Day 2: Challenges Everywhere

     Here's my confession for the day:  before I walked in to the 1st day of bootcamp challenge yesterday, I talked to one of my friends and admitted that I had jitters about taking the class.  It was the same feeling I got just before going on-stage for a play/show/speech - excited and yet nervous at the same time.  I felt that way because it means a lot to me and I want to do my very best. 
     The coaches' positive encouragement and reminders to picture my vision pushed me to keep going eventhough it was too much at times.  My body was probably saying, "WTH are you doing to me?" and yet my mind kept saying, "You can do this! You made it through even more in the past." 
     I was thrilled to have gotten through the first day.  I didn't really know how my body would feel when I woke up but surprisingly felt great.  I even had the energy to run 2.5 miles during my lunch break.  As Maia always reminds us, we're doing something good for ourselves. 

     On my way to the 2nd day of class, however, the stress of managing a busy work/family schedule posed to be a challenge but I was still determined to make it.  My 9-year old son's wise words of wisdom were: it's never too late! I'm grateful for another friend who calmed me down (and think about safety first) and the coaches who helped me catch up once I settled in. 

     I thought the exercises today were just as challenging as yesterday and yet, no matter how rigorous they are, I love the intensity and the challenge to do more! I had a smile on my face after the class - an indication that I'm actually beginning to change my outlook about working out.  Hopefully one that will completely change my lifestyle.

Day 1: A new beginning

            There’s something about new beginnings especially when your heart is into it.  It’s exciting and somehow, the lingering fears are diminished by the possibility of attaining a significant achievement in the end. 

Today, I’m starting a new journey to achieve the best shape that I’ve ever been in my life.  I may not look overweight since I always strategically and fashionably wear clothes fit for my curves (that’s what I call it anyway) and wear super high heels (one which I’m known for) but I finally decided to take action when the figures from our office Health Fair revealed my health status.  My first thought was, “Seriously?! I’ve never gotten that before.”  I don’t usually weigh myself except at the doctor’s office so this surprisingly became my wake up call. 

  I understand that I needed a lifestyle change.  See, fitness was just a phase for me.  I’d work out 3-5 times a week for three months and then have a sedentary lifestyle for the next three months.  This time was different, though.  Instead of my usual three month hiatus, I didn’t work-out for over six months.  I even joked about my weight to others.  I’d say, “I’m extremely overweight! I have to watch what I eat and exercise.”  Everyone would kindly say that I shouldn’t be too concerned about the figures as long as I eat healthier and work-out.  Bless their hearts.

I researched various gyms and programs that may suit my ever-changing workout interest.  I was looking for something fun, not repetitively boring, and high intensity where I can burn a lot of calories within a short time period.  I picked up running again and doing it outdoors made it interesting.  When I used the treadmill in the gym on a rainy day, I raised the incline and read the latest fashion magazine while power walking.  It still wasn’t enough to satisfy my craving to be in better shape.

I researched the zumba classes around the area since I love to dance (but never get a chance to do anymore).  That’s when my friend recommended Kazaxe/Bootcamp.  It looked like a lot of fun and the price was unbeatable.  I checked it out late-June, took a break for a couple of weeks in July, and have been going four times a week since then.  I enjoyed it so much that I highly recommended it to everyone.  My family and friends immediately knew that this is my new passion, just like acting.  I make time for it no matter how hectic my schedule can be and I do it because it gives me pleasure.  I’ve been going to the Underground for almost two months now and it has become a part of my routine, so much so that my 9-year old son can pronounce Kazaxe correctly.

On the first few days I brought him with me, he watched the bootcamp class and concernedly said, “The instructor gave them pain.”  I just laughed and thought to myself:  no pain, no gain, right?

With my typical “May” snap decisions (ie, I see something I’m interested in and jump in no matter how difficult or impossible the chances may be – wish I also had that much courage with dating), I decided to sign up for the 60-day bootcamp challenge.  I’ve only done the KZX bootcamp twice, thankfully survived, and told the fitness enthusiasts I know to try it.      

I know that I have the courage to try anything I feel passionate about.  Besides, I’ve been through so much more in life.  I know that I have the strength and capability to do what I must do to achieve my goals no matter what obstacles may come along the way.  I know that it’s mind over body. 
          I feel grateful to have this opportunity to renew myself with a great support system from family, friends, coaches, and others who are going through the same journey right now.  I am aware that some days will be tougher than others but I will continue with all my heart until the end for I know that anything is possible.