Fitness is a journey

While you are reading this article, over 100 participants of our fitness boot camp are sweating it out early in the morning at the Terraces in Ayala Center Cebu as today is the last day and graduation workout for these individuals. Although it is our last day, it is not the end but the beginning of their fitness journey. Majority of the participants joined this camp mainly to jumpstart their fitness journey and lose weight. But I strongly remind everyone that our goal is not about losing weight but focus on getting stronger, fitter, healthier and most of all improve the quality of their life!

The Boot camp started last April 5 and on Day 1, we conducted a fitness and assessment test on each individual, measuring their body weights, chests, waist lines and blood pressures. Their body fat percentage and Bmi (Body Mass Index) were also checked. The fitness test involves Cardio vascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance test, stability, balance and core. Each individual was timed for 1 minute and the total number of reps of jumping jack, squat, push up and lunges was recorded. Afterwhich, a 4-minute workout of Coach Jim Saret was conducted. The 4-minute workout is a combination of 4 exercises composed of 10 jumping jacks, 10 squats, 10 push ups, and 10 lunges left and right.

After 8 weeks in the camp, 95% of the campers have improved and lowered their body measurements. And the fitness test showed remarkable improvements as most have increased in numbers while others even doubled the number of repetitions. And when everything settled, 3 participants reigned on top of the Boot Camp weight loss challenge.

Congratulations to Ms. Feliciano Carmellan for having the biggest weight loss percentage of 10.8%, amounting to 10.5 kilos total difference. Her body fat percentage dropped by 4% and Bmi from 37.8 to 33.8. Carmellan was able to improve her 1 minute push by 15 reps from 25 to 40, squats 44 to 60 and most of all, her 4-minute workout from 3 rounds to 5 rounds. Coming in close at 2nd place is Mr. John Omollon, who had a 5.2-kilo drop on his body weight which is equivalent to 6.74%. His body fat percentage dropped from 28.8% to 24.7%, his bmi 29.5 to 27.6. He is also now stronger and was able to push his limits in fitness test. John doubled his squat from 26 to 58, full push up from 14 to 20 and the 4-minute workout from 3 rounds to almost 6 rounds. Congratulations also to John Espinosa for grabbing 3rd place with a weight loss percentage of 6.12% from his starting weight. He lost 4.4 kilos and his blood pressure dropped from 131/90 to 108/70.

Again, all of these are just numbers and like most of the weight lost program everything is just temporary. What is important now is that you should continue your journey and put to test what you have learned through the entire 8 weeks.

Fitness is a lifetime commitment and not a short time affair because once you stop, everything will come rolling back. Find your motivation, goals and purpose in life. No excuses is what I always remind my students.

What make this Boot Camp extra special are the motivational coaches who have, in one way or the other, have gone through the journey of either being obese or overweight or has lived a sedentary lifestyle and become a fitness advocate themselves. Thanks to Lem Co, Fritz & Zusette Co, Donafel Tacandong, Philip John Cañedo, Belle Tan, Eric Limatog, and our fitness coaches Romulo Russel, Trx Specialist Carlo Entrenador, Yoga Expert Glenna Cruz and former running varsity Dandy Maturan. Special thanks also to US-based Cebuano NBA trainer/coach Jef Codera, MMA fighter Lemuel “Musang' Maglinte and the only Hula specialist in Cebu Bernadette Yu Dy.

Also to our venue partners Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Holdings Inc., and Sacred Heart Ateneo De Cebu and our sponsors Clip2fit by Cliptech, Ykk Bike, Durabend and Simone boutique.

For those who want to continue their journey, our minicamp starts on June 14 at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu. It’s something new because Galleria is providing indoor spaces specially during the rainy season. Registration fee is at Php3,000. Early bird rates is at Php2,500 until May 31. You may register at the Missing Link Bike shop located at Level 3, Unit 3012 or call 2615584. You may also reach me at 406-9267. For more information, one may check out www.alanchoachuy.com or www.facebook.com/metafitcebu