/ˈfərvəd/ Fitness

Fitness is a journey. It's something we choose to embark on. Nobody hops on this bandwagon by force - we all have a reason - and just like you, I started somewhere. But surprise, surprise, this journey has been dreadful... until last year. WHAT SPURRED ME TO GET INTO FITNESS? My mum said I was getting fat. No kidding. My mother was the first person in my family to embark on a fitness journey. She became a Pilates instructor in 2008, and has since been known as the fittest member of my family. So, when she says 'you're getting fat', you're getting fat. And in this case, tough love worked. DID I BUILD A PASSION OVERNIGHT, OR DID IT GROW ON ME? It grew on me. Prior to 2013, I loathed working out - I never thought it was fun and hated the thought of expending any energy. Then, I entered the workforce and my once somewhat-active lifestyle became sedentary. Naturally, this sparked physical expansion and I knew I had to do something. So, I started with - my mu...

Throughout my fitness journey, I've asked a lot of questions. And when I get an answer, I'll go looking for more. Personally, I don't buy into things at the word of one individual. I like to know what other's think, appreciating explanations backed by science. By pooling answers, I'm able to make better decisions. This includes my choice to intermittent fast. When I first stumbled upon IF, I spent hours reading and listening to different sources in fitness and nutrition. After being certain I knew enough, I jumped on the bandwagon. And yet, even now, I'm still researching - still reading, listening, and learning. Because fitness, as we all know, is never static. With that said, I've come across a few common misconceptions among women I'd like to address (in regards to weight-training). These misconceptions are so common, it has left many misinformed. So without further ado, let's get to it. #1 HEAVIER WEIGHTS = BODYBUILDER PHYSIQUE ...

Women can and should do intermittent fasting, as a strategy to feel full while losing weight and burning body fat. Even though women may be more sensitive to hunger, there are strategies to prevent being "hangry" while on a fast.  I used to use the term “hangry” to really describe my emotions while I was feeling hungry, but now I realize that if you’re above 16% body fat, being hungry is simply not an emergency.  And better yet, when you start to understand what the body does when it’s in a fasting state, such as release of epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline), increase growth hormone, and actually increase metabolism  –  and, by the way, it does NOT slow down  –  you start to realize the word “hangry” is just a marketing ploy. In fact, intermittent fasting is a safe and effective way to lose fat while you build muscle. GETTING STARTED WITH INTERMITTENT FASTING If you’re looking to get adjusted to  intermittent fasting , I suggest alter...