November's Flye Girl: Miriam!

Busy barrister thrives over stress, low self-esteem & eczema with regular cardio fitness.

"Give yourself 0 excuse. Make time, have better time management and prioritize your tasks. If you have time for meals, social gatherings, messaging continuously on phone, you have time for regular exercise -- it is YOUR health. Only exercising once in a blue moon is ineffective for long term health."

Name / Occupation/ Age range

Miriam/ Barrister-at-law / 30-35

When did you first start to become aware of the importance of regular exercise and was there anything in particular that triggered it?

I have been suffering from eczema all my life, it became severe over years of being inactive, stress and unhealthy diet from postgraduate studies and work. I was at a point which I had insomnia, I felt frustrated and helpless, not to mention being low at self-esteem. Despite all the medications I had taken, I recognised I must have a healthy lifestyle to heal from within.

In 2017, I decided to start exercising once to twice a week, even only on the treadmill for 15 mins each time to sweat for a bit. My condition improved tremendously as I slowly built on my exercise routine, family and friends also noticed changes of my skin, body and mood.

What were the biggest barriers you had to overcome in order to incorporate exercise into regular exercise?

Lack of motivation, time and patience. It is challenging to have a work-life balance lifestyle being in the legal profession due to our job nature, often I need to work irregular hours on urgent notice. In contradiction, I often feel lazy on my days off.

Commitment and time management are essential. I plan a week early by signing up 3-4 fitness classes per week, 2 on weekdays and 2 on weekend. Always make exercise a priority, followed by other social and personal activities which I enjoy next. Once exercising has become part of my life, it comes easy and I no longer find excuses to skip.

Get to know your body and discover its strength, avoid overwork and get sufficient rest. It is ok to be lazy once in a while -- just don't let it becomes a habit.

What kinds of exercises do you do and how often?

On average, I take 3 to 4 one-hr fitness classes per week consisting of fitness dance, zumba, HIIT/tabata, core yoga.

What are the biggest benefits you have noticed since you have adopted regular exercises into your lifestyle?

With my 3-4x/week cardio exercise routine, it definitely improved my overall skin condition, body is more toned and I have downed one size. In terms of energy, I no longer feel tired all the time, my energy level is boosted, I have an easier time getting up early in the morning. In terms of mental health, I feel motivated with positive energy, exercising takes my mind off from negativity and stress.

What tips/advice do you have for others who have busy lifestyles and find trouble incorporating exercise into their daily life?

Give yourself 0 excuse. Make time, have better time management and prioritize your tasks. If you have time for meals, social gatherings, messaging continuously on phone, you have time for regular exercise -- it is YOUR health. Only exercising once in a blue moon is ineffective for long term health.

Determination, consistency and endurance are the keys! Always choose an activity that you enjoy and focus on the process more than the result. Result and improvement will show, slowly but surely.

Drop all toxic people and things which prevent you from a healthy mind and life. Looking back, I have never regretted but only felt thankful for any effort and time I have spent on exercising