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#getfit2017

I went for a yoga class last week for the first time in nearly two years!

It was at The Shine Studio at Diamond Plaza in Nairobi, Kenya. The class ran for an hour, and it works off donations.

In one word, all I can say from the one hour experience is, intense.

I was so out of it that I could still feel the aches days after the session. Not that I am unfit, but I got to work muscles that I had never thought existed, whilst working all those I normally use at the gym.

It was full-body with an emphasis on the “full”. The misconception surrounding yoga is so jaded that makes people ignore it and opt do the gym.

Stop people! There are so many different types of yoga, all tailored to suit different goals. Before you go judging yoga, be sure to give it a shot before casting judgment.

I am now addicted to the aches and pain. The feeling of your core, legs, arms tightening and toning is my new personal addiction.

So if you are in the area, be sure to stop by the studio for a sesh. It will be painfully worth it.

Awelst!

#getfit2017

Any slight change of habit is literally a struggle for me. It will take me constant and disciplined repetition of the action just to adapt it into my life. Upside of knowing you're struggling, is knowing that out there in the world is someone just like you going through the exact same thing. Not everyone is blessed with the ability of adapting to new habits with the snap of a finger. And for those strugglers out there it is something we plan out, research and weigh all the pros before jumping head in. When this year started, I, like everyone else, made a bunch of resolutions that we swore heaven and earth to follow, or at the very least accomplish at least one. Those resolutions necessitated a few change in habit if I was to accomplish them. In line with my fitness resolution, I was to alter my morning wake up to be a good two hours earlier. I have never been a morning person but with the schedule I had carved out for myself sacrifices had to be made. And seeing as how I preferred working out in the morning I didn't have much of a choice than to form new habits. The first week was difficult. I was grumpy, sluggish and miserable. The temptation to quit was so high in those moments that I knew in order to see myself through 365 days motivation and sheer amount of willpower were the key things I needed in my life. I have now formed a new habit. I would set my alarm for 15 minutes to the actual time. It would ring, I would snooze, but I would be awake. I would take those 15 minutes to answer one single question that I ask myself every morning. Why am I doing this? When you understand why you put yourself through something is when you start building your willpower. You slowly realise what you want to achieve and the goals you set out for yourself. A year ago I would have simply snoozed, listened to my body, and gone back to bed. Now though, I snooze meditate, listen to the world around, and decide for my future. Awelst!

#getfit2017

One of the most important things for any workout besides equipment and props is the music.

I have always been known to workout with the heart-pumping tunes of electronic, house or dance as a motivation.

A few days ago I came across the iTunes curated playlists, and I was more than beyond curious.

Only this time I wanted something different. I wanted to try something new.

Hence this playlist I am sharing. It is completely different from what I would normally listen to while in the gym.

It’s a hip-hop workout playlist. Something I would often find myself listening to whilst in the club with the lights low, music scandalous and drinks at a non-stop flow. The epitome of debauchery.

Yet, whilst I ran to the sounds of Migos, and throwback tunes of YG, I was not thinking of the "night out", but how much my stamina had increased and how much more I pushed myself with this new playlist. Now, I find myself reaching for that hip-hop playlist first, finally understanding why Khloé Kardashian's fitness snaps have the genre at a constant in the background. If you are new to the genre, fear not, you don't have to worry about what to listen to, or what to include to your playlist. Check out the link and listen to the curated @itunes hip hop playlist. Awelst!

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/hip-hop-workout/idpl.4c62f568a0d64293a9c362037175c09b

#getfit2017

Today was an insane struggle to simply get up and start my day. I have spent the past five on a fitness hiatus of sorts. I travelled six days earlier and the entirety of it all warped my sleep, food and all out fitness pattern. It literally took me a good two-three days to get over the exhaustion. I decided to not miss out today in any way or form. I was going to go workout and whether or not I flail through, it was better than nothing. It wasn't until after that I saw this quote, and did I recall the little pep talk I gave myself just to get myself out of bed. I might be struggling now, and close to giving up, calling it quits and literally diving back to my bed, but I reminded myself as to why I started in the first place. Why I went on this whole fitness journey in the first place, and what it the goal I am fighting for. The journey may be tough, but the end is all that matters. Awelst!

#getfit2017

Get Fit 2017

I decided that one single month isn't enough to really achieve the long-lasting goals I want. Hence, I figured it's much more fun to document an entire year worth of a fitness journey. So, if you've been that nice person stuck by me throughout this journey 😉 I shall keep you updated on my misadventures and achievements throughout my journey. Stay tuned! And do share your journey too! Awelst!

#getfit2017

January Round-Up

With January at a close, I took the time to reassess the progress I've made throughout the past month. Little as it may have been, I am proud of having gained even that small feat. Starting out my walking-fitness journey, I ached, pained and all out felt beyond horrid after the 30 minute session. I had already dreaded the workout program even before I got through the first week. I knew right then and there that if was to get through the month, I would need some form of motivation- a push to through each day. Mine came in the form of a quote, that I now have as my lock-screen wallpaper. My constant reminder of why I wake up early in the morning each and every day. "When you feel like quitting, remember why you started." I practically eat, sleep and dream that quote. And it is something I shall never regret. When I unintentionally noticed the reduced cellulite on my thighs and ass, and the noticeable slight tone of my legs, my best pal was reduced to a half hour by-play of my ass and legs. Throughout this entire month walking has made me be in tune with my body way more than I had ever been before. I listen now, and try to understand each and every ache that I experience. The result, I can now do a 20-minute jog without hyperventilating every five minutes. Though I am not 100% where I would like to be, I am proud of my little achievements, and I can't wait for is next. Awelst!

Motivation Sunday ✊️

Walk-Run-Walk

Day 5 Week 2 and I braved the art of running. It was during a high intensity workout that varied between a walk, a brisk walk, and back to a walk.

I chose to switch it up a little that day, and opted for a light jog during the fast-paced interval. The result, pure and absolute exhaustion.

My breathing was shaky and non-existent at best, and it felt as though I was using both my physical and mental energy just to get me through the one and a half lap.

Despite the agony I felt, I did not regret running. It showed me so many things about my body that I would have not realized until much later.

I now know the areas I need to work on, and I am hopeful that with time and continued practice I will be in a marathon soon!

Awelst!

#getfitjanuary

There is no greater motivation than sharing your goals with like-minded people who challenge and motivate you to greater heights.

Awelst

Close of Week 1

Day 7 week 1 of my fitness goal. I am beyond happy of the improvements I have made- little as they may be- they are improvements nonetheless.

My posture was one of the things I noticed. I have stopped looking down, and slowly curbing the habit of slouching forward or backwards.

With the new changes, I noticed how much better I was feeling. My pace increased and my breathing was not stunted anymore.

The best part of the entire workout, I got to do it with my mum, one of the biggest fitness junkie’s I know, as well as one of my biggest motivations.

I look at her and how far she has come, and how much adapting a healthier lifestyle has changed her life, and I want to be as fit and strong as her at her age when I grow older.

Throughout the workout, she challenged me with her quick pace and high energy, while motivating me to be better. Looking back on the logs, I burned more calories that day than any other the entire week.

I now look forward to when we will workout together again.

Awelst!

#getfitjanuary

How to use the proper posture for walking comfort and efficient walking technique. Straighten up and look ahead to be able to walk faster and longer.

#getfitjanuary #theposturerealization

The Posture Realization

I’m not sure how many others are out there who’ve made the same mistake I made, and assumed that posture doesn’t really matter.

Dived into the workout only to ache the day after. If you are in the same boat as I, I completely feel you.

Day 2 into my workout, and I was sure I had given myself permanent back-ache. It was towards the end of my walk- after altering my body posture- that I realized with proper posture, the discomfort had reduced, and my stamina was significantly better.

Studies show that proper posture is essential while walking because it allows you to walk comfortably, breathe easier, and also increase your pace.

Things I came to notice days later.

Despite this, implementing the proper posture proved to be the challenge. I would sometimes find myself forgetting everything I had read and regress back to the slouched position I had grown so accustomed to.

Just as expected, any forced change in habit, it will take time, and constant reminding to be able to adapt to the new change.

Patience in essence is the key to achieving your goal. I constantly have to tell myself that despite the discomfort in the new position, having to not feel the aches and pains far outweigh a few weeks of trial and error before success.

For more information regarding the right posture whilst walking, check out this article by Wendy Bumgardner at:

https://www.verywell.com/how-to-walk-walking-posture-3432476

Hope you enjoy the read, and be sure to share your fitness journey, and how good posture has improved your workout.

Don’t forget to share your fitness journey with #getfitjanuary

Awelst!

#getfitjanuary

Strength does not come from physical strength. It comes from an indomitable will.

#getfitjanuary

The Tight Comeback

Post day 1 of my workout, and I was feeling fantastic!

I was energetic, happy and all out blissfully happy that I had lost 230 calories, according to my fitness app.

Things in essence were only headed up from here, and I could not wait for the next day.

The only setback was the tight muscles. It had taken me only the warm up pace to realize how tight my body was. Granted I did not stretch before the workout, I still felt abominably tight post workout.

Extensive research showed that stretching before a walk is not necessarily a must, especially for those who are pretty limber. But if you feel slight discomfort, it is advisable to stretch out your muscles to avoid injury.

I have taken to doing a full body stretch before and after a workout out. I also try and stretch out during the course of my day or before I sleep.

Incorporated stretching throughout my day has made me feel rejuvenated and I realized that I sleep much better. The tightness that I felt during my workout gradually eased, and now I can say that I rarely feel it.

For those who do not what sort of stretching is good for your body, I would highly recommend a simple full body stretch to begin with. You can find them on YouTube quite easily, and before you know it, you’ll be doing them without any guidance.

Share your workout experiences with #getfitjanuary.

Awelst!

#getfitjanuary

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