It was over a year ago (Feb. 15, 2015, to be exact) when I started working out at Studio 108 Fitness & Wellness Center at Paseo Arcenas in Banawa.
My decision to exercise/workout stemmed from several reasons. Primarily, for health reasons. My last medical check-up showed that my cholesterol was a bit high. I was on Lipitor and I knew I just couldn't stay long on it as I learned that it could affect my kidneys. I also didn't want to be drug-dependent. I just hate taking meds, and I would intentionally forget to take them. Fortunately, my blood sugar level was below the borderline and my BP was always very normal at 100 -110/70. Thank God!
Diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure runs in our genes. A big cause for worry at my age.
I'm also such a foodie. I just love food. I love to eat. Don't we all?!
There's just so much good and "sinful" food around these days.
Plus, I had such a sweet tooth. I love chocolates and cakes and pastries!
Before I started working out, I was gaining weight. My clothes were starting to get tighter. ugh!!!
I had to put aside some of my clothes in a storage box (those that I wishfully thought I could still fit into and wear someday). And several others I had to give away.
To summarize: I wanted to stay fit and healthy, I still wanted to eat and not deprive myself of my favorite food, and rock any outfit I want!
It wasn't easy when I started. Sore muscles seemed like a punishment. It was painful just to bend to reach the outlet and charge my phone. My knees were wobbly each time I would go up and down the stairs. Every slight move I made was an ache I felt all over my body. These made it all too easy to decide to stop. But I figured, if I quit now I may never want to go back. And I would surely be fat and unhealthy. And I'd have to take meds again ... or worse, be hospitalized and die at an early age.
So I started motivating myself. SELF-RESPECT. This was my main motivation. I have to respect my body and well-being. I told myself that if I didn't respect myself enough to stay fit and healthy, then I'll just be throwing my life away. All my achievements, dreams, and goals would be useless.
And so my fitness journey began.
Every single day was a challenge. But I kept at it.
No pain, no gain! I just know that so well!
And in a couple of weeks, I noticed the changes, ... both internal and external.
That was when working out became an addiction. And it became fun and enjoyable because I was with friends who were on the same journey. We didn't mind looking ugly covered in sweat. haha!
And we would cheer and motivate each other during our workout classes. It also became a "mutual admiration society" as we would always praise each other for losing weight, looking good and fit, and staying on track.
And we wouldn't have stayed on if we didn't have a really great coach. If you have an MMA Fighter/Coach, UFC Fighter, with a Masters Degree in Physical Fitness for a coach ... how can you go wrong? I learned a lot about deltoids, trapezoids, balance, toning and conditioning in just a few classes. Each figure was explained to us ... how it should be performed correctly, and its benefits. We also didn't have to lift heavy weights (I don't ever want to look like a body builder. trust me.). A 2-lb. dumbbell for dumbbell snatching exercises was all we needed to have toned arms. TRX straps for strengthening and conditioning. Crunches for strong and lean abs and balance. etc., etc., etc..... Thank you so much Coach Rommel Villamor!!!
You are the best coach ever!!!
Our complaints have been deafening when we find the repetitions too long. But we continue to perform anyway. haha! 👍👍👍😊
Practice, practice, practice....
Wherever I went to take a breather, I practiced.
I feel so much better about myself now. In fact, I am just so proud of myself for going on this fitness journey. Proud and happy!!! Fit and healthy!
I must say I still live a very balanced life. I don't deprive myself of good food. I still eat lechon! and adobo, pizza, cakes, and more! But I have learned to eat in moderation as I know how hard it is to lose all the fats and sugar during workouts.
Balance .... I always keep this word in mind.
Last week, I asked Coach Rommel how long I can still workout. I mean, until what age as I'm already in my golden years. He said "you don't stop at a certain age. you continue on while you still can.".
Ok, ok..... I guess I'll still be working out til I'm 60! So help me God! (wink, wink).
Last but not the least, ... I am extending my love and gratitude to my teammates and the friends I've met along the way. You know who you are. You all have made this journey a wonderful and meaningful one . I have enjoyed your company in all our classes. It wouldn't have been as much fun and enjoyable without the screams and shouts and laughter we all share. And to all those who in their own way, encouraged and inspired me. Thank you all sooooo much!!!!!! 😘❤️💕
Thanks to Anne Dala of Studio 108 for finding us an awesome coach, and for all her support, as well as those of the staff. :)
Here are some posters that have added to my self-motivation. I hope these can help, encourage, and motivate all of you as well. :).
And here's my favorite. This was drawn by my nephew, Viggo. Thanks Viggo! love you!
This was how I was last year.
(photo credit: Sharon Arteche Jimenez)
And I'm thinking .... maybe I look a whole lot better now (?) ... even at this age ... ;).
Truth is, the physical/external aspect is not as important as how fit we feel and how healthy we are.
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Happy 1st year anniversary to us, Nitz (Nenita Cabo)!!! Cheers to more years of fun workouts! :)
