It's Never Too Late to Get Fit

Name: Iordana (Dana) Avgodopoulou

Age: 30

Occupation: Mathematician

Location: Kavala, Greece

1. What is your fitness story?

We all want to have good physical condition. We want to be healthy and full of energy in order to deal with the conditions of life. Βeing in good shape affects our mental and emotional health, after all what we do with our bodies affects what we can do with our minds.

I have always been active. I played basketball and volleyball when I was at school. During my years at University, going to the gym everyday was a must to clear up the mind from the studies. I loved yoga, pilates and crossfit. Working out with groups is the best.

I always admired ballerinas, so when I graduated, I started ballet lessons. I fell in love with the music, the moves, with everything. There was no class for adults so I was with the group of high school girls. I found it so hard to catch up with the exercises and of course the necessary flexibility, so I started pilates and private ballet lessons.

I was old for them (22) but I wasn't willing to give up. It's never too late. I realised that it wasn't easy and I had to put myself and body through pain. I had a goal and I was passionate so I tried hard. After 8 years of ballet, of non stop trying to get better, I'm in a good level but still, not perfect. I'm very strict with myself and I always want to get better and stronger. Walking is a good exercise for legs and I walk as much I can, a good reason not to drive.

Recently I discovered races that take places near my hometown. My first one was in April. I did 5K and it was fun. I'm not a runner, so I wasn't in shape for the race. I struggled, actually it was more half run, half walk! So I decided to sign up for a 10K race for a good cause 2 weeks later. I had no time to train, my goal was to finish the race without stopping at all or walk and I made it!! I was so happy and one of the last ones to finish. It's just the beginning, I will take it further (still 10K) to the Athens Marathon in November, where the very first marathon in the world appeared! I'm so thrilled.

2. What is your typical fitness routine?

I start my day with housekeeping, if you consider it as a workout. But cleaning the house is not easy. I go to the dance school at least 3 times in the week doing mostly classic ballet, modern dance and lot's of stretching. Every summer I swim almost everyday. It's a great full body workout.

I'm so lucky that my city has a lot of beaches and great water. Finally I end up the day with walking. I don't have rest days, I want to be active every day. I have put my life in a motion.

3. What motivates you to stay fit?

First of all endorphins makes you happy, furthermore a better person in life. What encourages me to stay in shape is definitely my good health and what I do gives me pleasure. Of course there is Argus, which is a small reward, a collective activity, a small competition. A key motivation.

4. How do you fit working out in your life?

When I'm working I start my day with my protein fruit smoothie, which keeps my energy up to the midday. So far, I'm lucky because my work schedule is flexible so I have free time for my workouts.

I always prepare my meals in advance to save me time. After my lunch I have my ballet lessons. I spend the weekends mostly walking or planning long walks with friends, participating in sport events, and the summer at the beach swimming.

5. What are your health/fitness plans for the future?

I will definitely continue my healthy eating, which I love, especially making new recipes. I hope to continue dancing, train for full body strength and mostly focus on my legs. I'm thinking in the future to get a bike and do long distances. I used to ride but unfortunately I broke my bicycle. The streets in my city aren't suitable for cycling, there are lots of hills and steps with no bicycle paths. I will continue my running in some upcoming events hoping to run with a better pace.

6. How long have you been using Argus?

I was looking for an app to track my steps approximately 2 years ago. I saw a few, but I stuck with Argus. There are so many options for workouts, sleep record, water intake and food. It's so simple and easy to use.

7. What are the top 3 things you track using Argus?

I make sure to pass the equivalent active minutes every day, I'm so obsessed with it. This helps me monitor my progress over time. I make sure I drink enough water, and I also like to track my sleep. Rest is important after a long day.

8. What advice do you have for new users of Argus?

Start by setting goals in Argus...baby steps. Track your progress and share it, make and follow friends who are active and motivate you. Take part in step challenges, you will find yourself counting your steps, and therefore walking/running more. If you have questions ask, Argus community is so helpful and supportive. Don't forget, the Argonauts were a number of heroes ready to run the risk. You can be one too.

The Argus community is full of wonderful and inspiring people embarking on their own unique fitness journey. If you, or someone you know, have a great story to share, we would love to hear from you. Contact us by emailing maggie@azumio.com.