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/

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/

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

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!

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

My Mom Called Me at 3:30 A.M. And Guess What...???

I've been trying to read my finance class text book since 9 pm so what I'm saying right now might not make sense. Sorry about that if my English is very poor. Anyway, I just wanted to share a short story of "Finally My Mom Knew about It"

If you have read my blogs you would have a good idea of what my situation is. So if you haven't, please go b ack and read it. I can promise you it will be interesting! :)

I got a phone call from my mom who is in Korea at 3:30 A.M. My mom should know better it's 3:30 AM in Texas so I figured something happened because my mom NEVER calls me at 3:30 AM unless it's an emergency situation. Of course I missed it because I was sleeping and I kinda guessed why my mom called me and I was thinking.... "oh crap"

(FYI. I have a brother who is three years younger than me and he just started working out and even hired a personal trainer.)

If you are guessing right now, your guess will be probably right. My called me again and she started:

Mom: "So, what have you been doing?."
Me: "Umm.. what??"
Mom: "Well, your brother told me 'Mom, Minsoo has better body than I do.' So I was like what are you talking about? then your brother said 'Ok. Mom. Come here. I will show you'"
Me: "Ah, that pictures? Mom, I had a competition and I WON. I forgot to tell you. Did you like my pictures? I look hot. Right?"

I tried to make the conversation as normal as possible because I knew she would be mad at me.

Mom: "So what is it? Are you still studying or just working out everyday?"
Me: "Mom, that's what I do when I have free time. I went to Chile and still working at the Rec. I made two B's over the summer. You know me. I always take care of myself."
Mom: "I was freaked out when I saw your pictures, but looks like you put some hard work there."
Me: "Well, mom. It's all genetic. you know. I didn't even work hard to have it" -Yes, I lied.. You know I worked out three times a day-
Mom: "No, it's not true. How could you have body like that with out training? Your hard work paid off. You looked amazing. I'm so proud of you."

What? Is it really? I couldn't believe what I just heard. "I'm so proud of you!" You can't imagine how much I was excited because I've always thought that my mom would be so against of what I'm doing. Not like what I expected, she even asked me to write down what I've been eating.

Mom: "Make sure to write down everything what you ate, so I can make them for your brother and your dad."

Wow, isn't it crazy? My mom actually thinks that what I do is AMAZING!!! And she even asks me some tips of my diets. Mom, they are all what you cook for me while I was growing up. :)

Sometimes what you think is wrong. Maybe you thought that your parents would never understand you. But guess what? They were some point at your age and think like you are. The key was communication. If I told her what my vision was and why I'm doing this, she would probably understand me and even support me. I don't think my mom told my dad because he is even more stick than my mom, but it's ok. He will be very proud of me soon too!

The main thing that I learned since I've left home for six years is to be appreciate what I have. I've learned that how much my family was meant to me. My brother or my sister may not miss me or they may not know how much I am important to them now, but because I know it I always say "I love you" to them whenever I can. How about you? Do you say enough "I love you" to people who you love? Or you think that they are annoyed because you see them everyday. You need to show it otherwise they wouldn't know and you will regret later . Say you love them today. Don't wait until tomorrow. Today might be your last chance to say it. I love my family so much and having them makes me smile even though they are thousands miles away from me.

"Minsoo To Vegas" Sponsorship Letter

Dear Whom May It Concern,


My name is Minsoo, and I was born and grown up in Seoul, South Korea. In the summer of 2005, I came to the United States to learn English. After 6 months of learning English, I decided to get my B.A in Public Relations at the University of Texas at Arlington. While I was studying at UTA, I became involved with fitness and started working out. The concept of fitness is still not common in Korea and many of Asian countries. Many young women think that being skinny is the most important thing and they care more about how they look than being healthy or being well. I thought I was fat and I never wore shorts or skirts in Korea because the natural muscle in my legs was considered fat and unattractive.

Since living in the U.S. fitness has changed my life quite a bit. One day, I realized why I came to the U.S. and how I could live all alone for six years away from my family and friends. God gives everyone a gift. I’ve always wondered what my gifts are. I believe my physique, courage, confidence, persistence, and strong will power are my gifts that I have found so far. I want to share my personal story with others and impact their lives. Becoming a fitness model will allow me to further my education and become a role model to the Asian community as well as college aged individuals internationally. This journey has been difficult both mentally and physically, but I am slowly working towards reaching my ultimate goal to spread fitness to the world. Currently, I am pursuing Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and working as a graduate assistant for Fitness and Wellness at Texas State University while trying to attain my own personal fitness goals at the same time.

On July 10th, 2010, I competed in my first show, the NPC 2010 Branch Warren Classic and I placed 4th in Bikini Class A. On August 7th, 2010, I gained Bikini Overall Champion at the NPC Capital of Texas Roundup. I started training in past April 2010. Four months later, I reached my first goal, to be the overall champion. Although I am qualified to compete at the National level, I can’t enter the competition because it is only open to the U.S. Citizens. I’ve found another opportunity to compete with a different organization called Fitness Universe, an international level fitness competition. My next step will be to compete this November in Las Vegas for the fitness model division. I can promise that I will work my hardest to take home the winning title of the competition. I believe I can make it happen. My goals in competing are to gain exposure and to become a widely-known fitness model /inspirational speaker, as well as being a positive role model for everyone.

However, I will not be able to compete until I can afford the competition. I am a graduate assistant and student who only receives a monthly stipend. The entry fee for the competition is $180. This fee does not include transportation, accommodations, suits, make-up/hair, meals or hotel costs. I’m not a professional model but modeling comes natural to me. I will not ask that you give a specific amount of financial support, but any amount of contribution or other related support would be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to setting up a meeting to further discuss our partnership. Please feel free to contact me at iyor2514@yahoo.com. if you need more information. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.

Sincerely,



Minsoo Go
NPC 2010 Capital of Texas Roundup – Bikini Overall Champion
Graduate Assistant – Fitness & Wellness
Department of Campus Recreation
Master of Business Administration
Texas State University