The Journey So Far

July 28th, 2007 • Related • Filed Under

by Hanna

I am what many would call a “gym success story”. I have lost 60 pounds in just over a year.

By now, I should have caught some of your attention, so I’ll let you in on how I did it and why I did it and perhaps this will serve as something you can relate to should you decide to join me on my journey to the perfect 36-25-34 figure

It all started back in December 2004. I had just finished my SPM examination and decided to finally do something about a problem that has plagued me since I was a in primary school. I was obese. Most people would hate to use this word, but in truth that was what I was. I had long ago broken the boundaries of ‘overweight’ and had joined the ranks of millions of obese people of the world. It was at this time that I realized I needed to stop procrastinating and make a commitment to this long-time goal.

So, I called a nearby gym and made an appointment to see the membership consultant. Now, with the first step taken, the rest followed-through pretty naturally. I got myself to the gym to have a look

around. The first time I set foot into the place I now lovingly call my ‘2nd home’, I was so intimidated by everyone and everything in there; from the buffed-up personal trainers to the formidable looking weight machines. Nonetheless, I had made my mind up and there was no turning back now.What followed in the weeks to come was just short of torture (haha! I never said it was easy). I started coming to the gym every single day for an average of 4 hours a day. I would go for several group exercise (GX) classes which I found EXTREMELY fun. These classes were good for me because they were very motivating and the instructors always encouraged you to do your best and made it all not seem like exercise. I would also use the cardio and weight machines downstairs to target specific muscles and problem areas.

I went, and still go, for Bodypump, Bodycombat, Bodystep, RPM, Bodyjam, Pilates and have now grown to love Bodybalance and Yoga. On top of that, new members to my gym receive two complimentary personal training sessions. I got assigned a darling instructor who’d constantly encourage me and push me to work harder. I even got a diet plan drawn-out for me.

Ah, now to the diet aspect. For the first three months, I completely cut-out rice, oil, sweets and fast food! There were no exceptions. I lived on salads and plain meat-roasted, grilled, etc. Sandwiches were allowed but butter and mayonnaise was very limited.

Honestly, it was not as difficult as people would think. The thing that made me keep up this demanding routine was actually having the scales tell me that I had lost a kilogram. To be able to jump higher, run faster, carry heavier weights and jump around for longer were just some of the numerous benefits I got.

One of the most euphoric moments in this journey of self-realization was shopping for new clothes. Inconsequential as this may seem, it was what made all that sweat, all those aches and pains and all those muscle cramps worthwhile. I fit clothes I would have NEVER been able to wear before. I got to buy trendy things. I actually go to look fashionable without worrying that my rear looked like the titanic. That was reward enough to make me keep going, keep pushing.

By now, middle of 2005, I had gone back to eating rice and fast food once in a while but I was still busy working my bum off (literally!) at the gym. I continued to lose weight and the compliments rolled in. To be honest, it wasn’t the compliments that made me strive to lose even more weight. Instead I did it for myself. Somehow, losing that next kilogram was a target I had subconsciously set for myself. I have become a much more confident person because of this, a lot more outgoing, a bit more determined, a lot more vain (haha).

I dare to show my arms, and even though I am still overweight, it doesn’t bother me as much. Having lost the 60 pounds, I

know that I am capable of losing another 60. However, I will stop when I lose another 45 pounds.It’s now the middle of 2006 and the journey goes on. I have unfortunately gained about 5 kilograms in the past 6 months or so due to a very tight and strenuous academic schedule, exams(and late night eating-whilst-studying routine), only working out once or twice a week and resorting to burgers and fried chicken for the sake of convenience.

I’m on holiday as I type this out and I’ll (God willing) be leaving for university abroad in just about 2 months, and in that time, I plan to lose the 5 kilograms I have gained recently; perhaps more.

To those out there who’ve wanted to join a gym for ages but never got around to it, because of your schedule or because you were just a little bit intimidated by the look of the place, I say just take the plunge and have a look at the gym you’re interested in. Try your luck and walk in during lunch hour. Ask for a tour. Maybe even ask for a day pass- just to get a feel of the place.

Exercise is a big part of it. Diet however plays an important role as well. However, if, like me, you love your Nasi Bryani, Nasi Kerabu or Nasi Lemak too much, just work a little harder by joining RPM (which is said to help you lose up to 800kcal per class- which is definitely more than that serving of Nasi Briyani you had!) or doing any other exercise, and cut down your intake from 3 times a week to maybe once a week.

If at first you don’t see the pounds dropping off, don’t give up. Keep at it and you’ll, in the long run, reap the benefits.
There is nothing in the world like the shot of endorphins you receive after each work out session. You may even find that you are more productive and alert after a good work out.
However, I would NOT recommend doing 4 hours a day, like I did. Moderation is key, so push as hard as your body allows but don’t tire yourself out so much that you can’t do other things when you get home. Please keep in mind that when I started my whole ‘four hours a day’ routine, I was 17-my body could take the strain. Circumstances vary so tailor your workout regime to your lifestyle, health and strength.

Everyone joining a gym or those who want to exercise in the comfort of their own home should always consult a professional before starting. Varying your diet should also be done with guidance from your GP or at least a fitness instructor.

Oh, and should running on a track that takes you nowhere, or pedaling a bike and staying rooted to the spot not interest you, I would strongly suggest going for Thai kickboxing or for the more dainty, dancing. These are excellent and extremely fun ways to get into shape.

Well, the past one and a half years has been an interesting experience, to say the least. I’ve changed in so many ways and I’m still changing. I’m going to continue with it and I hope that, should you decide to start pumping iron at the gym, you’ll have as much fun as I am having.

Maybe I’ll see you at the gym.
Psst, I go to fitness first in Damansara Heights. Come say “hi!” if by some far-fetched chance you know who I am; no matter how unfriendly I may look. I’m having a ball! Really.

Hanaa Ibrahim
Avid gymmer
Pre-university student.

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