MALAYSIA: A DEDICATED MOTHER & AN AMUSING INSTRUCTOR
Chen Oi Peng, as known as Serena Chen is a full-time homemaker and an incredible BODYSTEP and BODYPUMP instructor for 18 years now!
Serena is blessed with 2 adorable kids and she says the one major challenge with juggling motherhood and work life is the stress. This is especially true, as the children grow up, their needs slowly evolve. As a mother, we need to be more sensitive to their needs and most importantly, be their friend when they need us.
This gorgeous mother started off her fitness journey wanting to slim down, along the way she increased her knowledge in fitness and health. This led her down the exciting path of becoming a Les Mills instructor.
“Becoming a Les Mills instructor has given me more confidence, as I consider myself an introvert. I love being able to guide people to improve themselves every step of the way.”
When asked why she chose to train in Les Mills BODYPUMP and BODYSTEP, Serena says with BODYPUMP, she learnt the right way to lift weights, which is important to avoid injuring oneself and with BODYSTEP, the music was key motivation to keep going!
We asked Serena this;
"Stay-at-home moms raise better children" - Verywell Family.
What is your opinion on this statement?
“Those who are able to, should do so. Time spent with your young ones is important. Thanks to Les Mills, I am able to watch my kids grow” – Serena
She believes the one thing women excel in, is MULTITASKING. I don’t know how we do it but we do it really well. “This is why I think a great leader starts from home. What makes a great leader is the ability to care and protect your loved ones first.
“In my career, I’ve learnt that patience is an important virtue. To always be positive when the negativity starts rolling in, and to accept the opinions of others but to stand your ground.”
Moving forward, I want to keep on teaching Les Mills programs. Health is important as we grow older. I want to see my boys grow to be responsible men. Health is wealth, they say!
“Don’t ever give yourself excuses, and do not feel intimidated by others. You’ll never know what you are capable of till you try!” Like Forrest Gump says “Life is a box of chocolates, you’ll never know what you’re gonna get!”
*Photos by Serena Chen
Fun Q&A
- Favourite spice (spicy, bitter...)
Smoked Paprika - Secret Talent?
Singingggggggg-ahhhh - One question you hate being asked?
Why does your child behave like that? Ugh! - If you could give your 13-year old self advice, what would you say?
Be responsible for your own actions! Face the consequences with no regrets! - Movie that made you cry the hardest?
Marley and Me, I think it made everyone cry
- If you ruled the world, what law would you enact?
Rights for Teachers. Teachers educate our children, our future. The government needs to listen to them and understand their hustle. The education system needs to be changed to better suit the children’s capabilities and teacher’s abilities. - Three words to describe yourself.
Crazy, silly and emotional
INDONESIA: PART TIME DANCER, FULL TIME BADDIE
Meet Triesca Winardi, this full-time LES MILLS BODYCOMBAT and BODYPUMP instructor is not one to be messed with, she can literally KICK.YOUR.BUTT.
A ballerina at heart, Triesca was offered to teach dance classes at one of Jakarta’s biggest gyms at that time; she fell in love with the drive and atmosphere. During her gym probation, Triesca was allowed to experience all the programs there, she was particularly attracted to Les Mills classes. Why? She was astonished that exercising could be so much fun; the music, the community, the charismatic instructors and the sheer raw energy felt throughout the classes.
“Sharing the same mission of creating a fitter planet together, is what makes Les Mills uniquely powerful”, say Triesca when asked why she chose being a Les Mills instructor as a career. Les Mills has an unbreakable value, high standard of content, education and a sense of family, One Tribe.
We asked Triesca this;
Women have been making big waves in the hard-core training work. Some people do not think it is appropriate for woman to be gaining muscle. It is deemed “unfeminine” or “too muscular” – Thought Catalog
“Anything more than toned muscle is disgusting and manly on women.”
What is your opinion on this statement?
“FIT” looks different on everyone. In training, we are working on both our physical and mental states. In the end, it’s not about how big or small your body is, it’s about what makes you happy. Do what makes you feel good and don’t let other people dictate what’s best for you. Just remember, you do you. – Triesca
A great woman ensues; confidence, commitment and endurance. This is why my role model is Oprah Winfrey. Her story of struggle and how she uses her fame and success to help people in return. Sequentially, a great leader should possess a strong mind, perseverance, integrity and is able to empower his/her community positively.
Triesca says, that one big lesson she’s learnt during her career is that it’s all about the impact you are making to empower your life and the people around you.
Photos by Triesca
“Every soul in this world matters. Every person has a purpose in life. Always strive to be the best version of yourself and don’t stop believing in yourself.”
Fun Q&A
- Favorite Spice (spicy, bitter..)
Salty - Secret Talent?
Dancing
- One question you hate being asked?
Being asked the same question over and over again. - If you could give your 13-year old self advice, what would you say?
Be yourself, don’t change for fame. It won’t last. - Movie that made you cry the hardest?
Marley & Me
- If you ruled the world, what law would you enact?
Freedom to express - Three words to describe yourself.
Honest, Loyal, Generous
