Looking at Jen Nagaoka, you would never guess that this barrerina is mum to a zesty toddler! Known for her soothing voice – she never fails to brighten our Monday mornings with her energising barre classes. This week, we interview our resident barre-mama!
What does wellness and being healthy mean to you?
First, it means to love yourself: decide you are a priority and worth taking care of! Although it is very easy (especially as women) to put yourself after other people and the never ending to-do list, it is so important to take the time to nurture your mind, body, soul and spirit.
Second, I believe it means being comfortable in your own skin. You be you – work it, own it, love it!!! You are perfectly beautiful, unique and amazing just the way you are 🙂
I truly believe being healthy is not about “changing your body” but about changing the way you see yourself change. Let the “why” behind your workout be bigger than the physical results (which will eventually come). Enjoy and appreciate your strength and beauty in the process of that!
Share with us a funny story related to barre.
My previous studio had wireless microphones we had to wear while teaching. I was getting ready to start teaching class and had to run quickly to the bathroom.
In my head, I swear I turned up the music and turned off the mic. Apparently, though, I turned off the music and turned up the mic!
Needless to say, when I came back in – I had 25 women looking at me with funny faces and giggles. They heard EVERYTHING as they sat there in silence waiting for class to start!
How did you get into BarreAmped and what are your future plans for barre?
I started teaching at The Bar Method in the United States about three years ago. When I moved to Singapore, I was looking for a similar feel to that particular method. BarreAmped was founded from the Lotte Burke method (as was Bar Method) so it was a natural fit. I started taking classes and got into teaching as soon as I could.
I love teaching… so, I hope to continue to do just that. I enjoy motivating and pushing clients to feel accomplished and more confident after each class. My goal is to continue to have people leave their time with me feeling better and stronger than when they arrived.
What is your favorite way (aside from barre) to keep fit and find some downtime?
Truly, barre is my happy place and hands down my favorite way to stay fit! But… I do have a very active 2 year old at home, so chasing him around keeps me moving the rest of the time!
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List your 3 dinner party dream guests, what would you talk about and what dish would you prepare for them?
I don’t enjoy cooking at all- but I do like to bake, so everyone would get desserts 🙂
My family: Everyone is in the USA, so they would be my obvious first and favorite choice to have over! I would make homemade ice cream (the old fashioned way) which is our tradition when we are all together. I would combine it with my favorite Singaporean dessert – waffles!
Pope Francis: He seems to be a truly genuine and pure man in the way he loves God, loves others, and cares for the poor. I would make my famous chocolate chip cookies (paired with milk of course). You can’t get any more pure and beautiful than that.
Brene Brown: She opened the world’s eyes to vulnerability and authenticity through sharing her own journey (TED talk). I would love to hear more. I would make her my original banana chocolate chip muffins.
List your 3 favorite travel destinations, and list 3 more that you want to travel to and why.
Traveled to:
Thailand- all things Thailand- the people, water, sunshine, massages, thai food, coconuts, mango sticky rice
Cameroon, Africa- the community and care for other people, joy without possessions, stars at night in open space.
Ubud, Bali- unrefined nature and green space/trees
Would like to go:
Maldives- for obvious reasons
New Zealand- dream destination
Halong Bay: Vietnam- untapped natural beauty
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