GoWell Turned 3! – CestlAbby

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down” – Oprah Winfrey

I have been given an opportunity to be part of GoWell’s third year anniversary that was held at The Island, BGC together with the #NTSweat gals which showcased fun-filled activities geared towards active lifestyle and proper nutrition.

For those of you who doesn’t know GoWell, it’s a community sponsored by Sun Life that aims to educate Filipinos into holistic wellness to help them live brighter, healthier lives. Head on to http://gowell.com.ph/ and register for free to access free information on nutrition, workouts, etc. The information you will find there are gems — it will widen your knowledge and debunk myths about wellness.

The program goes as follows: KettleBell Cardio by the Ayson Brothers, Aquafirma by Lala De Dios and Signature Bare Black Workout by Pio Luz and Jose Avellana.

Being the bibbo kid that I am, (luh, kelan?!) I signed up for all three workouts. I always have an inner monologue with myself that always goes about challenging thy limit and pushing through no matter how hard it seems. Out of all three, I was only familiar with Kettlebell, and the word cardio coupled with it scared me too. *hahahaha* Are we going to run/sprint whilst holding a kettlebell? Yes? No? I dunno!

*The Ayson brothers who shared their expertise on Kettlebells*

Contrary to my fears, we did not run nor sprinted during the entire workout. *tehehehe* But the resistance from the kettle bell and challenging swings really elevated our heart rate. What I love about this is how the Ayson brothers break down the elements of the “swing” so we’re able to observe proper form before really doing the actual swing. It’s methodical and they have taken time to really check each and everyone’s form. Thank you!

Next, we were introduced to Aquafirma by Aquanimous Yoga. In layman’s term, it’s like doing your yoga in a paddle board. But this paddle board is special because it’s meant to be used on land but will still give you the wave like feeling. Teacher Lalah designed the board herself and brought the method in Manila from her hometown, La Union. It seemed easy but the amount of core control you need to not stumble while doing your vinyasa is no joke. It was a fun first Aquafirma experience for us.

*Teacher Lalah fusing yoga and pilates in the paddle board.*

The last workout really deserved to be the last — a killer indeed. Coaches Pio and Jose lead the Bare Black workout which was beyond everyone’s expectations. Some girls thought it’s dancing like NTSweat — it’s actually HIIT or high intensity interval training. We ate a lot of planking and burpees and squats in this workout — but it was fun and challenging at the same time and you get to do it with a partner too!

*Mountain climbers for warm up — how’s that?*

*Leg raises with a partner — so intense for the core.*

Bare’s finisher is something I would never forget for the rest of my life. *hahaha* They challenged us to do the longest squat hold. Our of all the people you see in the picture above, there were only three girls left at 13 minute mark — and I was part of those three girls left standing. *throws confetti*

*Coach Pio showing us what a proper squat look like.*

I can’t express how that experience challenged my entire being. I remember my legs shaking uncontrollably and my lower back feeling all the tension already — but I pushed through. There are a lot of thoughts in my head already — Rem waiting for me at home, my Physique57 coaches and their words of encouragement especially on thigh section, my NT gals cheering for me together with our Queen B Nikki, and all the food in the venue that we’ll devour later when all this is done. *hahaha* Out of the three gals left, they had to choose one because no one wants to give up. 🙂 (15 minutes squat hold, woohoo!) Congrats Kristeen! Well-deserved 🙂

I rarely go out of my apartment as I am conserving my energy but any event with the NT family is really worth the time. Thank you so much for being part of my life.

To our OG mother NikkiT who looks so d*mn awesome below who have tamed her inner lioness to be our host for that event, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being the light in this dark world.

To Nat, who have bore the painstakingly stressful event planning to give the community what it deserves in an event, you are effin amazing! We always have your back. Your passion emanates from the event!