We’re beyond thrilled to be bringing this one to all of our readers, so join us as we catch up with makeup and hair artist and fitness model extraordinaire, the gorgeous and talented Karen Pang. Karen is one of our most popular models here at Fitness Gurls Magazine and sports an iconic and fit physique that’s nothing short of enviable. We were able to team up with this raven-haired beauty again to produce some sizzling hot new content and were lucky to get a few minutes of her time to see what she’s been up to as of late in a new interview you absolutely don’t wanna miss. Read on to find out!
Related: WATCH Karen Pang Behind-The-Scenes Fitness Gurls Exclusive Video
It’s so good to feature you again! How have you been? Quarantine has been so taxing on a lot of folks. How have you been keeping yourself busy these days?
Thank you for having me back! I’m not going to lie, it’s been a bit of a struggle for me the last little while mentally. No matter who you are, rich or poor this pandemic is stressful for even the most positive of people. I’ve put time aside everyday to workout to get my endorphins going to help my mood and a few times a week I go to my friend’s house to train legs. When the gyms closed down again, I really didn’t want to neglect leg days and a couple of my friends have kindly let me use their gym! Other than that, I’ve been doing some comedy writing because one thing on my bucket list is to do an open mic night at a comedy club one day. It’ll be a while, but it’s something I want to do!
You’ve been doing some live workouts on IG and it’s been proving helpful, instructive, and overall great experience for fans tuning in. What do you enjoy most about the process?
I have! The main reason why I do it is that it keeps me accountable for at least 2 home workouts a week because it’s so hard to get motivated to workout at home. Also, I have one super loyal follower who never misses a live workout with me and sometimes it’s just her tuning in. So she’s my inspiration! Fitness is my foundation both personally and professionally and it’s hard for it not to always be in my life!
Last time we interviewed you, you gave some awesome recommendations for some movies and shows you were enjoying at the time. Have you discovered some new shows or movies you’ve been enjoying binging in quarantine?
Actually, since most of LA is locked down again I haven’t gone into the show and movie rabbit hole lol. I’ve watched a few documentaries, but I hear Umbrella Academy is a good one so maybe I’ll start that.
If you were awarded the opportunity to step up and speak on a mic and give the whole world a message, what would you say?
Gosh, that’s a tough one because the message needs to have depth and get to the heart and minds of people in an articulate way. Thank god I’m not in the Miss Universe pageant answering this, but here it goes…Because there is so much turmoil and division in the world and especially this country right now, find it in your hearts to have compassion, approach ideas and messages from a source of love, peace, and understanding and have hope and patience that things will get better. Try and let go of the things that cause you more pain than pleasure and reach out if you need help in any way.
You’re an incredibly dedicated woman and have the physique to prove it. With times being as difficult as they are today, what drives you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals? Given that everyone is looking for a little inspiration right now, we’d love to hear what keeps you going.
Thank you! I think one has to adapt to adversity. When gyms first closed and when jobs turned to zero, it felt like part of my body was chopped off. I felt like I couldn’t function and I panicked. I eventually calmed down and processed what I CAN do and even though I started not to like my home workouts, it was still effective in staying in shape. Money wise, I had some old 8×10’s that I sold and there were people who were so kind who donated more. Recently, my regular clients have been coming back to have their makeup done and it helps so much.
Since we’re on the topic of photoshoots, what is your absolute favorite part of partaking in one? What would be one aspect of it that you’d change, given the opportunity?
My favorite part is being in front of the camera and channeling my inner vixen because in real life I’m pretty shy and I hold back a lot. But I’m pretty cutthroat with my speech (when I’ve had too much wine lol) and I tend to be quite reserved. I also love seeing the photos after because I still can’t believe it’s me. All shoots are different, but a perfect shoot for me would be that all the hair, makeup, the wardrobe is provided with a closed set and they stay with me all day lol. I’ve had those before and it doesn’t feel like work!
Your abs are absolutely incredible, excuse the pun (it had to be made, though, ‘cause how could we not?). Are your abs your favorite body part to work on, or do you approach all of your workouts with the same intensity?
Haha, it would’ve been wrong if you didn’t! I don’t know if it’s because I used to train them hard like a madwoman, but I feel like I don’t need to train them as hard now. When I do see it not as tight or defined, I go back to weighted ab exercises, and thankfully muscle memory brings them back! I train legs with the most intense because they’re the body part that I lose mass the quickest.
In terms of your fitness and career goals and for your fans on IG, what’s next for the gorgeous Karen Pang?
Given the odd times right now, I want to shift back to fitness a little bit more because it’s provided me the platform to pursue other things. At this point, I’ll take any potential opportunity that comes whether it’s in front or behind the camera, writing, and even just posting my workouts on YouTube! I know it’s hard for everyone right now, but we have to think outside the box to reach our professional goals and start filling our soul with personal goals.
