classes by day and conduct fitness classes by night. Anything in between would consist of training, working on my thesis, crafting content for my freelance roles, curating my classes and occasionally dabbling in pole or aerial arts.

Who or what inspires you as a group coach?



The members and my fellow coaches! The progress, commitment and results from members has contributed so much to my own personal growth. I’m always learning something new as I teach. When I’m able to help others execute a movement, it intrinsically helps me perform a movement better too. When I’m able to help members achieve a new milestone, it motivates me to achieve the same in my own journey. I love it when members have questions and when they’re up for a challenge because it pushes me to keep learning and growing too. Essentially, when you help others you help yourself too.

I also gained a lot of valuable insight from the amazing team of coaches I work with as every coach has their own style and execution in teaching. I make an effort to attend every coach’s class because there’s always something to learn from them. It could be the way they command a room, the cues they give to a difficult movement or their choice of music! Also, it’s always fun to be a student again! I made a vow to myself that no matter how long I’ve been teaching, I’ll always be humble enough to learn.

What's been the most memorable moment for you as a group coach?

This question sparks a train of memories! It’s hard to choose one but my first most memorable moment as a coach was when a regular goer of my class came up to me and said, “I continued fitness because of you.” That moment summarized exactly why I do what I do! Suddenly, all the training, missing out on social events, cramming assignments, etc was all worth it!

What has your role as a coach taught you about yourself?

It has taught me to be more reflective and empathetic as a person. There’s always room for improvement as a coach; this has increased my capacity to empathize with others. I realised that all progress happens outside of one’s physical and mental comfort zone. Oftentimes when members stop themselves from giving their best in class, it’s not because they lack the physical ability to do so but they lack the confidence.

Progress involves pushing past mental hurdles that usually involves anxiety, self-deprecating thoughts and the fear of failure. Fitness is inclusive of mental health and I want to be able to help others feel good about themselves both physically and mentally. I strive to create a safe space for people to make mistakes, ask questions and challenge themselves. I strive to inject a sense of inner confidence to people who show up for class because physical gains can come and go but confidence stays. With that being said, it has taught me to become more confident, reflective and intentional in my own journey.

What would you say to someone who is looking to attend one of your classes?



This is only 3% of your day so I encourage you to give your 100% in class because you reap what you sow! This is a space dedicated to progression, learning and support. It is free of judgement, so come with an open heart and a full water bottle because you’ll need it!