Motherhood is a full-time job, even more so for a single mother. So, how can one manage to balance that with the demanding hours of a corporate career and still have the time to squeeze in 10 (yes, you read that right) workout sessions a week? With great difficulty, sacrifice, sweat and tears, shares Dang Go, 38-year-old winner of the Ms. Fitspiration Philippines title at BodyCon 2016.
Dang believes being fit and healthy is possible for anyone, regardless of age, relationship status or career path. You just have to take the first step of your monumental journey today. Dang did that back in 2014 and now she’s living the dream — with a hot body, lovely children, a promising career, and a new engagement ring on her finger.
Dang claims that fitness saved her and now it’s her advocacy to help others get into fitness, too. Since last year, she has been a fitness advocate, teaching and encouraging her colleagues at Globe Telecom to embark on their fitness journey. She shares her story with us.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR: When did you start going to the gym and why?
DANG GO: I started seriously going to the gym in 2014. I remember those times that I would just hang on the pullup bar because I really couldn’t lift myself up with lumpy arms and a fat belly around my waist. ??
Did you immediately get your desired results? If not, why not??
Despite going to the gym three to four times a week, it took me at least a year before I saw a transformation in my body. It’s really a process. I mean you really have to embrace a healthy lifestyle first, then after that, you become sexy and build muscles little by little. There’s no short cut.
What major lifestyle changes did you make to get to where you are right now? How long did it take for you to get to this stage?
Having a healthy body is not an easy battle to conquer — it takes a lot of sacrifice. As for me, I had to give up a part of my life. I used to go out during weekends. I had to give up alcohol and ladies’ nights in exchange for training. I train four to five times a week, twice a day and I never regret the day I stopped going out at night. I must admit it was never an easy task to conquer. A mixture of sweat and tears flows unto my face every time I lift barbels, crying while doing leg press, never-ending squats and roaring leg extensions. Day by day, a much harder routine must be done to build my body. ?There are nights when I can hardly sleep due to swelling muscles, an aching back, and muscle fatigue plus the fact that I can’t eat as much carbohydrates and meat. Day in and out, I ate kamote, egg white, and fish. ?What a life, I said to myself, but it was all worth it every time I saw my reflection with growing muscles and cuts in place.
Do you have any advice for career women like you who can’t seem to find the time to exercise regularly??
There is time for everything. ?Prioritize your health if you love your family and career. ?You need a healthy body to be able to perform well as a mother, wife, daughter, and career woman. ?Age is not a hindrance for you to pursue your dream. Exceed expectations, live your dreams.? Being fit and healthy is possible for those who want to achieve it,? you just have to do it. Start today. After all, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
How often do you work out? Can you share your workout routine?
I train five times a week, twice a day. I lift in the morning to keep me energized the whole day and do cardio at night to help me burn more calories. ??
Do you engage in sports? How often?
I started doing taekwondo at 10 years old, elevated to muay thai, and got interested in boxing. I still do muay thai and boxing occasionally since I am busy with bodybuilding training.??
How important is the support of family and friends in your transformation??
For us to accomplish something in our life, you really need to have a solid support system. I am very thankful that my family and friends supported me in this conquest of mine. Working out more often than not exhausts you every day and you need people who will give you a glass of water and a tap on your shoulder when you get home. That simple word of encouragement coming from them saying, “You can do it” makes a big difference. ??
What are the non-physical benefits of the new you??
A healthy body means a fit mind, besides having curves and developing a good shape. Going to the gym teaches you to have discipline and self-control, which you can also apply in your daily life. Your discipline in life plays a big part in your decision-making and your self-control gives you a good attitude. ?Plus the fact that having a beautiful body boosts your confidence. I can say that age is really just a number. It feels like I can conquer anything I still want to achieve at the age of 38. I feel like I am 20 years younger and much more energetic because of the lifestyle change.??
What’s your diet like?
I eat all kinds of food in right portions and use macro counting to monitor caloric intake. I don’t eat fried food. No soft drinks and sweets for me. ?I make my own veggie shake in exchange for junk food. ?I do have cravings and I can say that having a cheat day is essential. ??
How much sleep do you get? Do you have a regular pattern? ?
During weekdays, I sleep six to seven hours a day. On weekends, I can sleep eight to 10 hours to recover from my busy schedule —it’s a regular pattern, more sleep for me during weekends.??
How do you influence your family and social circle to adopt a healthier lifestyle?
We’re all into sports. My father would require us to be involved in sports that taught us discipline, self-control, and focus. ?And I carried the same belief to my children.
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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.