RE-FOCUS -- AJ-ILITY FITNESS OF THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL.

Hi there friends! 

Sorry I have been MIA for quite some time here lately. I went through a period of time where I was feeling not as inspired. I've been keeping up with my workouts and training, but my eating I have been embarrassed about; it's relatively healthy, but I've found myself snacking more often than I should, and snacking on unhealthy snacks. 

But I've been doing some soul searching and re-focusing, and I'm ready to get back on track! After a good conversation with one of my co-workers I realized I need to really pursue my passion. So I'd like to re-focus this blog on not only being about fitness of the body, but fitness of the mind, body, and soul. I've been doing some great readings here lately, and I'd love to share them with you, and my experiences. I've been realizing myself make excuses for my actions, but at the end of the day, it won't get me results, so I need to take charge again! 

What are these passions that I want to pursue? I'm going to get certified as a life coach and personal trainer, I feel that they go hand in hand, you can't get in the best shape of your life without reshaping your mind and soul too. Too many times we focus on our outward appearance, but what about who we are inside? I'm a believer in beauty shining from the inside out. Learning a lot about myself and what I want, I'm realizing my potential. I've had many friends reach out and tell me how I've inspired them, or made them feel good to be a woman. What they didn't realize was how much that meant to me, my passion is to inspire and speak life into others, so with that came the idea of being a life coach. Life is a gift and meant to be enjoyed and LIVED!!! If I can touch the life of just one person and make a difference, it means the world to me. 

I never knew really what my passion was, until fitness came into my life, so while I wish I didn't have to struggle with my weight, I am also thankful for it. It's opened so many doors for me that I didn't even think existed, or doors I was afraid to go through! My journey is far from over, and though I have been going over a minor bump, I know that I will persevere, stronger, and wiser in all facets. I thank my co-worker and others for reigniting my fire!! I'm thankful for each and everyone of you that follow my journey and reach out. 

Remember this acronym if you're not living your dream because of your fears: False Evidence Appearing Real; that's all it is. Choose love instead and your happiness, you are important!!!!  

So with that I am signing out for now. I will be better about updating my blog , more often. I apologize for not being so good about this in the past, but with new things to write about I should be on here more often. Get out there and make it a great day! Xoxo

-Angelique 

My health hero

If I said I had one health hero, I'd be lying. Truth is I have several! But I'll start with who was my first health hero. When I started on this journey I had one major cheerleader and the person that helped me see that I was worth being healthy is my mom! She was the one who saw me through my best of times and worst of times. Being her daughter it was hard for her to see me young, unhealthy, and unhappy. For so long I was focused on things other than myself; finding a boyfriend, job, friends, putting others happiness before my own. She told me "Angelique, you need to learn how to love yourself first and get yourself healthy, then everything else will fall into place." 

For a while I heard what she said, but I didn't really HEAR what she said, until one day I woke up and decided I was ready to change and be the person I'm supposed to be. I put most of my focus and drive on learning to love myself and learning to take care of my health; not just body, but mind and spirit. Sure enough, things did start to fall into place. Here I am almost 2 years into my journey and I can tell you I am definitely not the same person I was 2 years ago, let alone 10 years ago! I've been following all of my dreams, not just fitness. It's truly empowered me.The great thing about my mother's push was, it was gentle. She knew I'd have to want this change for myself and she didn't ever push it onto me, she always just said things that didn't stick at the time, but were in the recesses of my mind and came out when I needed it most. So I am forever thankful for my first and biggest health hero.......my mother. 

Now as I continued on this journey I gained so many more heroes along the way, many of which were in the fitness industry and I admired for their drive and dedication to the lifestyle of being healthy and fit. To name some, Kesley Byers, Maria Kang, Bella Falconi and one in particular that I reached out to in the beginning and has since been very supportive, Hope "Smallwonder" Trask. All of these women are very empowering and supportive of other women and seeing that helps drive me to becoming better everyday, and I strive to be a positive role model to other women out there who have walked the same journey as myself. The biggest thing I've learned from my journey, and the one thing I think is important for everyone to remember is, you're in competition with no one but yourself, you should only strive to be better than the person you were yesterday. 

Some of my other heroes include all the people that have reached out to me to tell me that I've inspired them to get healthy, or get in shape. Or just those that have simply had the courage to ask questions, I know that's not easy and sometimes takes a lot to reach out. Each and every person that has reached out to me, keeps me inspired and motivated, knowing there are others looking up to me and watching me keeps me on my toes to be a positive role model for others. And lastly, I don't have children yet, but I hope to be a mother in the near future and I want to be a positive role model for my children and teach them how to be healthy and love their bodies. For so long I hated my body, but I had done the damage to myself. And mostly I want to live a long healthy life with my children, I think that's very important. I still have a long journey, a lifetime really. And I'm learning everyday, I wouldn't change one thing about my journey, it's made me the stronger person I am today. Everyday I'm thankful for all of my heroes and heroines! It's made my journey even more worth it and made it easier for me to continue on my road to success. So love yourself! Have more than one hero, but your biggest hero should be..........YOURSELF! 

http://www.recallcenter.com/hip-replacement/

Where have I been???

Hi there!!!!! I have been MIA for quite some time now, been trying to think of something to write, as I prefer to write a blog when inspired; and I haven't been as inspired as of lately due to my minor setbacks with the holidays. I didn't completely fall off track, but I succumbed to so much snacking that I felt disappointed in myself.

A positive is that my working out didn't fall of track, in fact that was better than ever because I had time off from work; and was able to fit in twice a day workouts some days, which in turn helped me maintain my weight whilst indulging in the holiday junk. 

So how is it going for me now that the holidays have passed??? I'm still recovering LOL. Trying to get back to my clean eating ways, I'm good majority of the time. I'm just finding it harder to say no these days like I used to. Where has my willpower gone?? I think being that I am at a size I'm happy with and only really needing to lose 10-15 more lbs. I'm becoming complacent. Which is never good, and what keeps me from falling 100% off track in knowing that I never want to be where I was a little over a year ago, I won't be that girl again. 

I know though I haven't fully lost my drive nor my motivation. I had the honor of receiving this book to review as a Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador, and it's a 12 week program. 

So I started this program yesterday and I will follow with my regular workouts in between and more clean eating and will follow up and let you guys know how it's going as well as take progress pics. Here's my day one progress picture. 

So I know why I was MIA and it's because I felt guilty for all my bad choices, and therefore had no inspiration to write words of inspiration when I myself was falling slightly off track. But once again I'm dusting myself off and not letting it get me down or bring me back to where I used to be. So friends if you're ever feeling like I did, just remember as always, tomorrow is always a new day to start again. Just because you slipped up does not mean that you have to keep slipping up. Remember how far you've come, and know that it's worth it to keep going, you didn't work this hard for nothing! 

Signing off, and remember to Always follow your heart, never give up on your dreams, and always fuel your passion! You have but this one life, make the most of it! 

And don't forget you can find me here at my other sites! Thanks as always for taking the time to read, and cheers to a brand new day! - Angelique (AJility Fitness)

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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