The Fit Ladies of Alabang Bootcamp

The Fit Ladies of Alabang Bootcamp
Just a few of the fit & fab ladies of Alabang bootcamp

When I moved to Asia in 2004, I had no idea we would be staying THIS LONG. Β I figured, like many ex-pats do, that we would do our 2 or 3 years and come “home” in time for our eldest daughter Theda to go to kindergarten in the U.S. Β Wrong! Β She’s now in Grade 8. Β Yet I always do a double-take when I consider the following…

I’ve lived more than a quarter of my life overseas.

I’ve lived in Manila longer than in any other city, ever.

Two-thirds of Mark’s & my marriageΒ has beenΒ in Asia.

These statistics are hardly uncommon for ex-pats; in fact, many “foreigners” have been away much longer than I have. Β However, one thing that we all have to face is the question of how we will connect here, so far away from our families and loved ones.

The Fit Ladies of Alabang Bootcamp

For me, three groups have kept me connected here in Manila: my church, my Bible study group, and The Fit Ladies of Alabang Bootcamp. Β What began as an exercise group has developed into so much more. Β It’s a friendship group, a support group, a sisterhood of fabulous wives living this real ex-pat life that is sometimes “easy” but sometimes so notΒ easy. Β We talk. Β We laugh. Β We sweat. Β We cry. Β We curse over pull-ups and burpees and Turkish get-ups.Β Β There’s just something about pushing ourselves physically that’s so bonding.

The Fit Ladies of Alabang Bootcamp

We meet after bus-stop drop-off, the first of which occurs at the ridiculous hour of 6:15am… I mean, what else are we gonna do at that time of day??? Β Shops don’t open around here until 11am and that is too many hours to sit and drink coffee.

So let’s exercise, girls! Β And let’s exercise together! Β There are just so many reasons to exercise in a group: accountability, compliance, safety, and let’s face it- it’s just plain FUN to work out together!! Β I know because I hear everyone laughing and carrying on in the back row… don’t think I don’t!!!

The Fit Ladies of Alabang Bootcamp

So we had our Christmas party last night and it was SO nice to see us all dressed up andΒ notΒ in workout clothes. Β To be able to hug each other withoutΒ apologising for being all stinky. Β To have no agenda like “today we’re doing 85 million burpees and 200 pushups”… but instead to just relax with good friends, yummy food and a glass (or 2!) of champagne.

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I feel so privileged to work out with these beautiful and fit ladies. Β Each one is gorgeous inside and out. Β These girls keep me motivated in my own fitness, always challenging myself to take it to the next level. Β But even more beautiful than that, these lovely ladies keep me connected in this crazy ex-pat life. Β Here’s to The Fit Ladies of Alabang!

 

 

 

 

4 thoughts on “The Fit Ladies of Alabang Bootcamp”

    1. Aw, thanks for your sweet comments, Jacklyn!! And yes, when I was younger I had NO idea that my life would take this exciting and different direction. πŸ™‚ But I wouldn’t trade it for the world, and I have definitely made friends where we know we’ll fly across the world to be there for each other’s kids’ weddings, haha πŸ˜‰

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