Lisa Clayton will make you want to get fit. The busy Australian expat runs UFIT, Asia's largest personal training studio and bootcamp from Singapore...
That’s when she’s not running after her three adorable boys (five-year-old twins Cooper and Max and three-year-old Benji). That alone would keep any mother in shape, but Clayton is passionate about her own wellbeing and inspiring others to put their health and fitness first. Her approach to health is to forget about being skinny. “If you eat well and exercise, everything should take care of itself,” she says. “Get some good advice and be honest and open with people. Create yourself and don’t copy what others do or compare your size or appearance to others, because what works for some people does not work for everyone.” She’s also case in point that when it comes to your career choice, do what you love because everything else will follow. UFIT originally started as a hobby for Clayton and quickly developed into a thriving business. When she and her husband first moved to Singapore, something was missing. “I am addicted to being hot and sweaty,” she says laughing. So she started helping others achieve their fitness goals. “It went from a hobby to a business in a flash because I absolutely believed in what I was doing and loved it, and it showed. I’ve made a massive family through my bootcamps in Singapore. They inspire me, motivate me and I’m so grateful that I am living a dream and love going to work. Passion, integrity and authenticity makes our business what it is today.” We caught up with Clayton at home in Singapore to talk getting back into shape after having a baby, her growing business and life as a mother of three boys… Images: Gunilla Lindgren Go to www.ufitbootcamps.com.sg
When I wake up...
I hope that I have gotten the day wrong and it’s not really 5:40am and that I can press snooze. Then I quickly bolt upright, because it really is groundhog day. I’m usually the first to wake up, it’s straight for a double expresso while checking emails. Next I’m out the door to train or instruct a class.
Before I go to bed...
It’s usually a quick to do list for the next day, finishing putting three boys to bed (who say they want to stay up late) and then I put on my Onsen Japonica Deep Hydrating Night Serum! So glam.
Life as a mother of three boys is...
Organised chaos, madly intense and so much fun at the same time. The love and energy I’ve found myself getting accustomed to is without a doubt the greatest feeling in the whole world. I am never bored, but forever challenged.
My advice for raising boys is...
To roll with the punches, lots of them. Be prepared you’re probably going to be breaking them up for years and years to come! Accept the madness and embrace the loving, quiet times as boys can be so, so caring and loving too. When they are I hug them so tight, sometimes I think I may break a bone. I truly believe the saying, boys will be boys. I came from a house of girls and it’s much noisier and so physical, but I love those big personalities! I’m much more of a let’s be loud and jump around than a dress up kind of girl, so I’m happy!
My approach to wellbeing is...
You are you, find what makes you happy, what motivates you in the right direction and who will help you. Get rid of toxic relationships and be mindful of how situations make you feel and how to get past them. It’s not just about what you eat that makes you healthy.
My advice for getting into shape after having a baby is...
Take the pressure off by finding something that you really enjoy. Get your nutrition right and portions under control. Self doubt and excuses will go away the moment you have motivation and are moving in the right direction. As a mum, it’s difficult to be the best version of you for your family if you don’t truly feel happy within yourself. You created these children, you are amazing, you mean everything to your children. You are loved, needed and missed. A healthy attitude can be contagious, so surround yourself with those who will be on the same path as you. See a professional if you have serious medical issues after giving birth and give yourself time to heal. Spanx are good too!
The food groups I avoid are...
Processed and fast food (bar the odd hot chip after midnight – it doesn’t count then.) I stopped eating out of packages and packets a while ago and all sugar cravings went. I don’t cut out food groups completely. I love food and I love socialising around food, but I generally have a low sugar diet rich in protein and vegetables. During the week, we’re very healthy and on the weekend, more relaxed. I’m extremely active so I thrive on nutritious meals and I know what gives me the energy I need. I know how my body reacts and how my mind is restless if I don’t eat healthily, so healthy food wins most of the time!
I treat myself by...
Foot reflexology. I’m actually obsessed! Foot rubs – if I were a millionaire, I’d have a private foot masseuse. Singapore boasts some great places on every corner, so it’s hard to say no.
The biggest misconception about me...
That I’m a health nut? Nah, I’d hope that there are no misconceptions about me. I try to be direct and honest with people so that their views should be accurate.
My role model is...
I don’t put anyone up on a pedestal. I don’t think anyone is perfect and neither am I. I think social media can make someone out to be someone they are not. I admire girls who are grounded, fun loving, honest and have strong moral ethics.
The definition of success is...
Success should be defined on your own terms. Achieve your own rules and build a life you’re proud to live.
My business started because...
I am addicted to being hot and sweaty! I never thought that thousands would be joining me! I was missing something when we moved to Singapore and I identified what that was when I was motivated by my friend to take our passion for fitness outdoors. It went from hobby to business in a flash because I absolutely believed in what I was doing and loved it, and it showed. I’ve made a massive family through my bootcamps in Singapore. They inspire me, motivate me and I’m so grateful that I am living a dream and love going to work. Passion, integrity and authenticity makes our business what it is today.
“ Happiness is seeing everyone else happy. Doing things you love daily. Feeling the love back. Finishing a to-do list! And of course, quality friends, family and travel time ”
My goal is to...
Make a life for me and my family that always encourages happy and healthy habits, but have a tonne of fun along the way. I don’t take life too seriously, all I want is solid relationships and I’m not going to lie, would love to live on the beach (no pressure there!). Who knows what the future holds but it’s been fun testing it out so far!
If I wasn't doing what I'm doing today...
No clue! I hated studying, just hated it! So I never knew what I wanted to be when I was younger. I knew I always wanted a big family and I’m lucky I fell into this career and have ended up loving it as much as I do. It has given me back more than I could have imagined. No university could have given me what I have today.
My mother taught me...
To finish my food on my plate and to love unconditionally. That you have to make sacrifices for your children and you have to be a positive influence in their life. I won’t ever forget what my mum did for me and how much she went out of her way every day to make me happy. I’m forever grateful for her love.
I moved to Singapore because...
We were moved over here by my husband’s job – I was kicking and screaming. He was transferred from a Sydney role and I didn’t want a bar of it. Oh how wrong I was!
My time management secrets are...
Um… I wish I had it down pat! I write a list, write things down when they pop into my head, which is a lot – I have the biggest list ever! I’m always planning ahead. I’m always on the go, so I get lots done but I’m kind of running around with one shoe on all day and quite often not going home to shower, if you know what I mean. I’m very quick to jump on things (massive iPhone attachment issues) but I try not to work around the kids much. So it’s coffee first, exercise next and I’ll try to take on the world and everything the day has to throw at me.
In my kitchen cupboard you'll find...
Besides the wine… lots of olive oil, protein powder, Nuun Rehydration tablets, cruskits and Himalayan sea salt.
Today I'm wearing...
Activewear! I boast the biggest range of leggings in Singapore I feel! Another obsession…
The last meal I ate was...
Prawn, feta and pesto on a cauliflower based pizza crust. It was a Monday. I’m so glad you didn’t ask me what Sunday was.
My style essentials are...
Bronzed, floaty and summery! Sandals, wedges, a white panama hat, denim shorts or a summer maxi dress, lots of gold arm candy and big big shades. I may not always be near a beach, but I sure dress like I am.
My children have taught me...
How to love (and how to get mad!), how to find happiness with the simplest of things, approach life at face value, how not to long for some future or dwell in the past, find joys in the present and people around you, the importance of forgiveness and that laughter really is the best medicine. Kids can teach us a lot if you step into their shoes and that life can be more simple. It shouldn’t be about schedules and getting this and that done, it’s about living a life with meaning and remembering to enjoy it with those who matter the most.
I relax by...
Having a glass of wine.
I get stressed when...
I lose pens, I have to stand in a long queue, people don’t listen to my instructions and if I cant find a carpark. Yes, I am as impatient as they come!