Getting in shape for CNY? This cardio coach says start strong by slowing down

For Sim, slowing down is a simple but transformative habit—whether at meals or in life.

“We tend to overeat when we’re stressed, especially during the festive season with so many events,” she says. The solution? Start slowing down and eating more mindfully. Savour festive treats like yee sang and seafood instead of rushing through your plate.

Using smaller plates and taking breaks between servings can also help with portion control, while forcing you to get up and move more.

“Even walking to grab second helpings encourages movement,” she adds. Beyond eating, Sim encourages slowing down your commitments—like scaling back on hosting too many events or unnecessary outings—which can reduce stress-eating and help you be more present.

See also: From diet to skincare: Proven ways to soothe and manage eczema flare-ups

As Sim emphasises, fitness doesn’t have to mean gruelling workouts—it can be as simple as making moving a part of your daily routine.

“Walking is one of the most underrated exercises,” she says. To keep it social, Sim suggests walking with friends, neighbours, or even pets. “Ask someone to join you for an evening walk or tag along as they walk their dog,” she recommends. If walking isn’t an option, mat Pilates is another accessible choice, particularly for those with knee pain or arthritis.

As a mom juggling fitness and parenting, Sim has learned to embrace flexibility.

“Time-blocking never worked for me because kids don’t follow schedules,” she admits with a grin. Instead, she exercises whenever the opportunity arises, even in unexpected moments. “Sometimes I work out on their playmat in home clothes when I have a little spare time.”

For busy people, Sim recommends simple but effective moves like Bird Dog, Glute Bridge, and Dead Bug, which strengthen the core and glutes. “These exercises are perfect for postpartum mums or office workers who sit a lot,” she explains. Her message is clear: You don’t need a perfect routine—just seize small windows of time and prioritise progress over perfection.

“I did these three exercises when I was trying to fix my diastasis recti after giving birth. That means my abs are split–it's really interesting because this is just part of women’s health that is not often talked about enough. It’s one of those things you only know if you’ve gone through it. As I was trying to fix it, I discovered these effective mat Pilates movements that work the glutes and the core muscles.” 

Don’t miss: 8 Gym bag beauty essentials that will enhance your workout glow

For anyone feeling discouraged by year-end fitness goals, Sim has this message:

“It’s okay to have aesthetic goals—like trying to fit into that cheongsam or gown—but approach them with a sustainable mindset,” she says. With only a few days into the New Year, there’s still time to make meaningful progress. “Consider hiring a personal trainer or setting smaller, achievable goals,” she suggests.

Avoid the trap of extreme measures or thinking it’s too late, Sim says.

“Fitness isn’t about an all-or-nothing approach—it’s about doing your best consistently,” she says. “Be practical with your fitness goals. After you’ve done your best, if you still can’t fit into that dress or gown you love, there’s no shame in wearing shapewear. The worst case scenario is you rent another gown. Again, it’s about being sustainable and deciding to use this time to motivate yourself rather than beating yourself up.” 

With a positive mindset and clear, realistic goals, you’ll find yourself starting the year on a stronger, more confident note.

NOW READ

Do diabetic people have sweet blood? Debunking some unusual myths about diabetes

Consultant endocrinologist Dr Malathi Karupiah sheds light on diabetes, with tips for change

Turning her pain into power, Cheryl Wee is on a mission to build a holistic wellness ecosystem