K.BLU Active Ambassador #1 - Marilyn

Marilyn wearing Prints sports bra and Black Tights from K.BLU Active wear.

Marilyn, a 35 years old Regional Marketing Manager is also a fitness fanatic. Having grown up in Philippines where there are amazing beaches, she describes herself as a beach girl. She loves yoga, working out at the gym, running outdoors, trekking and travel. She definitely love and live the healthy and active lifestyle. Let’s find out a little more about her lifestyle.

1. How are you able to juggle work and yoga practice?
I do yoga everyday after work and on weekends.

2. When did you started doing yoga?
Back in 2007. I started in Manila and continued when I moved to Singapore in 2010. I had my yoga practice with Bikram Yoga. I only started Vinyasa about a little year ago.

3. How has yoga changed your lifestyle/improved your lifestyle? 
I have always lived an active lifestyle. Before I got into yoga, I was a gym rat and working out at the gym every day. I hit a plateau with gym working out and that’s when I started yoga. Also because I wanted to become more flexible. I was completely stiff! But more importantly, yoga has helped me become calmer and not so hot tempered. 

4. Any yoga poses that are meaningful to you? Or which are the poses you took a long time to achieve? 
I love backbending the most. People who see me now think “she’s so flexible” but the truth is, when I started, I could not even reach my toes. I am now flexible because I worked hard on my flexibility everyday.  The pose which took me the longest time to achieve is the perfect standing bow.  It is still a work in progress.

5. Favourite pose?
Splits and Backbendings are my favourite. My signature poses are full camel and floor bow. I would love to be able to do handstand.

6. What do you look for in a yoga wear?
Soft on the skin fabric, thin and breathable fabric; cute design; flattering on my body shape. For leggings, one that slims the legs and look good on the butt ;)

7. Any tips for beginners?
Take it easy and don’t be frustrated. Don’t compare yourself with others. We are all born with different body types and are at different stages of practice. So what if you are not able to do the fancy poses like headstand, crow or pincha now? Don’t be discouraged. Rather, be inspired and just keep practicing! It will eventually come and you will amaze yourself when you least expect it. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun practicing!

8. Do share with us some of your favourite healthy meals (be it homemade or purchased outside). 
I love making my own salad and green juices at home. If I buy healthy food outside, I go for Cedele salad, Brewerks salad, Soupspoon soups.

9. How many times do you workout in a week?
Everyday

10. Any words for beginners to stay focus and determined?
If you are practicing in a class.. try everything that your body allows you to do. Don’t give up so easily. Also, practice with a goal in mind. It can be as simple as “learn how to breathe properly during class” or “I will not let go of the asana before the teacher says so” or “I will not get frustrated if I cannot do a pose.”

11. What is your definition of success?
When you achieved something you have worked so hard for.

12. If you weren’t working in the job you are in now, what would you be doing instead?
Teach yoga or set up my own business related to fitness and health

13. What is your ideal holiday?
Anywhere with my fiancé or family. I am a beach girl so I always love going to the beach. I love nature and adventure so anywhere with an amazing view will always captivate and relax me.

14. What or who are your style influences?
I like Aimee Song (@songofstyle). Feminine, casual, sexy.

15. Living in a sunny climate, what are some of your must-haves when it comes to your skin? 
Moisturizer, sunblock, lip balm

16. What is one thing on your bucket list? 
Sky dive

17. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Have a baby or two by then and maybe my own business

Marilyn wearing Prints sports bra and Black Tights from K.BLU Active wear.