Today’s Guest – Andrea Oh
1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?
Name: Andrea Oh
Title: Consultant (Fitness, Wellness and Health)
Age: 37 years old.
I have been working in many capacities in the fitness, wellness and medical industries for the past 20 years. Currently I am a technical writer for a technology-oriented fitness/medical equipment manufacturer and have a fitness authority website that I continue to research and provide content on a weekly basis (www.todaysfitnesstrainer.com).
2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?
My mom was primarily responsible for my healthy eating. To be honest I took nutrition for granted because my mom provided me with everything that I needed. She (as a trained chef) has always been conscious of good quality food and ingredients in the food that she prepares. We never ate pre-packaged or processed foods and fruits and vegetables were important to our daily meals.
Physical activity and exercise was always a big part of my upbringing. The person who motivated/inspired me to get into sports was my best friend growing up. She came from a very physically fit and active family (gymnastics, cross country skiing, cross country running, hiking, etc.) and I learned to appreciate and enjoy challenging my body through sport because I had a “buddy” to participate in them with.
3. What did they do to inspire you?
My mom inspires me every day. In particular, her attention to detail and her ability to make the most delicious food with the fewest ingredients and greatest attention to detail and care is what is intriguing and inspiring for me. There are very few people that I know that can do that. We live in a world where everything is a “quick fix” and done without conscious effort. My mom taught me that it isn’t difficult to do great things with healthy and nutrition ingredients to make beautiful food in very little time.
My best friend inspired me in so many ways … primarily by being fearless in the face of a challenge. She also inspired me by having faith and belief in me and my abilities to achieve, what I thought at the time to be, the unachievable or impossible. Her confidence in herself and her confidence in me is what helped me to evolve to the active person I am today.
4. How did their lesson change your life?
The lessons that I learned from my mom helped me to appreciate and respect food (quality, care, taste and the overall experience). If you respect and understand the value of food (and what it does to your body) it can only repay the favor back to the body.
The lessons that I learned from my best friend truly shaped my life and my career. Without the positive experiences and support that I had growing up I would not have gained the confidence and life lessons that brought me to my career as a professional athlete or my involvement in the fitness and wellness industries the past two decades.
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
Yes. I developed a fitness brand dedicated to getting young people (and their families) moving, interacting and having fun using simulation/video game technology. To date we have over 100 locations worldwide. On a smaller scale, I currently work with sports teams developing training programs and provide additional support information through workshops on an ongoing basis.
Regardless, I believe the best way to motivate others to make the right choices is to be a role model in what you say and how you act on a daily basis.
6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
Have fun!
Have fun in what you eat.
Have fun in learning about food, how to prepare yummy food, and how to make healthy eating a game you want to play every day!
Have fun in what you do.
Have fun in exploring what your body can do and expressing yourself through movement.
Have fun trying new things and not being afraid to be unique!
There is right or wrong way to “play”. Do what feels right and enjoy every moment!
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?