This weeks’ Q & A with Wellness personality and founder of OhanaJo Studio, Jojo Struys
1. WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS AIM?
Fitness for me is not just a physical goal, which is why I do yoga everyday. It’s also about being mentally fit and strong so that you can handle any challenge that comes your way.
2. WHAT IS YOUR WEEKLY EXERCISE ROUTINE LIKE?
I start my day with flow yoga. When you’re moving on a yoga mat with natural awareness of your breath on every inhale and exhale, it becomes a form of meditation in movement.
I also teach some really unique yoga classes at OhanaJo which finish off in deeply relaxing sound healing sessions.
3. ARE YOU A GYM JUNKIE OR OUTDOOR EXERCISER?
I absolutely love nature as it really helps us to disconnect from the digital gadgets we are always connected to. I enjoy going for walks or hikes. As for yoga, I can do yoga pretty much anywhere.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WORKOUT?
I feel meditation for the mind is vital because the mind is always so busy and meditation helps to bring you into the present moment. I teach breathing techniques too to combat stress and release anxiety.
5. HOW DO YOU GET OVER BEING TOO LAZY TO EXERCISE?
You need to have discipline and once you build a morning regimen, it becomes a habit. It’s uncomfortable at first to break old habits but they say that changing what you do in your daily rituals could change your life.
The secret lies in building a regimen for yourself, especially in the mornings.
6. WHAT IS THE MOST DRASTIC THING YOU’VE DONE WHEN IT COMES TO EXERCISE?
I used to be a national athlete in Singapore. I trained five times a week and used to sometimes take the stairs when I got home which was 16 floors up.
7. HOW LONG DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT?
Seven hours.
8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FITNESS APPS / FITNESS TRACKER?
I used to be on a Fitbit. But recently I’ve got an Apple watch and I’ve been using it since it also enables me to answer calls on the go.
9. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO AFTER YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
I try to resist the urge to check my phone because it can drain my willpower. So I jump on to my yoga mat and start doing the sun salutations.
10. WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL BREAKFAST LIKE?
I drink raw kombucha in the morning which detoxes the gut and gives you energy and I love my organic smoothies with fresh fruits, muesli, extra virgin coconut oil, nuts, raw cacao, fresh blueberries, you name it!
11. DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE EXERCISING?
Yes, I find it really helps to get me into the mood.
12. HOW DO YOU PREVENT INJURY?
Yoga involves a lot of stretching so it protects the muscles and helps them recover quickly.
As a general rule, always listen to your body and never push it too hard or beyond its limits especially when the muscles are “cold”.
Always, always stretch before playing sport or doing any exercise and don’t be lazy about it.
13. WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO GET PEOPLE TO EXERCISE?
You just need to start the process and find something that works for you so you can build a new habit.
Once you’ve found something that you enjoy whether it’s dance, racquet game, jogging, or joining a studio near you which has an array of classes to choose from, just be consistent so your body gets used to exercise.
14. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WORKOUT MEMORY?
I was doing yoga in the outdoors in England a few months ago and the air was so cold, crisp and fresh.
I was on my own listening to my Spotify list through some outdoor speakers with my favourite incense burning on fresh grass. It was incredible to hear birds chirping in the sky and flying over me. It was such an amazing feeling to be doing yoga in nature.
15. WHAT HAS EXERCISE TAUGHT YOU?
It’s really rewarding to carve out “me-time” to do something that makes you feel really good about yourself. Exercise is not just good for the body. It helps the mind to become more focused and calm.
Jojo Struys
Age: 32
Occupation: Wellness personality and founder of OhanaJo Studio
Weight: 50kg
Height: 163cm