Print article   email story

Related Articles Life changing experiences Aching for 80s disco aerobics A great body whip

IF you dare tried mentioning the word gym in my presence two months ago, you would have easily mistaken me for cartoon character Sonic the Hedgehog.

Like him, I rushed out of the room at a speed faster than that of light.

But now (finally) 'gym' and I can stand being in the same room, all thanks to personal trainer Justin Egling.

Starting out was a huge struggle because, let's face it, the last time my body was seriously into physical training was in high school, donkey's years ago.

Now I am becoming the Jill of the trade.

I treasure every second I spend on Trilly the Tready.

And the speed Justin puts me on is faster than when we first started out. And I am coping, which is great.

I am actually growing fit. But eish! I must admit the challenge is when Justin adjusts the treadmill to feel like going up a hill. Even a pig does not breath as heavy as I do. I really am head over heels in love with this idea of transforming my body. But as much as I am, it is making me ill.

Seriously sick. I am nauseous, suffering excruciating abdominal pains and my muscles are extremely sore. Justin says this is normal. Normal? He says it is called body shock. My body is adjusting to the intense work-outs. And toxins are slowly leaving my body. As a friend puts it, There is no gain without pain.

As for the muscle pains, it is the result of a particular exercise targeting a specific muscle. Justin says if I do not feel some degree of muscle soreness in the target muscle after a workout, it means I did not work hard enough.

By the looks of things fatigue and soreness come with the territory and experiencing them is a sign of making significant physical progress.

So here's to a healthier and better me. Cheers!

Click here to view a video of one of her sessions.

Justin's tip of the week

People who train need to keep healthy and strong during winter months.

They can do that by taking between a 1000mg-2000mg of Vitamin C three times a day.

With it they must also take multi-Vatimin D. Besides helping with resistance to bad bacteria, it provides energy.

Garlic pills are also essential as they boost the immune system and fight off bad viruses.

To avoid bad bacteria spreading to the chest and causing infections, rinse your nose with warm salt water every morning.

Subscribe to the print edition of City Press