TV stars share their love for fitness

Local television performers Elvin Ng and Dawn Yeoh took part in the third edition of the PUMA Night Run on Saturday. TODAY’s Noah Tan (noahtanyw [at] mediacorp.com.sg) caught up with them before the race, where they shared their tips on how they keep fit and look good amid their hectic schedules. They also revealed what other sports they play, which football teams they support, and their motivation for keeping fit.

It’s your third time running the PUMA Night Run, what is it that keeps you coming back?

Elvin: I think it’s fun — the atmosphere — it gives you energy. Sometimes, when you run alone, you feel like “meh”. But here, it’s a happy run!

Dawn: The energy, the fact that there are more people joining the race every year, it gives me the energy to come back and run.

Anything special about this year’s run?

Dawn: The most special thing for me this year is I’m doing a 6km run instead of the 12km!

Elvin: Actually, I was hoping to do the 12km but my manager was afraid I’d take a long time to come back, so I did the 6km. For the 6km, I don’t need to train so hard because I do run in my free time, maybe 4km to 5km each time.

What are your tips for keeping fit and looking good?

Dawn: I hit the gym regularly, about twice a week, and I try to keep that routine.

Elvin: Nowadays I feel age is catching up a little. I used to think that my metabolic rate is very high, so I would just pig out and eat whatever I wanted without controlling my diet. But, at the same time, I would exercise a lot — I would play football, run and swim. But now I have to control my diet a little more.

Dawn: I have to agree with that. Diet, it’s the killer. Age is catching up and your metabolic rate goes down, so it gives you the motivation to hit the gym even more.

So what kind of diet do you follow?

Elvin: My diet is kind of special. I used to eat three people’s share, now I just eat about two people’s share. I really love my cakes, I could eat a whole 1kg cake by myself or, if I liked a cream-based pasta, I could finish three plates (laughs). But that’s a bad example. Now, I can feel it more, so I try to watch what I eat.

Dawn: Wow, I’m envious of you! I certainly can’t do that. For me, my diet has to be strict. I have to eat really clean, like broccoli, baked potatoes, chicken breasts ... all boiled, if possible (grimaces).

Your line of work sees you keeping an unpredictable and busy schedule. How do you all still find the time to keep fit?

Elvin: It’s always easy to say there’s not enough time. But it’s about discipline, it’s about wanting to do it enough, so it’s about willpower.

Dawn: It’s your mindset and determination. I always think that I’m someone who has great determination — that’s how I managed to complete a 10km run before! Because it’s incredible how I can complete such a long distance!

What’s the motivation behind you wanting to keep fit and eat clean?

Elvin: Actually, it’s just one word: Vanity! (laughs) I’m just kidding. For us, it’s about keeping a healthy state of being.

Dawn: Yep, and being able to pull off my crop tops!

Elvin, apart from running, you also play football. What position do you play in?

Elvin: I usually play on a smaller court. I like more confined spaces, where you have to do more passing, and teamwork is key. I’m a passer, more of a creative midfielder. I like players like (Zinedine) Zidane and (Eden) Hazard — the No 10s with a magical touch.

So which football team do you support?

Elvin: Chelsea! Ever since they were really poor. At the time, Manchester United were very strong. But Chelsea play with flair. They will lose to the smaller teams, but they would still be able to beat or even thrash Manchester United. Once, it was even 5-0. So that’s why I started supporting them, all the way until now when they’re much richer.

Dawn: I’m a Manchester United supporter, but only because I’m not familiar with the other teams. I’m a very superficial fan (laughs).