Halloween

It's been a while since I've written something, but I felt it appropriate to write so close to Halloween as I've never really worn costumes due to my weight in the past. 

So to start several weeks ago I had my body fat testing done, almost a year to the date! And I'm happy to say I went from 49%, yes 49% to 23%!!!! So I went from being overly obese to being considered a healthy/fit body fat. 

The proof is in the pudding, when it comes to how important not only eating right is, but weight training. Whatever your heart desires, it's possible with belief! So not only did I lose that much body fat, but I also went from a size 20 to a size 6, not that size should ever be the goal, but it's something worth being excited about. Being healthy overall should always be the main reason you are working out and eating right. Creating a healthy lifestyle for yourself and your family. 

So back to Halloween. In all my years of being overweight I never was excited to dress up, because one costumes never fit me, and two I just didn't feel comfortable enough to wear them. So this year I decided to find something flattering for my new body, I'm excited to be able to show what all my hard work has done for me. I wore two, one for nights "out" at bar/club scene and then one for work (day job and DJ'ing) 

Halloween wasn't my only motivation, another thing I've always wanted to do was model! Since I was a little girl, but again I didn't think I could ever model with my weight and height. I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many people that believe in me and pushed me to pursue these dreams. I'll repeat myself from time to time, because I feel it's important to hear things over and over sometimes. Please don't ever feel you're not good enough for your dreams and desires, never let what the scale says hold you back from those things. I have started to pursue modeling and so far I am loving it! We'll see where it takes me, if it goes nowhere it does not matter to me, the point is.........I tried it! I know one day I will wake up old and grey and think "I'm glad I tried all those things I thought I couldn't do." I also want my children and grandchildren to be able to look up to that and live their lives the same way. 

So with Halloween being right around the corner, do you have a game plan for those yummy little packaged goodies?? I know I'm going to keep them as far away from me as I can, this time of year is always a challenge. It's important to remember your goals and whether or not it's worth it, I know how far I've come and how close to my goal I am, and it's not worth it, but I am human and I've been known to indulge here and there. We're human so if you're going to give in a little bit, make sure you don't overdo it. I've said it before, I don't know what your goals are, or what your motivation is, but you should always have a reason for your healthy lifestyle, main reason health. The second could be you want to wear a Halloween costume you never have, or you have a wedding you want to prepare for, you want to be an example for your children. Whatever the case set a goal and something that will help motivate and inspire you! So friends stay and train strong! Your potential is unlimited, and so many leave their potential untapped. Don't be part of the many! 

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Don't let fear dampen your passions

So you want to lose weight, but for some reason you don't ever get the ball rolling, but deep down inside you KNOW you want a change, so why still no changes? 

Well let me ask you a question, have you ever just asked yourself and really thought "What is it that's holding me back? Why can't I take this jump?" Well I've been in your shoes, and last year I had to have a real heart to heart with myself and figured out what the issue was and why I kept making excuses for myself.You have to dig deep and do some soul searching, in this world things are loud and it's busy, we never take time for ourselves and our needs.

Now I don't know your situation or what could possibly holding you back, but I know what it was for me, and chances are it's not far off from what's holding you back as well. For me it was fear of failing, because I've tried and failed so many other times before. Fear unfortunately affects most of us, the fear of rejection and failure held me back for so long, not only on my weight loss, but with my dreams and aspirations; however my weight issues did tie into me not pursuing these dreams and aspirations, as I felt as though I wouldn't be accepted for the way I looked. 

Well when I finally decided to have this heart to heart with myself and I did ask myself those questions I did discover it was fear of failing and fear of rejection, I even went so far as to not tell people about trying to lose weight because I didn't want them to see me fail yet again. But this time when I really took time to think about it I told myself "That's garbage Angelique! What's the worst that can happen?" Nothing, the best that could happen is I end up healthier and happier, and that has been the exact outcome. I know for me, putting myself out there also helps keep me accountable and motivated, when I know others are watching me and looking to me for motivation I can't do anything but succeed! 

So ask yourself, what's the worst that can happen??? Or better yet, what's the best thing that can happen if you take this jump into a healthier lifestyle. If you're reaching out and you're asking for help, you've taken the first step into proving to yourself that you want it! So go get it! The only thing holding you back is yourself, so I've said it before, time to take back control! You've given control to your fears and all that's going to do is hold you back from the things you really want in life, not only in terms of health and fitness. Take back the control before you come to the point where you wish you had. I started to think into the future and I didn't want to live with "what ifs" and "I wish I had" So is today the day you take back control? I believe in you, time to believe in yourself. Train and stay strong friends. 

-AJ-ility Fitness

"Always follow your heart, never give up on your dreams, and always fuel your passion" - AJ-ility Fitness

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Been away a while

I just realized I haven't blogged in quite some time, sorry about the absence. Well I realized a couple of weeks ago that I was getting too complacent in my cheats and bad eating habits, though I did not lose sight of my workouts. However I'm happy to say that as of this week I am back to normal, and I feel really good about it. Not only in my eating, but I'm working out more. I have 30 more lbs to lose to goal weight and then after that I plan on leaning up and toning up! So I'm almost to, not the finish line, but the new start of my life. 

It's crazy what a month of making bad eating habits can do to your body, I noticed a lot of changes in how I was feeling mentally and physically. So I got off track a little bit, but I did not fall off the wagon completely, I was able to realize what I was doing and realized that because I am so close to my goal weight I was letting myself slide a lot more than usual. This isn't the first time this has happened to me, the difference though this time is I know a lot more about fitness and I no longer view this as a "diet" but rather my lifestyle. 

In the past I would beat myself up about it, and get completely discouraged and just give up, which happened last time when I was 18 and what ended up happening.........I gained all my weight back, and then some! So one thing I had to learn in this journey and lifestyle, is that we need to learn to forgive ourselves, but also not let ourselves completely give up! We're only human at the end of the day, and life happens as well as distractions. So pick up and dust off. 

It's also important to surround yourself with people that encourage your lifestyle and if they see you falling off track aren't afraid to just give you a little nudge back in the right direction. I am fortunate that my family and friends are so supportive, and remind me of how far I've come and how many I've inspired to be better.  Truth is I HAVE come VERY  far from where I was a year ago! And because I've put myself out there for the world to see my progress, it helps keep me motivated. To know that others are watching and cheering me on reminds me that I'm not done yet! So friends, if ever you fall slightly off track, remember where you were and how you felt when you started. I know for me, I never want to go back to where I was. I'm so much stronger physically and mentally, more than I ever have been in my life. So train and stay STRONG my friends! You got this! Your mind is the most powerful muscle that needs training first and foremost! 

Signing off and leaving you with my words of wisdom ;) - AJ-ility Fitness (Angelique) 

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Back to where the journey began

Went back to where my journey started I went to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, I haven't been there in a year. When I went last year I was 100 lbs heavier and so uncomfortable in my own skin, but also on many of the rides.

So why did my journey start here you might ask, well last year when I was eating junk and not taking care of my body I of course complained about my weight and that I did want to get back on track, however I wasn't really that serious about it until that day June 30th, 2012; when I was kicked off of two rides due to my size. 

words can not express how embarrassed I was, the first ride not only did I get told I couldn't fit, but the contraption of a seat belt got stuck and they had to stop the ride for the time being to get it off me, and this ride faced a crowd. The second ride (which is pictured) I was facing the crowd and they couldn't get the chest piece down on me and I again was kicked off in front of people watching. 

Of course it was embarrassing because there were people watching, but in the end I was disappointed in myself for not taking care of myself and letting my weight get so out of control. That weekend I made a decision to start with a personal trainer and start living a healthier lifestyle. Of course with anything it takes time to build those healthy habits, so I started slow. I started with working out 3 days a week with my trainer and eating somewhat healthy when I felt I could, I did this for about a month. I wasn't seeing any weight gain, but I also wasn't seeing any weight loss, and I realized I was still making lots of unhealthy choices when it came to my eating and I wasn't working out enough. 

So by end of August I started working out 5 days a week, some days twice a day! And cleaned up my diet completely - I noticed a huge change not only in the scale but in how I felt! And here I am a year later keeping up with my workouts, but still occasionally struggling with the eating part, but I'm nowhere I used to be! I have so much more control and so much more forgiveness for myself when I slip. So needless to say I did indulge in some yummy treats at the boardwalk this weekend and I don't regret it, because that following Monday was a new start, and a new week. And I've so far from where I used to be! A year ago I had no self control when it came to what I ate, and I made every excuse in the book why I couldn't possibly lose weight, so while yes I may have suffered some short term embarrassment it also changed my life! (My brother and I and enjoying some Filipino Ube ice cream)

So whatever your goals, however far you have to go, never give up and start with the baby steps first! Any step towards your goal is a step in the right direction, eventually you will ramp it up and get where you need to. Remember 21 days to build a habit, the point is to keep going and don't lose sight of your goals, and most importantly.........BE PATIENT! I still have a ways to go, but I know I just need to keep being consistent and patient, and understand that with failure come success! It's all in your attitude!

Always follow your heart, never give up on your dreams, and always fuel your passion!

Signing off, 

AJ-ility Fitness (Angelique)

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Fitness considerations

I made a comment today on a fitness group that I am a part of on Facebook, and realized that sometimes I blow myself away with what I say. LOL, so I thought I'd share.

When it comes to fitness here's some things to consider. These are the things I had to come to terms with when changing my life and lifestyle.  One thing I learned to was that I could no longer look at it as a "diet" or something temporary, unless I wanted temporary results. I had to realize I had to make it my lifestyle, because at the end of the day I want to be in shape for the rest of my life, not just for a few months. So it's going to be hard, but worth it. It had to become a routine in my life, much like brushing my teeth, it's recommended daily ;) So again as I tell everyone that reaches out to me......IT'S NOT EASY! But it's SO worth it!

So what ever your goals, however big or small, make sure you do it with passion. And realize that sometimes you have to make sacrifices and see things differently than you did before. To get results you have to accept change. It took me a long time to realize this, and to get my mind in the right state to make these necessary changes. I wish it happened sooner, but I'm glad it didn't happen later! Until next time, healthy salutations and signing off - AJ

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Crossfit update

So I am almost at my month mark for crossfit, and I am LOVING it!!!! In just this short amount of time I have grown so much stronger! I've never liked running at all, even when I was at my thinnest weight. But now I find myself running and enjoying it. When I started crossfit on June 17th I remember we had to run 400 meters, and that was a struggle! Yesterday we had to do 800 meters for part of our warm up and I didn't realize until I made it to the 800 meter mark that I ran all the way there without taking a walk break, that was a huge breakthrough for me, especially since I've been experiencing recent knee pain. 

So with starting crossfit I have also started doing Paleo as of July 1st, and so far my experience with it has been positive, I've already dropped some pounds. I am down 109 lbs since starting this journey almost a year ago and it's amazing to think of how different and amazing I feel! 

I started as a girl that had big fitness goals and didn't know where to start, a girl that wouldn't be caught dead in a bathing suit unless I had on a shirt and shorts, to a girl that is lifting heavy weights, running, and wearing a bathing suit with confidence. I still have about 40 lbs until I reach my goal weight, but I'm confident that by end of this year I will attain this goal. Once I've attained that goal I'm going to start working on building more muscle so that I can get on stage and compete in a figure competition. I used to be afraid to dream big, but now I realize it's not that the dreams are too big, but that our fears make our dreams seem too big. The saying the body achieves what the mind believes is so true, and I believe this could be applied in many facets of life - not just fitness. So with whatever you do in life, make sure you do it with passion, try your best and give it your all. 

Healthy salutations - AJility Fitness

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Recent progress picture: 

Crossfit day 1 and Saturday progress pic: 

Crossfit one week down

I started Crossfit last Monday and went for 5 days, my very first time! I have to say I fell in  love with it day one! It's the most challenging thing I've ever done, and I've been working out very consistently and hard for almost a year now. 

What I love most about it is I'm in competition with myself and beating my own personal bests! Yesterday we did kettle bell swings normally I do 25 lbs. Well the owner/trainer said "why don't you try 35's, you're pretty strong" so you know what? I did it! Not only that, but I NEVER run! And since being in Crossfit I have run a lot! But I'm finding that I'm pushing myself to run more and more. It's amazing what your body can do when your mind tells it to just do it! 

I've done things I've never done before, and things I wouldn't normally do without the extra push! I'm loving every bit of this and can't wait to see what other new changes my body will make. Best thing at the end of class was hearing the trainer tell me "You're really strong! Stronger than most" Sometimes I don't give myself enough credit and I forget about the girl last July that could only lift 10-15 lbs, couldn't do any jumping workouts, could barely do cardio on the elliptical to now being good at Crossfit! If you have a dream, and think it's impossible.........break down the word to "I'm possible" and remember "The body achieves what the mind believes." Sometimes we forget how truly strong we are, we just need to believe in ourselves. This picture below is day one crossfit, I will take another progress pic after day 30! Stay tuned. Signing out - AJilityfitness

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New experiences in my new lifestyle!

What a great week this has been so far! Today I got accepted to be an Ambassador for Girls Gone Sporty, and I couldn't be more excited to be accepted to their team! Check them out, www.girlsgonesporty.com and my username is AJilityfitness. Well yesterday I did Crossfit with my family; the last time I tried crossfit was last year when I was out of shape, and needless to say I was apprehensive to try it again. But I pushed through my fear of trying something new and out of my comfort zone and I was so impressed with my own skills, I didn't know I had it in me. So tonight I will be going back for more! I think this will definitely be something new and exciting for me in the world of fitness. So if there's something you've been wanting to try but are afraid of it, I suggest just going for it! You might surprise yourself. So cheers to new experiences and overcoming fears! Never look back, you can do anything with belief in yourself. http://forum.girlsgonesporty.com/members/ajilityfitness

My first blog! Well I have been on my fitness journey since August 2012, and have since lost 90 lbs. Not only am I proud of my weight loss and journey but I have also been told by many that I have helped motivate and inspire them, hearing that from others really helps to keep me motivated to continue on this journey. 

My ultimate goals are to 1: do a fitness show and 2: be able to inspire and motivate others. I'd love to be able to tell my story and help others find their motivation, and will power - I believe we all have it, it's just about finding it and letting go of the excuses. Today I was talking with one of my co-workers, and I was telling them that one of my goals and dreams is to be sponsored. Well sometimes you never know what others know, she was telling me that it's possible to do that now without being at my fitness goals. So with that information I quickly jumped on the computer and applied to a few different pages, one is www.fitfluential.com and the other is www.girlsgonesporty.com 

I am hoping to be an ambassador for many others and be able to reach out to many........so I will continue my search and keep you all updated. Until then stay Healthy, motivated, and happy my friends. 

Signing out - Angelique www.twitter.com/ajilityfitness