Striving to be the healthiest and fittest version of herself, Shape Fit Girl 2019 finalist Natalie Yeo wants to inspire like-minded women and build up the female fitness community.
Natalie Yeo (@nattylifts) is #real. While many assume she works full-time in the fitness industry, the 27-year-old fitfluencer holds a busy day job in corporate banking, trading activewear for pencil skirts and heels once she has clocked her morning HIIT sessions. On weekends, she gives herself leeway to indulge in brunch fare and American barbecues. But she is also all about striking the right balance. Besides strength training, the recently ACE-certified personal trainer enjoys a mix of yoga, pilates and endurance runs to keep her fitness routine varied. One of the most extreme things she has done? Prepare for a bikini fitness competition, which involves a super strict diet and workout routine that she would strongly advise against for the long term. Get to know more about Natalie through these five facts about her fit and active lifestyle.
MY FIANCE (THEN BOYFRIEND) INTRODUCED ME TO THE GYM 5 AND A HALF YEARS AGO. I had always been active growing up, going for yoga and body combat classes with my mom, taking part in 40km cycling challenges with my dad, and being part of the gymnastics team in school. However, I only became more invested in fitness when my fiance took me to the gym and showed me the ropes. As a certified personal trainer, he taught me the proper form for weights training and in less than a month, I managed to deadlift 60kg! Seeing the progress I made in the gym got me hooked.
(Also read: Kelsey Well’s 20-Minute Home Workout to Build Lean Muscles All Over)
@KELSEYWELLS IS MY BIGGEST FITNESS INSPIRATION. She is really fit and strong, and also both an entrepreneur and mom. Plus, she’s relatable too. She wasn’t always fit and fab, and had her fair share of body troubles. I think she’s a true inspiration to many women out there to become fitter and lead healthier lifestyles – something I aspire to be able to do!
I BELIEVE THAT FITNESS IS A LIFELONG JOURNEY. It is less of a sprint and more of a marathon. That is why I am a huge proponent of sustainable fitness and a firm believer in doing things in moderation, including diet and workout regime.
MY POST-WORKOUT BREAKFAST INCLUDES CHICKEN BREAST WITHOUT SKIN FROM THE CHICKEN RICE STALL ON MY WAY TO WORK. I try to include a protein source in the mornings since I typically start my day with a workout before heading to the office. You don’t need to order a salad to eat clean in the CBD. It’s all about making wise choices, even at the food court. Braised chicken thigh, steamed fish or lightly stir-fried veggies are great options.
(Also read: The Best Brightening Skincare Ingredients For Healthy, Glowing Skin)
HYDRATION – INSIDE AND OUT – IS KEY TO HEALTHY, GLOWING SKIN. I learned this the hard way. I used to be plagued by bad breakouts and my dermatologist prescribed me a slew of salicylic acid face cleansers and toners, as well as benzoyl peroxide and retinol face treatments. While they are really great at zapping away any spots, they left my face stripped of moisture, and extremely inflamed. Over the years through trial and error, and tons of reading on my own, I discovered that sometimes, less is more. I scaled back on spot treatment products and went for lighter moisturisers and hydrating serums, and my complexion has never been better! Studies have shown that our skin is 64% water, so I always make it a point to drink enough water every day.
