I have high respect for a true athlete's discipline because it is a major factor to winning. However, every goal to be met begins with a dream. And this is what AirAsia aims to motivate and inspire athletes with -- to discover their own potential and make their athletic aspirations a reality.

AirAsia, voted the world's best low cost carrier for nine consecutive years by Skytrax, has just launched its region-wide #DaretoDream sports initiative in time for the 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEA) to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this coming August 19 to 31.

As the official airline partner of the 2017 SEA Games, AirAsia Philippines created an inspiring web video series featuring the stories of Filipino athletes who are all aiming to bring home glory for the country. 

6-time UAAP Season's MVP Alyssa Valdez

The #DaretoDream videos include the journeys of renowned volleyball player Alyssa Valdez, swimmer Jessie Lacuna, and long jump athlete Marestella Torres-Sunang. Their stories, and those of others like them, share both their challenges and joys to encourage young, aspiring local talents who also want to go into sports.

2-time Olympian Jessie Lacuna

"The #DaretoDream initiative is part of AirAsia's continued commitment to grow the local sports scene. Through the web video series, we are sharing the hard work and passion that drives our athletes," expressed David Viray, AirAsia Philippines Brand Manager. "We also want to gather support for them from every Filipino -- we want everyone to watch them compete and cheer for them during this year's SEA Games."

4-time SEA Games Gold Medalist Marestella Torres-Sunang

Please stay tuned to video updates of the 2017 SEA Games to be hosted by volleyball player and TV personality Michele Gumabao on AirAsia's Facebook page. They will contain the game highlights and team standings of the Philippine delegates: the first video will show the Opening Ceremony of the 29th SEA Games while the second and third will feature the winning athletes and teams from different countries. The last will recap the highlights and winning moments of our Filipino athletes. 

Learn more about AirAsia's #DaretoDream campaign by visiting www.facebook.com/AirAsiaPH.

One of the things that definitely makes working out fun is doing it with a buddy. Whether you're accompanied by a friend or family member, physical activities seem to get easier if someone's with you to finish the journey with. 

This July, Robinsons' Supermarket once more proved that pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle is very much possible with the success of the 10th Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run held yesterday at the Parade Grounds of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

I love this particular annual running event because it encourages participants to partner with a loved one in running together towards the finish line. This is my third time to join and I am grateful for the opportunity to be with my family in doing an activity I have personally grown to love. 

Like last year, my youngest son and I teamed up to run 5k while pushing our special child's wheelchair while hubby and our second son, both barefoot runners, once more tackled the 10k distance together. We caught up with each other along the race route and happily took a groufie I posted on Instagram.  

It was so great to see several blogger friends join the race for the first time with their significant others. I am really glad they had fun and hope that they would continue to incorporate running in their fitness regimens from now on. 

Mr. Jody Gadia, general manager of Robinsons Supermarket, affirmed how much the Fit & Fun Buddy Run has become a much-anticipated event through the years. "It's our kick-off as we celebrate Wellness and Nutrition Month with the nation. It provides a fun gateway activity for fitness newbies who are just about to start their wellness journey and loyal runners."

On stage, Gretchen Ho and Robi Domingo served as hosts while coaches Jim and Toni Saret led pre- and post-workout sessions to help keep runners' adrenalin pumping. The fit couple also invited everyone to register on-site for the Fit Filipino 1 Million Pounds National Weight Loss Challenge. This is the biggest on-ground and online wellness program in the country that encourages everyone to pledge their unwanted pounds and lose weight by December. Know more about it, here. 

Adding to the fun were various booths that offered freebies from Nestle Philippines, Johnson & Johnson, Fonterra, Unilab and Wyeth Nutrition, Unilever, International Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (IPI), Procter & Gamble, Abbott Nutrition, Getz Bros, Ecossential, Del Monte, Foodsphere Inc., and Philusa. 

The fun run, however, is just one of Robinsons Supermarket's many programs this July. There are Wellness Festivals being held in various locations and Healthy You snack platters to be given away for a minimum purchase of P3,000 inclusive of P500 worth of participating items.

Keep updated with Robinsons' different promos and activities that aim to provide Filipinos with delicious and healthy food options and alternatives. Make sure to Like Robinsons Supermarket Official on Facebook and visit www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph regularly. 

* Thank you so much, Running Photographers, for taking such great photos!

I was there when FWD Life Philippines was launched in 2014 and I am glad to see how much this insurance company has grown since. Last year, I also wrote about their partnership with Wattpad when they launched stories about financial literacy via the creative use of digital media.

This 2017, FWD Life Philippines takes on championing health and fitness by supporting the Fit Filipino (FitFil) Movement's National Weight Loss Challenge. Spearheaded by Jim and Toni Saret, fitness coaches at Biggest Loser Philippines Season 2, FitFil aims to get Filipinos to collectively lose one million pounds during the campaign period of June 6 to December 5, 2017.

Rochelle Vandenberghe, FWD Life Philippines Head of Marketing, expressed, "As an insurance industry pioneer in the space of health and wellness, [we] are delighted to partner with the Fit Filipino Movement and coaches Jim and Toni to inspire Filipinos in leading healthier lives with a series of fitness-centered events." 

Through FWD's Live to Move fitness parties in collaboration with FitFil and the challenge's partners, Vandenberghe said they "hope to inspire a new wave of awareness for the health benefits of keeping fit. For us at FWD, living life to the fullest starts with being healthy." I totally agree!

According to Coach Jim, founder of the FitFil Movement, "We have been working with FWD for over two years and their #GetReadyToLive brand attitude serves as one of the strong pillars of the National Weight Loss Challenge. We are excited to bring to life the country's biggest health and wellness campaign as we challenge Filipinos to collectively lose one million pounds!"

Coach Jim added that through this advocacy and movement, the goal is to spread the message that being fit and well starts with a simple commitment. "We encourage everyone to take ownership of their health and join us in getting fit," he implored. 

To launch its Live to Move health and wellness program, FWD Life held an energy-packed fitness party this past weekend at Central Park, SM by the Bay, Mall of Asia. Coaches Jim and Toni were joined by some of the country's top coaches from various gyms and fitness centers. The workout program centered around FWD Motion, a metabolic fitness (metafit) routine that helps shed off pounds in just four minutes of exercise. 

Hundreds of participants, including members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), joined other fitness enthusiasts in doing zumba, hip-hop, TRX, kickboxing, and cardio workouts, among others under the glow of the beautiful Manila Bay sunset. 

The FitFil National Weight Loss Challenge is supported by the country's premier medical organizations led by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), the country's umbrella organization for medical practitioners, as well as the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP), and the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA). Additionally pledging their support to the challenge are the PNP, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), various universities, local government units (LGUs), fitness clubs, and numerous corporations. 

It is quite heartening to see more and more Filipinos taking their first steps towards a healthier lifestyle. If you are really serious about losing those unwanted pounds, make a pledge to lose them by December by signing up for free at www.fitfil.ph. FYI, there are rewards waiting for those who achieve their goals! :)

I've been trying to make positive lifestyle changes these past few years and admit I still have some ways to go. Although I now exercise more and opt for healthy food often, I continue to struggle when it comes to totally eliminating other unhealthy habits. But, having started is already a positive step and I look forward to the day when I can finally say I am a true-blue fitness enthusiast. 

Did you know? July is National Wellness Month and Robinsons Supermarket is once more celebrating this with a Wellness Festival, the third leg of its year-long Route to Wellness journey with Filipinos. 

The festival kick-off, hosted by Robi Domingo, started yesterday and will run until tomorrow at Eastwood Central Plaza - Citywalk. The park was transformed into an activity area where guests can try various games and visit booths of Robinsons Supermarket's wellness partners. 

Also present were celebrity fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret who led event participants in a series of four-minute workouts called Metabeats to show that it only takes a few minutes to burn a lot of calories and get started on one's wellness journey. Robinsons Supermarket also took the opportunity to pledge pounds to the Fit Filipino 1 Million Pounds National Weight Loss Challenge and encouraged individuals and groups to visit selected branches on a Saturday to also sign up and have their starting weights measured.   

Experience the activities of the wellness caravan, which will also be held in Robinsons Supermarket Tagaytay from July 14 to 16 and at Robinsons Supermarket Antipolo City from July 28 to 30, if you live near these areas.

Love eating nuts? Get a Healthy You Snack Platter when you go grocery shopping for a minimum single-receipt purchase of P3,000 inclusive of P500 worth of participating products from Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Unilab, Fonterra, Wyeth Nutrition, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, IPI, Abbott Nutrition, Getz Bros., Ecossential, Foodsphere, and Philusa. 

I regularly buy Healthy You coco sugar and trail mix. This is Robinsons Supermarket's exclusive healthy brand of nuts, juices, oats, brown rice, coffee, and many more that have been evaluated as good for the health by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). Customers will also get an extra 15 Robinsons Rewards Card points for every P500 purchase of Healthy You products. Promo Runs from July 1 to 31, 2017.

This coming July 2, Robinsons Supermarket will also be holding its annual and much anticipated 10th Fit and Fun Buddy Run at Camp Aguinaldo. Please read my past reviews here and here to see why it would be a great and fun venue to start your fitness journey with family and friends.

According to general manager Jody Gadia, "As a growing number of individuals and families lead busy and challenging lives, Robinsons Supermarket and its partners continue to uphold our commitment to lead them to the path of wellness by bringing them closer to more choices and opportunities to get fit and healthy."

Know more about RSC's year-long Route to Wellness series of promos and activities by liking facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial or visiting www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph. Likewise, stay updated on social media by looking up the hashtags #ILoveWellness and #WeLoveWellness and consider starting your own fitness journey, today! 

Last year, I blogged about the Manuel L. Quezon University's (MLQU) move from Quiapo, Manila to its new location at Victoria Sports Tower, a condominium sports complex in the heart of Quezon City developed by New San Jose Builders, Inc. (NSJBI). 

A first of its kind project, the new high rise sports condo in the Philippines is just a few steps away from the GMA Kamuning MRT station along EDSA. With its commitment to provide Filipinos with affordable homes within Metro Manila and its fast paced urban life, NSJBI is able to offer residential units that are conveniently accessible from some of the city's popular spots and state-of-the-art sports facilities for fitness enthusiasts.

Yesterday, NSJBI held its topping-off ceremony at the 47th floor of Victoria Sports Tower. From the top of the building, we had a beautiful view of Quezon City and could see all the way to Manila Bay! In attendance at the event were EVP Ms. Lorelie A. Urcia, Dr. Isagani Germar, Chairman Dr. Jose L. Acuzar, BDO SAVP Ms. Ana Marie Canasa, BDO First VP Ms. Cerwina Santos, BDO EVP Ms. Jeanette Javellana, BDO First VP Ms. Aurora Zita Panopio, and President Engr. Cesar S. Sanqui, Jr.

Four entire floors of the Victoria Sports Tower are dedicated to state-of-the-art Sports Center that features a 50-meter indoor lap pool and a kiddie pool, six private gyms, and complete wellness facilities. Setting the complex to be the world's largest indoor sports club in a residential setting, Victoria Sports Tower likewise houses two indoor tennis courts, three indoor badminton courts, a squash court, as well as rock climbing and rappelling facilities.

And they're not yet done! Also present is a billiards and darts hall, a bowling alley, a shooting range, and a jogging trail in addition to an in-house spa and indoor basketball court with special laminated floors. 

Because it aims to be a one-stop wellness hub, the tower will also be having a day spa, sports medicine clinic, oral medicine, derma center and cosmetic surgery, clinical laboratory and radiology, and regenerative medicine. 

The 51-storey residential condominium is one of NSJBI's offerings on its 30th year in the industry. Since Filipinos are becoming more health conscious nowadays, Victoria Sports Tower is designed to inspire more people to maintain or start a regular fitness regimen.

Whew! Now I'm wishing I could own a unit there! 

* Victoria Sports Tower is located at 799 EDSA South Triangle in QC. For inquiries, call 442-7777 local 195 or visit www.newsanjosebuilders.com.ph. For updates Like facebook.com/newsanjoseofficial.

My husband and I have been advocating for a healthy lifestyle for years now because we really need to value our personal wellbeing, especially for the sake of our children. After all, loving parents wouldn't want to miss seeing their kids grow up and be successful individuals. This is very much possible if we are mindful of our health so we can stay stronger and live longer.

So it's quite disheartening to find out the results of a research conducted by Watsons Insights on Shoppers Experience (WISE) wherein 66 percent of Filipinos were found to believe they have good knowledge on health. However, 57 percent do not exercise regularly to stay healthy! How's that for irony?!

Yes, majority of Filipinos are INTERESTED about the topic of health. But that is way different from MAKING TIME to be healthy. Excuses range from being too busy or too tired with their hectic work schedules, family duties, household chores, and daily commute in long hours of traffic. The question is, when would you start taking care of yourself? Please, don't wait until you are diagnosed with a serious medical condition like some people I know!

healthy and easy to make mason jar meals

Cheer up and keep on reading! Watsons, the leading health and beauty chain in the country, has just launched its #GetActive campaign to inspire Filipinos to be healthy through small, everyday active changes in their routine to improve their health. Did you know that the pursuit of health does not require major changes and adjustments in our lives? No, you don't need to start training as a tri-athlete, spend two hours in the gym several times a week, buy fancy exercise equipment, spend thousands of pesos on healthy meals, or cook difficult time-consuming healthy recipes! The key to getting healthy is taking one small step and continue adding on to it regularly.

Viki Encarnacion, Watsons Marketing Director, describes the #GetActive campaign as one of their continuous efforts and part of their commitment to improve the lives and health of Filipinos by inspiring everyone to take small steps to improve their health. She suggests taking the following small steps as they often can go a long way for our health:

• drink more water

• take the stairs instead of the elevator

• take deep breaths in between work e-mails

• walk from one building to another instead of riding a car or taxi if it’s just in the same area

• walk your dog during weekends

• smile more often

"The list of small steps which we can do is endless. Our days are full of opportunities to do these and Watsons can be their partner to improve their health," encourages Ms. Viki. In addition, Watsons also recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to health. Aside from a healthy diet and exercise, taking vitamins is also important as the latter bridges the nutrient gap people don't get in their regular diet and lifestyle. Vitamins can also help prevent illnesses.

Pedia-gastroenterologist Dr. Mitzi Reodica explains that in the past, the leading causes of death were infectious diseases caused by invading microorganisms. Now, lifestyle diseases are the culprits of human mortality with leading causes being heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

Watsons Vitamins

According to Dr. Mitzi, behaviors that contribute to wellness include:

• being physically active 

• choosing a healthy diet 

• taking vitamins suited for your body's needs

• maintaining a healthy body weight

• managing stress effectively

• avoiding tobacco and drug use 

• protecting oneself against disease and injury 

She also reminds that people are at a higher risk of obesity and diabetes when you spend more time watching TV and a higher risk of lung cancer when you continue smoking. 

Chef Barni demonstrating how to make overnight oats

During the launch, Chef Barni Alejandro of the The Sexy Chef demonstrated how to make a salad and overnight oats in mason jars. Surprisingly, they are very easy to prepare, have healthy ingredients, and are really delicious! From her, I learned that cherry tomatoes have more lycopene than regular tomatoes; violet cabbage has more Vitamin C than oranges; and romaine lettuce has more Vitamin A than carrots! 

At Watsons, there are different brands and products offered to fulfill every individual's nutritional needs depending on age, gender, and preferred form. Choose from Enervon, Conzace, Ceelin, Revicon, Myra E, Centrum, Stresstabs, Berocca, Rogin E, Fern C, and Watsons Generics. 

lots of Vitamins choices at Watsons

To further inspire shoppers, Watsons is offering up to 20 percent off on selected vitamins for a select period of time in stores. Loyal customers, on the other hand, have a chance to win trips to Bali, Guam, or Sydney; or an iPhone 7 or iPad for a minimum P500 single-receipt purchase of select vitamins and health products. Promo runs until June 28, 2017 and is exclusive to SM Advantage, SM Prestige, PRIMO, and BDO Rewards Card holders. This is in partnership with Hutchgo.com and Philippine Airlines.

So, start doing those small changes in your routine! Perhaps on your next meal or next day at work or school? Start to #GetActive and be healthy with Watsons by visiting any of its stores nationwide :)

Not everyone has the time to work out in the gym. I personally know several people who paid for one-year gym memberships that they were not able to maximize. By this time, busy people should be able to gauge whether they could regularly squeeze in an hour or two at the gym or if it would really be more convenient to do their exercises at home.

hubby and I trying out one of the new Matrix machines

The good news is, there are now retail products that can bring a premium workout experience to one's home so that anyone could have a higher level of satisfaction when it comes to their fitness routines. Last May 9, Taiwan-based Johnson Health Tech launched its Matrix line of cardio fitness equipment, which were previously available only in a gym or club setting. The event was graced by Mr. Katsuya Ito, President of Johnson Health Tech Philippines, Inc.

Now, users can experience the dynamic performance and uncompromising design of Matrix products in the comfort of their own home. Fitness enthusiast couple Coaches Jim and Toni Saret enthused about the high quality construction of each Matrix equipment, affirming their durability and performance backed by industry-leading technology.

Coaches Toni and Jim Saret with the Johnson Health Tech team

Mark Zabel, VP of Global Marketing and Product Development for Johnson Health Tech, shared, "For years, Matrix Fitness has been a trusted partner in the commercial fitness industry worldwide and we are excited to extend the Matrix brand to our home fitness customers."

Optimized for home use, the machines have a compact design to fit comfortably in the home workout space as well as superior styling that sets a new standard for how home fitness equipment should look. Some of them even have intuitive consoles that gives users choice, whether it's an advanced experience that includes access to their favorite apps, social media, premium entertainment, stunning virtual journeys, etc., or a simple display with accurate, easy-to-read feedback that tracks heart rate, distance, watts, and other workout metrics.

intuitive console that has customizable displays

The Matrix retail line includes:

Treadmills – Offering the industry’s most advanced frame and deck combination, Matrix treadmills strike the perfect balance between engineering and aesthetics. The welded steel frame provides superior stability and the front wheel transport makes moving the treadmill easy. The Ultimate Deck System combines a heavy-duty frame, extra-thick deck and industrial-grade cushions for miles of durable performance. Also available in a folding design, the deck can be lifted to a near-90 degree angle and rolled away to save space. Additional performance options include the exclusive Johnson Drive System providing unmatched consistency and smoothness, available on the TF50.

Ellipticals – The most compact, most comfortable and smoothest ellipticals in the industry, Matrix ellipticals feature wheel- and track-free Suspension Elliptical Technology, which reduces noise and friction, while providing a smooth, consistent feel. Available on the E50 model, the exclusive Exact Force Induction Brake offers smooth, easy and precise resistance changes at the touch of a button. 

Matrix treadmill and elliptical trainer

Ascent Trainers – Matrix Ascent Trainers deliver an exceptionally smooth, ultra-comfortable exercise experience. The unique suspension design with PerfectStride leveraged extensive research to combine an ideal stride motion, ergonomically correct foot positioning, correct posture and a variable stride length that adjusts as incline changes for a more natural-feeling workout. Similar to Matrix ellipticals, the Ascent Trainers feature wheel- and track-free Suspension Elliptical Technology.

Bikes – Matrix exercise bikes are designed for users of all shapes and sizes and are available in upright and recumbent bike designs that feature Matrix’s Dual Form Frame, which provides superior stability and easy step-through access, as well as an ergonomic Comfort Arc Seat to maximize support, and the Exact Force Induction Brake (select models), which makes it easy to quickly and smoothly change resistance. The Matrix ES Indoor Cycle offers a true-to-life riding experience with a smooth, heavy flywheel, and easy adjustments to give every user an ideal riding position.

Matrix ascent trainer and recumbent bike

The Matrix retail line is available at Johnson Fitness and Wellness concept stores in Commercenter Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Pioneer Center Kapitolyo, Pasig City; and SM City Clark, Pampanga. For more information about Matrix products, please visit matrixfitness.com.

It still feels surreal that I was able to finish a half marathon for the very first time just last Sunday! In all honesty, I have never, in my wildest dreams, thought I'd come to a point in my fitness journey where I would go beyond the 10k race that I was already so happy to finish two years ago. You can read about that story, here.

But, I guess leveling up is mandatory in many aspects of life, running definitely included. In fact, I just ran my first 16k two months ago (that one can be found here) and had my hubby and friends encouraging me to go for 21k soon because, as they said, I just have to add 5k to the distance. Yeah, right. As if it's that easy! 

And yet, opportunities seem to present themselves at the right time, just when I needed a little push. When my husband and I were invited to cover the launch of NatGeo Run 2017, I had the "now or never" feeling when I was about to choose my distance category. Okay, I thought, I just have to psych myself that running an additional five kilometers wouldn't be so bad.

So I trained for a month and a half, doing practice runs two to three times a week and trying really hard to "break the wall" and get a second wind to avoid giving up too soon. My distances ranged from 8k or 10k on some days to as far as 12k or 14k on other days. My very encouraging husband assured me that accumulating those distances are making me stronger and getting my muscles used to longer runs enough to finish 21k on race day.

On April 23rd, hubby left our hotel room for MOA at midnight to make it to the 2AM gun start for 42k runners while I followed two hours later to catch my 3:30AM gun start. The race village was already filled with thousands of people when I got there and, despite being alone, I felt very comfortable in the presence of fellow runners who were, I assumed, as stoked as I was to start running.

I joined the first wave of 21k runners at the starting line and ran at my usual training pace. It was very tempting to try and catch up to the pacers who have specific finishing times (2:00, 2:15, 2:30, etc.) on their backs. As much as I would love to do a sub-three, calculations based on my average pace during practice runs indicated that I'd most likely finish the course around 3 hours and 30 minutes. And that's fine with me. I'd rather reach the finish line still breathing instead of collapsing somewhere along the route and going DNF.

For the first time, I ran past the usual 10k U-turn along Roxas Boulevard and reached Rizal Park after one hour. I smiled at the thought that, on ordinary days, I wouldn't be caught dead (pun intended) in that area while it's still dark. But, on that particular moment, at 4:30AM, I appreciated the chance to pass by the place and nod a salute to our country's national hero before I went on my way.

Once more, I passed the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) going to the Buendia flyover then the EDSA flyover. I couldn't help but stop once in a while to take photos so I can preserve memories of this new milestone. Approaching the flyovers, it's always quite a sight to see hundreds of other runners who are also on their way to reach his/her own individual fitness goals.

If there's one thing though that disappointed me about the race (well, actually even during other races in the past), it's the lack of discipline shown by many runners when it comes to disposing trash. Yes, I know that many are pushing themselves to clock in new personal records and are rushing to finish running as soon as possible, but that is no excuse to litter the road! 

While the organizers have provided drinking stations, paper cups, and trash receptacles, it is up to us to make an effort to help keep our running route as litter-free as possible. If you don't have a personal bottle to refill, consciously stop at the hydration area, finish your drink, and leave your cup there before running again. That's not too hard to do, people!!!

Seriously, it's not okay to have the mindset that there are others who will be cleaning up after the race so there should be no problem about littering. The NatGeo Run is an Earth Day Run for the benefit of World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and there you were, tossing your cups, sponges, and even banana peels at the side of the road way past the drinking stations. That is so not cool, guys and gals! I can't blame people bashing the run on social media but the bad publicity has reflected on everyone. How shameful, indeed, to be called eco-warriors when you don't even know how to properly dispose of trash :(

For the non-runners who readily judged the race participants as a whole, I hope you'll realize that NOT ALL the runners are hypocrites. Many of us also care about the environment and are trying to do our part without any fanfare.  I just want to set the record straight. Anyhow, rant over. 

Let me just end this post on a positive note that anything can be achieved if you set your mind and heart to doing it -- whether it's running your first 5k or being an environment advocate. At the end of the day, our goal should be to serve as inspirations to others so that they, too, could change for the better. As to leveling up, to those who also ran last Sunday, whether it's your first time to join the NatGeo Run or not, I hope that you would also aim to improve your attitude and mindset when it comes to protecting our planet. After all, it's the only one we've got.

I've seen demos and photos of people doing AntiGravity Aerial Yoga in the past and, while the performers seemed graceful and flexible, the poses looked very challenging! They made me curious if I'd be able to do even half of what I've seen but I am willing to try to and see.

This past weekend, thanks to an invitation by 2nd Avenue, I took on the challenge and attended my first ever AntiGravity Aerial Yoga class at Beyond Yoga Rockwell. It was comforting to know that I was not the only neophyte among our group but I had to concede that they are all very young and probably more flexible than I could dream to ever be.

We were taught by Michelle Brown-Araneta who encouraged us to achieve the poses, especially the inverted ones, as much as possible. Honestly, I was surprised to be able to do the first inversion! 

The second one was harder though because it required a strong upper body, which this runner hasn't developed yet. Still, with Michelle's help, I got to remain upside down using the strength of my arms and core even for a few seconds. 

Doing the many stretching exercises made me realize how much I still need to work on in many parts of my body. But I found this kind of yoga another great start. I've tried doing Vinyasa and Kundalini before and also learned a lot about myself from them.

When I posted an inverted photo of myself online, one friend asked if it's scary to do an inversion while others expressed outright that they don't think they'd be able to do it. If your thoughts are like theirs, let me tell you now that you have nothing to worry about. AntiGravity Aerial Yoga may be challenging but it is also fun! Plus, you'll be mighty proud of yourself when you find yourself doing something you never thought you could!

Another thing, AntiGravity Aerial Yoga is a mind/body/spirit class that burns up to 600 calories! It is open to all levels and there are no other class prerequisites. We were told that attending lessons regularly will give you the following benefits:

• Decompress tight joints

• Relieve pressure while aligning the vertebrae

• Perform advanced yoga inversions without neck or back compression

• Hold challenging yoga postures longer and in correct alignment

• Stretch further with less strain

• Add an entirely new dimension to your yoga practice

• Create better body awareness while increasing overall agility

Here are other things you may be curious about: 

• Every portion of the AntiGravity Hammock is rated for over 2000 pounds. That means it can hold the weight of even a baby elephant so you need not worry if you feel you might be too heavy.

• All Beyond Yoga AGY instructors have been trained and certified by Christopher Harrison to teach the routine. FYI, he is the dancer / choreographer / acrobat founder of AGY. 

• Every student will leave the class feeling good because everyone works at their own pace and, since this is a suspension yoga class, no competition nor ego is encouraged.

• You don't necessarily have to be physically fit and have prior yoga experience to do aerial yoga. In fact, it is a good routine for people who are not too flexible because the hammock will support your poses. However, AGY will be easiest for those who maintain a consistent fitness regime and has a strong core.

• As to contraindications, AGY is not recommended for those who are pregnant, have glaucoma, a recent surgery, heart disease, very high or low blood pressure, easy onset vertigo, osteoporosis / bone weakness, and/or other serious medical concerns.

• For those who are afraid of heights, know that the difference between fear and excitement in the body is relaxation. The instructor will help you through your apprehensions. Besides, you'll only be 3 inches off the ground during an inversion. 

• AntiGravity Aerial Yoga is the only aerial yoga program certified by the governing bodies of America and the EU. Christopher Harrison, inventor of the silk hammock apparatus, has put 10 years into developing the technique. Also, AGY is present in over 40 countries.

• When attending class, wear workout outfits with sleeves, preferably cotton or cotton blend fabric and remove all jewelry.

If you'll ask me if I'd attend another aerial yoga class in the future, the answer is YES. I'd love to conquer the movements I had difficulties with during the first class :)

BTW, you can learn other fitness tips by watching Work Out New York, which premiers tonight on 2nd Avenue at 9PM. For more details, please read: http://alteredtapestry.blogspot.com/2017/03/2nd-avenue-premieres-work-out-new-york.html

The Nat Geo Run 2015 will remain one of my favorite races because it was there where I ran my very first 10k. You can read more of that story, here: http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2015/04/national-geographic-holds-successful.html

Now, two years later, National Geographic's Earth Day Run 2017 would help me mark another milestone as I prepare to join the 21k category for the first time -- right after running my first 16k last month, whew! I guess that's what happens when one becomes a runner; you continue to level up and celebrate how far you've come in your fitness journey! :)

This coming April 23, Earth Day Run 2017 will once more continue to raise people's consciousness about environmental issues as well as health and fitness in partnership with Cherifer Premium and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). On its 8th year, Earth Day Run maintains the tradition of being one of the biggest running events in the country, expecting thousands of running enthusiasts and Eco Warriors to register and run for the environment.

Apart from Manila, the event will likewise be held simultaneously in the cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and Taichung to replicate the initiative adopted last year, which effectively spread the vision and advocacy of Earth Day Run across Asia.

Hoping to mobilize all Eco Warriors of previous Earth Day Runs, this year's race welcomes all previously registered participants with VIP treatment and special loyalty perks to be enjoyed on the day of the run. They will be given priority placement in front of the starting line at the beginning of the race and can claim loot bags and finisher shirts at a special express booth. They can also make use of a special warm-up and cool down tent before and after the race to condition themselves and recover in comfort.

All participants are also invited to visit the 8 Years of EDR Gallery at the race village to learn about what the event has accomplished over the years, including environmental and social initiatives that has benefited with the help of registered runners. Personally, I am interested to learn how runners' participation at Earth Day Run has made a significant impact on certain communities in the Philippines as well as how our actions as individuals can affect the environment.

To be held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, participants of all ages can join 5k, 10k, 21k, and 42k categories. Whether a newbie runner or a serious marathoner, everyone can be an Eco Warrior for Mother Earth! 

This year, Earth Day Run 2017 will also be sporting new features such as LED shoelaces for all distance categories to serve as a badge of pride and as a safety accessory when running at night or before sunrise. Prizes will also be awarded to costumed runners who showcase their creativity in coming up with an ensemble made from recycled materials. Lastly, to make each Eco Warrior's voice heard in this run for the Earth, there will be advocacy banners hanging above the finish line that runners can grab as they cross. These will serve as a shoutout for the environment, can be kept as a souvenir, and used for post-run selfies to amplify the message of acting now to save the Earth. 

Last year's Earth Day Run benefited causes such as saving the Irawaddy dolphins at the Malampaya Sound Research and Conservation Project in Palawan; giving the Earth Hour or "Gift of Life" village in Monreal, Masbate sustainable solutions that reduce carbon footprint; conservation of the Marine Protected Area and coral reef and Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro; and beefing up reforestation efforts in the Ipo Watershed in Bulacan, which supplies Metro Manila with fresh water. 

"Earth Day Run 2017 will be the biggest version of the race yet, with more expected participants from Manila and four other cities across Asia. We're also excited to look back on our eight years of environmental advocacy and share and celebrate with our runners the positive change that they helped make possible through the years by joining Earth Day Run," said Charo Espedido, Director and Head of Content Marketing at FOX Networks Group Philippines.

"We hope that Earth Day Run 2017 not only brings communities of running enthusiasts together for the common cause of saving the environment, but also that it amplifies the important message of doing your own part today to help stop climate change and commit to sustainable solutions to save our beloved planet Earth," concluded Espedido.

To celebrate the eight years of social awareness through fitness with special program features, NatGeo requests Eco Warriors to please use the hashtag #8withEDR when posting on social media. Register until April 16, 2017 at natgeoearthdayrun.com now!