#GetFitwithGetSetUp Challenge: Inspiring Stories From Our Active Agers

n today's world, where people live longer than ever, active aging has become a cornerstone for a healthy life. As we conclude our 45-Day #GetFitwithGetSetUp Challenge and reflect on the weeks gone by, inspiring stories of our Learners’ journey are a testament to the power of active aging and its transformative impact on health and happiness, thus improving the overall quality of life. This challenge, designed to reset our community’s physical and mental well-being through daily exercises, healthy habit-building, and supportive guidance, reflects the power of shared goals, community support, and the impact of consistency. 

Jasmine S.: A retired teacher from Pune, Jasmine found herself initially hesitant about participating. "I always needed an in-person instructor who would show me what to do and then follow, and I also was concerned about consistency and potential rules and regulations,” she shares. However, once she got into the challenge, she shared that her reservations were eased as she discovered the challenge was designed to accommodate various fitness levels and preferences, making her participation easier.

During the challenge, she enjoyed the varied activities, particularly post-meal walks, which were a new addition to her routine. The challenge provided structure and variety, enhancing her existing fitness regimen. “I never walked after food before... I felt so nice because it helped me manage my weight and sugar levels," she shares. While she ensured she never missed her morning walk sessions, it was during the festive holidays when she had to skip three sessions, but she still attended Guide Bhavani and Divya’s classes even if she was traveling. In addition to the challenge, inspired by Guide Divya’s advice, she started journaling, a practice that added a new dimension to her daily routine. Through disciplined routines, including timely hydration, morning walks, and GetSetUp exercises, Jasmine Sibloon experienced holistic growth. “Consistency is key; every day, once you wake up, have your water at the right time, then the nuts you have soaked in the night, followed by your morning walk, and then do the GetSetUp exercises. And then your healthy breakfast, which I love to change every day. I also ensure every day I eat millet in some form, one millet item like rice or idlis or dosas something, one millet item. Also, the from the GetSetUp community and instructors helped me stay on track.”

Participating in the challenge positively shifted Jasmine's perspective on fitness and health. "I feel more energetic, and not one day have I felt lazy. So, a big thanks for this 45-day challenge; I thought I would never be able to do it because I managed so many things. But I did it!” she expressed.

Her advice for those considering a similar challenge: "No other platform is as good as GetSetUp, I feel, and it's so wonderful to be a part of it. For the next challenge, give it a try and do it. It's not so difficult. Many people are there to guide and help, and having the support of a community is priceless!”

‍Ofera E.: Currently staying in Kerala but originally from Mumbai, Ofera's motivation to join the 45-Day Challenge stemmed from her desire to continue working on her diet and exercise routine. "I had no concerns about joining the challenge; I was quite familiar with the process. Whenever GetSetUp introduces a new challenge, I'm always ready to participate. My background as an athlete in school certainly plays a part in this enthusiasm,” she explains. She was determined to dedicate time to her health, recognizing the significant benefits of an active lifestyle, especially given her husband's health conditions like diabetes and hypertension. 

The challenge has introduced Ofera to activities she plans to continue long-term, like post-meal walks, journaling, and jogging. “The challenge wasn't too easy, nor too hard. It was just right. I've discovered the benefits of balance exercise and post-meal walking through this 45-day challenge. After eating, a relaxing walk helps with digestion. Also, I've taken up journaling, which has been a great practice. I also jot down my thoughts in the GetSetUp chat box during sessions. It's helpful to reflect on my day both in the morning and evening, to see all that I've accomplished,” she shares. 

Her advice for others on adapting to an active aging lifestyle is, “ I would suggest that everyone join and follow the challenges offered by GetSetUp, like the 45-day challenge. It's motivating to do what the challenge suggests: diet, post-meal walking, journaling, or balancing exercises. These might be activities that we don't usually think to do, but the encouragement from the community makes a big difference. For example, I advised my friend Ruby to stop consuming sugary bottled drinks as they hinder weight loss. It's all about making those small, impactful changes."

Ruby H.: Born and brought up in Calcutta, Ruby retired in 2021 and, during post-retirement, while searching for something to keep her occupied, she stumbled upon Guide Sandhya's dance class on GetSetUp. "That triggered something in me, and I joined," she recalls. Despite initial hesitations in dance, Ruby learned to dance with the help of GetSetUp instructors like Guide Jayanti, Navneeta, Rupa, and Anshu, giving her a new layer of self-confidence. Soon, she was participating in various activities on the platform. 

Her primary motivation for joining the challenge was to lose weight and maintain her health. "Just to keep myself active and healthy,”. Ruby’s fitness activities were limited before the challenge. "I could walk for five minutes and then sit down," she describes. However, the challenge significantly improved her stamina, allowing her to walk 3-4km easily. It also made her more mindful of her eating habits, particularly her sweet intake. “This was a challenge which I always wanted to do. Through the 45-days, I rediscovered the importance of balance exercises. I've always known about them, but they had slipped my mind. This challenge reminded me how crucial it is to work on balance, like walking in a straight line, one foot in front of the other, without any support. It's something I've always wanted to master, and I've started practicing it without support. I feel more empowered now to work throughout the day without feeling tired. The GetSetUp community, including the team, online classmates, and instructors, has been incredibly supportive. They truly understand each participant's individual needs and provide the right advice and support," she shares.

Since joining the challenge, Ruby has become more conscious of her health. Now, even during her travels, she ensures to get some form of physical activity in: “Actually, during a holiday, where I usually relax, I decided to keep up with the 45-day challenge. I made it a point to wake up early and walk barefoot in the garden, which is good for health, especially for the eyes. It's small changes like these that the challenge inspired me to incorporate into my daily routine. GetSetUp is doing a great job with these challenges, and I am looking forward to their future challenges so I can continue staying motivated.”

Ruby is determined to continue the habits she formed during the challenge, particularly her post-meal walks. "This challenge made me realize how necessary it is to walk after meals. I plan to continue this practice, along with waking up early and eating mindfully,” she says. Ruby also discovered the importance of waking up early for walks and dance classes, which she intends to maintain along with her habit of mindful eating. For others looking to get on their fitness journey, she encourages them to join challenges like the one GetSetUp offers. "Face a target and work on it. No excuses. Once you start, the rest is easy," she advises. 

The experiences shared by our Learners illustrate the transformative power of embracing new challenges at any stage of life. The 45-Day #GetFitwithGetSetUp challenge was more than a fitness program; it was a journey towards a more fulfilling and active lifestyle. With each day, our community members inspired us with their purpose and passion to hit their fitness and mental health goals, proving that growth and learning are lifelong pursuits of an active aging lifestyle.

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