As part of our Empower series, we sit down with inspiring women who have supported our brand since it's inception, and find out what makes them tick.
Mandi (IG: @mandithezebra) is an ex-cabin crew turned Fitness Instructor. She juggles her time between modelling, her fitness work and social media; find out how she got started on the fitness journey, and what she thinks about a penguin in her fridge.
Mandi: I love that fitness is now part of my lifestyle and not only keeps me physically but also mentally healthy! It’s funny – I started exercising regularly about 8 years ago because my modelling agent told me I was too big for the industry!
Mandi: I am a huge believer of balance and moderation. I like to incorporate different exercises into my training regime which includes strength training, something intensive like HIIT or rhythmic cycling, and some mobility and flexibility work like yoga.
Mandi: Definitely! Initially, I was working out because I had to lose X amount of weight and fit into a certain body ideal. I did not enjoy working out as much as I do now. Currently, fitness is part of my lifestyle and I have a healthy relationship with my body.
Mandi: I feel that fitness has also helped me to grow into a more disciplined and confident person. Now that I am also an instructor, I enjoy helping others incorporate fitness into their lifestyle and witnessing them become stronger through each class!
Mandi: Yes of course, mostly positive. In the beginning when I first started there were some people who commented that I was not good enough and it made me a little sad because I put in a lot of effort and did my best every single time. But with time and practice, you get better at what you do. Looking back now, it’s been more than a year!
Initially, I only took leave from flying to do my certification in personal training and yoga. The COVID situation did not improve and I decided to take more time off to focus on fitness and started teaching in studios and gyms. In the blink of an eye, it’s already almost 2023!
Mandi: No, never! It made me who I am and I have learnt many valuable lessons through all my life experiences. I have been flying for 6 years and have always wanted to take up courses and get my fitness certifications but it was not possible due to my irregular schedule. With COVID, I found the opportunity to do so and am very glad I took that step!
Mandi: I like that it can be transformed from a work/casual outfit into fitness attire that’s also moisture-wicking and functional!
Mandi: Yes! I wear many hats and usually have to change into 2-3 different outfits a day. Whakamana’s pieces will lighten my bags for sure!
Mandi: I’ll ask if he finished all my ice-cream haha!
Need something to kickstart your routine? Download our Workout Plan that's suitable for beginners.