SINGAPORE – When Carol Jeya Kumar noticed that her older relatives were suffering from issues such as diabetes and heart problems years ago, she was determined to keep herself in good health. So she started exercising.

After graduating from university in 2014, she embarked on her fitness journey by setting aside an hour a day to visit the gym after work. She said she had lost 25kg from her initial weight of 90kg. 

The 33-year-old added: “Working from 8am to 6pm is already so tiring, so to find the discipline to set time aside was a challenge initially. But I think I grew up disciplined so I managed to make sure to exercise after work. 

“When I’m still young, I’m able to change my lifestyle. I would rather be working hard at the gym than paying visits to hospitals.”

But exercise soon became “me time” and a way to unwind from work, she added.

Now, the technical service officer at JP Morgan works out four times a week, incorporating spin classes, high-intensity interval training and weekend runs to the beach in her routine. She sets aside three days for recovery. 

Carol also takes care of her diet and tries to eat only natural and whole foods while avoiding processed food and reducing her sugar intake. 

From Monday to Thursday, she packs lunch – typically air-fried chicken breast and vegetables – to work. Fridays are cheat days when she allows herself to order takeaway meals. 

She also often opts to walk instead of taking public buses, and clocks 8,000 steps just from a two-way trip from her house to the nearest MRT station. 

Since starting her fitness journey, Carol has noticed changes such as waking up with a clearer mind and feeling more sure of herself when interacting with strangers.

She added: “I am more confident dressing up, instead of covering up when I was on the heavier side.”

Carol said she receives many questions about her weight loss from her family and friends.

She said: “They asked me what’s my secret, but I told them there’s no secret. Just keep yourself active for two to three days a week and eat proper food.

“I’m doing it slowly, but progressively and consistently and it’s healthier than being drastic. It’s a basic lifestyle, you don’t have to do anything extreme. You need to be consistent and disciplined.”

But sticking to the plan is not an easy feat. When workload increases and exhaustion seeps in, Carol occasionally halts exercise for two to three weeks. 

She continued: “When work becomes more consistent, I would get back to it and bring the routine back and readjust my body.

“But you need a very strong group of friends or family to support you as you need really strong discipline to do it alone.

“At some point, when you feel like you cannot make it, my friends are the ones who motivate me so it’s good to have someone.”

Despite spending most of her time exercising alone, Carol enjoys working out with her peers as she likes the supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

The Malaysian has registered for her first race in Singapore with her colleagues – the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge, a 5.6km run organised by her company on Thursday. 

She hopes to reduce her weight by another five to 10kg, but said her main goal is to maintain good health and avoid falling ill often. 

On overcoming inertia to start exercising, she said: “Start now. Start tomorrow. Just start small and your body’s engine will start and get used to exercising. 

“Having a support system and starting early is great – it’s an investment for the future so you’re not popping pills when you are old.”