Breaking Dawn Part 2

I admit, I am no Twilight Fan. I never watched the first four films in the Cinema. I remember how some boys would complain about their girlfriends forcing them to watch Twilight. I on the other hand, need not force my boyfriend as I do not watch these films. In fact, he is the one who forced me to watch this. Haha. It was only two years ago when he finally convinced me to watch Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse. I downloaded a copy and watched these films at home. At that time, I never knew why people loved it. Neither Edward nor Jacob was   as "hot" as people claim them to be. And the story line was plainly boring. In my personal opinion, it was far too cheesy.

Reviews about the first part of Breaking Dawn were good. Since Breaking Down is the last installment to this saga, I asked my boyfriend to watch it with me. Unfortunately, because I mocked him for being the girl in our relationship as he is more of a Twilight Fan than I am, he declined my invitation. So, we downloaded a copy of the movie and watched it at home.

The fifth and final installment to the Twilight Saga, however, was an exception. Being the last, we decided to watch Breaking Dawn Part 2 at the movies and I LOVED IT. 

There are two reasons as to why I actually enjoyed this film, the first being the fact that Bella is finally a stronger woman. (I hated the fact that she was so stupid in the other films); and second, the fact that it finally focused on other things other than the love story between the two characters. It was indeed a good ending to Twilight.

Unfortunately, as my boyfriend and I observed, there are things which have not been addressed, both in the novel and in the movie. Unlike the Harry Potter series, the novel and the movie failed to actually address significant details in the story, seeming like it merely resolved the love story of Edward and Bella.

Still, two thumbs up for Breaking Dawn Part 2! And yes, that comes from a non-twilight Fan. :)

Bikram Yoga Manila (Makati Branch)

I have been practicing yoga for the past two months. I practice Fitness First's Hot Flow Yoga in Alabang. As the sembreak approaches, I knew it was impossible to continue my practice in Alabang as my parents would force me to come home (I live in Pasig. I rent an apartment in Alabang because I study there). I began to worry about my yoga practice. Fitness First RSC (where I work out when I am not staying in Alabang) does not have its own Mind and Body Gym, hence, no Hot Flow for me. The nearest branches where Hot Flow Yoga is taught are MOA, Eastwood and Megamall. But alas, most of the classes are schedule in the evening. Lacking driving skills, I always pattern my workout schedule to that of my mom or dad's. Thus, I decided to enroll in Bikram Yoga classes. Thank God, one of the branches of Bikram Yoga Manila is located right next to Fitness First RSC.

I decided to avail their one week unlimited package for first timers (valued at Php 1,000). The girl on the phone said that I should arrive at least thirty minutes before the class starts because all first timers have to attend a mini orientation. I arrived an hour earlier. This gave me plenty of time to explore the studio, settle my bills, change into my workout clothes, etc. I also had time to relax while waiting for the instructor to come in.

Five minutes before the class, the instructor called me and this other guy outside for our mini orientation. She warned us that the studio will be heated to up to 38 degrees, which she said is not something to be afraid of as it would help us become more flexible. No biggie, I said to myself. I am used to this kind of heat. In fact, it is one of the reasons why I love Hot Yoga so much. I sweat so much that I feel like all the toxins inside my body are flushed out. In fact, 38 degrees is cooler to what we have in Alabang. There was even a point when the temperature in the Studio in Fitness First Alabang reached 44 degrees!

Anyway.

So the classes began. Bikram Yoga, as we all know consists of a set of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises.  Being relatively new to yoga, I found some of the poses difficult but then, some were fairly easy. As compared to the other first timer, I was able to complete the 90 minute session without having to "sit it out." (Hooray for me!).

It was generally a good experience. I love how the studio is spacious and homey at the same time. I love the fact that I was drenched in sweat with the 90 minute session ended. Unfortunately, my muscles were not as sore as when I finish my Hot Flow Yoga class. I soon discovered that there is indeed a difference between the two (let's talk about that in another blog post).

The sembreak ended too soon. Thus, I only used 2 sessions out of five. But it was worth it. I may practice Bikram again. But I will make it a point that I combine it with Flow Yoga (again, the difference will be discussed in a later blog post).

Two thumbs up, BYM! :) I'll see you again on my Christmas Break.

We, the 1%

They say that only 1% of the population is addicted to exercise.

I am part of that 1%. So is my 18 year old brother. And my mother.

I came across this article from the Ohio State University when I started researching about exercise addiction.

Exercise addiction has only recently begun to be studied. It is a compulsory need for some physical type of exercise. Addictions include commitment to jogging, running, jazzercize, stair-stepping, etc. Some people run on treadmills, spin, or stair-step for hours or participate in more than one exercise class per day. Like other addictions, people with exercise addiction have lives which revolve around their exercise. People feel controlled by their exercises and refuse to miss a session of their work out schedule. People will even exercise when they have physical injuries, thus exacerbating their wounds and creating further damage. Experts agree that 1% of the population suffer from exercise addiction.

Withdrawal is common among exercise addicts. They experience mood swings and depression when they must forgo their exercise routine

I know. Addiction to exercise is not something to be proud of. However, I try so hard to keep this commitment as I do not want to gain the unwanted pounds again.

I started exercising when I was seventeen years old. It was also then when I started to develop my addiction to exercise. Back then, I would spend at least three hours a day working out, never missing a single day. And so, I turned to this: (third one from the left)

But then law school happened. I never had the time to exercise because I devote my entire day to my assignments and my work, given the fact that I am a law student. Thus, I turned to this: (third from the left again)

Eleven  months after the last picture was taken, I lost approximately fifteen pounds, thanks to exercise. But unlike before, I regulate the time I spend at the gym. Nevertheless, I feel that I have developed an addiction to exercise.  All of the symptoms mentioned above are present. But then again, I feel that this addiction is actually something good and that there's nothing wrong about it. Yes Anj, that's what them addicts say. :D

We grow wiser with age.

I turned twenty four three weeks ago. I've wanted to blog something about it, focusing on some of the important things that I have learned. But alas, my birthday coincided with my favorite part of the semester: FINALS WEEK. Thus, I never had the time to blog about those things I meant to write about.

I have a lot of things on my mind back then. Perhaps, it is because of the fact that my brother and I discovered something disturbing, which for our own protection, I will not disclose. It was because of this that I truly appreciated where I am now. I may be working my ass of, have no time for myself, stress myself out but at least, I am on the right track.

I have forgotten everything that I intend to say. Maybe I can blog about it as soon as such thoughts return. But one thing's for sure. We grow wiser with age.