Just Dance

Headed out last (rainy) Saturday night to a Winter Solstice Dance Party.  It started out with some cleansing sage, writing out our intentions and lighting candles...then we danced. We danced sooo much.  This little dance party was held at Studio A Dance in Silver Lake and hosted by Melissa and Shashona who were so awesome (energetic, kind, and encouraging) and so welcoming.

I have not danced in too long...and I have the two left feet and spastic arms to prove it.  Somewhere in the middle I forget which is left and which is right...but it's okay.  What I've learned in taking a lot of group classes is that no body really cares...most people are focusing on either the teacher or not running into their neighbor. (Side note: during one class my teacher was my neighbor and I nearly took him down.)  If you are ever in a class and catch someone looking it's most likely that your doing something correctly (or gracefully) and that person wants to be like you.  What I truly love about these group dance class/workouts is that once every so often I catch myself feeling on...like there is a moment where I actually get it and it's great.  These moments are fleeting but when it's over I know I did something.  

If you are reluctant to get out there and try a dance class, I get it...but believe me when I tell you that after the class you'll be a little more proud of yourself.  Be kind to yourself.  In an effort to be kind to myself, I'm going to find some dance classes I can take (that are a bit closer to me than driving out to LA...this is kind to myself because I'll spend less time in traffic).

My workouts are trying to kill me

In an effort to lose weight and fit into my clothes again (oh yeah and to be healthier too I suppose) I've taken up walking.  I know I got all excited thinking that I would have a walking buddy, but that hasn't quite gone as planned.  No worries though, she got me out there and got me moving.

Sadly, my workouts have been trying to kill me.  It's not like I'm walking through some forest populated with lions, tigers and flying monkeys. I'm also not aiming for any marathon distances.

I arrive at the park a little after 7 (cooler time of day and parking turns to free).  I park by the lake...but away from the ducks.  I turn on my little "Map my Walk" app and get started. The loop around is about 2 miles and I've been going at least 3 times a week.  T

On Monday, I was about halfway around when my shins started to hurt.  Like a lot.  I stopped and tried stretching...but realized that I wasn't stretching where it was hurting.  Took a few more steps, so much pain!  Being at the halfway point sucked, either way I still had a mile to go.  Summoning my inner high school gym teacher I walked it off.  Got home that night and read all about shin splints.

I Googled (as one does) and it told me that the cause of my pain was basically exercise (too much too fast).  I read that I should take it down a notch, get some rest and try something with lower impact.  The heck?!?!  It has taken me forever to get into some kind of routine and when I've finally found one that I've been sticking too (for like several consecutive weeks) and it causes me physical pain! So frustrating.

I made a plan to alter my course a bit and work back into my regular loop.  I found some helpful stretches and added a 30 day Ab Challenge to my workout.

Shortly after altering my course to help my shins I stumbled upon a new problem, quite literally.  On my way back to my car I fell in a hole. I hurt my knee and my elbow and my pride.  Lucky for me I was wearing my sunglasses and did not make any eye contact with anyone! I am now adding "watching where I'm going" to my list of things to make my workouts better.


Cheers to you and your legs that are like working as they should!

going with the flo

I've considered this purchase for a while and finally broke down and bought myself and Indo Board.  Although I've only ever been to surf camp once (forever ago) deep down I fancy myself a surfer at heart.  I love the idea of paddling out and waiting for that perfect moment where you paddle and pop up and gracefully guide across the ocean for a few delightful seconds.

I initially picked up the board with just the roller...based on the reviews the cushion was too easy and people quickly switched to the roller.  I on the other hand had the roller and quickly went and ordered the cushion.

I'm glad I did, it's more stable and I can actually balance (a little) on it. So far, I've only used it in five minute increments...but it's a start and at least I'm using my purchase.   

I'll update my progress on this.

Pleased by Pilates

My weight is a little bit of an issue for me.  It felt like it came on all of a sudden a few years back (thank you 30s!) and I've been struggling with it ever since.  Not a big struggle mind you, I would rather go out to eat than go to the gym.

I've been enjoying taking the occasional Yoga Booty Ballet class at the Heartbeat House in Atwater Village. Luisa and Kristen's classes just leave me feeling good about myself both mentally and physically.  The only issue I have is the drive.  One evening recently it was pointed out that my drive took longer than the class. Womp womp.

In an effort to find a closer alternative (but by no means giving up on my YBB) I looked in Pilates.  Tucked away in a small lot in La Verne I found Equilibrium Fitness.  After a little phone tag with the trainers, I made an appointment with Becky and went in for my first training session last Friday.

It was AMAZING.  How have I not tried Pilates before this? It was slow and relaxing...but I worked muscles all over my person. I was just sore enough the next day, like a "hello muscle, where have you been hiding?" kind of sore.  Becky showed me how to breathe and made corrections throughout our one hour meeting.  She was super sweet and supportive. Once I am more comfortable around the equipment (it is a bit daunting) I will try out the group classes they offer.  I am so excited to see Becky again on Wednesday and even better I am finally looking forward to working out again.

I highly recommend checking out studios in your area.  I've noticed that a lot of places offer an introductory special.  If you've been looking to get in shape but dread going to the gym (sweaty treadmills and people hogging machines playing on their phones) a one on one or small group class may be the way to go.

just dance

I did not work out in January.  Like, not even a little bit...but that's okay.  I read somewhere that February 7 is the day that the gyms clear out across the country as people give up on their new year resolutions.  So, with that in mind I began my exercising for the year on February 1.  

Now as all those other people are giving up and sliding back in to their sedentary lives, I strike! I started by attending a dance class last Saturday.  I am not by any means coordinated. I sometimes have to pause and think about which is right and which is left (sometimes I feel that it's an embarrassingly long time...but it's probably not...probably).  Anyway, I danced...and it didn't matter if I went left right left or right left right.  It was fun...some ladies worried a little more about whether or not they were getting it right.  The way I see it, if I was going to be a professional dancer (ballet, exotic, what have you) I would have started practicing a while ago.  

Getting out there and moving really did make me feel better though.  I was happier, and it lasted into the next day.  When I woke up a little sore the next day...that felt good too.  It had been so long since I'd done something good for myself like that I'd forgotten what it felt like.  Which is a little sad, but it's okay because it's February and a whole new time to start fresh. 

(Also, if you're in the LA area and want to take some awesome dancey classes may I suggest the Heartbeat House.  I like the Yoga Booty Ballet classes, but they have a lot of variety)

Cheers!

 

Stronger than yesterday

I had a second meeting with a trainer on Monday.  It's taken a while to coordinate schedules so it's been like a month since we've worked together.  I lasted a whopping 25ish minutes...so out of shape!  She had me do a 10 minute warm up on a treadmill (incline 3.5 and speed between 3.5-4) then we did two full circuits of arms with a 25lb weight, "prisoner" squats, a little cardio thing she calls "mountain climbers", lunges and planks in 30 second spurts.  I called it quits after that, because the first time we worked out I couldn't walk without wincing for two days after and didn't want to overdo it again.  Oi vey.  I was sweating and could feel it in my muscles (my poor wimpy little muscles!).

I asked her to give me some other variations of workouts that I could do on my own, seeing as we don't always get our schedules together.  She set me up with some arm moves (she recommends free weights over weight machines toning).  She wants me to keep doing lunges and squats for my legs (ugh! but I get it).  Her breakdown for my workouts was this 10 minute warm up followed by arms, legs, abs, cardio in either reps of 10 or 30 seconds each. Three full circuits.

I love this girl.  She is so sweet, and she really listens to my questions and concerns.  She also works out right along side me only stopping to correct my form.  I know I'm only two sessions in, but I really feel like she will help me get some results I can see (and I know I can already feel them).


So, that's the beginning of me working to become a healthier individual...I'd love to hear thoughts you have on healthy living.  Tips, sites you visit, your workout plans, meal plans, or blogs you follow in this area...please, let me know!


Cheers to you and have a happy day!