Knowing that I've covered Gym Blogs before I came to realise that I haven't shared my Fitness story. Heres just a little glimpse into my life and what has helped shape me into the woman I am today.
I'll try and keep this short and sweet, so here goes...
My First Hobby
I was first introduced to fitness by my Mum and Dad. My Mum being a sporadic Gym goer and my Dad rocking a hard 8 pack which I essentially wanted for myself. My parents were and always have been very active people whether they were, working around the house, going to work itself or just simply working out! I joined a Gym at 11 with my Mum where I attended 3 classes a week.
Growing up I was a very shy and a quiet little Girl, in other words the complete opposite to the woman I am today. Why would I start hobbies? That includes spending time AWAY from my Mum and not hiding under her skirt! (my favourite hiding place).
The only time I showed interest in anything was on holiday in Spain it was 2008 the year of the olympics. I was waiting anxiously for my Mum to hurry her ass up so I can jump into the pool as soon as possible when I saw a glimpse of the Synchronised swimming being covered on the tele. I was in awe and turned to my Dad and said "whatever they're doing there, I want to do that!" My Dad practically leapt for joy telling my Mum "Look, she's showing interest in something for once" haha!
So there I was a few weeks later into my Summer break, my Dad was practically searching for local pools on the flight home and he set me up for a 2 week taster sesh at the Brentwood Synchronised Swimming team. Needless to say I adored it and felt so proud and happy with myself that I was finally doing something that I loved. Synchronised Swimming helped shape me in many many ways, it taught me dedication, commitment, responsibility and the hard lesson of practice makes perfect!
I remember a few times I would cry into my goggles at the bottom of the pool, since we all acted like mermaids allot of things would happen there. I worked so hard on a figure and thankfully didn't give up because it really is true! Practice practice practice and you will see the results! The sport also helped with my confidence at school, it was fun doing something that was unique in the hobby world and after 14 years of winning Golds, Silvers, Bronze and finally best in Essex. I went as far as I could without becoming team GB (since it wasn't for me) I then hung up my nose clip and started to coach other swimmers in the team.
credit- Pintrest
Synchro Perks
- Helps with posture (stand tall with shoulders back always)
- Works every muscle in the body, no exaggeration needed.
- Builds arm strength and helps with definition
- Helps breath control and teaches you how to hold your breathe for a long amount of time
- Builds strong legs, especially thighs. Thank me later.
- You'll never feel dehydrated ever again!
- Builds a core like no other
Synchro is incredibly strenuous on the body, you'll have the core of a Spartan and every single muscle works over time as soon as you step in the pool. Training in the pool is my favourite, you never feel your self sweating, you never feel your full body weight plus the elegance of the water you won't find anywhere else. I know I'll always be a swimming fanatic and I'm so grateful to have learnt such a unique form of dance.
Gym and Heartbreak
During my Synchronised Swimming years I got into a great routine of working out at home. My Dad had various gym equipment which for a newbie like me was enough to work with. These were- a gazelle for my legs, an ab cruncher chair (don't ask), a stack of weights, resistance bands and kettle bells. I slowly created a cute little gym session for myself which would take place in my parents bedroom, yes you read that correctly!
During this time I went through an annoying yet life changing break up which resulted in me spending even more time at home working out. I put all my negative and heart breaking energy into my work outs which in the long run helped me heal immensely. Getting into this routine made me fall in love with training outside of the pool and in the comfort of my own home.
Seeing the benefits of my hard work helped my confidence grow more and more, so much so that a good 2 years later I met the love of my life. We both had many similar passions, one of those being working out.
Theres nothing more attractive to me than a confident man who is willing to put some hard earned time in to working on himself and his health! Later in our relationship I was slowly pushed into joining an actual Gym and cancelling my membership in my Parents bedroom. I then started an ongoing Gym routine 3-4 evenings a week at a small Gym.
credit- google
Gym Benefits
Theres so many benefits but heres the ones that I've noticed in me.
- Clears the mind
- Builds body confidence
- You'll find a routine that works for you therefore helping to sculpt your body
- GAINS!
- Helps with self development
- Reduces health risks
- It's an excuse for a banging playlist
- Helps posture
- Working out releases the happy hormone, great after a long and hard day!
Yoga- Namaste
I started Yoga around the same time that I started working out at home. I'm very double jointed and Yoga helps me release pressure in my joints whilst keeping my flexibility from Synchro. I worried that I would lose my curvy pointed foot and my flexible abilities so Yoga was a big must for me outside of the water, plus it's a great stretch when you're sore from the Gym. I tried many Yoga DVD's throughout the years but now I follow a Youtube channel called- BoHo Beautiful.
I love the scenery and the hippy vibes, plus its for all people you just need to find the one that works for you. I also like to mix in some pilates and meditation as well. I'd definitely recommend her channel, all you need is a mat and some water.
One of the many things I love is that theres different types of Yoga. Theres ones that focus on certain body parts and even sessions that help you wind down or set you up for the day. I'm not a major Yoga expert so I won't go into the other forms but I do know that I enjoy Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga.
credit- Pintrest
Yoga Benefits
- Increased Flexibility
- Increased muscle strength
- Helps to maintain a balanced metabolism
- Increases blood flow to help the joints
- Puts you in a meditated state
- Stretches the muscles
- aligns your Chakras (see below)
- Improves posture
credit- Pintrest
So there it is! My fitness journey so far, I hope you enjoyed this Blog. If you have any questions regarding the Chakras, Synchro, my Gym routine please feel free to comment below or DM me on Insta- ccwhitegold
Heres to a happy and healthy future for us all, please continue to be open to the universe and all the beauties it has to offer! Get out there and get active <3
CCX
