Everyone knows the importance of exercise for good health, but it's often difficult to stick to a routine. Let our special guest, Christian, share his weight loss journey through running with you!
Behind the Glamour on Instagram...
This is Christian, an avid runner. Although his Instagram is filled with running-related photos and content, he is neither an influencer nor a full-time KOL (Key Opinion Leader). Often, as we browse through dynamic Instagram posts, gliding past glamorous images and captions, we might find ourselves wondering, "Are they different from us?" or "Do they get to run and exercise all the time because it's their livelihood?" However, in reality, Christian's motivation for running comes solely from his pure love for the sport. Besides that, he is just like us, juggling a full-time job and multiple roles: a graphic designer, husband, father, and travel enthusiast. So, Christian's ability to consistently run, maintain his running routine, and participate in various marathons is not because he doesn't have to work or earns a living through running. It's simply because he possesses an extraordinary level of "determination."
Every journey has a beginning, and for Christian, his running journey started from a concern for his physical health. "I had asthma when I was young, and as I grew older, I developed a dislike for running or any aerobic exercise because I would easily feel exhausted. A few years later, when I moved to Dubai for work, I noticed my physical health deteriorating. My weight gradually increased, and I started struggling to fit into my old clothes." Christian provided some old photos of himself, saying, "At that time, I weighed 75 kilograms, and my belly kept getting bigger. I told myself I didn't want to be like that... but I found it hard to resist the temptation of food."
But one day, Christian's company opened a new gym nearby. The gym offered the employees a free one-month trial period, and the CEO invited everyone to exercise there, with the option to continue afterward. Christian listed the exercise routines, saying, "The gym training included burpees, box jumps, wall balls, running, and more. After the workout, I suddenly felt dizzy, and my colleagues had to support me and bring me water. I felt really embarrassed. So, after that experience, I made up my mind to change! I started exercising through the free trial at the gym, and I also gave up rice and bread completely in my diet! I focused solely on one thing: becoming healthier. However, after I started running, I didn't continue exercising at the gym..."
American marathon runner John Bingham once said, "The miracle isn't that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start."
Christian generously agreed to share some photos that showcase his running progress. If you've had a similar experience, you'll likely agree that the most challenging part of losing weight is being honest with yourself, confronting your problems, and making a determined commitment. By persisting and believing in your efforts, you will see results. Losing weight and getting fit is not an easy task, and sharing Christian's journey doesn't imply it is. It requires a significant amount of time, patience, and determination. However, we want to use Christian's example to tell you that even if you're not a full-time fitness influencer, a fitness coach, or someone who invests a lot of money in gym coaching sessions, you can still achieve your goals!
Instagram Photo by: @lostmagpie
We asked Christian about his favorite running route, and he chose the Dubai Water Canal. "The Dubai Water Canal is one of my favorite running routes. From there, you can overlook the entire Dubai business bay and canal. The route covers a total length of 6.5 kilometers along the coastline."
Follow Christian on Instagram: @ian.runs
Bone Run Tie 2
In today's smartphone-dependent world, we also need to have our phones handy while exercising. The "Bone Run Tie 2" is highly praised on global e-commerce platform Amazon. With its high elasticity cord, it fits smartphones ranging from 4.7 to 7.2 inches of various brands. The silicone inner side features a raised pattern for better heat dissipation and sweat resistance. With its double-layered structure, your phone won't touch your skin, and the strap will adhere comfortably to your arm's curves, providing a more comfortable and convenient way to carry your phone during exercise.