A Life Changing Work Out with Mark Wahlberg | Motivation, Dedication & A Good Cause
The last 2 days this week have been absolutely killer in the best ways possible. I was fortunate enough to experience an incredible cause: AQUAhydrate hosted a functional-training session at F45 in West Hollywood to support Wounded Warrior Project, alongside the legendary Mark Wahlberg. Wounded Warrior Project is an initiative that Mark stands behind; it is a charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services and events for wounded veterans of the military actions following September 11, 2001. Wounded veterans and service members include those who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after that timeframe.
Before our first work out on Wednesday, WWP had veterans attend the class as well. Specially, one incredibly strong vet with prosthetic legs spoke about his experience with and talked about how supportive the organization has been since day one of being admitted into the hospital. He spoke confidently that although he has this disability, it didn’t define his life which I felt was incredibly inspirational. The fact that he could do the work out we were about to do just as efficiently, if not even better than us was really moving.
I actually got the chance to speak with Mark along with my friend Taylor, and he explained to us why he is so passionate not only about the organization, but about the work out as well. For him, strength, motivation, dedication and supporting others is a top priority for him and every time that he works out at F45, he sees people from all walks of life gain strength, smile and continue to build each other up. He even went into detail about his own life changing trip to Afghanistan to visit troops in 2010, and how he viewed little villages from a helicopter. He went on to say how unbelievable it was and how dramatically different life is there. It was so evident that in our conversation, you could see where Mark’s passion for helping others lies. Seeing firsthand things that soldiers have to experience is something he holds close to him and takes with him every day. It was a totally unexpected conversation, and we talked about it for quite sometime.
Not only was the story eye-opening, but it was so refreshing to talk to someone in the celeb world who isn’t jaded at all; in fact, Mark is quite the complete opposite. He is so humble, personable, down-to-earth and he exudes that he is naturally just a good soul with good intentions. He went on to say that no matter your political view or religion, it’s important to recognize and honor those who have served.
We went on to do the F45 work out on Wednesday (which was filled with crazy-good cardio - no seriously, by the end of the 45 minute session I was drenched in sweat and beyond flushed, haha! but in a good way) but thankfully maintained hydration with AQUAhydrate, the ideal water for working out: it’s ultra-purified, supplemented with all natural electrolytes and trace minerals and then elevated to an alkaline pH of over 9 using electrolysis. It is this powerful synergy between alkalinity, electrolytes and minerals which fuels ultimate hydration, balance and performance.
We went to another session on Thursday morning at the Sherman Oaks location. It was awesome to see Mark again and see a whole new bunch of people (a massive group) who are so dedicated to improving themselves mentally and physically. The entire work out is truly uplifting and you get support and motivation from everyone in the room. Day 2 was a lot of lifting which I loved, and it was good we got a break from the cardio! But it still was an insanely intense work out. The great part is you can go at your own pace, and you still can get the results you desire. BTW - Mark is a b e a s t. His strength is incomparable!!! It’s evident that he is a big inspiration in the gym.
I wasn’t familiar with the F45 work out before this, but it’s safe to say now I am addicted! I am looking forward to incorporating this workout into my usual fitness and wellness routine. There’s no going back now!
Huge thanks to AQUAhydrate, Wounded Warrior Project, F45 and Mark Wahlberg for an amazing workout and for a newfound awareness of these awesome initiatives.
