Inspo Lane: Work It

It’s that time of year again, when our thoughts are focused on hitting the reset button, wiping the slate clean, and making a fresh start. Common resolutions - in fact, about 95% of them - involve fitness in one way or another.

We sit down with Janice Ng, Creator of the AbsFocus method - a cardio-driven, Pilates-inspired core workout emphasising form, movements, and breath. Ng explains the importance of having a healthy mind and body for the new year, and presents her failproof tips to achieve this.

Tell us a bit about your background and journey in fitness.

Fitness has always been an essential part of my life. I started ballet and Taekwondo when I was five and am now certified in Lagree Fitness, NASM, and Polestar Pilates. Years of training has instilled focus, commitment, discipline, and time management. I still consider physical fitness key to success in my day-to-day life.

Can you share about why you chose to focus on promoting mental health through fitness, and how can we achieve this?

Mental health plays a prominent role in our well-being. Having a fit body does not directly reflect how healthy our mind is. Fitness, to me, means to be healthy. To be healthy means making positive choices and having a positive internal dialogue—our inner voice. The way we speak to ourselves matters.

You can accomplish a stunning physique. Still, if your internal dialogue is negative and you speak badly of yourself, it defeats the purpose of fitness—to feel good about yourself.

I thrive in a positive headspace. My favourite mindfulness practice is breathwork which only takes less than 15 minutes. It energizes me and shifts my mood. Then I write down three things I'm grateful for, what would make my day great, and a positive affirmation.

What are three failproof tips you would offer to those hoping to get fit?

We all know we need to move and eat well to get fit. It is, in fact, a simple equation. However, why are most of us not acting toward what we know is good for us? It comes down to body awareness, habits, and decision-making.

Cultivate mental resilience and emotional balance through meditation. Meditation regulates your mood and sharpens mental acuity. Once you are more aware of the habits that do not align with your goals, you have a higher chance of making a change and getting back on track.
Compounding your small habits. Life is a series of daily choices that shape our outlook on life. Start with showing up for a workout every week. Then twice a week. Make the practice so easy you cannot say no. Find a movement that you enjoy. The last thing you want is to dread a workout!
Stay close to your support system. Find a way to be held accountable for your goals, whether it’s an accountability buddy who does the online workout with you, a group class, or a personal trainer. Know what works for you, and what gets you out of bed!

And what are the main obstacles people usually face in sticking to their New Year's fitness goals?

Setting unrealistic goals and expectations.
Not being intentional with your goals.
Being too harsh on yourself.

Finally, what are your personal goals for 2023 - fitness or otherwise?

For teaching, my goal is to inspire clients to be open-minded by exploring exercises that support their overall fitness goals and physique. It’s important to strike a balance between heavy-duty lifting and gentler movements like stretching, Pilates, and mobility exercises. Complementary work helps our body evolve efficiently and sustainably.

As mental health is at the centre of what I promote, I want to ensure everyone who participates in AbsFocus understands the meaning behind their core work. It's not just about the abs; it's about their fitness, eating habits, and internal dialogue.

I aim to promote my online platform - which touches on fitness, mental health, and mindfulness practices - to the Southeast Asia market. With fewer travel restrictions, I will continue my pre-COVID hobby of hosting AbsFocus classes in different major cities like Los Angeles.

For my personal goal, I will continue my yearly tradition by completing my 4th Vipassana meditation in 2023.

Shop our edit of athletic wear below to equip yourself for your New Year’s fitness goals.

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How to meet your New Year’s fitness goals

Tell us a bit about your background and journey in fitness.

Can you share about why you chose to focus on promoting mental health through fitness, and how can we achieve this?

What are three failproof tips you would offer to those hoping to get fit?

And what are the main obstacles people usually face in sticking to their New Year's fitness goals?

Finally, what are your personal goals for 2023 - fitness or otherwise?

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