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Salutations! My name is Hannah Leigh F. Fernandez, but most people I hold dear know me as Len! I'm a first-year student of the noble trade known as BSIT (that’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, if you’re feeling posh), and I am currently studying at West Visayas State University! Most days you’ll find me gallivanting through the internet or partaking in rounds of video games.
As you go through my site, I hope you have the whimsy in you to appreciate the view! But, before we fully delve in, let's go through a brief history of my relationship with physical activities!
As a sheltered person since birth, I was not given that much opportunities to show my physical prowess. Still, on rare weekends, I found myself dabbling in the art of badminton, cycling, and even earlier on, I pirouetted through the world of ballet when I was but a tiny sprout (until the Incident).
Physical activities are something that I don’t typically seek out, but neither do I run away from them—unless, of course, it’s a race. I find a certain joy in movement, especially anything that involves running or relying on my legs. I like to believe my legs were built for greatness (or at least for sprinting to not be late). Though I may not train like an athlete, I do enjoy those moments when I get to test my stride and feel the wind against my face.
My main goal throughout this whole adventure has been taking tiny, careful steps. As much as I dream of turning into a big, hulking wall of muscle by the end of the semester, I knew I had to lower my expectations—simply because I am very physically unfit. When I first returned to school after the pandemic, my lungs decided to throw a fit after just climbing a flight of stairs! It was honestly quite the pitiful sight, I felt like I was fighting for my life. But hey, even the slowest climb is still a climb, right?
With that in mind, I told myself: Alright, time to take that very first step toward change! But—surprise!—motivation isn’t the whole recipe. Nope, consistency is the main ingredient.
Now, as someone who has wrestled (and mostly occasionally lost) the battle against my own chaotic schedule, I decided to craft a little advocacy tailored just for me. And I have a sneaky suspicion that plenty of others out there will benefit as much as I do!
Exercising with others makes staying active more enjoyable and sustainable. Whether it’s with friends, family, or a group, working out together boosts motivation, builds stronger connections, and helps create lasting healthy habits.
Fitness is better together—team up and make movement a shared goal!
Throughout my life, physical education felt more like mental gymnastics (memorizing facts for quizzes was my version of a workout). Then came PATHFIT 2, and it felt like a window had opened, letting in a gust of fresh air (along with the unmistakable scent of sweat and effort).
I won’t lie. I’ve always been a proud advocate for comfort (and a sworn enemy of anything that made me sore for days). The idea of making my muscles work twice as hard sounded like pure torment. And yet, in some strange (possibly magical) way, every ache and stubborn cramp began to feel like a small victory. It was as if each twinge of pain whispered, “Look at you, growing, improving, becoming better.”
Quite frankly, the pain became something oddly comforting (a strange badge of progress I never thought I’d wear so proudly).
My main takeaway from PATHFIT 2 this semester was this: to be more appreciative of my current body, to treat it with gentleness and care, and to finally realize that the only thing truly standing between me and a healthier version of myself… was me. As someone who has historically had zero regard for her own well-being, this subject didn’t gently nudge me—it shoved me into the bright light of an ugly truth: this is not my peak, and something needs to change. PATHFIT 2 was an experience I’ll always remember, not just for the workouts, but for the moments in between. I genuinely enjoyed the times we all lay flat on the ground, grunting in pain (a strangely unifying chorus of shared struggle; an orchestra of grunts and whines!).
Looking back, those moments taught me that progress doesn’t always feel graceful or empowering while it’s happening. The change is often minuscule, so small you don’t even notice it at first. Sometimes it feels like trembling muscles, shaky breaths, and the quiet thought of “I can’t do this”—followed by the realization that you did. And that, I think, is the real strength PATHFIT 2 gave me.
A fresh and nutritious no-cook dish that's quick to prepare—perfect for a healthy snack or light meal. A substitute for the usual cheese curls, this is a sustainable snack that is sure to fill your belly with zero guilt!
1. Exercising with Friends Benefits You! It boosts motivation and mental health. 
2. Losing weight doesn’t mean you have to give up all the foods you love. It’s more about finding balance—what you eat matters most, even more than how much you exercise. 
3. Some believe it takes just 21 days to build a lasting habit, but in reality, the time it takes can vary widely depending on the person, the behavior, and the circumstances. 
4. Low-fat doesn’t always mean healthy. Many "low-fat" items are high in sugar. 
5. Eat the "junk" in moderation! A study found junk food can be addictive, activating brain pathways similar to drugs. Early life and gender also influence how we respond to food. 
1. A defined 6-pack doesn’t mean you’re healthy. You can have abs but still be unhealthy. Visible abs usually require low body fat (about 10% for men, 15% for women), which is hard to maintain. 
2. You don’t *have* to drink 8 glasses of water daily. Hydration depends on your body, activity, and climate. 
3. ‘Organic’ or ‘gluten-free’ doesn’t mean healthy. These labels can still be applied to highly processed junk food. There is no definitive proof that it is healthier; Plus, they usually cost more. 
4. Eggs aren’t bad for your heart. Most cholesterol in your body is made by the liver, not from the eggs you eat. For most people, eggs are a healthy source of nutrients. 
5. Eating late at night does NOT cause weight gain. Weight gain depends on total calories consumed, not the time you eat. What matters most is how much and what you eat throughout the day. 
