ADDICTED TO THE BUZZ OF A TOUGH WORKOUT

Gemma

Here is her story...

I'd wanted to lose weight for a long time, I can't remember the last time I felt happy with how I looked. But I'd never really committed to it and every diet I started ended up in me putting more weight on. This year I woke up on 1st Jan and decided enough was enough. I had a friend who trained at Circuit Factory and he convinced me to try a class. I persuaded a friend to come with me so that I couldn't back out. I remember my first class, I couldn't do burpees or squats; my body was under too much extra stress from the additional weight. I was over 100kg and even walking upstairs was difficult.

That was 9 months ago, and today I'm 72kg and addicted to the buzz of a tough workout. But it's 80% food and only 20% exercise and the food part is where I'd always struggled before. I'm a competitive person so I turned each goal into a mini challenge to see how quickly I could reach it. 9 months breaks down into 821 food choices and I'd say 800 of those times I ate clean, and it wasn't always easy. I wanted that glass of wine on a Thursday night, or not to drive to brunch for the 20th time and watch my friends get drunk around me. But it was all worth it in the end. Now I've reached my goal and the tough part begins as I learn how to turn my strict routine into a sustainable lifestyle. Anytime I feel like I'm making the wrong choice I just need to look back at the photos of me in January and remember how much better I feel.

The Circuit Factory - http://www.circuitfactory.ae/

Comments

In a World Full of Noise, Let’s Show Understanding

“Not everyone processes uncertainty the same way, and that’s okay.” The past few days have been unexpected. What started as a normal Saturday - coaching at the gym, breakfast with a friend, catching up on work with the TV on in the background - quickly changed when I heard a loud “boom” coming from outside my apartment. At first, many of us in the community assumed it came from one of the many nearby construction sites. But, within the next few hours, the loud sounds came again and again, and word spread that these were missiles and drones being intercepted in the sky. I’ve always felt safe here in the UAE, and believe it or not, to a certain extent, I still do. Like many other residents here, I have a lot of trust in the country I’ve chosen to call home for over 11 years. I’ve seen it overcome challenges in the past, such as COVID and floods, and I’ve witnessed how much the leadership cares for the residents, particularly over the last few days. That said, it’s no secret that I a...

Winter Walks & Warm Talks

“Some moments are soft in pace, but solid in memory.” A few days in London felt like the perfect way to begin my winter travels. Reconnecting with friends I hadn’t seen in a few years, reminiscing about the good old Dubai days, sharing favourite memories, and laughing until our cheeks hurt made the short stop incredibly special. It was one of those easy, unhurried breaks where every moment felt light, warm, and full of joy. The city itself was glowing with Christmas magic. Twinkling lights, festive decorations everywhere, and relaxed strolls past decorated homes, Big Ben, the London Eye, Christmas markets, Covent Garden, and charming streets and corners brought the season to life. A truly beautiful way to kick off the holiday travels.

Priceless

“Sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones we never planned.” About two and a half weeks ago, I made a very spontaneous decision. After weeks of feeling anxious due to the unstable situation in the Middle East ( and disappointed my trip to Thailand had been cancelled ), I woke up one morning with a clear need to get away. It was impulsive, a little chaotic, and definitely not thought through, but I needed a mental break. I needed to step away from the alerts, the sounds of interceptions in the sky, and the constant ‘war’ chatter. So, I went for it and I booked a flight to France that same day ( who knew I’d be back in France so quickly - but it felt right! ). What I didn’t expect was everything that would come with that decision. Yes, I found moments of peace; time to slow down, to breathe, to step away from the noise I had been surrounded by. But the trip became so much more than that. It brought a sense of calm and joy in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Getting to see my brothe...

One Rising Star

Search This Blog