Bootcamp @ Radisson Blu

This past week something magical happened. I signed up for a fitness challenge and concluded the week with a bootcamp class. A bootcamp class at 10am on Saturday. Until now, 10am at Saturday has been consigned to lounge time at mi casa. Or in simpler terms: time to JUST CHILL.

I learned about the bootcamp class in the middle of the week and it seemed fitting to work it into the fitness challenge (aka 'get trimmer challenge' but fitness sounds snazzier :P) I got in touch with the coordinator, Marianna and received a detailed and friendly email in enough time to decide that it was worth a try.

The bootcamp was at Radison Blu and I assumed it would be either in a gym or a conference room. When I got there I asked for the bootcamp class and the receptionist directed me to the workout area. Before I got there, I paused for a second to take a picture (my near gut reaction for many things). The picture below hardly captures the way it feels but that'll do ;) As I walked towards the workout area, I noticed an older white dude swimming in the pool and it made me think of how luxurious yet simple life can be in this city. A swim on saturday morning, a movie, an (interesting) play, a book club, dinner etc…these things are simple luxuries that can make a difference while living here. 

When I got to the workout I was one of the few Nigerians and for a second I got that only black person in a room feeling ( a strange feeling to get in Nigeria!) I'm not sure why I felt that way but it was coupled with the fact that I didn't know anyone. The feeling died down when we started working out. Most people already knew themselves so it was a very lets get straight to work atmosphere. At the same time it was a very playful workout, Marianna with her latin vigor and the general lightness of her approach helped in this regard. We were divided into two groups one group worked out in the garage while the other worked outside, we switched locations then we all worked in pairs on the patio. We spent an hour and a half busting our butts. I took a break a few times and learned that the queasy feeling I sometimes get when I workout is due to lack of oxygen. I was advised by the instructor to take deep breaths. At this point, my group was in the garage. I took a break and went to the side of the garage to get some air and rest because my body needed it.

I wasn't able to get any pictures while working out but Marianna was very sweet to let me use the FB bootcamp pictures. See pictures below (of course this was all after we worked our butts off :)

I was struggling with this stretch :P 

The last-minute WARRIOR pose haha!

I have to admit that midway through the workout, I almost talked myself into walking out. I felt very exhausted and queasy but I carried along and I am so happy I did because right after the workout I felt energized. The irony of life!

Marianna & I. The pouch has got to go!

I hope to try this out again and if you're interested in giving it a try you can check out the NoPain NoGain Boot Camp facebook page. They have weekly workout sessions too :)

pEACE!