Fitness is a luxury (?)

More on my fitness, as requested.

I got some requests for more info on my fitness journey. I’m flattered! I’m obviously not a professional athlete, only a professional obsessive… And I love talking about this.

From the perspective of someone living in Mexico, I’ll tell you that fitness is a luxury good. How much do you pay for your gym? Ok and how much do your posh friends in nice country clubs pay for those fitness facilities? Great, that amount – double it. 

Ok I am slightly exaggerating but I recently investigated getting a membership at a gym with a pool and the price was just under MX$4,000 per month (in their Black Friday sale). That’s USD$236 added to the fact that we earn 30% less in Mexico City than the average American.

So when I tell you that I’m obsessed – it’s because being into fitness is a real financial commitment. A few years ago, I started diets. I did carb cycling, straightforward caloric control, and vegan diets. I had the most success with carb cycling but zero success at keeping weight off once I stopped. 

I hope this is useful to a few people, because it feels like I’m baring my soul… Admitting I hopped on the anti-feminist bandwagon of chasing aesthetics. But I am, and I want to. Today, I’m more empowered to do so than ever because we have so. much. information available to us.

This was my problem, I couldn’t make heads or tails of all the health advice nor could I keep weight off or control my hunger. I sought expertise.

I tried a few people who were not good fits for me. I learnt a lot from each person but I settled on Cat Smiley because:

• She helps people lose weight and keep it off for a living.

• Her methodology suited my specific health needs.

• I could see how backed-up by science her methods are.

• She respects adjacent specialists and refers me when sensible.

• Who doesn’t want a champion athlete helping them stay fit?

I am at the beginning of this journey with Cat Smiley so you will be hearing more from me on this, if you’re interested! 

Here’s what I’m doing with my fitness too, of my own volition: 

40-60 minute workouts 4-5 times a week. I go to a boxing gym even though I can’t box anymore and use the weight machines for an upper and lower-body split.

Appreciating that the receptionists and trainers wish me “good day” and “welcome” with a handshake or hug every time they see us. It’s a lovely atmosphere to train in Mexico City.

Doing my best to keep getting out of the house even while it’s cold, wish me luck to make it through this cold season (yes, it gets cold here – it was 2-9°C in December) until I can get back into the cute summer gym outfits!

What are you doing for fitness, now or soon?