With their rock hard bodies and glutes of steel, fitness influencers can often seem intimidating, but for Hong Kong writer and wellness influencer, Karen Chiang, her type of #fitspo is much more down-to-earth and relatable (phew!).
Taking a break from her busy schedule of bouncing around from boutique gym to barre studio, our newest contributor Karen lets us in on how she started her fitness journey, current workout routine and personal approach to living a healthy lifestyle.
Hello! What do you do?
I’m Karen, a third-culture millennial who lives on Instagram and writes for a living. I was born and raised here, then spent a stint in the UK and Singapore before coming back home. Now living a local-expat hybrid lifestyle, you’ll find me at boutique gyms studios or hanging at a cafe in Sham Shui Po.
What’s something not many people know about you?
I tend to avoid meeting new people, but often enjoy it once it becomes inevitable.
How and when did your fitness journey begin?
My journey started at Bouncelimit two years ago, and I’ve tried all sorts of workouts since. I love the smell of a new gym and I thrive in group classes, so I tend to gym hop through ClassPass. Working out is an integral part of my life now and I’m a completely different person for it.
What was your very first workout?
Save from random ones here and there, my first ever workout at the beginning of my journey was Beginners Bounce at Bouncelimit. It definitely was a challenge for me, but thankfully rebounding is a musical workout so you often forget you’re even working out.
How many times do you work out a week now (and where)?
0-5 times, depending on how I feel! I try to keep it to three workouts at least, concentrated in Central.
Why do you work out?
I find that it really makes me a better person? It helps me check in with my mental and physical health. When I’ve been treating myself “too well”, my body will reflect that in a workout and I’m reminded to do better. When I feel stressed or sad, working out is an immediate way to make me feel better and release the negative emotions.
What’s your favourite exercise/workout and why?
I love lifting! Less sweat and cardio, more #gainz.
Least favourite?
Cardio! But I know I need it for fat loss and heart health.
Something you have yet to try in the fitness/wellness space?
I would say I’d like to dip my toes into holistic healing techniques.
Favourite treat day meal?
No such thing – I eat intuitively.
Any athletic brands/products you swear by?
Lululemon even though that’s such an obvious and almost obnoxious choice. I also really enjoy Maia Active and HAKA Active.
And finally… what’s your personal definition of healthy?
Eat good, sleep good, lift good, look good, feel good.
Follow Karen Chiang on Instagram @livewellbasics
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