PUBLISHED ONDecember 19, 2013 2:30 AM
SINGAPORE - Extolling the virtues of fish, such as salmon, as part of a healthy diet seems a fitting job for Mr Christian Chramer, South-east Asia regional director of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
The 40 year old is a fitness buff who thrives as much in the tropical climate here as he did in the rugged landscapes of Norway.
"In Norway, there are mountains, fjords and forests that can be used for outdoor activities," said Mr Chramer, who has been living here with his family for the last two years.
Norway also has a winter season that lasts for more than six months. Still, Mr Chramer does not sweat the much hotter climate and higher population density here.
He and his wife Anne, 43, who works as a project manager for the Norwegian shipping communications company Dualog, have two sons, aged nine and 13. He stands 1.93m tall and weighs 90kg.
What do you do to keep fit?
I exercise four to six times every week and aim to have a varied training regimen.
I love running and cross-country skiing and try to do as much physical activity as possible.
Being physically active while you enjoy fresh air clears the mind, gives you a lot of extra energy and fights off jet lag and fatigue.
On Mondays, I do interval training at the National University of Singapore stadium.
Tuesdays are for TRX strength training (which uses suspension training equipment) at Pure Fitness and on Wednesdays, I run 10km around my neighbourhood or do the same distance on a rowing machine.
Thursday mornings, if my job schedule permits, I attend a running clinic with Singapore's fastest half-marathoner, Anne Qi, at the Botanic Gardens.
During the weekends, I go roller-skiing at East Coast and run around MacRitchie Reservoir or along the Singapore River.
I try to cycle from my home at Robertson Quay to my workplace in the central business district as often as possible.
Sometimes, riding a bike during rush hour can be a nail-biting experience, but it is great fun and it takes me to the office in half the time that driving a car would.
I run at least one full marathon every year.
My personal best time for a marathon is 3hr 17min and this was achieved last year.
Next month, I will compete in the 70km cross-country skiing marathon Marcialonga in Italy.
It will be the fourth time I am participating in this event and I hope that my roller-skiing at East Coast will help me improve my personal best time.
What is your secret to looking fabulous?
I have always been active.
I participate in many different sports such as football, handball, running, cross-country skiing, rock climbing and telemark skiing or free heel skiing, in which the boot is attached to the skis only at the toes, in the mountains of Norway.
This habit of regular physical training has, over the years, become a very important part of my lifestyle and daily routine.
I make it a point to always bring a pair of running shoes with me on all overnight business travels.
Of course, I also focus on eating healthily.
In my family, we eat a lot of Norwegian seafood and, as I am in Asia to promote our great Norwegian salmon, I make it a point to enjoy salmon from Norway for lunch and dinner at least four times every week.
Has there been a time when you were not fit and fabulous?
When my boys were younger, my energy levels were lower and the time for training was more limited.
At that stage, I once hit a three-digit figure on the weighing scale.
That was a massive wake-up call for me - a former army officer used to doing long walks with a heavy backpack.
Since then, I have increased the number of weekly exercises that I do.
What is your diet like?
I never skip breakfast and make sure I have a varied diet with plenty of seafood and vegetables.
I have reduced my intake of carbohydrates over the last few years and ensure that I drink a lot of water during the day.
Generally, I am not overly focused on dieting but I do try to eat healthily.
I avoid hamburgers and other fatty fast food.
What are your indulgences?
I have a strong craving for Norwegian salmon sashimi and candy.
With both, it is hard to stop once I get going.
Luckily enough, for the salmon indulgence, you can have as much as you like without hurting your health.
What do you do to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Work is an important part of my life and it is hard to put it away.
Still, I try to spend as much time as possible with my wife and two boys.
Together, we enjoy Singapore's many attractions.
We also try to use every chance to travel together and see as much of Asia as possible.
What are the three most important things in your life?
The relationships that I have with my family and friends, a life filled with lots of laughter and, of course, good health.
Would you go for plastic surgery?
Never! I believe you should learn to love the person you are and not fall into the arms of doctors promising you a "new look".
Exercise, a healthy lifestyle and a big smile will take you a long way.
Do you think you are sexy?
No, not sexy. But for a man who has just turned 40, I feel comfortable, fit and happy.
wanching@sph.com.sg
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