All posts tagged prom

Pt. 2

We recently spoke with USC sophomore Leora Mitzner and UC Irvine sophomore Shannon Chang about their experiences with O2 and how it has changed their views on health and fitness. Now we speak with Glendale College senior Crystal Ramos and University of California—Los Angeles senior Libby Bradley about their experiences.

Glendale College senior Crystal Ramos

O2 Max Fitness: What do you know now that you wish you knew in High School in regard to fitness & health?
Crystal: One thing I regret not knowing is that there was a gym open from 5a-10p [in my High School]. Sometimes I felt terrible for not being able to go for my daily run since I was in school all day. But if only I would have known the school’s gym hours—everything would have worked out perfectly. I missed out on a lot of workouts. It’s always good to ask around for fitness programs and gym hours at your school if it’s something you would like to do.

O2: How has your perspective on fitness changed?
CR: Fitness is simply the way to a healthy life. So my perspective on fitness is that being healthy and in shape is a good way to live. After a hard day at school, going out for a run or working out can release the stress and tension. It works for me. Fitness is not something you have to dread. There are different kinds of workouts that you can fall in love with. Look for the workouts you like and make it part of your daily routine. There is always time.

O2: What words of wisdom can you share with a high school student going to prom today?
CR: Prom is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and everything [should] be about having fun. Choosing a dress that is comfortable is a plus because the last thing you want is to have a dress that keeps bugging you the whole night. What makes a beautiful dress stand out is [confidence] and knowing you look great.

O2: What inspires you to be healthy?
CR: My family and friends are my inspiration. The reason why I started to take a healthier path in my life was so my family and friends could do the same. Seeing me make healthy decisions everyday makes them want to do the same. And I have a vision of having my sisters and parents run the LA Marathon with me. Not only will they be getting in shape, but it’s [also] a great way to bond with [everyone]. Being healthy is much more fun when you have people to join you.

UCLA senior Libby Bradley – we asked Libby a few more in-depth questions, and ultimately received some really great and encouraging advice.

O2 Max Fitness: What do you know now that you wish you knew in High School in regard to fitness & health?
Libby: That fitness and heath isn’t all about image. It is about how practicing healthy behaviors such as eating right and exercising. The great physique that comes along with exercising and good nutrition is the added benefit – but should not be the sole goal. If you focus too much on how you look, you become a slave to that mindset and this takes the enjoyment out of living healthy.

O2: How has your perspective on fitness changed?
LB: Fitness used to be about getting the most “bang for your buck” in terms of calorie burning. Now I have come to really savor every moment I am exercising and live in the moment. Most people think only about when they are going to finally be done exercising but I like to think of it as “me time” and not anticipate when it will end, rather on the fact that it is my daily “release” from all of my to-do’s – homework, emails, class, etc. Seeing time for fitness as a blessing and a privilege rather than a “have to do” thing is what has changed for me the most.

O2: What words of wisdom can you share with a high school student going to prom today?
LB: Make memories you can look back on! [Take someone you] feel totally comfortable!

O2: What inspires you to be healthy?
LB: The knowledge that being healthy physically and emotionally means I will have a great day – this is what inspires me to take care of my body each day. I think most girls can agree with me that when you have done a good workout and eaten well throughout the day, it is much more likely that everything else during your day will go well, too. The energy you get from an invigorating workout and nutritious food enables you to spend the rest of your day doing productive things. Exercise also releases endorphins that stay with you throughout the day and make you a happy person! And if you give a little bit of that happiness to others around you—well that is the best part of all! Share the happiness and good health! You can be known as that fit, healthy AND friendly girl!

O2: What are your thoughts on the growing culture of a negative body image?
LB: As long as models, actresses, and all other famous people are encouraged to keep looking as they do (unhealthy skinny), the general public – and especially young girls – will think that this is what they should strive to look like. Because famous people are associated with money, fame and happiness, young girls think that the “look” of these famous people is what helps achieve their success (if you call it success). The norm for the famous needs to change. We must start seeing more physically healthy models and actresses out there.

O2: Did you ever have any issues with your body image? If so, how did you overcome them?
LB: I was diagnosed with anorexia when I was in high school. Fortunately I have a family that recognized my unhealthy eating and exercise habits early on and cared about me enough to do something before it got too serious. I was put in both individual and family counseling for almost a year and it absolutely changed me forever.

I realized I was sacrificing my GREATEST passion – an endurance sport lifestyle – just so I could look a certain way (a way that was grossly distorted might I add). If I truly wanted this passion enough – the exhilarating feeling of wind in my face on an evening run, the chills that go through me each time I get in the pool for a swim workout, or the endorphins you feel after a great circuit training session with a few friends – I would need to change my behavior. Thinking about this everyday helped me overcome anorexia. The mantra I used when overcoming this disease is something I repeat to myself even today on those days when I lack the motivations to get my body moving: “There is nothing else I would rather be doing right now.” This rings true for me every time I say it. I know that when I am out there swimming, biking, running or whatever type of other exercise – I am so lucky to be able to do it and that I have the whole rest of the day to do other things. Right then and there is where I want to be and right then and there is where I will remain until I feel satisfied with the work I have done and am ready to take on the rest of my day.

O2: Do you have any advice for younger girls struggling with a negative body image?
LB: I want to tell them, “NO ONE IS JUDGING YOU!” So many young girls, including myself, think way too much about what everyone else is thinking about them. The truth is, EVERYONE ELSE IS THINKING ABOUT THEMSELVES or what you are thinking about them. The key is to be comfortable with who you are and realize that you are the only one who is putting pressure on yourself to be “perfect.” We are all just here to live a happy life and to do so you shouldn’t spend it trying to live up to some silly standard that really isn’t who you are and an image that put unnecessary stress on you.

Sometimes it’s astonishing how exercise and healthy eating habits can positively affect your life. O2 endorses a healthy lifestyle! If you need help cultivating good nutrition and fitness practices, you can always contact us.

Libby Bradley

Tara Mahadevan