January Gemorie

Did you ever felt humiliated or feel so down every time the media bombards us with their "perfect body images" or "tips to get fit this summer" it's as if you are not doing your part to stay fit and healthy.

Most of the time, this kinds of news and images hits our self esteem, sometimes even the latest fashion trends can be annoying. Its like the time you spend sweating on the gym to be fit, to be healthy, to be able to wear the clothes that you are comfortable with is still not enough.

Perhaps being thin is what's ideal, but most women would not agree in that, even I myself believe that being thin doesn't always mean your healthy and being fat doesn't mean your slouching on the couch eating junk all the time. Chubby girls can be fit too, and not because your a few pounds above the scale means your overweight, what about muscles? Muscles weigh more heavier than fat!

Not because one is too thin or overweight means they are neglecting their health. It just means that each person, each body type responds differently to a certain fitness routine. And not because someone spends more time in the gym means all their goal is to shed all those extra pounds, there are other reasons why one spends time working their ass in workout centers and believe me, you should too.

Everyone of all sizes are now more competitive in the health and fitness department and here's some of the reasons why.

Physical activity such as brisk walking releases endorphin's, a chemical in our system that triggers a positive feeling in the body which means you wont snapped when things doesn't go the way you want it to be or when work is filling up.

Less stress means you are unlikely to be depress or feel anxious. Also, being stress free acts as an anti-aging solution. For one, physical activities doesn't only releases happy chemicals, it also strengthen our bones and builds muscles that are strong enough to prevent damages for years to come.

It's kind of a cause and effect thing. A less stressful daily life results a happy disposition. When you are happy, you became more focus with things, more relaxed with your choices thus, creative juices overflows in your system, which only means work is done pretty easily equals more time for yourself and your family. Combine it with healthier options and having strong bones and muscles and you'll last a couple more years to play with your great grand kids.


Another thing about being in the gym are the sportswear pieces each enthusiast wear. Yoga pants, running shoes, those nice crop tops that shows a great view of abs and biceps. Not to mention who would want to see a sexy butt doing squats?

Extra Info: Did you know that there was a time in the past that women are not allowed to compete in a marathon? They think we are fragile, but there is one women who proved them wrong, Kathrine Virginia "Kathy" Switzer, best known for being the first woman to run and complete the 1967 Boston Marathon under entry number 261 in 1967. -Wikipedia

I haven’t been in the gym for a very long time. In any case, I was never the type to wake up before dawn to prepare for my gym class before heading out to whatever activity I need to do that day. In addition, I’d rather go straight home and rest than visit the gym after office hours. I don’t have the energy left to at least run a few miles after a busy day at work.

I do run during weekends but that was a very rare event. I do crunches and squats but after a few repetitions I will find myself doing something else, like watching Netflix.

Anyway, recently, my office mates are all about cutting calories and getting fit, not to mention the cute guys at the gym or their yoga instructor.

Kidding aside, I think I’ve been gaining weight, no wait, let me rephrase that “I am gaining weight!!”. The stress of becoming a part of a new team and a new job, my slightly sedentary lifestyle, my binge eating habits when I am stress all adds up to my love handles and its freaking me out how my jeans won’t fit the way they usually do.

I decided to check out one of the many fitness facilities around the office. I found a few good ones with great fitness classes. But it’s kind of intimidating looking at the gym enthusiasts. They all look fashionably great.

The last time I was at the gym, I look like a sweating pig on white T-shirt and jogging pants, but these gym goers look all amazing, like running on a full speed treadmill wouldn’t make them sweat.

While most of us aim to be on tip top condition, looking good while sweating seems to be something we should also look after, in any case no one would want to be caught red handed, especially in a place like this where there is a possibility to meet a lot of people.

Here are some simple tips to look effortlessly good while working out.

1. Invest in good sportswear: Dress for comfort, pick up sportswear pieces that will make you feel comfortable, not too baggy, not too tight, you should be able to move without feeling discomfort. Pieces that absorbs sweat and dries out easily are a go to.

Yoga pants and leggings seems to be the in thing, bold colored sports bra or razor back sando’s, crop tops and a size bigger than your original size white shirt can be seen to most gym enthusiasts.

2. Good trainers: As a girl our rule of thumb is that “good shoes brings you to good places”, same with picking rubber shoes and trainers. You have to choose one depending on the type of workout you are into.

Running shoes are made especially for running. Trainers are the best options when you are into sports but it still depends on what type of sports you are into. Cross-trainer are also a go-to option when you’re going to spend more time on the treadmill or just have some light jogging or brisk walking exercises.

3. Bring a Functional Bag: Come on girl, we both know this, you won’t follow the rules of the fitness facility no matter what the gym assistant tells you. I’m sure you will bring this and that with you inside the gym. Better bring a slightly bigger bag that can hold your stuff and can be more functional. Like sportswear pieces and accessories that you can bring beyond the gym, it’s called athleisure fashion, and believe me, you’ll get hooked to this trend.

4. Go for waterproof: No matter what I tell you, you will still push the no makeup-makeup-look in the gym so better invest in a water proof mascara, a good lip gloss that has better hydration qualities, a well-groomed brow and nothing else. Again, nothing else in your face aside from a water proof mascara, lip gloss and polished brow.

No matter how good you are when it comes to the no-makeup-makeup-look, it will dissolve in a messy, sticky sweat that will be seen on your towel, and it looks gross.

You should also invest in colorful hair tie’s and head bands, to accessorize your hair.

5. Water bottle: No matter how good you look, fainting from lack of water is more horrible than getting caught without makeup on.

Anyway, I am already trying to increase my stamina before I enroll in a fitness class. At present, I am regularly taking a jog, well more like brisk walking - during weekends and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

I’m also cutting on calories little at a time, decrease in junk food intake, eat healthier foods and sleep at least 6 hours, yes that’s the longest I can get during work days.

And that’s my list. How about you? Did I miss something?  

Outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and inline skating allow you to reap up to six times more fat-blasting, body-shaping benefits than cruising around the neighborhood on foot. And you don't have to be a hard-core athlete or fitness freak to get the most out of the five we're suggesting.

Top off your normal weekday exercise routine with one of these exhilarating weekend activities to get fit and firm fast and enjoy the company of your family and friends at the same time.

KAYAKING

It burns at least 340 per hour and will give you a sculpted upper body. "Pulling the paddle against the water is great resistance," says 29-year-old Michelle Christensen of Baltimore, who spends summer weekends kayaking around the Chesapeake Bay. "You target your shoulders, triceps, biceps, back, and core." She added. Kayaking is like meditating on water, says Rhett Pruitt, a 34-year-old raft guide and recreational kayaker in Long Creek, SC. She opts for tranquil sea kayaking over exhilarating white water when she's craving peace and quiet. "Sea kayaking is not intimidating," she says. "You're just inches above the water—the perfect vantage point for taking in the abundant wildlife and sea life that you would never see otherwise." Beginners should use an open kayak or take a lesson to learn how to escape the kayak first.

HIKING

Hiking can improve cardiovascular fitness and will burn up to 400 per hour. "There's a lot of lung cancer in my family," says 49-year-old hiker Lynn Anderson, from Helena, MT. "It's always been a priority to keep my lungs in tip-top shape." Hiking will also give you stronger, leaner thighs and firm your rear to boot. You get to unplug from society. Hiker Lori Pfankuch, 47, who traverses Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana, says: "Hiking takes you out of your world so you can reflect. I've seen mountain goats, I eat huckleberries on the trail, and last summer I saw my first grizzly bear." Invest in a good pair of boots or trail and be sure to break them in by wearing them on errands before you hike.

SPEEDMINTON

This new game is a cross between racquetball, badminton, and tennis but with no nets or walls involved. Players bat a speeder which looks like the birdie used in badminton back and forth using lightweight racquets. It can also burn about 400 calories per hour. "If you can swing a racquet, you can learn to play, and it's great cardio," says 30-year-old Christina Higgins of San Diego, mother to a newborn and a toddler. "The results are similar to those in tennis--sculpted arms and back, toned legs, and better hand-eye coordination.” "Our neighbors introduced my husband and me to the game, so now we all play in our cul-de-sac," Higgins says. "The speeder glows, so we can even play well into the night." Pack chalk to draw a court, and remember: It's just a game.

CYCLING

500 to 700 calories per hour can be burned, depending on speed and terrain. It improves cardiovascular fitness give you solid legs and buns. "It helped me lose 20 pounds!" says Jan Reeves, 49, a recreational cyclist and mother of four in Lexington, KY. “And I eat whatever I want." Cycling will give you more zip, both on and off the bike. "My kids told me I needed to get a life," says Reeves, who started cycling as a way to meet people after her divorce. When she completed a 4-day, 300-mile cycling trip last fall, she felt "totally empowered and energized; my kids are really proud that I ride." Spandex can be unflattering, but it makes a huge difference when cycling. Cycle shorts provide padding and wick away moisture, preventing your rear end, legs and crotch from getting chafed.

INLINE SKATING

Inline Skating sculpts your buns and thighs without pounding your knees. Skating is much less jarring than other high-intensity sports like jogging. "I was a runner for years but switched to skating when running started to hurt," says Joanne Geveshausen, 48, of Winchester, KY.

It also provides a high-adrenaline release from mental baggage. "I needed an activity that demanded total concentration and the gym wasn't cutting it," says Phyllis Wolf, 62, of Chicago, who started skating 4 years ago as a way to deal with the stress of caring for elderly relatives. "I skate for hours then go to the senior center and nothing bothers me."

Don't be intimidated. "Few people my age are skating, which is too bad," says the self-proclaimed speedster. Wolf's advice is to ease into it by taking lessons. Inline Skating also burns up to 816 calories per hour.