How Will You Get Moving This Year?
Meet fitness guru Chrystal and sign up for our upcoming #FPLETSMOVE event in Vancouver!
I used to shy away from any form of exercise. While I knew it was important for good health, I just didn’t enjoy it. I never excelled in high school sports, and gym class was my least favorite. I tried activities here and there but could never commit. I was known amongst friends as the girl who didn’t like to exercise, seriously, I had a face for it.
But in 2011, after a series of health challenges, I began to take my lifestyle habits more seriously. I realized that I needed to take charge and do something about my overall health.
Get the look: All About It Top
I bought passes for various workout groups. To be honest, I let 6 of them expire, except one — for a hot yoga studio, which I visited reluctantly. I remember my first class so vividly. We were all in side plank. My arm was shaking so uncontrollably that I thought it was going to snap and everyone would be witness to it. But despite that, I quickly fell in love with hot yoga. My sole intention of getting physically “toned and fit” didn’t include its effects on me internally, emotionally and mentally.
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That class inspired me to pursue obtaining my Yoga teaching certificate. It’s been a little over 3 years now, and I love not only being inspired every single day by my students but having the ability to inspire as well. To lift each other up, to take each other higher. To see growth within each other.
To supplement my new journey, in mid 2014, I began training for my very first bikini competition at a Vancouver amateur body building show. I had rarely visited the gym; the truth is, it intimidated me. But this path tested my mental ability more than anything, and forever impacted my lifestyle, awakening in me the importance of eating well in addition to exercise.
Get the look: Classic off the shoulder seamless top, Basic Audition Leggings, Shoes
Becoming a fitness enthusiast has molded me into the person I am today — how I deal with obstacles and setbacks in my training/exercise carry through to all aspects of life. I see food and fitness in a new light. It has impacted the way my body moves, feels and my mind thinks. Exercise is incorporated into my every day, whether it’s a yoga class or morning gym session. To think, I used to avoid movement! I am SO GLAD I heard my wake-up call.
And so, one of my missions is to inspire others to find their movement. There are so many possibilities — what’s important is being open to exploring your options. It’s never too late to start, it’s never too late to restart. Be open to doing things that are uncomfortable, I’ve always found the most growth there. So, what’s it going to be for you?
Follow Chrystal on Instagram and Facebook
Photography by Rachel Barkman
+ Join us, Sweaty and Fit + Chrystal Pearl, for a free boot camp class at North Vancouver’s The Pipe Shop w/ healthy bites from Culver City Salads, fresh juices from Krokodile Pear, music by DJ Yurie + an exclusive look at Free People’s new FP Movement collection!
Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Make sure to RSVP and arrive early to save your spot!
BYOM: Bring Your Own Mat!
LOCATION: The Pipe Shop at the Shipyards – 115 Victory Ship Way, Vancouver BC V7L 0E1
DATE: Monday January 25th, 2016
TIME:
6:00 – 9:00PM
6:00PM: Event Check-In
6:45PM: Boot Camp Class w/ Sweaty and Fit + Chrystal Pearl
7:45 – 9:00PM: Check out pieces from the new FP Movement Collection and snack on healthy bites from Culver City Salads + fresh juices from Krokodile Pear
Who will be there? Find out below!
Instructor
Assistant Instructor
Lite Bites
Video Team
Fresh Pressed Juices