My name is Shirley Tjiong, I serve individuals who want to make a change in their Health and Fitness. A healthy and fit life is not about the size and shape of your body, it is about your mental and physical strength while your physique is the bonus of your fitness journey. Your body and mind will feel better as you get rid of the bad toxins and create endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that help to relieve pain or stress, and boost happiness.
Little bit about me…
I was born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, yes I know, but I look Asian, so my family is from Indonesia. Growing up I was the skinniest and turning out the tallest in my family, don’t tell my sisters! Growing up all I would hear is you need to eat more food while I would be smothered with food. Yes I guess I was fortunate to have a fast metabolism. Growing, I was very insecure, shy, I didn’t feel comfortable in my body nor my overall self, and growing up with allergies and eczema took a toll on my skin.
I always enjoyed PE and playing sports but we didn’t have school/college sports like here in the States.
BUT we did have bikes!
In my college years I tried joining a gym with my friend but was greeted with an unpleasant experience as I overheard two ladies questioning why my friend and I were in the gym, stating that we didn’t need it. That experience hit my confidence, and I felt embarrassed and as if I didn’t belong there. But seeing those female athletes in the gym inspired me to want to work towards strengthening my own physique.
So fast forward going through college, I ate pretty well, as my mom’s cooking was the best! But at that time I also craved junk food which was not allowed.
So when I moved to the United States after college I did some at home DVD’s because again I was scared of going to the gym. Meanwhile I ate lots of processed food and drank lots of sugary alcoholic beverages, that’s when I started to gain weight. I thought FINALLY I HAVE A BOOTY! But deep inside I still wasn’t satisfied with my physique.
In 2012 reality hit me, the day that I realized I had to make a change in my health is when I received a 911 call from a guest villa coming from the 6th floor. As I ran up the stairs I quickly became exhausted and out of breath. Still going up the stairs, I was struggling, my mind was saying “Shirley how are you going to help the guest if you can’t make it to the guest”. I was in my early 30’s and I knew I should not have been that out of shape, it was time for me to prioritize my health.
I hated running, but my partner liked doing 5k races so I decided to give running a try. During my first running attempt I was faced with the reality that I couldn’t even make it to the end of the street. I had to start from scratch and the ‘young athlete’ in me wasn’t there anymore. But I persevered as my goal was to be strong, look firm and have muscles.
I started going to the gym, met some great people, and an inspiring instructor/mentor who encouraged me to become a Group Fitness Instructor.
My initial reaction was “NO WAY I’M TOOO SHY!!”
Fast forward… here I am, a Group Fitness Instructor for Les Mills and a Personal Trainer, but honestly I like the term Fitness Coach better.
But know that I’m still on my fit journey and at the end of the day I am a human that loves to have fun and live my life!
I am ready to bring the best out of YOU!
To bring the stronger and fitter out of you!
Question is are you ready for the best version of you!
10 year living Strength Over Skinny #10yearchallenge #20092019💪
