Dear Reader,
I am excited to share with you episode eleven of Tizi Talks with Dorin Karanja. She sells properties for a living at Kenya Projects Budget & Executive Homes and is currently a project manager for one of the companies' estates in Ruiru. What you don't know about her is that following a doctor's visit, she was informed that she would get diabetes, high blood pressure among other obesity related diseases by the time she was 30.
She immediately started her wellness journey and was even inspired to start a blog/vlog which she will launch next year that will largely touch on lifestyle, health and beauty. I had to feature her because I believe many can relate with her story because weight is something that many struggle with and its important to talk about it. I hope you stay inspired and keep pushing your limits because you got this! We got to chatting and this what she had to say....
TIZI: How old are you?
DK: Guess what I'm actually turning 27 in less than 2 weeks.
TIZI: How long have you been working out?
DK: I started working out in January this year and I haven't looked back ever since.
TIZI: What made you start?
DK: Well..to be quite honest I had always procrastinated working out; anybody who knew me from last year and beyond would tell you I was virtually allergic to exercise. I did not see myself as fat. I lived in a state of denial. I just saw myself as having a few bumps and curves (if you know what I mean) and this was well appreciated in the African community. At the same time I was completely unhappy with how I looked. I could not find clothes because I was beyond morbidly obese; my wake up call came in the form of a routine medical health check. The doctor told me point blank that I needed to change my life ASAP or I would get diabetes, high blood pressure among other obesity related diseases by the time I'm 30.
What a transformation!
TIZI: Do you feel like working out has made a difference in your life?
DK: Hell yes!!! Let me start by saying my mental frame of mind is more relaxed. I am genuinely way more happier than I was last year. I am more self confident and I have more self love for myself and others. The best part is that I can find clothes and easily climb stairs without panting. I can do way more activities now than I would last year.
TIZI: Can you please take me through your daily fitness routine on a weekday? And the weekend?
DK: I workout 3- 4 times a week and have always loved swimming. When I first started working out I didn't want to do any form of exercise that felt like a chore. Swimming is awesome especially if you are overweight as it reduces the chance of injury as its safe on the bones and joints while at the same time you get to build resistance which strengthens muscles and boosts cardio intensity. I usually mix water aerobics and 10-15 reps of all for strokes with a 5 minute interval between them. If the weather is not favorable I tend to lean more towards a dance related workout.
TIZI: Do you find it difficult to include your workout in your daily routine?
DK: The biggest challenge with swimming is managing your hair. Essentially I tend to lean more towards protective styles but even with those, you still do need a swimming cap and most of them don't fit perfectly. In addition to that, swimming is largely reliant on weather conditions. But I do try to balance with working out from home if the weather is bipolar.
TIZI: What keeps you motivated?
DK: My own sanity and well being. I also have a waterproof mp-3 player which has been a complete lifesaver as I tend to stay motivated while doing numerous reps.
TIZI: What can you advise people who want to start their fitness journey?
DK: Weight- loss or fitness is a journey that genuinely starts from your mind and the rest will automatically be translated. It is also a lifestyle change. When you are starting, don't choose activities or diets which may not be long lasting in the long run. Choose activities that you will enjoy!
Losing weight is a mental challenge, not a physical one. If you can take control of your mind and body, the rest will follow. So keep at it and when you feel like quitting, remember why you started. You got this!
Photocredits: Smile Album Photography
Yours in Wellness,
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