Beginnings
Since childhood, I was very conscious of my body and appearance. Even though my weight was perfectly normal for my age, I often found myself comparing how I looked to others. During high school, I developed a fascination with shows like Miss Universe and Victoria’s Secret fashion shows. I loved watching the models and was captivated by their toned, flexible physiques and the confidence they radiated. Two of my favorite models stood out, and I began following them on social media, hoping to uncover their secrets.
To my disappointment, their social media didn’t reveal much about how they achieved their remarkable bodies. One day, during a deeper search, I stumbled upon an ad for Alo Yoga. Though it’s a clothing brand, I discovered that two of my favorite models were associated with it. This sparked my curiosity about yoga and fitness, but I didn’t act on it just yet.
Fast forward to college: one morning, I saw my mom doing exercises and stretches while following a YouTube video. Something clicked, and I decided to join her. The feeling after that session was intense — I was sweating buckets, but deep inside, I felt amazing. That single moment became the turning point for me. I started waking up early every morning to do stretches and exercises before heading to my university classes. By then, I had just shifted my course from Chemistry to Business Administration, so it felt like a fresh start in more ways than one.
This was the beginning of my commitment to regular workouts and stretches. I vividly remember doing them daily and even tracking my progress diligently. I watched countless YouTube videos, aiming to refine my routine. I’d take pictures to document milestones: the first signs of abs in my abdomen, my first time enrolling at a gym, and my very first successful backbend pose. These little victories fueled my motivation and deepened my connection with the practice.
Looking back now, that decision to follow my mom’s lead and explore fitness through YouTube videos was life-changing. It set me on a path of self-discovery and physical empowerment. Little did I know, those simple stretches would eventually lead me to a passion for yoga that continues to grow every day. This journey taught me that every small step counts and that consistency can create incredible transformations — both inside and out.
