Gym Find #1 - Family Lifestyle Spa & Wellness Center

Family Lifestyle Spa & Wellness Center

Bristol St. - Brgy. Greater Lagro, Quezon City

Just by cutting back on my food intake and do exercises (walk, jog, video workouts), I was able to lose weight. Down 29lbs, I felt really good, but there's one thing I really need to address: flabby, loose skin - especially on my upper arms, belly, and inner thighs. One time during dinner, I told mom and sis about how a former contestant of The Biggest Loser (Philippines) looked stunning in swimsuit even if her starting weight prior to the show was 360lbs. My sister said it was because they had trainers and gym equipment helping them tone the skin. The word "gym" stuck in my mind and finding one became one of immediate goals.

As far as I know, there are 4 gyms near our place. I told Mr. Pipoy I'd check all four and share it here on my blog before I make a decision. First I visited was Family Lifestyle Spa & Wellness Center along Bristol Street in Lagro.

Getting to the location, I had two options:

> Take a jeepney ride to Ascencion Road in Lagro and take another jeepney going to Bristol Street. It will cost me p16 just to get there, but I can ask the driver to drop me off right in front of the building.

> Take a jeepney ride that will pass by Regalado Avenue; get off at the entrance of Bristol Street. This route will cost me p12, but I needed to walk about 200 meters just to reach the building.

I first heard about this gym through my friend Ria, who had a lot of raves about it because of its many perks. She told me they offer free haircut every month, they had free flowing coffee, and for parents - they had a kiddie pool for kids to be at while parents are working out.

When Ria and I reached the gym and inquired, we found out the first two perks I mentioned aren't available anymore. They do offer discounts for spa services - something I don't think I will use should I become a member.

Like most gyms, they have the basic equipment. I am very much interested with their equipment for the arms, thighs and belly. I asked the staff if they have trainers, and she answered that should one avail for a personal trainer that would mean additional p3000 a month. Good side - even if one won't avail the personal trainer, they have trainers on duty to help members with setting up the machines without extra charge.

The gym accommodates both men and women, and aside from the machines and weights, they also have classes (dance, spinning) everyday - morning and late afternoon, which the members can join for free. These classes are also open to walk-in gym goers at p50 per class.

They ask a one-time, lifetime membership fee of p1500, and their monthly fee is at p1800. The staff told us, should we go in a group of three members, we can just pay the membership fee at p500 each. So... that would mean I need to pay p3300 initially should I go alone, or pay p2300 if I go with two more people. Considering two of the perks were gone, I found this a little too expensive because I can only use the machines and weights and maybe attend the classes if my schedule would allow it.

One thing I liked though... they can freeze your membership. Meaning, if you go on vacation or you wanted to stop going to the gym for a while, they will freeze your membership until you go back to reinstate it.

Under a Dark Cloud

Never let one dark cloud of worry cover your entire sky.

Remember, the sun is always shining on some part of your life.

Days 142 - 148
20 - 26 February 2012
* picture and text heavy post*

I haven't blogged here for almost a week. Even with the goals I set for myself to do, I admit I haven't followed it really. Maybe I am losing enthusiasm, maybe I am losing the spark, maybe I am feeling uncertain, and maybe I am losing inspiration. I may be under a dark cloud...but one thing's for sure:

I still haven't given up!

I am still walking this road to weight loss and wellness... I just really need to find that right mindset and focus.

A recap of how my week went...

Day 142. My day was just like this kitty.

Day 143. I am feeling pretty today! I saw a this Mary Kay lip gloss in my sister's vanity kit and tried it on... then decided to take pictures as well!

Day 144. Quite a fulfilling day for me... I walked close to two hours around Colinas Verdes, then after getting home, I fixed myself to go to SM North EDSA to attend an event. It was so fortunate that friend Ria (the one in stripes) also had an appointment at the same mall, so we were able to travel there together. After lunch, she sent a text message if I was still at a mall so we can travel back home together, and since my cousin Marge (the one in black) and I were at The White Hat redeeming my vouchers for their newest drinks, I just asked her to meet us and taste the drinks with us as well.

Marge had to meet her boyfriend, so before going home, Ria and I roamed around the mall for a while then while traveling back home, we decided to pass by a gym to inquire (story about that tomorrow), then we went to SM Fairview to buy stuff at the Hypermarket.

Too much walking today for me, but despite the blisters on my feet (I wore jelly shoes), I felt happy and fulfilled.

Day 146. I tried online shopping today and this was my first time in a very, very long time to pay through the bank. I encountered some boo-boos... but good thing the friendly bank teller help me correct the mistakes I had on the deposit slip.

Whew!

Day 147. The day before, brother told me he'd go out in the morning and walk sister out of the subdivision. I asked him if he would like to walk to Colinas Verdes, and he said he didn't want to. Opening Day 147, I wasn't in the mood to go out and walk... but when my phone rang around 6am, brother told me he was at Colinas Verdes and he was asking me to wake up and walk with him. It pissed me off a bit because yesterday he said he didn't want to go there.

He didn't stop ringing my phone and sending me text messages, and cutting the story short, I got up, fix myself and went to Colinas Verdes to meet up with him. He was already waiting for me at the Clubhouse, so I had to walk real fast because he kept on asking where was I. Well, I may be pissed, but I am also thankful that he was persistent.

Day 148. Us girls went to the mall to eat lunch. Mom had to go home right after because they will be having a prayer meeting, so sister and I stayed at the mall to roam around and do some window shopping - try on shoes, check items on display, test some cosmetics on different Korean cosmetics shops, and try on clothes.

I loved the Korean cosmetics shops! I tested this lotion and it had a very mild scent that lingered... it wasn't sticky, and it made my skin really soft. Sister and I walked home from the market, and even if it was a hot afternoon and I sweated a bit, my skin was still soft and I still could feel the lotion - the scent stayed, too! It was a bit pricey at p500, but am thinking of saving up for it. I also tested this orange cheek blusher and light brown lipstick. :)

At the clothing section, I saw two dresses at XL that looked big. When I lined up for the fitting room, one saleslady looked sharply at me (possibly because I am big and that I wanted to fit some dresses). The fitting room didn't have a mirror - one must go out to check themselves in the mirror - and a few minutes after I entered, the sales lady asked if the dress was okay because it was already the biggest they have. I was pretty emotional already (I am currently going through some rough times), so when the dress fitted good, I went out and told the saleslady that it fitted just perfectly. I know despite losing weight, people would still judge me harshly because I still am big.

I guess that was a motivation I needed, but contemplating on how much I ate this month and how little I exercised, I doubt if I lost weight this month... but it wouldn't matter anymore. Everyone of us go through a dark phase, it's just a matter of picking myself up and carry on with life along with the lessons learned.

Halo Halo Cravings - Satisfied!

I was craving for Halo Halo and told mom about it the time I got home from work Saturday night. In my mind, I was seeing a cup of Halo Halo from Chowking, but come Sunday morning (yesterday), mom said we'd go to Razon's of Guagua because she prefers their Halo Halo more. Since they offer rice meals, it was there we (mom, sis, and I) ate lunch as well.

Sister took pictures of the food we ate, and because I didn't want to use all her images for this blog as she will use it for her own blog, too, I will just share what I had for lunch that day.

Sizzling Sisig Meal

The metal plate was hot, but not hot enough to sizzle the food. It was a very simple kind of sisig, and while it was somewhat tasty (because it had a lot of meat and less of extenders), I found it a little bland.

Halo Halo

It is still the ice that makes this very unique. My sister is not so fond of their Halo Halo because she grew up eating Sandosenang Halo, but I have to agree with her - it was so creamy! Though it had the right amount of milk, I still wanted more. I asked the wait staff if I could have more milk in my glass, but they told us there will be an additional charge for it. It made me decide to stick with what I have - though I am sort of wondering if this was the same restaurant where one could ask for extra ice, milk, and / or sugar without additional charge.

My Halo Halo cravings was satisfied. Now I am craving for something else.

Hopefully the family will help me satisfy my always hungry tummy again. :)

The Scottish Meme

I used to do Sunday Stealing on my other blog (I am Janujennifer), but for this week, allow me to answer the questions here simply because my sister and / or I haven't updated this for a week already.

This week, questions were stolen from Scottish Mum of Scottish Mum Blog.

1. Where are you from and where do you live now?
> I am from Caloocan City and I still live here - same house.

2. Favorite childhood story/book/film?
> There's this story I read from one of my books in Elementary entitled "The Most Beautiful Woman in the World." It's a story of a boy who got lost and when asked to describe her mom (who was with him the time he got lost), he described his mom to be "the most beautiful woman in the world." People started pointing women they think are beautiful, and the boy would always shake his head... until a woman, who is deemed "ugly" by people's standards run to the boy and hugged him.

3. If you could change gender for a day what would you do?
> I'd take delight peeing! Hahahaha.

4. Do you feel you family is complete or would you like more/some children?
> No kids yet here in our family - none of us siblings are married (or have kids), but we feel complete. Of course, in the future, we would like to have new members added to the family, but we'd rather have spouses first before having kids.

5. What do you do/Where do you work and do you enjoy it?
> I am a part time writer / full time blogger. I work at home and I enjoy it very much.

6. Which three words do you think sum you up?
> Ever evolving person.

7. If you were a fairy what magical powers would you possess?
> The ability to go places in an instant - so I won't need to book flights and go through visa hassles. Hahaha.

8. If you were invisible, where would you go and what would you do? Why?
> The only place where I want to go right now (or maybe on March 5) is at the cemetery - to light a candle on dad's grave. Why invisible? Because mom didn't allow me to travel this time (financial issues), and if I am invisible, I can leave without her noticing...plus, I won't have to pay for bus fares!

9. What song can’t you listen to without crying?
> "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban... simply because it was played during my dad's funeral march to the church.


10. Which book changed your life – or at least made you think a lot?
> "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne.

11. Why do you blog?
> To express myself and share a piece of me to the world.

12. What is your top ‘me-time’ tip?
> Enjoy every minute of it.

13. What can’t you live without?
> Aside from the essentials (food, clothing, shelter, family)... I'd say the Internet.

14. Which of all your blog posts are you most proud of and why?
> The one I talked about a scrapbook layout I made.

15. Have you ever met a famous person? Who and where?
> Yes, I have met some of them... the last being Ms. Shamcey Supsup - 2011 Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up. I met her at a Bloggers' event by Pizza Hut.

16. When did you last have a full nights sleep?
> Three nights ago.

17. What would you think is harder: Going to work or staying at home with children?
> I don't have a child yet, so it's "going to work" for me.

18. What are you doing for Easter?
> Go to the church.

19. What is your favorite drink?
> Water.

20. Do you play any sports?
> No... not yet.

21. What is your most embarrassing moment?
> Slipping in front of three cute guys because of a banana peel.

22. How clever are you?
> That I don't know.

23. Name a new favorite TV show?
> American Idol. New in the sense that... they just had a new season. :)

24. Any guilty pleasures?
> Warm cup of creamy, slightly sweet coffee.

25. If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?
> If you asked me this question way, way back... I'd go for any unique name with unique letters (K, Q, Z, X). However, I have already loved my name, so right now, I won't change my name, I'd still go for Jennifer.

26. Who do you most admire in life, and why?
> My dad. His life was an inspiration - having to work as early as 7 years old (selling ice drop on the street) and having to work as a janitor at the same university where he studied college. He struggled most days of his life to achieve a good life, and without his (and mom, too) struggles and motivations to work hard, I wouldn't be living my life as good as now. We are not rich, but we are living comfortable enough to enjoy little pleasures in life (like eating out, watching movies).

27. What is your most treasured possession?
> My life.

28. Tell your favorite funny joke…
> This isn't funny but.... "A man heard a knock on his door and when he opened it, he saw a snail. He picked it up and threw it away and after three days he heard a knock again and when he opened the door, it was the snail again asking him, 'WTF was that?'"

29. What is your biggest fear in life?
> To grow old alone.

30. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? What does it remind you of?
> The classic strawberry ice cream. It doesn't remind me of anything... I just loved it ever since.

Short Recap and My Goals for the Next Half of February

Days 138 - 141
16 - 19 February 2012




Last week was a bit of a drag... I was a little under the weather; I was both dizzy and sleepy all the time, and the rainy weather didn't help a bit to motivate me. If there was something that made me happy (aside from everyday talks with my super duper awesome boyfriend Mr. Pipoy), it would be my cats. Well, if you remember, Mommy Teddy - the cat with three colors - gave birth to one cute white / orange cat Mr. Pipoy named Cream-O (or Moe Moe for short). The kitten is now one hyper kitty, who would often chase us and play with us. A few weeks after Moe Moe was born, Mommy Ponks (short for Ponkan) gave birth to a kitty (still has no name), and even if the kitten still doesn't have teeth, his eyes are now open and is sometimes wandering around the house.

One time, Mommy Teddy was incognito. Moe Moe hasn't had his milk for nearly 24 hours, so the only way I thought was to let him suck milk from Mommy Ponks. The other mother cat didn't mind it; she actually treated Moe Moe as his own. Just a few days ago, Mommy Ponks already let her own kitty out, and there would times that Mommy Teddy would feed both kittens, and there would be times that the kitties would suck milk from Mommy Ponks. Well of course, the kittens know their own mothers, so most times they would just go to their own mommies. I just find it so cute to see them like that, but because Moe Moe is bigger and is already eating solid food, there were moments he would bully the little one. Moe Moe's one hyper kitty (the other one's too quiet), I just hope he'd mellow a bit when he grows a little older.


Yesterday, Brother and I went to Makati City for an exclusive food tasting event by Nuffnang Philippines. It's for the "Best Food Forward" event happening next month at the NBC Tent, and us selected Nuffies were treated to taste food offered by 10 concessionaires. This was my "Round 1" food (I didn't eat the Crunchy Belly, though, I just photographed it and gave it to my brother)... My "Round 2" food consisted of desserts: a little cup of ice cream, a shot glass of butter beer, half a slice of chocolate mousse cake, a pinch of chocolate cupcake, and three bite size crackers with fruit jams. All the food I tasted were oh-so-good... but my favorites would be the spinach quiche and the full moon pizza (it was vegetarian-friendly by the way).

- * - * - * -

Obviously, most (if not all) my goals weren't met, and my weight hasn't changed since I last weighed. That was a bit bittersweet because I did give some efforts to walk and exercise, but I guess too much pastries and events to attend contributed to the no change of weight. I don't blame the events I attended and the gifts I received; I blame myself for allowing me to eat a little bit too much of my allowed quantity to eat. I am actually thankful that me weight is still the same - meaning, I still have the entire 11 days left to push myself to lose even just 1 or 2lbs by the first day of March.

With that... my goals:

FITNESS / EXERCISE

• Strictly follow the exercise schedule.
• Walk everyday to 1 - 2 hours. >>> If it's raining, use the Elliptical Machine for 30 minutes (accumulated throughout the day, 5 minutes nonstop at a time) + 1000 jumps on the jump rope (accumulated throughout the day; 100 each set) + Walk to the market every afternoon - regardless if it's raining or not.
• Check out nearby gyms and get their terms, so I can make a decision by the end of the month and start going to the gym by March if ever.

FOOD / DIET

• Eat at least 2 kinds of vegetables everyday.
• 12 cups of water everyday.
• Finish the Belle Today Challenge this week: No junk food of any kind, including candies and chocolates.
• Take necessary supplements - Caltrate, Grape Seed Oil (just use the 30 softgels given to me), Yakult and 2 slices of Papaya everyday.

OTHERS

• Lights off at 10:30pm; lights on at 5:30am.
• Do laundry, clean the house and room, defrost refrigerator.
• Choose the events to attend to, and don't sacrifice the workout schedule on event days (meaning, if I needed to attend an event tonight, will try to do all the scheduled workouts before leaving the house).
• Mani - Pedi.
• Make a lightbox (Help me, Mr. Pipoy!)
• Buy my Hanson concert ticket.

A lot of things to do... but with the right focus, I can do all of these!