The Longest 60 Seconds

When I was younger I was very active, sporty even and took up contact sports; however, when puberty hit, well let's just say my interest was redirected. Now that I'm in my late 20's, I find it hard to be active especially since I don't really like going out much and I have dizzy spells, of which doesn't feel good when you're moving around much.

So whenever my cousins or even my parents plan their next running session to the park or when my sister blabbers about her latest boxing session, I am sooo deadpan. Plus, we really let others do what they want around here. So, imagine my surprise when my sister told me to come with her to the gym, like whaaat?!

Okay, at some point, I did say I was going to hit the gym and sweat out all my water weight especially in the middle area. People thought I was not aware of my weight gain, but hello! I'm super aware kaya, I'm reminded every time a take a flight of stairs! Haha. Anyway, thinking that it was high time to start exercising, I went along.

Apparently, my sister is already a member in Elorde Arci Boxing Gym in Starmall, Mandaluyong City. Sure, there's a lot of gym that sprouted in the neighborhood. But nothing beats a household name, like Elorde. I don't have to tell you who he is, do I? Anyway, it's not the closest Elorde gym  in our area but it is accessible. It's one bus ride away from our house or two stations via MRT (if we alight in Shaw Boulevard that is), we just have to walk a bit since the gym is located in the 2nd floor of the mall. 

We arrived sometime at 1 in the afternoon in an almost empty gym. There was only one girl who was sweating buckets when we arrived and one trainer (oops, I forgot to ask his name and addressed him throughout the session as kuya lang, hehe). I was taking it easy pa, since I thought the session would not be hard for me as I will be labelled a beginner. And beginners usually don't train as hard on the first day lest be injured. That was what I thought.

My sister and I changed clothes and did stretching exercises. We were then ushered to the treadmills and told to walk 20 minutes tops.  At around 14-16 minutes, I couldn't feel my legs anymore, haha. I know, I'm such a wimp. Kuya then helped us with our hand wraps and had my sister and I do separate exercises, beginner remember?! Sister knew the basics whilst I had to be taught pa, I have a background on what to do, I'm not a complete idiot, you know. But here's the catch, though I understood the instruction, my mind and body weren't in sync at all! Buti na lang, patient si kuya!

I knew how to punch straight and had an idea with what a jab is, put them together, it was disaster! Well, not really, but close enough, I couldn't get the timing. So, I have to start all over again. Eventually, I was given time for myself by doing three rounds of straight, jab and the combo. Kuya, on the other hand, had my sister come up the ring. I felt the urge to say "let's get ready to rumble" but refrained from doing so, baka pahirapan ako e!

By then, I was feeling so tired, my arms hurt, my legs felt like jelly. I wasn't sweating buckets, I was sweating like a pig! More than once, kuya caught me just standing there. All I wanted to do was lay down and curl up to a fetus position, I couldn't remember why I was there anymore! And my sister kept on looking  at me and grinning like a loony! I told her I was going to curse her to even the score, haha. . .

Every exercises we did had time, every round was of 60 seconds. The bell by the wall was our cue if the time was up, or that we've completed the rounds already. Usually, I don't mind a minute or two, but that was different. I can't remember ever wishing the time to go sooo fast.

I was superrrr  sweaty already, thirsty beyond comparison, and nursing my right side due to a stitch. After a couple of minutes, I was taught the footwork, which I had handled quite well, if I say so myself, I do remember the basic in Taekwondo. However, when I had to do it with the punches, that's a different story. I told you about not being in sync right?

Later, my sister and I took turns in the ring. It was so funny. We have concluded that we really have poor sense of rhythm, even kuya agreed. At one point, my sister and I bumped into each other, much to the entertainment of the passer-by (yes, there were some shoppers who wander around that area). The side stitch was the worst for me! It kept me from moving around, as it hurt like fvck!

Later, we cooled down by using the treadmill again, walked for 5 minutes. I felt relieved but drained. So much for taking it easy on the first day! Haha. I thought it was all over until kuya pulled his chair and took us to the mats, we did exercises for the abdomen; obliques, cycling while lying down, scissor kicks, plank, etc. I've done them a few times already but I just couldn't do anymore, my abdominal muscle was killing me! I had cramps all over; goes to show how much I haven't exercised at all!

By then, I was feeling nauseous and told them so. Then,  kuya  told me to lie down, I didn't comply immediately. I'm not sure whether I understood what he said or my body just wouldn't cooperate anymore. Kuya helped me out by massaging the areas I've overworked for that day; my shoulder, my back and leg muscles. Take note, I heard my bones making weird sounds pa! After that, we got ready to leave. The session was about 2 hours at least, sulit! I sweated a lot and learned new tricks! 

The downside was the gloves I was lent with. It was very worn out and smelled funky! Seriously, if you're planning to take up boxing, invest in the equipment, hand wraps, gloves, shoes, etc. Don't forget to bring water too, you need to replenish all the fluids you've sweated out!  Oh, and the shower doesn't work so we had to make do with the faucet in the sink.

Anyway, if ever you're interested here's the services and the price they offer:

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My sister was extra nice and treated me to a sweet treat after. Plus, we felt really hot and dehydrated. We went to Razon's of Guagua for the treat and enjoyed the really cool but not-so-sweet (enough for my taste) halo-halo. If ever you're wondering where this store is located, it's still inside the mall, on the ground floor directly opposite of McDonalds and near the entrance.

In conclusion:

The boxing session was a rather nice experience. It also paved the way for my sister and I to spend time together since we rarely go out anymore. It also made me realize that I really need to keep myself fit, I am barely in my 30's but I was groaning like an old lady! Likewise, you really do get your money's worth as the trainer is patient and accommodating. I learned that kuya  isn't really my sister's trainer but he knew what my sister has thus far done, meaning, they actually cared enough about your progress and what exercises you should be doing.