Monday, November 8, 2010

Thursday, November 4, 2010

UPDATES - The Life Story

Wow, it's been so long since I wrote the last blog. Sorry about that. I've had some comments from people who read my blog - thank you guys! The comments were like "hey, what happened to your blogs? It's been pretty fun to read your stories." Let me tell you what happened to me last couple of weeks.


If you are one of my facebook friends, you remember my complaints about accounting class. I've never met people who like accounting, and neither do I. Apparently, I had to take my first and LAST accounting class for my MBA course to graduate. I did really bad on the first test because I didn't study enough. So, I had to study REALLY hard for the second test. In the mean time, I've been gaining weight. I was 118 lbs at my first show, which was July 20th. I gained 2 lbs at my second show, on August 10th. Since I finished two shows, I've been on a bulk phase, but it was not ok to gain pounds every day. I ended up being 127 lbs. Oh no! What could I say, I needed to lose weight. Anyway, my accounting test was my priority at that time, so I studied every day. Guess what? I got a 97 on the second test. Hallelujah!

I felt very rewarded. While I was studying for my classes, I had another big project coming up, getting my Personal Trainer Certification. I had planned on getting it this summer, but I had two competitions that I didn't plan on, so the PTC was pushed back until early Nov. Finally, it's getting close to Nov. and I had to study for sure. So, as soon as I finished my mid-terms, I studied everyday again for the certification. As you may know, I have two jobs, one at the Rec center and one at the Chamber of Commerce so it's been really challenging to work out as well. Anyway, I successfully got back to where I should be, 120 lbs after two weeks. Do you wonder what I did, even though I said I didn't have time to work out? How did Minsoo lost 7 lbs within two weeks?! I can tell you what I did in the next blog so make sure you come back to read it ;)

Another challenge came up, I got sick. You know being sick is the worst thing that could happen for those who have a competition in a few weeks. I had no energy and my body was tired. It was not good. Luckily I got over it pretty quickly. I slept more than usual and tried to rest more. I just had a video shoot for bikini posing and my trainer told me I looked good :) Yay! I'm still working on it, but definitely I've been gaining more muscles on the weak parts of my body.

Nov. 2nd. I made another accomplishment of my life! I passed the certification exam!!! Hallelujah :) It may not be a big deal for some people, but it was huge for me. First of all, it was a national certification exam and it's in English. Plus understanding and memorizing anatomy and physiology stuff was not easy even though I've been fitness instructor for a while, especially since I'm not an exercise science major. Even some of my friends didn't pass the test on the first time so it was very big deal for me.

Nov. 4th, which is today. Yes, it's another big day for me. It's my 26th B-day!!! I didn't want to tell you the NUMBER, but I think it's important to tell you so I can explain my story.

It's been my 6th B-day in the states. I miss celebrating my B-Day with my family. Yea. This sucks. However, at the same time, what I realized is how important they are and what being old means. When I was 20 or 21, it was my day, my celebration. I was happy to get presents. I know. I was young. Yesterday, I took some time to think about my life. I tried to think about people who I've met in my life and who made an impact on my life. I can't say thank you enough to my parents who have raised me for 20 years and are still supporting me. Thank God, who let me know what being loved means. Everything that I have is appreciated. I am so blessed. That's all I can say. I was kind of sad for going to school on my B-day and not being able to celebrate it with champagne, but guess what? Today is not my day. Today is my day to show appreciation for those who become a part of my life; for those who taught me so much; for those who love me and whom I love.

So what's next for Minsoo? My goals are; getting a Yoga instructor certification in a week, getting A’s in my accounting and finance classes, getting two more national certifications by next February, graduating on May 2011, and finally getting a job after I graduate :) One more thing, winning my next show in Nov. 19th in Vegas!!!






Find Minsoo on:
Facebook Fan Page - Minsoo Go


Minsoo Go
2010 NPC Capital of Texas Round Up Bikini Champion
AFAA Group Exercise Instructor
ACE Personal Trainer
Master of Business Administration
Texas State University
Stay Fit, Healthy, but YOU!

Monday, September 27, 2010

No More I Used To Be

Have you ever said or heard "I used to be..."? The common thing I hear from people who get trainers is: "I used to be good shape and I can't let myself be like this anymore."


We all were good at something at some point. I always say to people: "I used to be leaner." -Of course I'm talking about this past August when I had my competition- But guess what? Even though it's only less than two months ago, the past is the past. What matters is the present. "I used to" means "I'm not anymore." So does it matter whether you were in good shape or you worked out everyday? No. We need to stop saying "I used to."

I recently met my old friend Chris who I've known since 2005 when I got here in the states. He was one of my first American friends and he was also the one who motivated me to be fit. Chris and Minh, another old friend of mine worked out so hard and stayed on strict diets when we were at UTA. No drinking, no cheating for them. I loved working out with them because even looking at them motivated me. At that time, I was just one of girls who used the elliptical machine once a day and no weight lifting.

Three years later, I heard from Chris, and we had a chance to meet each other again. I was so excited to see him because I wanted to show him how different I am. I didn't know anything about nutrition or exercise when I met him, and now I could talk to him about what I like to do and what I like to eat.

I was surprised when I saw him. He looked very different than before. He gained lots of weight and lost muscle. I didnt see any of the old Chris in him. Don't get me wrong. He is still a good friend of mine whether he looks good or not, but I didn't expect that he wouldhave changed like that. I found that his life style has been changed in the past couple years for different reasons. He was also surprised about how I changed and I got into bodybuilding and fitness just like him 5 year ago.

I told him how he and Minh inspired me in the past, and I've always wanted to be fit. I told him how it's good to feel fit and healthy. I told him he should get back into shape again not only because of the look, but also because of the benefits he gets from living healthy life style. He seemed a little bit disappointed about himself but then he decided to start working out again. How amazing!!!

Two weeks from our reunion, Chris lost 15 lbs. Now he is catching up to me super quick! We encourage each other when we want to have "bad" food. Sometimes we cheat, but we work hard to be better than we were in the past.

Good thing about this is that it's never too late. You say I used to be a good shape. Don't you wanna be like that again? It's so easy. You already know what you gotta do. The only thing you need to do this time is to make a strong commitment and take the action. Tell your friends and family that what your commitments are. Losing weight? Going back to school? Being a good son or daughter? One of my favorite quotes is: "The bad news is time flies, but the good news is you are the pilot." You can do whatever you want to do. Move forward. Don't let the past to hold you back.




Find Minsoo at:


Facebook Fan Page - Minsoo Go
http://www.cyworld.com/minsoogo
http://twitter.com/minsoo_go
http://minsoogo.blogspot.com/  
http://www.eyestrane.com/2010/06/23/caito-demo-reel-2010/

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

It's All in Your Head

It's so easy. You just need to remind yourself of these five words: "You gotta believe in yourself."

I was at work, and we were evaluating our personal trainer, and during one of workouts something the trainer did caught my eye. He was doing box jumps. I've seen many people do it, and I always had my doubts if I could do it myself because it looked very SCARY! The trainer showed the client how to do it, and then client tried it. He didn't fall but he kinda missed. After the first try, he said hedidn't feel comfortable trying it any more. I said to my co-worker,Crystal, "Hey girl, I don't think even I could do it." And she said
"Yes, you can. It's all in your head." I stopped and thought about the words she said, "It's all in your head." That's right, I knew I could do it even though I said "I can't" because I can jump higher than the box. But when I started thinking "Ican't", I suddenly believed I couldn't do it anymore.

Have you had this feeling? Sometimes, the barriers we have in front us block our mind and keep us from achieving our goals. If I had told myself I wouldn't be able to learn English because it's so hard, then I never would have made it as far as I have today. It was not easy for me to come to another country, speaking a different language, getting my degree and living all by myself for 6 years without my family and friends. However, when I decided to come to the United States in 2005 the only thing that was in my head was I CAN DO IT.

Isn't it amazing? The right words can change your attitude and your whole life.
So are you gonna keep saying I can't or I can ?


Find Minsoo at:

Facebook Fan Page-Minsoo Go
http://www.eyestrane.com/2010/06/23/caito-demo-reel-2010/
http://www.cyworld.com/minsoogo
http://twitter.com/minsoo_go
http://minsoogo.blogspot.com/

Sunday, September 19, 2010

What You Don't Know About Minsoo:

1. I don't have a laptop - Mine broke early this year and I really didn't think that I needed another one. I will get one after I graduate, when I get a job, but right now I can live without it.


2. I haven't watched TV since I was in high school. - I just think that watching TV is a waste of time. Of course there are good channels to watch, for example, the news, but I don't have TV anyway.

3. I don't have a smart phone. I like to keep my phone bill low, about $35.00/month. I would love to have an iPhone though since I don't have a computer AND I get lost ALOT while I'm driving.

4. I have freckles... which is not normal for Asians. I had NONE before I came to Texas but since I have been living here I have gotten freckles on my cheeks and on top of my nose. I like them though cuz it makes me feel like I'm becoming a real TEXAN!!!!

5. I had 11 slices of pizza when I was 9th grade. We went to a buffet and me and my four girlfriends had an eating competition... and I WON!!!

6. I went to both Women's middle school and women's high school so I didn't have a boyfriend until I graduated high school.

7. I have ADD. I didn't realize until one of my friends told me. Yes, I do have ADD.

8. I didn't play any sports while I was growing up. It's not my fault. Our society expects students to be smart. Our goal was getting into a GOOD university.

9. I started Jazz Dance after I graduated high school. I wanted to be a professional dancer but I decided to come to the states and I've not danced for quite awhile... but I still LOVE to dance.

10. I pretend to understand what you say. Sometime I don't understand 100% what you said because I don't pay attention (because I have ADD) or I just don't understand because you are speaking ENGLISH! So I might say something really weird or not react. Please don't feel bad.

11. One more thing, I don't usually laugh at American jokes... Sorry. It's just not funny to me. I will try though.

12. I can't take cafein. If I do, I go super hyper and I can't handle myself and none of you..
13. I am selfish and I make excuses. - I am super busy this semester. I work 8-9 hours/day doing my job at the Rec. Center and internship at the Chamber. I take two MBA classes, Finance and Accounting, both which I don't like. I have a bodybuilding competition in 7 weeks so I'm training for that. I have two certification exams in 5 weeks which means I use my spare time to study. As you know, I just started modeling, so most of weekends are spent on photo shoots. I'm so sorry if I haven't talked to you or hung out with you like I used to. However, I really want you all to know how much you mean to me and how much I appreciate your support. Thank you!

Find Minsoo at:
http://www.eyestrane.com/2010/06/23/caito-demo-reel-2010/
http://www.cyworld.com/minsoogo
http://twitter.com/minsoo_go

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

A Letter From 9th Grade Boy

This letter made me think about something how I can help others while I'm doing what I like to do. Whatever my attention was, I could hurt others whether I like it or not. This could be sensitive issue for some people, but I also want you  to think about it.

I posted my competition pictures on my Cyworld page, a Korean Facebook and I got a letter from a 9th grade boy.

Hi Minsoo! I'm one of your top fans living in Korea. I'm 9th grade and I exercise hard even though I'm pretty young. How long have you been worked out? I would like to compete in the states. Well, I know it's awkward but I get excited whenever I see pictures of you wearing the white bikinis cuz you look so amazing.. If I see your pictures, I get excited in 3 sec. I've never had this before. Is it natural??
You look so fit and amazing with bikinis.. Is it ok if I masturbate looking at your photos? I know it's awkward to ask these kind of questions but please answer. I'm sorry if I made you mad.

When I read this letter, I was like what the hell. Right? I felt totally uncomfortable, and I was about to delete what he just wrote. But then I thought 'what if everything what he said was true?' Suddenly I didn't want to ignore him and want to help him instead. I have a brother who is three yrs younger than me, and I remember that I gave him such a hard time while he was growing up. When my brother was a freshman in high school, I found that he was watching a porno. I thought I had to preach him about it as a "big" sister and I told him not to do it again. Basically I made him feel so stupid. Couple of years later, I realized the way I approached the issue was not good. I should have dealt the issue differently and understood him better because you know it is nothing wrong with watching a porn for those age. Ever since then, my brother never talked to me about anything anymore. I still feel bad and I wish I could change.

Anyway, I thought about my past experience and I wanted to do something different. I wanted to let this 9th grade boy know that I do care about how he feels and help him if possible. I replied him back and this is what I wrote to him:

Hello, fist of all, thanks for being my fan. I'm glad you like what I'm doing as a bodybuilder. I'm very impressed that you've been already working out hard. I started lifting weights this mid April and it took me about 3-4months to get ready for the competition. However I've been working out since 2005 when I got here in the states. For the competition, I pay more attention what I eat and how much I eat. I also added proper cardio and weight training work out. It is not necessary to have a specific timeline, but most importantly to have fitness&wellness as a part of your life style. For the second questions, I do understand since I have a little brother. Especially, it's not easy for teenagers to control the sexual desire, however it is also important to practice control your self. I'm not going to tell you what to do, but if I could give you an advice, I would recommend you to release your energy to do any sports you like or do exercise. Proper and steady exercise, nutrition, and strong resection - for example no smoking and drinking. Being a bodybuilder is not easy. Focus on your goals and discipline is the key. I want you to spend more time doing something make you healthy and good. Maybe you can make your own soccer team!

The next day, he edited what he wrote to this:"Thank you so much for your kind advice and yes I would like to play more soccer. I told my friends about you. You are awesome! I loved your motto, lifestyle fitness&wellness. Good luck on your next competition! and sorry if I made you feel awkward." Guess what? I felt pretty good. I felt that I could help this boy without hurting his feeling. Hopefully, these will make some changes to his life. and even to his friends. I'm sure there are many males (maybe females) who see my pictures. Some of them may think the same way this boy did. I obviously do not want to give anyone bad influence. I want them to see myself as an athletic and to know that having a healthy body is good. Everyone has a choice to make. It is up to you whether you want to spend your time doing something good for yourself, or wasting your time with doing something meaningless. 

I would like to hear what you think so please don't hesitate if you want to share any thoughts and/or concerns!

p.s. Didn't have enough time to proofread.. Sorry if you have hard time to understand what I just wrote!





Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Fan of the Week: Minsoo Go by Diabetes Health And Wellness Institute- Dallas

Our first fan of the week for September is Minsoo Go a fitness competitor, instructor and MBA student. Her story is particularly interesting because she believes in practicing what she preaches when it comes to fitness. Minsoo was the Bikini overall champion in April at the NPC capital of Texas round up competition.



DHWI: Minsoo What kind of work are you up to these days?
MG: I’m a Graduate Assistant for Fitness and Wellness at the Campus Recreation Department – Texas State University. I oversee the 6,000 sq weight room, a personal training and a group exercise program. I also teach group exercise classes such as Cycle, toning and 20/20/5 which is a cardio workout class.

DHWI: How do you contribute to the health and wellness community?
MG: I really do think living a healthy life is necessary whether you have diabetes or not and we need to bring the healthy life style into our community because healthy body not only brings the individual the best but also their family and work place. Because I work for the university, I deal with most of college students. I educate our student staff to live better life changing their diet and staring exercise. I share my life style for example how I got into fitness. I also try to educate my friends, family and students who come to our group exercise classes about the proper nutrition and workout.

DHWI: How do you see diabetes effecting our community?
MG: I’ve seen many people including little kids who are obese everywhere in Texas. I get really worried when I see obese children because if they don't change their habits soon they will have many health problems. I think it’s important to protect our kids because they are the one who will lead the next century and we want them to be healthy.


DHWI: What is the number one piece of advice that you'd give a newly diagnosed diabetic?
MG: Have a designing nutrition program based on what you are eating and what time you are eating. For example, follow a low fat diet, consuming whole grains, and no sugars (ex. Sweet drinks, candy, too much juice) eaten alone.

DHWI: What steps are you taking toward your own personal health and wellness goals right now?
MG: My goal is to make fitness and wellness as my life style. I plan my day around exercise. It is important so I schedule my work out like an appointment and treat it as a real appointment. I also always try to think positive and be happy!! Smile everyday. It makes everything better including your health. J

DHWI: Is there anything else you'd like to share with the DHWI community?
MG: Become a chef! I’ve never liked cooking but now I love to cook. Making your own healthy food is fun and it can make your relationships better too. Invite your family and friends to share what you make. The best part of being a chef is you know what you like the most and what’s in your food which will help you reduce excessive sugar or oil if needed. Don’t forget to cook CLEAN food!!

http://www.facebook.com/notes/diabetes-health-and-wellness-institute-dallas/fan-of-the-week-minsoo-go/147881618578962