Chloe Ting, an Accident and Emergency Doctor in Singapore, who was deployed to treat patients diagnosed with Covid-19 during the circuit breaker period in 2020, is also the co-founder and master trainer of a boutique gym, Axiom.
Tell us more about yourself.
I'm a doctor working in the Accident and Emergency Department in one of the hospitals in Singapore, as well as the master trainer of AXIOM, an indoor cycling and strength boutique studio located in Holland Village.
What does a typical day look like in your life?
My typical day is generally hectic! My job in the Accident and Emergency Department holds irregular shift hours, so no 2 days are the same. I mostly am out of bed by 7am, with a coffee in hand, making sure my dog gets his morning walk. Perhaps I would then head to the gym to do my own training, followed by teaching a lunch class at AXIOM then grabbing a late lunch in my car while heading towards my afternoon shift at the hospital. My day for an afternoon shift as such usually ends at 11pm.
With such a hectic schedule, what is a typical skincare ritual like for you?
My general idea for my skincare ritual would have to be one that is effective and convenient, given my schedule. My staples are a refreshing facewash, a toner, a day and night serum as well as sunscreen in the morning - this is a must! Every once in a while when I have more time at hand in the evening, I would treat myself to a mask.
It is an interesting combination of career choices being an Accident and Emergency Doctor and co-founding a boutique gym. What led you to these career decisions?
I think the common theme for both these "jobs" is that - they are not a 9-5 sit down office career. I love to always be challenged, and would embrace change more than anyone I know. Having a role in these 2 areas keeps me on my feet both physically and mentally, and I have to learn how to adapt in ever changing situations - which is something that school doesn't teach you.
I have been heavily influenced by my father who is also a doctor. (and currently still practicing!) Since young, he was the main inspiration for me to pursue Medicine and Healthcare as a career. He regularly brought me to his private practice as a child on weekends, and I've watched him interact with his patients and even sit in surgical procedures (with patients' consent of course) even before I hit primary school - it was kind of a father-daughter thing between us.
Throughout my childhood, I have also always been active in competitive sports and contemporary dance/jazz (I have my mom to thank for exposing me to various activities!), before eventually finding a niche in long-distance running for several years when I was in university.
time and it was here in 2014 I discovered Indoor Cycling/spinning. The rest, as they say, is history. I have been teaching on the bike as well as HIIT/functional boot camps since 2014 and have not looked back since!
Both roles come with huge responsibilities...and stress. How do you take care of your mind the same way you take care of your body? I think this is an important topic as most of us tend to neglect their mental health.
I think I am pretty special in the sense that I actively thrive under stress. I firmly believe that if it doesn't challenge you, it will not change you. However, I do keep in mind that I have to sometimes take a step back, reset and recharge.
There are a few go-to activities that will always get me back on track - taking my dog out to the beach, going for a quiet long run, journaling, or even window shopping by myself (whether or not I end up spending money is another issue!). I also always make sure I tackle challenges when I am in a clear state of mind with no distractions - this is to minimize room for error and to ensure I don't make decisions I would regret.
One way to enhance our mental wellbeing is through physical activity. What are some tips you share with your students at Axiom to make their workouts more mindful and help increase their mental energy?
There are a few "rules" I always tell my clients whenever they come to my class - to leave everything weighing them down outside of the room so that they are 100% present physically and mentally; to let every moment support them at their best; and to pursue progression instead of perfection. This is to make sure they get the best out of their 1 hour with me, which is a small portion of their day.
Many of our clients work long hours, have many responsibilities to go home to, and a class with me is their small chance of reprieve, recharge and revitalization. We aim to build them up both physically and mentally here at AXIOM.
Being in the medical and fitness industry that is previously predominantly men, have you ever felt that being a woman limits you?
In the beginning and the start of my medical career, yes. The healthcare industry was previously dominated by men, and only in recent years did the men to women ratio equalize. Even more so in the business and fitness industry. I have been very lucky to not have faced any criticism based on my gender and have received unwavering support and advice.
Nonetheless, there is a small undercurrent of opinions that men may still be better doctors or business owners (I've had patients requesting male doctors instead of me "because men make better doctors and decisions"!) but that doesn't faze me. If anything, I am ready to prove that I am a force to be reckoned with.
What does woman empowerment look like to you?
To me, it means being confident in your own skin, wherever you may be. It also means living life on your own terms - you don't have to be the sun for the people who don't appreciate your light.
Lastly, what is a quote you live by?
To do today what others won't, so that I can do tomorrow what others can't.
