The Active Nation Day by Lorna Jane at BGC

I enjoy working out and sweating but what becomes a great struggle for me is finding (or making) time for it. With all the things I juggle with, I often disregard working out and just make time to rest than to stay fit. However, I feel guilty not being able to give time for my fitness. 

Luckily for me and thanks to my HealthJunkie.ph family, I got the opportunity to join the Lorna Jane Active Nation day at BGC. 

The Active Nation Day is a movement created in 2012 by Lorna Jane to inspire women, and communities to live a more active lifestyle. The Active Nation Day is a simultaneuous activity in different countries that aims to commit peopl to put their health and fitness first and inspire others as well. 

The Active Nation day here in Manila had Zumba, HIIT, and Yoga as part of the celebration. 

It was my first time to encounter HIIT or the High Intensity Interval Workout. I joined half of the workout and I had an intense workout literally. I only was able to join for about ten minutes doing high knees, lunges, and squats. It also included jumping squats and jumping lunges. It was a short workout but it got me pumping for the entire day. I even had sore muscles even after two days. I guess that is why they call it high intensity.

Afterwards, to cool down all participants, Yoga was taught and it was perfect after a high intensity workout. It got my muscles relax a bit and my heart calm down. 

Aside from the workouts, merchants were also in the event like Playground ( where they gave out free passes for all participants), Bayani brew, Messy Bessy, and Vitamix. 

Health Junkie PH founder Tonette Nicolas with some participants after the program. 

The People behind the Active Nation Day in BGC

To know more about the Lorna Jane Active Nation: 

Official website: http://www.lornajane.com/activenationday

Instagram: https://instagram.com/lornajaneactive/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LornaJaneActive

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lornajane.active

Kickass: Discovering New Trends in Fitness

I am a sporty person, I enjoy sweating and  trying new fitness workouts or programs. I have tried a lot of workouts like Pilates, Circuit Training, Yoga, and Running. Although I have tried a lot I have not found the perfect match for myself, or if I have I could not maintain and sustain my enthusiasm and motivation to it. Luckily, when my mommy blogger friend Que Gavan, invited me to join the launch of Kickass I eagerly agreed to come, and I was glad I did!


The launch happened in Slice BGC and it lasted only for about 2-3 hours, but I learned a lot from the talks of Ms. Ruby Gan and Ms. Mitch Felipe. Ms. Gan and Ms. Felipe are both sports and fitness enthusiast and they have a vision on the future of sports and fitness in the country. The idea was then shared to Quennie Gavan, of Takbo.ph, and KickAss event was born. A partnership was soon created, with the two combining their wits to design an expo that is unique and suited to the local community. Beyond offering a well-curated mix of products, Ruby and Quennie will be bringing in the pros to share their knowledge, skills and passion through classes, trials and challenges—and for free!

 

 What is exciting about the expo are talks and trials of different and modern fitness programs and workouts that every age can try. They also included programs and workouts for children, sports enthusiasts, and just about anyone. I look forward to listening to Pre and Post Nutrition Talk, PiYo (Pilates and Yoga), and the Bootcamp. 

So make sure to attend all if not some of the talks and fitness activities all weekends of August at Commercenter Alabang. See you!:)

Health Junkie PH Bootcamp at Playground 2.0

Last June 20, I got the chance to join Health Junkie PH bootcamp and new site launch at Playground 2.0. It was a great day fo workout plus I got to also meet the founder of Health Junkie PH, Tonette Nicolas, and the other contributors like Rejj, Ives, and Monabelle. I got pretty excited about the event too cause I wanted to try Flow Yoga, and Zumba, and listen to the Nutrition Talk.

Going to Playground 2.0 was really easy. From Vito Cruz Taft, I rode the Dominga jeep going to Buendia, (less traffic on that route); ride the bus going to Pasong Tamo, and jeep going to MRT. I asked the driver to drop me off at Molave Bldg, and voila I was at Playground already.

I arrived around 1:00 pm and the group was still on break. It was a photo opportunity for me as I was not around during the morning session. 

The reception is what will welcome you in the playground. The sides are wide and clear spaces suitable for different fitness trainigs available in the venue. One side was for Crossfit, while the other is for Yoga and Zumba. 

While waiting, my friend Iris and I took some before photos of ourselves. 

We were expecting to try out Flow Yogas what was suggested in the schedule, but found our we were doing Circuit Training. Got pretty nervous as the coach explain the routines. 

The circuit training had ten stations, with each station having 30seconds alotment. You are free to do the workouts in your own pace and make as much reps as you can in 30 seconds. We were asked to finish four sets that lasted for about 12 minutes for the entire program. It was the longest 12 minutes of my life, and it had all my muscles working at the same time. Although some of the workouts were difficult for a newbie like me, I felt successful being able to finish the entire program. It was endorphins overload and I loved it. 

Our post circfit look with our new favorite booster drink, Vitwater. I loved the grape flavor because it is not too sweet but it rehydrates me well. 

Afterwards, stretching was done with Tonette and a nutrition talk followed shortly. 

The talk was given by Ms. Lyka Pauline Bugtong RnD. She shared how important wise eating is in having a healthy body. Emphasizing on recognizing own personal body, food mindset, and eating perception, she pointed out that each person has their own eating journey which noone can dictate. What she highlighted on is on a person's decision of what to intake and how to know whih pnes are good or bad for the health. It was really insightful for me as I also learned how to read nutritional labels, Next step though is to practice it. 

Shortly after, the Zumba classes started, and I had the funniest, most energetic, sweat inducing Zumba class ever. Well, technically, it was my first. The Zumba instructors, were really great and all of them spreads a joyful and intense vibe to everyone. I was literally dancing as if no one was watching. I guess I burned all the calories I ate for the week. I never knew Zumba could be that fun and exciting. 

That ended the day, and I could not be any more proud of myself for the accomplishments I did. Though I got aorr muscles after, the long term effects of it are all worthwhile. Now I cannot wait dor my next workout and I plan to enroll in a zumba class too!;) 

Thank you, Health Junkie PH! My future body says Thank you as well!;) 

Sponsors of the  event were:

The Playground 2.0. 3rd floor Molave Bldg 2331 Chino Roces St. Makati City 

Follow them on IG: @theplayground2.0

   Vitamin Boost Drink and Lightwater 

        

  Bioessence Corporate Page 

           Ann's Dairy Free Ice Cream 

               Fitness Gourmet PH

                  Clinic

Team Health Junkie PH! Join us and be the first to know how, where, what and why workout!;) Follow us on IG too: @healthjunkieph

Health Junkie PH:Live Longer, Stronger Together

Well if you've been following me on my blog and other social media accounts, you'd probably know that I am now a proud member and contributor of Health Junkie PH. I could not have been happier with this blogging milestone and I think I just became a Health Junkie, literally.

I am a sporty kinda girl, my childhood days were spent playing sports like swimming, ballet, taekwondo, and just about anything I can think of. Even when I started college and working I made it a point to maintain a healthy and active body. The problem with me though is consistency and motivation.

I wasnt comfortable working out alone and I often just give up when I feel my body's sores and aches. I always had excuses like "Running isn't my thing" or "I don't like being in a gym, it's boring", or "I don't have the time cause I'm a mom" just so I would not work out. It was only when I felt tired and frustrated chasing my toddler did I realize that working out is not just about getting abs and having toned muscles, it really is more than that. 

  We started our CCP jogging routine as a family.

I already said this in my previous fitness posts that I like to LIVE LONGER for my child and family, and working out is my only option. It was coincidental with this realization that free dance classes were offered in school which suited my sched. A week after our dance class I got invited to be part of Health Junkie PH and I was elated. I knew it would require work but I was more excited to be with people who share the same interest on health, beauty, fitness and wellness. I am glad to have found people who inspires me to achieve my best self and to enjoy sweating out. I am inspired by their journey to fitness and of course their toned bodies. 

      Sweating it out with Rejj Sibayan at Primal Ape Crossfit

I am just grateful to be with a group who will help me achieve my goal of living longer and teaching my child the value of healthy and active lifestyle.

Thank you, Health Junkie PH, especially to Tonette Nicolas, for making me part of your team. My future body, children, and family says thank you as well. I already have a support group in Team Health Junkie PH, to live longer, and stronger together!

Read more about us on www.healthjunkie.ph

Like and follow us on: 

www.facebook.com/healthjunkieph

www.instagram.com/healthjunkieph 

Do you have any fitness, beauty or wellness questions or suggestions? Comment them down below!;) 

ENERGIZER NIGHT RACE MANILA 2015: To Benefit Bantay Bata Children

How far can you go to light up someone else’s life? For the expected 2015 runners of Energizer Night Race Manila, all it takes is a step further on the road.

On June 27, 2015, witness how the road of Filinvest City, Alabang beams up as 3,000 runners dash their way to help the children of Bantay Bata 163.

“It’s time to give that spark of hope to the children assisted by Bantay Bata,” said Claire Guevarra, senior brand manager of Energizer. “Ever since our first Energizer Night Race, it’s always about giving back, running for a cause and sharing the positive energy”, added Guevarra.

The Energizer Night Race 2015 is the first open run which challenges the participants to run as many three-kilometer loop as they can in 120 minutes. Every three-kilometer run will equate to P100, 000 and will be donated to Bantay Bata as part of its operation and medical treatment funds.

According to Vincent Lizo, Energizer Philippine’s business director, a one-of-a-kind running event such as the Energizer Night Race bears truth that no competition is needed if we want to help improve the lives of children.

“Many fun runs have their own target beneficiaries, and it is interesting to note that the Filipinos are one with their fellow men in their fight against diseases, poverty, and the onslaught of ill-fated calamities,” Lizo said. “But we designed the Energizer Night Race to solely focus on the essence of helping”, added Lizo.”

A runner’s every 3k loop will be monitored through radio frequency identification (RFID). Kilometer markers in the race route will also be available to serve as the runners’ references. Moreover, a manually operated Energizer battery meter will light up every time a runner finishes a three-kilometer run. This battery meter will compile all the three-kilometer runs every runner makes until it reaches a one million benchmark. This will be put on view through an LED display onstage, and in the start and finish arc.

MJ Tiquia, Energizer brand activations manager, said that the company wants to offer its loyal followers a different experience each year so they can enjoy with their family and friends.

“We would like this year’s run to be a venue of fun and excitement for everyone who will join, so we’re focusing on their enjoyment this time more than anything else,” Tiquia shared. “Beyond the beneficiaries, we will focus on our goal to provide that “fun” for the runners so we can radiate the positivenergy to everyone” said Tiquia.

“With the race kit priced at 700 pesos, which includes race singlet, race bib, Energizer headlight, Energizer cap, Schick razor and access to pre and post race activities, we are inviting everyone to come and join us in this event. This is a good venue to bond with families and friends through a healthy activity like running, at the same time helping a common cause which is to raise P 1,000,000.00 for the children of Bantay Bata 163” added Tiquia.

The registration may be over, but you can still be one with the advocacy by being there and cheering on the runners. The support that we can give to the racers and most especially to the children beneficaries of Bantay Bata will significantly help boost their confidence and hope. Let's be one not only in having a healthy lifestyle but more on being one with the plight of the poor. 

Chasing After Toddlers Plus Tips before Starting Workouts

As I was browsing my previous blogposts I came across a December 2013 Workout Challenge I gave myself. If you want to know more about it please read it here: A December Workout Challenge

Unfortunately, I did not succeed haha! I found the workout too difficult for me or maybe I'm just making excuses haha!

Anyway, I decided to have another challenge this year but not on a specific workout but on having a healthy-ier lifestyle.A healthier lifestyle means eating right, working out and taking care of one's body. When I was still in my younger years, I would workout everytime summer is near just so I can wear my two pieces! haha. This time I have a bigger purpose and motivation to keep up a healthy lifestyle and that is to: CHASE AFTER MY TODDLER. I'm sure a lot of parents feel me, right guys? haha!

My son being his active and adventurous self loves walking, running, and climbing anything, anywhere and everywhere. I love that he is very curious but I am having a hard time following him. Primarily it is because I don't get enough exercise and has not conditioned my body properly. (Do you get my point?) I would want my little boy to be able to explore and play with me by his side and doing that means I have to take care of my body as well. 

This year, you can expect more fitness or workout posts that I will do so as to keep my body conditioned and toned. I have been putting off my workouts since I gave birth and maybe it's the right time to start now. 

BUT.. people, here are some safety reminders you have to keep in mind before starting any workout or change in lifestyle, okay?

1. Clarify your workout or lifestyle goals. Ask yourself, Why am I doing this? Is it to lose weight or burn fat? Is it to tone my muscles? Or is it for conditioning or strengthening? Whatever it is you have to make it personal. Own the reasons so you can own the results as well. 

If you ever feel unmotivated, check this link for fitspiration quotes and get your much needed pep talk: 

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/motivational-quotes

Photo from: Pinterest

2. Use proper workout attire and equipment. Whatever workout you decide on pursuing you have to invest on attires and equipment suited for it. Warning: Don't use working out as an excuse to shop! I know that feeling! Having new shoes, or equipment will not guarantee that you'll workout so make sure you'll make your purchase worth it. 

Different workouts require different shoes or attire. Wearing correct shoes or attire reduces the chances of injuries which is something anyone should be careful about. In example, running shoes can be used in the gym as well and not only in running. You just have to make sure that the shoes is comfortable and is just the right fit to your feet. Plus, wearing the right outfit can boost self esteem and confidence while working out right? I work out at home but make sure I wear my workout clothes because it gives me better motivation. With the cool range of sports apparel offered at ZALORA, I'd be able to work out in style. Check out this link to find more sports apparel: http://www.zalora.com.ph/reebok/

3. Always begin with a WARM UP. Never ever start any workout without doing a warm up. You don't want to injure yourself from muscle strains so you have to prepare your body for workout. Your workouts will become more effective given the right warm up.  If you need more convincing here is a link where you can read more about warming up before an exercise: Why I should WARM UP before an Exercise?

For warm up exercises, I suggest you try these: 

http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-tips/bulletproof-your-body-ultimate-warm

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/how-to-warm-up.aspx

So tell me, what workout or lifestyle are you planning to take this year? 

I'd love to hear about it!:) Thanks!

Staying Fit with The STEPS Project

    Ever since February, one of the ways I stay fit and active is through walking. According to studies, walking an average of 10,000 steps a day is a good indicator of an active lifestyle of a person. An inactive person usually takes about 3,000 steps a day only. Some people would monitor their steps per day using a pedometer. As for me, I used an android app call Noom Walk A noom walk is a pedometer that counts your steps each day. What's good about it is that it monitors your steps and sets your daily target depending on your performance. I love that its very handy and its easy to use. 

Noom Walk

https://www.noom.com/walk.php

      For almost three months of using Noom walk, I have come to realize and love the idea of walking. Its also great that it has a lot of benefits and is very easy to do. I also did walking because I wanted to lose weight and go back to my pre-pregnancy weight of 43kgs. Right now, I've lost 3.5kgs from 53kgs. 

20 Benefits of Walking

Photo from http://www.google.com.ph/

So if you want to start walking as a form of exercise or you're already into walking, then you might want to join THE STEPS PROJECT that will happen on May 18, 2014 at the UP Academic Oval. Registration is only Php350.00

The Steps Project is all about moving one step at a time. It aims to promote fitness and better health through achieving an active lifestyle by targeting 10,000 steps a day.

Why 10,000 steps? Because studies show that 10,000 steps a day is equivalent to the minimum daily exercise recommendation of most health authorities to reduce health risk. Lower health risks means more love for the heart!

The Steps project is building a community of steppers who will adapt and advocate for the movement. Let us help each other achieve 10,000 steps a day!

• The Steps Project Active Lifestyle Fair with Rovilson Fernandez

  Join our event!

  The Steps Project Active Lifestyle Fair with Rovilson Fernandez
  May 18, 2014 at the UP Academic Oval

  Let's walk and trade our steps for freebies!

  It's simple! Just do the following:

  1. Complete one round of the academic oval and get your lifestyle band. The more rounds you make, the more lifestyle bands you get.
  2. Exchange your band/s at your booth of choice for freebies, gift certificate or discount voucher.
  3. Register now for only P350!

(From http://www.thestepsproject.com/#home)

Click here for the registration form: http://www.thestepsproject.com/#reg

So let's start an active and healthy lifestyle and start walking!:) 

Happy walking everyone! See you at the Steps Project!:)