Jia En: Raising the Barre
If you’ve met Jia En, you’ll find that she would have set your heart racing — for more reasons than one.
The bubbly ClassPass ambassador specialises in cardio-heavy workouts, teaching both barre and spin classes. You might also remember her from Miss Universe Singapore 2018, where she came in first runner-up. But, don’t let that intimidate you, for she is perfectly approachable; her humble background has taught her the value of perseverance. Prior to her pageant run and career in fitness, Jia En had to juggle her university studies with multiple part-time jobs, all while building her own swimwear label, Sorakini.
This week, we catch a break with Jia En for her take on self-care, becoming a fitness instructor and her goals for the year.
What’s keeping you busy these days?
I’ve been teaching barre and spin, and working on improving my skills every time. I’m also picking up on nutrition, so a lot of my time off is spent studying materials.
You job involves constantly working out. How do you take care of your body?
I consume a lot of protein and eat the right type of foods for recovery. Massages are a part and parcel of my monthly routine, although sometimes I just use this bulky and funny looking air compression leg massager to give my legs some love!
Who is your fitness inspiration?
Michael Jordan... because of his Legendary Flu Game. I love this quote — you may see me struggle but you’ll never see me quit. He nailed it on this one!
How would you use your ClassPass credits?
Since I already do a lot of cardio work teaching, I spend it on yoga (for a good stretch!), wellness trips to chiropractors (more good stretch!) and sometimes things I haven’t tried before for something refreshing. My followers on IG recently voted for me to take on Muay Thai — it was hilarious but so so fun!
What advice would you go to people who are looking to become fitness instructors?
Make sure you know what you’re committing to. It may seem “cool” at the start, but doing it at such a high frequency means you really need the passion for it. Do you REALLY want it?
