14-Day Fitness Challenge

Last month, I finally decided to start a fitness program by Blogilates (#hotbodysummersculpt). What prompted this was my recent weight gain after munching a lot and consuming a lot of alcohol during an anniversary getaway.  Although it was only set for 14 days, I have never actually participated in one nor did I ever actually finish one. For those who don't know me, I always get depressed whenever I get on the scale and see a number that's not what I consider within my expectations. I went from 92lbs to 130 in 4-5 months and since then I have never made it to my target goal of 115-120. 

You see, it can be difficult for me especially when it comes to fitness to be motivated and be consistent. Because I was never a workout or fitness type of person. I occasionally participated in yoga or pilates in undergrad and did some Fitness Marshall here and there but I wasn't an intensive "I will workout everyday for at least 30 mins". BUT this time, I wanted to push myself to be better. And so I did. 

It was tough. It did get easier and I did feel stronger, but it was tough to push through and it was only 30 minutes. 

I found ways to push myself without over exerting myself to the point of being unmotivated and losing interest. For instance, I would pause the video and my tracker to take a break. Sometimes it was seconds, sometimes it was minutes. During those short breaks, I take the time to drink water, walk around, maybe finish some small tasks, and then go back into the workout and finish it. I also have an accountability partner all the way from the bay area. We send snaps to each other daily showing that we finished the workout for that day. 

And honestly, after 14 days, I felt good about myself. I felt stronger. Even when we did a walk around the neighborhood! I used to end the walk panting heavily (while wearing a mask) but on the 14th day? Nope. I was fine. My calves were not sore and I wasn't panting like I ran a marathon when I just walked around the block. 

I lost less than a pound during the first few days, but plateaued. Although I didn't exactly lose my ideal weight, I definitely saw parts of my body being toned slowly but surely. I just need to continue working out and actually eating healthy. 

So... if you're someone like me who gets easily discouraged, take it one step at a time. Progress is progress no matter how small it is. And remember, it only takes 21 days to form a habit. Just keep challenging yourself and pushing through it. As cliche as it sounds, it really is no pain no gain and something worthwhile such as losing weight and getting fit never comes easy. Taking shortcuts is only a short-term solution. So whether it is for medical reasons or mental health reasons, it will be hard at first, but the important thing is to keep going. 

​~Z