Being healthy is something
I pride myself in. Knowing the amount of commitment and discipline I put into
it is a big deal. It’s almost natural though, especially since I take most of
it after my mom. A great peace of mind, body, and soul are essential towards
living a long and healthy life she says. And if she wants to see her own kids
grow old then, why not? With a full-time job and three grown children she’s
already got plenty on her mind, and yet she still finds time (albeit scarce) to
take long walks in the park, a light jog, and squeeze in a nap. I’m not sure
how she does it, but she does! And I’m incredibly grateful to have her lead by
example.
I started taking fitness
seriously when I graduated high school, so around the ages of 17-18? Getting
started didn’t take much given that I was already healthy to begin with. Having
a head-start really helped! At that time, I was already out of high school,
working part-time, and beginning college in the fall. If I was going to enter a
new chapter, I wanted to do it feeling and looking swell. Strategically I
thought, a flexible workout & diet plan is a must (especially with upcoming
fulltime classes and all). Randomly, yoga caved in.
I did my research: talked
to people, read a tonne of articles on the internet, and read a bunch of books
about simple yet effective yoga techniques for beginners. All that being
gathered I went in and dived head first! *Ahem. Successfully. Thank God.
Up to this moment.... I
love it!
I started doing it every
other day to get my body inclined, then once I knew what I was doing I
shortened my yoga schedule to 3 days a week for 45mins-hour. Each time I
allowed myself a bit of time just to stretch out and practice my breathing.
Within a few short weeks I felt, well, different. For starters I was more
focused, and energized. My appetite finally got under control, and my body felt
so much more lean and limber. Part of the nature of yoga is to help one improve
their “balance” and “centre of gravity”, and what that does is improve your
posture and grace, and your core. I slouched less, stood straight, and walking
almost felt like breathing. Weird, huh?
I want to help others feel
as great as I do if not better by letter everyone into my own personal routine.
This obviously won’t work for everyone, but if it changes people’s perspectives
on healthier lifestyle, or gives people a much needed kick in the behind to get
fit... Than I’ve done what I can. I’ll be happy nonetheless. These next few
posts will be a series called “Get Lean With Me”, and I’ll take you into a
play-by-play of simple (I hope) tips on how to get healthy and slim.
