I was born in Illinois, I moved to Florida with my parents when I was 11. As a first-generation Vietnamese
American, I was definitely not into fitness and good eating habits growing up. As a chubby teenager, I
did not find fitness until after graduating from high school. I fell in love with how much better I felt about myself and how much I enjoyed exercising. I started out going to the gym, eventually did some bikini fitness competitions, and now blend my workouts between pilates and pole fitness. I truly believe that fitness is the most fun when one can find something he/she enjoys so that it does not seem like a chore.
My career choice is dentistry, but I l enjoy every aspect of health and wellness. I encourage my
patients to instil healthy habits not just for their oral health, but also for their overall health. When I am
not working or working on my pole routines, I enjoy travelling, cooking, and spending time with my
family and friends. I am also active in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, as well as devote time to volunteer dental
services.
Fitness is just not physical, but also mental and spiritual!
Is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue in your opinion and why?
Weight loss is more of a health issue, in my opinion, because obesity increases one’s risk of systemic diseases and greater degeneration of joints.
Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, Bodybuilding, others?
There are so many different types of training and I believe each one has its benefits. Any activity is better than none, so each individual has to practice what works for their bodies and enjoyment.
Share your unique training/coaching methods?
I try to do some type of physical activity daily, so it could be a pole fitness class, pilates, or walking. I have a very sedentary job, so I definitely try to walk as much as I can during my breaks and lunch hour, if I can.
Nutritional Plan:
I have consistently maintained the same weight without going on strict diets or restrictions, so I feel eating in moderation is key. If I want to eat something, I will have it without feeling guilty. In the past, I felt that being on a restrictive diet would cause me to gain weight because I had a tendency to overindulge once the diet was over. I try to avoid foods that are fried and overly processed, though.
Supplement Plan:
I do not supplement with anything besides turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins. I prefer Stevia when I want additional sweetness, but I don’t add sugar to foods. I think the anti-sugar is more because I am a dentist than it being bad for your body, although I do agree that too much sugar can cause a lot of inflammation in our bodies.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
Status Fitness Magazine showcases a lot of strong and fit physiques from all different backgrounds. I have been a big fan of the magazine since my days of bikini fitness competitions. I would be extremely honoured and pumped for the opportunity to participate in the Status Fitness Magazine Model Search!
Future fitness goals and plans?
My future fitness goals are to continue to improve my skill as a pole performer and enjoy fitness as part of my lifestyle. I do not focus on body parts or weight loss because I love fitness for the fun of it!
Life goal?
My life goals are to help others as much as I can and continue to have a positive outlook on life, regardless of what it may bring.
5 things people don’t know about you?
- I eat a lot.
- I can fall asleep anywhere.
- I only learned how to swim a couple of years ago.
- I am very shy in person.
- I love to laugh all day long.
5 lessons you have learned?
Never take anything for granted. Love yourself first. Always be kind to everyone. Save my money. And take care of my physical, mental, and spiritual health always.
5 most important attributes you see in a person?
Loyalty, respect, compassion, fairness, and selflessness.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why?
My little sister from Big Brothers/Big Sisters because she has a very difficult family life and I want her to know she can achieve anything she wants in life with hard work and dedication.
Connect with Mia Nguyen
Photographer: Sean Nelson
