24 THE STRAITS TIMES JULY 14 2011

What do you do to keep fit?I swim 1.5km on alternate mornings and run 5 to8km three days a week.

I focus on functional exercises which buildstrength and endurance at the same time. Theseconsist of bodyweight exercises and weightstraining.

Has there ever been a time when you were not fitand fab?During my national service days, my fitness levelwas not on a par with my peers’ as I led asedentary lifestyle.

I felt that I was out of shape and my immunesystem was weak.

I did not clock good timings during the armyruns, nor come out tops in fitness among myplatoon mates.

I decided to make the transition to start living

and feeling better. I began to eat right and focusedon aerobic fitness.

What is your diet like?I start breakfast with a healthy load of goodcarbohydrates for calories.

My favourite breakfast is the VietnameseFrench loaf with egg and vegetable fillings. Youcan find it on every corner of Ho Chi Minh City’sstreets.

My next four meals are light ones with high fibreand protein. I love sushi and Vietnamese springrolls.

What are your indulgences?Chocolate mousse and candy are treats which Ihave a few times a year.

Do you count your calories and why?I find that it is unnecessary to count one’s caloriesas it is both time consuming and impractical.

It is also impossible to note down all thecalories of everything I eat.

Rather, I believe in making long-termbehavioural changes. For example, I recognise andconsciously select healthier food.

I also stay away from oily food and sweetbeverages as much as possible.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?Engaging in outdoor sports allows me to meetpeople, which is something I enjoy. I can alsocatch up with my friends while I exercise.

What are the three most important thingsin your life?My family: My father, mother and elder sistertaught me values which keep me grounded.

My health: A great body and mind will enableme to overcome all obstacles in life.

Wealth: I feel inspired when rewarded.

Would you go for plastic surgery and why?No. Resorting to plastic surgery is an attempt tofeel good by just looking good.

I am just thankful for what I have at themoment.

Do you think you’re sexy?I’ll need to take a good, long look at myself in themirror before I can answer this.

joanchew@sph.com.sg

Justin Heng, 31

WEIGHT: 74kg

HEIGHT: 1.76m

ABOUT HIM: The Singaporeanhas worked in the recreationaland wellness industry in China,New Zealand, Vietnam andSaudi Arabia. He is currentlyworking in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam, as the generalmanager of a boutiquewellness facility and travelsback to Singapore twice a year.His long list of endurancesports participation in variouscountries includes IronmanNew Zealand and the SafraSingapore Bay Run & Army HalfMarathon. He is single.

Justin Heng started to eat rightand exercise when he realisedhe was unfit during nationalservice. Joan Chew reports

Unfit during army daysST PHOTO: AZIZ HUSSIN

Published and printed by Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Co. Regn. No. 198402868E. A member of Audit Bureau of Circulations Singapore. Customer Service (Circulation): 6388-3838, circs@sph.com.sg, Fax 6746-1925.