Singapore #Fitspo of the Week: Wendy Riddell – Yahoo Singapore News
Life goes beyond the digits on the scale and your body is capable of so much more. Yahoos #Fitspo of the Week series is dedicated to inspirational men and women in Singapore leading healthy and active lifestyles. Have someone to recommend? HitCherylup on Instagram or Facebook.
Name: Wendy Riddell (@wendyriddell)
Age: 45
Height: 1.68m
Weight: 62kg
Occupation: Community and events manager, director of boot camps, nutritionist at UFIT
Status: Married with 4 kids
Diet: My diet is pretty clean, I like raw and whole foods. You can say Im a flexetarian (more plant then animal but a bit of animal) but I believe in having a bit of what you want in moderation too.
Training: I train every day three to four CrossFit sessions, three strength sessions in the gym that includes cardio intervals, and one day a week I try focus on active recovery like swimming or walking.
Q: Were you sporty as a kid?
As a kid, I was always very active out on my bike from dusk till dawn. However I didnt play any organised sports as I was in a pipe band (yes I used to play the bagpipes), so there wasnt time for both.
Wendy started to get into a whole range of sporting endeavours when she decided to study nutrition when she was 17. (PHOTO: Cheryl Tay)
How did that change as you got older?
I decided to study nutrition when I was 17 and thats when I started to be more active. I think Ive tried most things Ive participated in netball, volleyball, judo, long distance running, cycling and every group class fad that has come out since the early 1990s.
What made you decide to study nutrition?
I have a BSc in Nutrition from Robert Gordons University. I noticed at a very early age that a lot of people around me, including my family, were gaining weight, being unhappy with themselves, getting sick a lot and generally not loving life so much.
I could also see they were eating a lot of processed foods, drinking soda, not working out and for me it was very clear the two were related. Medicine wasnt the first step in feeling better changing lifestyle should be.
In the early 1990s when I went to university, the value in nutritional education wasnt seen as strongly as it is today and I became very passionate about preventive medicine, i.e. changing our lifestyle.
How did you start your career in fitness?
I started teaching group classes when I was at university. A friend and I rented a hall and did good old-fashioned aerobics classes. I loved it! I moved to Canada for a while and did my first personal training (PT) certification there, and started taking PT clients and giving nutritional advice.
My next step was doing a post-graduate degree in sports science in London. The rest is history as they say Ive worked in health ever since. Ive been with UFIT since 2014, with a chance meeting at my kindergarten drop-off where I got talking to another mum about fitness. Next thing I was having an interview with (UFIT chief executive officer) James Forrester and havent looked back since.
Wendy has had to juggle work with taking care of her four young kids. (PHOTO: Cheryl Tay)
How do you manage four kids (the oldest being only 10), a full-time career and your fitness regime? Oh, and personal time and life.
Its not easy, I wont lie but like a good diet, its all in the planning. Im very lucky to have two excellent helpers, otherwise I wouldnt be able to do it all. Also UFIT is an excellent employer they are task-oriented, which gives me great flexibility for drop-offs and pick-ups of my kids.
Story continues
We are also a family company, and if I have events to attend on weekends, more often than not I take the kids with me. Their favourite thing to do is come to Mummys work. Some things do slide and I could be better on my personal life, but I feel our kids are only small for so long and you dont want to miss out on that.
What are your fitness goals now?
Im always trying to set myself new goals, otherwise you start to lose drive. Ive done lots of half-marathons, I did my first (likely my last too) CrossFit competition last year and loved it.
I was injured for a while this year so I felt like I was coasting along. Im on the mend now so looking at doing the Spartan Beast next year, as I feel its a good combo of running, strength and skill.
When did you feel the least confident about yourself?
Ironically enough my first year at university, I totally put on the fresher 15. I was so out of my own comfort zone with a new city, new friends, none of my clothes fitting and no money to buy new ones. There were tears and lots of them.
Wendy hopes to take part in the Spartan Beast competition next year. (PHOTO: Cheryl Tay)
I came home for the summer that year and a dear friend gave me a good talking to and I knew she was right. I picked myself up and made about getting strong again. After having kids also, I loved having babies but I didnt feel totally like me for a while.
How did you overcome all of that?
Speaking to people around me that have known me forever, getting a better routine and taking control of the things I could control such as what I was eating, how I was moving my body. Getting a good sleeping routine also helps with mental mindset and it all has a knock-on effect.
Also, remember not everyone is at the top of their game all the time, we all have down times and it doesnt make us weak to admit it.
Are you satisfied with your body now?
Yes, its far from perfect by magazine or social media standards, but stuff those standards! I am strong, my body has got me through some tough physical and mental situations. Ive made four amazing kids who are all healthy and happy and my body made them.
Ive travelled the world with babies strapped to me dragging bags and toddlers through airports. My body can and I dont care if I have cellulite or loose skin.
Do you get any comments about your body?
Im more immune to social pressure. That said, Im human and I wouldnt mind smaller thighs, but Im not losing any sleep over that any time soon.
Singapore #Fitspo of the Week: Wendy Riddell. (PHOTO: Cheryl Tay)
Continue reading here:
Singapore #Fitspo of the Week: Wendy Riddell - Yahoo Singapore News
- Weight Loss Exercise Program Week 1 [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight + Food Tips -- Losing Weight The Hard Way - Antishay Q [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- My 40lb Weight loss Before [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- yoga for weight loss workout (hd) [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast and Easy Motivational Weight Loss Speaker Food Addiction Weight Loss Tips [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- Fast Weight Loss Tips [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Quick weight loss workout to help YOU Lose 15 pounds fast [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight with the Amazing Japanese Morning Bana... [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Like 20 pounds in 3 weeks! [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- The Inferno Fat Loss WorkOut: Lose Weight With This Killer Circuit That Burns Flab [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- The Best Body Weight Quick, Easy Fat Loss Work Out: Body Wonderful [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2011]
- Loss Weight safe [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2011]
- Shocking Weight Loss Transformation! [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2011]
- women's fitness, fat loss, weight loss, organic food, gluten free diet, wellness [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2011]
- best weight loss pill [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2011]
- Weight Loss - The Beginning - Watch Me Shrink [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- WEIGHT LOSS MOTIVATION 148 pounds. 47 pounds lost! [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2011]
- Tips Eat Less Food w/out Hunger [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Raw Food Weight Loss Before [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Mind Movie - Law of Attraction - Weight Loss for Women [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2011]
- Caralluma Actives - Weight Loss - FREE Offer! [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- SURPRISING key to weight loss (must see!) [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2011]
- Hashimoto's Hair Loss, Weight Gain Reversed-Relief [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2011]
- Dr. Nova Law ,Body Magic Ardyss ABC 33/40 News interview [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2011]
- Top 6 Worst Breakfast Foods [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2011]
- Supplement Reviews on YouTube! [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- How to Use Flax Seed for Weight Loss [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- Are you training too much or too stressed out to loss weight? Arizona Triathlon Coach Dr Jeff Banas [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast - How I did it! [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2011]
- The Kevin Trudeau Show: 7-12-11 [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast - Slim weight patch review [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2011]
- Raw Food Weight Loss over 125 lbs #1 [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Women Before and After Incredible Journey! [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Top 10 Weight Loss Mistakes, How to Lose Weight [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- The Best Exercise For Abs And Core [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Vlog #7 : Back on track [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- 141 in 62 week update to my weight loss journey I'm sick and tired of being FAT [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- RAW FOOD WEIGHT LOSS 101: Whats the best water for a lean, fit, healthy body? #228 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How I lost weight [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Getting Succeeded at Weight Loss-Weight Loss Tips for Women. [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- India's 40lb Weight Loss with Before and After Pics! [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Lose weight easy as 1-2-3 ( [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- what i eat during my weight loss journey? part 2 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Jonah Hill Weight Loss: Star Talks About Being Skinny in Interview (09.22.2011) [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Super weight loss stunts! [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Secrets of weight loss and anti aging 3rd July 2011 Morning Message [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Success Story Weight Loss Before and After Transformation [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Healthy Weight Loss Tips - Nutrition by Natalie [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- LOSE IT: Weigh in - 3.8kg (7.9lb) total loss for Sep! [Sep 29] [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Home made body wrap directions [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Free Weight Loss Hypnosis Video [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Yoga for Beginners [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight at Home for FREE (Diet [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Advice - How To Start Losing Weight - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight with Water - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Abraham: NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS - Esther [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- REBOUNDER EXERCISES to LOSE WEIGHT [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight In Your Face - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Best way for girls to lose weight 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Loss Weight Programs - How to Start Losing Weight Right Now - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Motivation - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- My Diet Plan: What To Eat To Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2011]
- How To Enjoy Summer and Lose Weight By Running - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Ayurveda Aur Hum - Lose Weight without Dieting - Ayurveda - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- My reasons to lose weight Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Lose Weight Get Fit Have Fun Love Yourself The FatNoMoSho! Episode 3 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Dr. Oz - Shed Your Fat For Good - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Ayurveda Aur Hum - How to Lose Weight - Obesity Cure - Ayurveda - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Ayurveda Aur Hum - How to Lose Weight - Right Diet - Ayurveda - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Hello! Update Jan 05, 2011 - Losing Weight The Hard Way - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2011]
- Importance of Eating Several Smaller Meals to Raise Metabolism and to Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- The Ultimate Fat Loss Pyramid (Part 1): Meal Timing - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- Women Weight Loss Tips - Foods I Should Eat to Lose Weight Faster - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- The Easy Way to Lose Weight - Hormonal Balance - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- Anna Louise Haigh - Wholebeing Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Portland Personal Trainer - How to lose weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Take The Beachbody Challenge And Win Money For Losing Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- BodyEngine - Lose Weight with Science! - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- 2. How to LOSE BELLY FAT FAST AND EASY// How to lose weight fast for teenagers men / women - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]