Important note to new readers: This post is part of my 30 Days of (practice) Writing. I am allowing blocks of 10, 20 or 30 minutes of my day solely to putting my swirling thoughts to paper. No going back to edit which will only serve to stop the smooth flow of thoughts. My writing buddy and I, we call it raw writing from the heart. Please read my introduction for the full story.
This is the story of my fitness journey. It is a self-improvement trip with no destination. Simply because it is a lifestyle change.
After coming back from a 5-week Philippine holiday in December, I embarked (quite literally) on taking my fitness to the next level. So 2012 was all about losing weight. I wrote about this in Part 1 and Part 2. 2013 is all about keeping the weight down and body toning or sculpting and strength. I am nothing if not ambitious. And I will blog about it, so I have accountability to stick to my goals.
I decided that I did not want to join a gym. It’s not for me. I don’t like waiting around for an equipment to be free. I can’t help but compare my body to others; I get distracted by people watching; I don’t want to chit chat with anyone. Most importantly, I don’t want to spend an hour travelling in both directions back and forth or taking more minutes for a shower at the gym. And the biggest reason of all, I don’t want to pay up to $100/monthly commitments. Look, if at the end of the day, I realise that I am not achieving the goals I set out for myself without signing for a gym membership, then I am happy to change my mind.
The search for a fitness app and getting used to fitness routines
1) Tribesports (January 2013)
The Tribesports iOS app contained loads of exercise tips and routines. You can set daily and weekly goals and have other like minded people cheer you on.
I did one minute planks for two weeks.
I alternated my days with one minute wall sits.
The idea was to introduce the body to new things. Never push too hard. Go gently. You cannot rush these things, lest you injure yourself. Start at 20 seconds, then 40 seconds until you build strength to hold form for 1 minute. The biggest change is actually in the mind. For sure, the body will follow. Just keep going.
2) Nike Training Club (February , March)
A friend told me about the Nike Training Club. I downloaded it and loved it. It became my new best friend for 5 weeks! I exercised almost daily for 30 mins (2x15min Get Focused routines). I alternated between Ab Burner, Core Crunch, Shoulder Ripper and Butt Buster. I also enjoyed Jeanette Jenkins Ab Blast. I completed 512 minutes of working out at home.
Surrounding myself with like minded individuals
In the meantime, I followed a heap of fitness people in Instagram who were like minded for motivation. I can’t stress how important motivation is to keep the energy level up. I stumbled on @charlenejohnson @bodyevolutionoc @msjeanettejenkins @lornajaneactive. I also followed clean eating advocates – @smoothgreensmoothies @alifeunhurred @iquitsugar … I ogled at their posts, learned, asked questions, engaged with them. I used other people’s experience to give me directions. My virtual friends became my virtual personal trainer and online motivational coach. Who says that social media is a waste of time? Use the IG community for inspiration. IG is filled with creative and exciting personalities. And the best part is sharing your own journey with people who do not judge. Because if they don’t like you, they can just unfollow you. Simple. No drama. They’re not like your Facebook friend whom you may meet in a party and could dish out judgement.
Next time: I will tell you about Power90, a 90 day workout program that gave me focus and direction.
Let’s hang out again tomorrow, my darlings. In the meantime, you have a wonderful weekend.
Always from my heart,
ChaR-g
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