Personal trainer Limaran Agustina on how she used to be thin but flabby.

What do you do to keep fit?

I work out five to six times a week. Weights training is my primary form of exercise.

But I also do other exercises, such as circuit or interval training, otherwise known as high-intensity interval training or HIIT, as well as yoga. I may do HIIT once or twice a week. It is usually a short session that follows my weights training. Or I may do an intensive one on a day that I don't lift weights.

I work in a gym so I train every time I'm there. I have no excuses.

Has there ever been a time when you were not fit and fab?

Yes. About four years ago, I was a skinny girl with no muscle definition and just soft all over.

I ate a lot of junk food and it showed on my lower body. I have always had a pear-shaped body but it became very apparent after my junk food diet.

What made you decide to step into the gym?

I started working out under the guidance of my then boyfriend Jason, who is now my husband, because of vanity.

I was gradually becoming skinny fat - someone who is thin and looks great in clothes, but is all flabby underneath - and desperately needed to tone up. I had a small upper body (UK size 6) and a growing bottom (UK size 10).

How did you get hooked on weights training?

Initially, I went to the gym just to do lunges to slim down and tone my thighs. Jason, who was already working out regularly then, taught me other leg exercises like squats and the next thing I knew, I was reading up and trying different leg exercises.

I managed to lose the flab. I was addicted to the results and wanted to achieve more. The rest is history.

What other changes did you make to your lifestyle?

I have cut down on junk food. I also gave up drinking alcohol completely. My friends have given up trying to persuade me to take a sip.

What is your diet like now?

I try my best to prepare my own meals or take home-cooked food to work whenever possible, especially during weekdays.

I do have my cheat meals and sugar indulgence on weekends but I make sure I eat everything in moderation.

What is a typical healthy meal for you?

Healthy meals are actually the easiest to prepare. For instance, I may take a pan-seared salmon fillet, seasoned with some light soya sauce, to work.

I may cook some couscous, quinoa or brown rice to go with my proteins. My meals would also have vegetables like lettuce, asparagus, dou-miao or broccoli.

What are your indulgences?

I love cakes and rice crackers from Daiso.

What is your secret to looking so fabulous?

I believe that everything should be done in moderation, whether it is your diet, workouts or sleep.

Once you are able to strike a balance in everything you do, the results will come naturally. I am still in search of that balance.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I go for short trips with my husband to unwind whenever I can. Otherwise, working out helps to keep me relaxed, so I like to find pockets of time to work out every day.

What are the three most important things in your life?

My faith, family and health.

How has your active lifestyle influenced your family and friends?

My family and friends have started to label me as the fitness junkie. They look to me for fitness advice and diet tips. Of course, I'm more than happy to share these with them.

My ultimate goal is to influence everyone around me, be it those I love or the general public, into starting a fitness regimen and eating healthy before it's too late.

Would you go for plastic surgery?

I would, if I had a strong enough reason to do so. For example, a health reason or for my career.

Do you think you are sexy?

Why, yes. But in my own way. Confidence is sexy to me.

joyceteo@sph.com.sg