So, tomorrow is it... the last day of 2012. I get up, go to work, spend the evening with friends and wake up in a new year.
I may try to stay up and ring in the new year but it would be difficult... I have a 5k to run in the morning. At 9am. And it's an hour away. Oof.
Oh well.
Today I went grocery shopping and restocked on all the healthy stuff I need. Then I made a giant pot of stew in the crock pot to allow me to eat well for lunch the 4 days I work this week. Then I worked out, and worked on flash cards for AFAA Primary Group Exercise and my TurboKick classes.
I paid bills and worked on my budget. I updated my calendar. I got my eyebrows waxed.
I taught an awesome, intense, sweaty hour and fifteen minutes of Zumba.
I ate a delicious dinner and FroYo with my best friends. We watched football and hung out.
I finally feel like I've got things in hand. I have a plan and I'm working the plan and it's working for me.
In the new year I'm doing a couple of cool things. First up DietBet!
Roni - who I adore - is doing a DietBet with her readers and the internet at large. It's awesome! I'm totally stoked. And scared. 12 pounds is a lot for me to lose in a month. I'm going to do my damnedest though! I WANT TO BE IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE!
Then, Dani - who is on my long list of newly developed girl crushes from FitBloggin - over at Weight Off My Shoulders is doing a Progress Not Perfection challenge - 8 weeks, track all the things, be accountable to everyone else. I'm excited about that too. I always do better when I feel like everyone is watching my every move. This is going to be good for me.
Also, I'm adding in TurboKick. Sentao and Toning classes in to my schedule on a weekly basis now. I will be getting to use all my certifications/licenses I'm even hoping to get Hustle back on the schedule in the next month or so. Just something fun and different to switch things up.
The most important thing is that everything is being done on my terms. I'm taking control and I'm making decisions and I'm not letting myself be second fiddle to anyone. Not at work, not in the fitness world, not at home.
One of the biggest lessons for me in 2012 is that I sabotage myself by being too nice and not making waves. I avoid confrontation and am afraid to hurt anyone and that's great, it's who I am and it's part of why people like me... I'm a big old softie...but it also lets me get walked on. I need to be more forward and honest and forthcoming. I've been working on it for the last few months and I'm getting more confident in it.
I'm ready to get through tomorrow and wave in 2013 with a smile and a rocking time on my 5k.
What are YOU doing to get 2013 started off on the right foot?
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Weekly goals - 7/9-7/15
For the week of 7/9/2012 through 7/15/2012 I am setting the following goals for myself with regard to fitness and nutrition. And some steps I've taken to help keep myself to them!!
1. Only drink one carbonated beverage a day. I bought a new Brita pitcher filter to take to the office and since we're close to the break room I can fetch fresh water and ice just about any time. That will make it easier for me to avoid the Coke Zero monkey that's so heavy on my back.
2. Try one new fruit or vegetable. Matt is going to go in on this with me. Not sure what I'm going to do this week. Will hit the grocery store this week and browse the produce aisle until I find something that piques my interest.
3. Re-start Couch to 5K and do all of my week 1 runs. Playlists are loaded and program is on my iPod, ready to rock!
4. Pack my lunch every day. I've got meals planned and am ready to rock on this one.
5. Drink my shake every morning. I have everything I need but I will need more Almond milk by about midweek.
6. Alternate doing push ups and crunches every night. I'm trying to work up to 10 full on the ground push ups and 100 crunches at a go.
I will try to update my blog every day with where I am on these goals.
What are YOUR goals for the week? What steps are you taking to be the best YOU that you can be?
1. Only drink one carbonated beverage a day. I bought a new Brita pitcher filter to take to the office and since we're close to the break room I can fetch fresh water and ice just about any time. That will make it easier for me to avoid the Coke Zero monkey that's so heavy on my back.
2. Try one new fruit or vegetable. Matt is going to go in on this with me. Not sure what I'm going to do this week. Will hit the grocery store this week and browse the produce aisle until I find something that piques my interest.
3. Re-start Couch to 5K and do all of my week 1 runs. Playlists are loaded and program is on my iPod, ready to rock!
4. Pack my lunch every day. I've got meals planned and am ready to rock on this one.
5. Drink my shake every morning. I have everything I need but I will need more Almond milk by about midweek.
6. Alternate doing push ups and crunches every night. I'm trying to work up to 10 full on the ground push ups and 100 crunches at a go.
I will try to update my blog every day with where I am on these goals.
What are YOUR goals for the week? What steps are you taking to be the best YOU that you can be?
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Am I not important enough?
There are a number of people in my life who keep making snide comments about how Zumba is my life. That's far from the truth.
It is a huge part of my life:
Plus, Zumba's just FUN and far more interesting than either of the above topics.
So imagine how hurt I felt when I saw the following on my tumblr feed.
This made my blood boil and really made me feel like an awful person.
I do everything in my power to be supportive of those around me. I go to historical reenactments and various history related things for Marshall. I have tried to get in to various yoga, barre, and advanced workouts to do them with Katie to share in her love of them. I played WoW to hang out with Katie. I supported Matt running his first 10K and wound up running my first 5K in the process. I am willing to go anywhere and do anything with my friends to support them in their interests....
So why is me having something that's my own a bad thing?
Marshall has never once come to a Zumba class or come to support me when I've done a Zumbathon or Zumba demo somewhere. (He actually went to one once, slept in the car the whole time!) Matt comes to class occasionally. Katie has come three or four times. I know it's not for everyone but I expect the same respect for my hobbies as I have for theirs.They don't have to like it but they need to respect it.
It's been bugging me for a while how many people tell me I need to stop doing Zumba or stop working out because I'm doing it too much. People who play Minecraft for hours a day. Or WoW. Or run on their elliptical. Or browse the internet. Or watch TV.
All in all Zumba doesn't even take up much time in my day. 1-2 hours most days, sometimes more as I learn new choreography or get ready for big events. I do have friends from Zumba who I talk about it with a lot - it's a common interest! And I talk about it a lot on Facebook - that's because I'm having fun with it and I want to share it with people. Also, it's marketing for it since it's, you know, my other job.
Fitness became a priority to me about 2 years ago. I know it may be hard for people to understand that but priorities do change. Two years ago my life was my close group of friends. They were all I had and I made it my goal to keep everyone happy and every one close. Then I got burned out and realized I needed to put myself first in some respect or I really was going to die at an early age.
When I got laid off in 2010 I took a step back and reassessed my life and made a decision to take care of myself before I worried about others. It was time to be selfish. When I found Zumba it was like the planets aligned and I found something that I liked, that fit my needs, and that I was good at. It was my escape.
I don't pass up social events, I don't avoid social interaction for Zumba. The only thing that's changed is that I have an interest that's mine and mine alone.
I don't want to be made to feel bad for having something that's mine.
If people continue to make me feel that way it may be time to re-assess who my friends really are. I refuse to take a back seat in my life again.
It is a huge part of my life:
- It's a hobby.
- It's exercise.
- It's a job.
- It's social interation.
- It's physical release.
- It's an emotional safe place.
- It's something I happen to be really fricken good at!
Plus, Zumba's just FUN and far more interesting than either of the above topics.
So imagine how hurt I felt when I saw the following on my tumblr feed.
This made my blood boil and really made me feel like an awful person.
I do everything in my power to be supportive of those around me. I go to historical reenactments and various history related things for Marshall. I have tried to get in to various yoga, barre, and advanced workouts to do them with Katie to share in her love of them. I played WoW to hang out with Katie. I supported Matt running his first 10K and wound up running my first 5K in the process. I am willing to go anywhere and do anything with my friends to support them in their interests....
So why is me having something that's my own a bad thing?
Marshall has never once come to a Zumba class or come to support me when I've done a Zumbathon or Zumba demo somewhere. (He actually went to one once, slept in the car the whole time!) Matt comes to class occasionally. Katie has come three or four times. I know it's not for everyone but I expect the same respect for my hobbies as I have for theirs.They don't have to like it but they need to respect it.
It's been bugging me for a while how many people tell me I need to stop doing Zumba or stop working out because I'm doing it too much. People who play Minecraft for hours a day. Or WoW. Or run on their elliptical. Or browse the internet. Or watch TV.
All in all Zumba doesn't even take up much time in my day. 1-2 hours most days, sometimes more as I learn new choreography or get ready for big events. I do have friends from Zumba who I talk about it with a lot - it's a common interest! And I talk about it a lot on Facebook - that's because I'm having fun with it and I want to share it with people. Also, it's marketing for it since it's, you know, my other job.
Fitness became a priority to me about 2 years ago. I know it may be hard for people to understand that but priorities do change. Two years ago my life was my close group of friends. They were all I had and I made it my goal to keep everyone happy and every one close. Then I got burned out and realized I needed to put myself first in some respect or I really was going to die at an early age.
When I got laid off in 2010 I took a step back and reassessed my life and made a decision to take care of myself before I worried about others. It was time to be selfish. When I found Zumba it was like the planets aligned and I found something that I liked, that fit my needs, and that I was good at. It was my escape.
I don't pass up social events, I don't avoid social interaction for Zumba. The only thing that's changed is that I have an interest that's mine and mine alone.
I don't want to be made to feel bad for having something that's mine.
If people continue to make me feel that way it may be time to re-assess who my friends really are. I refuse to take a back seat in my life again.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Goodbye 11. Hello 12. Hello Love.
So maybe I'm a year early for this reference. Deal with it!
2011 year in review and 2012 wishes:
Really got in to the groove with my new job. I started full time in July of 2010 but in 2011 I got to do some major projects, work with groups all across the bank and started to feel secure in my job. I got to travel! I got to do major presentations! I had some major successes and only a few pitfalls. When 2011 started I couldn't have dreamed I'd be where I am now. I can only imagine what cool, new, exciting and scary things I'll get to do professionally in 2012!
Zumba! Wow... I got in to Zumba in the second half of 2010 and became a total addict in 2011. I got licensed to teach Zumba in June and Zumba Toning in October. I went from a student to an instructor. I now teach in 3 locations. There are people who not only like me but who actually go out of their way to come to my classes. People look up to me, support me and look to me for support. I can't say loudly enough how honored I am to be part of the Zumba family in Wilson. I've gained friends in my fellow instructors and in many of my students. In 2012 I'm looking forward to expanding my classes, incorporating more Toning, and getting my Basic 2 and Zumbatomic licenses. I'm also hoping to bring the Wilson instructors together and make us a tighter knit community and working towards some more common goals.
Everything Chalene Johnson - Oh man. Oh man. I took Chalene's 30 Day Challenge to help me get organized and feel more in control. It worked! I also got certified to teach Hip Hop Hustle and fell in love with TurboKick and Turbo Jam. Starting on January 2 I'm doing a 30 Day Beach Body challenge with some ladies from the Y and I'm looking forward to rocking out to Turbo Jam daily! I'm also ready to get Hip Hop Hustle on the schedule at the YMCA and the studio and to try my hand at PiYo. I don't think I'll be ready to teach either TK or PiYo in 2012 but I'm looking towards that in 2013... maybe.
Health in general. If it isn't obvious 2011 is the year I became a total fitness junkie. I mean, really, my birthday present to myself was a weekend of Zumba Toning and Hip Hop Hustle trainings. I've worked hard with my doctors to get some of my underlying health issues resolved so I can get my weight in check. 2011 wasn't as successful in that realm as I wanted it to be. I'm smaller and more compact but I didn't see the scales fall in line with that the way it should have. I can, however, say that I feel better from head to toe. I have more energy, I feel more balanced and I can do normal people things now without feeling like a fish out of water. 2011 is the year that I stopped relying on my anxiety medications and started really feel in control of my anxieties and fears. I still get every cold possible and my allergies are totally out of control but I have energy and I feel stronger and more in control of my health every day. I still have some pretty serious hangups I need to address in the coming year but I'm going to do it with the love and support of those that matter most.
Family. 2011 was not a great year for family and that's something I really want to work on in 2012. Physically there's distance between me and my closest relatives but, more than that, there's a lot of emotional distance as well. It's been a rough couple of years for us and, over time, we just fell apart. I want to be more involved in my niece and nephews lives. I want to feel involved with my sister and brothers lives. I don't want to hear everything second hand from my mother. I've always felt a little out of place in my family. I'm very different from them in so many ways but they're my blood. I want to keep them as close as possible.
Money. Well my first full year in a real job certainly helped my financial situation but it's still been a rough road. I've been working on budgeting and controlling my spending for the last few months and I'm finally starting to see some growth in my savings account and some progress towards paying off my student loans. I hope to keep going in that direction.
My big goals for 2012 are as follows:
I mean, I won't... not ever again.
Goobye 11. Hello 12. Hello life.
2011 year in review and 2012 wishes:
Really got in to the groove with my new job. I started full time in July of 2010 but in 2011 I got to do some major projects, work with groups all across the bank and started to feel secure in my job. I got to travel! I got to do major presentations! I had some major successes and only a few pitfalls. When 2011 started I couldn't have dreamed I'd be where I am now. I can only imagine what cool, new, exciting and scary things I'll get to do professionally in 2012!
Zumba! Wow... I got in to Zumba in the second half of 2010 and became a total addict in 2011. I got licensed to teach Zumba in June and Zumba Toning in October. I went from a student to an instructor. I now teach in 3 locations. There are people who not only like me but who actually go out of their way to come to my classes. People look up to me, support me and look to me for support. I can't say loudly enough how honored I am to be part of the Zumba family in Wilson. I've gained friends in my fellow instructors and in many of my students. In 2012 I'm looking forward to expanding my classes, incorporating more Toning, and getting my Basic 2 and Zumbatomic licenses. I'm also hoping to bring the Wilson instructors together and make us a tighter knit community and working towards some more common goals.
Everything Chalene Johnson - Oh man. Oh man. I took Chalene's 30 Day Challenge to help me get organized and feel more in control. It worked! I also got certified to teach Hip Hop Hustle and fell in love with TurboKick and Turbo Jam. Starting on January 2 I'm doing a 30 Day Beach Body challenge with some ladies from the Y and I'm looking forward to rocking out to Turbo Jam daily! I'm also ready to get Hip Hop Hustle on the schedule at the YMCA and the studio and to try my hand at PiYo. I don't think I'll be ready to teach either TK or PiYo in 2012 but I'm looking towards that in 2013... maybe.
Health in general. If it isn't obvious 2011 is the year I became a total fitness junkie. I mean, really, my birthday present to myself was a weekend of Zumba Toning and Hip Hop Hustle trainings. I've worked hard with my doctors to get some of my underlying health issues resolved so I can get my weight in check. 2011 wasn't as successful in that realm as I wanted it to be. I'm smaller and more compact but I didn't see the scales fall in line with that the way it should have. I can, however, say that I feel better from head to toe. I have more energy, I feel more balanced and I can do normal people things now without feeling like a fish out of water. 2011 is the year that I stopped relying on my anxiety medications and started really feel in control of my anxieties and fears. I still get every cold possible and my allergies are totally out of control but I have energy and I feel stronger and more in control of my health every day. I still have some pretty serious hangups I need to address in the coming year but I'm going to do it with the love and support of those that matter most.
Family. 2011 was not a great year for family and that's something I really want to work on in 2012. Physically there's distance between me and my closest relatives but, more than that, there's a lot of emotional distance as well. It's been a rough couple of years for us and, over time, we just fell apart. I want to be more involved in my niece and nephews lives. I want to feel involved with my sister and brothers lives. I don't want to hear everything second hand from my mother. I've always felt a little out of place in my family. I'm very different from them in so many ways but they're my blood. I want to keep them as close as possible.
Money. Well my first full year in a real job certainly helped my financial situation but it's still been a rough road. I've been working on budgeting and controlling my spending for the last few months and I'm finally starting to see some growth in my savings account and some progress towards paying off my student loans. I hope to keep going in that direction.
My big goals for 2012 are as follows:
- Lose 20% of my current body weight. That would be about 60 pounds.
- Get off of at least some of my medications and supplements.
- Get my Basic 2 and Zumbatomic licenses.
- Get me GroupEx certification at the fall Apex event.
- Reach my savings goals.
I mean, I won't... not ever again.
Goobye 11. Hello 12. Hello life.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Christmas week crazies. Bodybugg! and January 2012 goals.
Work was totally and utterly insane this week. Year end stuff is just wild. I got a ton accomplished and I feel good about where we are going in to 2012.
There was a bit of work related drama this week that put me in a bit of a foul mood. I'm ready for the new year and the permanent team and standardization.
Wednesday night after work I hit up two classes at the Y. First TurboKick! It was with a different instructor and Daphne is just awesome. Different vibe to the class but I loved it and my body is STILL hurting!
Well, partly because of that and partly because of taking Zumba with Mrs. Fatass herself right afterwards! It was AMAZING! So very much fun!
Two fantastic hours of cardio with two amazing ladies!
Thursday was The Nutcracker and it was fantastic! I felt like a kid watching it. The dancing was amazing, the costumes unbelievable and the magic stuff they added was just cool.
Tonight I had a kick ass Zumba class. 11 people, which is HUGE for a Friday night, and everyone left with a big ol' smile on their faces.
Food wise I've been doing okay the last few days. Yesterday dinner was a bit weird as we had a weird schedule because of the ballet but all in all a good few days.
The most exciting thing? Today I got my Bodybugg! EEEEE! I'm still getting used to it and I messed up logging my first workout using their workout tracker but I got the calorie count which is what mattered. It's a nifty tool and it makes for a fitness video game feel. I want to burn the most and eat the best and walk the most steps! It'll be interesting to see how I get to incorporate it over the next few weeks.
I also met with my new beachbody team members yesterday. We took our before pictures and discussed goals and plans. I remembered I took some pictures last December and I compared them. Maybe I'll get brave and post them. Maybe at the end of the 30 day challenge.
Goals for January? Lose 15-17 pounds. Work out mornings with Turbo Jam and my normal Zumba schedule in the evenings. I am also going to be doing Shakeology shakes. Add in the BodyBugg and Weight Watchers and I think I have all the tools needed to reach my goals! It's going to be a wild month and I'm ready to everything! Right tools, right support, right time!
There was a bit of work related drama this week that put me in a bit of a foul mood. I'm ready for the new year and the permanent team and standardization.
Wednesday night after work I hit up two classes at the Y. First TurboKick! It was with a different instructor and Daphne is just awesome. Different vibe to the class but I loved it and my body is STILL hurting!
Well, partly because of that and partly because of taking Zumba with Mrs. Fatass herself right afterwards! It was AMAZING! So very much fun!
Two fantastic hours of cardio with two amazing ladies!
Thursday was The Nutcracker and it was fantastic! I felt like a kid watching it. The dancing was amazing, the costumes unbelievable and the magic stuff they added was just cool.
Tonight I had a kick ass Zumba class. 11 people, which is HUGE for a Friday night, and everyone left with a big ol' smile on their faces.
Food wise I've been doing okay the last few days. Yesterday dinner was a bit weird as we had a weird schedule because of the ballet but all in all a good few days.
The most exciting thing? Today I got my Bodybugg! EEEEE! I'm still getting used to it and I messed up logging my first workout using their workout tracker but I got the calorie count which is what mattered. It's a nifty tool and it makes for a fitness video game feel. I want to burn the most and eat the best and walk the most steps! It'll be interesting to see how I get to incorporate it over the next few weeks.
I also met with my new beachbody team members yesterday. We took our before pictures and discussed goals and plans. I remembered I took some pictures last December and I compared them. Maybe I'll get brave and post them. Maybe at the end of the 30 day challenge.
Goals for January? Lose 15-17 pounds. Work out mornings with Turbo Jam and my normal Zumba schedule in the evenings. I am also going to be doing Shakeology shakes. Add in the BodyBugg and Weight Watchers and I think I have all the tools needed to reach my goals! It's going to be a wild month and I'm ready to everything! Right tools, right support, right time!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
This week could not POSSIBLY get better...
This week has been sufficiently insane and I couldn't love it more. Here's the skinny on what's been going on this week.
Monday: Work was incredibly busy, fulfilling and made me kind of high on the rush of deadlines. I had a fantastic class at my senior center location. A new student showed up who wound up being an old friend from my previous job! We had lost touch when she left about a year before I was laid off. It was really exciting to see her and catch up a bit! This class planted the seeds of fun for Tuesday!
Tuesday: Run, run, run! Work was a whirlwild of getting ready for this meeting next Monday in Winston. My eyes were about to BLEED from staring at PowerPoint all day. Zumba double class fun ensued after work. After class on Tuesday someone commented that she wished we did Shake Senora at the start of class rather than at the end. I asked why and she said it helped to make her feel more comfortable. It's a silly dance and makes you face your class mates so I can see her thought process.
So we tried it! It really did change the energy of the class. Normally the first 2-3 songs are warm up. I tossed Shake in as the end of warm up. It's silly but it's still a good cardio song so it fit in the flow. It was really cool everyone was off to the races with laughing and joking and just giving it their all. It worked out well in both classes and tonight I'm going to try it with Big and Chunky or Drop it Low which are two of our other fun songs.
Wednesday: This day shall be known as the day of incredible awesome. First off - my month end weigh in. Down to 328. Huzzah! Progressive weight loss! The scale keeps moving downward in a slow, but mostly steady, pattern. This starts my day off on a happy note.
I had an awesome meeting with the team for the Monday meeting in Winston. The PowerPoint was well received and the edits were minimal. Then I had a good talk with my boss about some other job related stuff and I'm really excited for things yet to come.
After work one of the temps on my team said something that just made my heart break that we're losing most of them at the start of the new year. I love working with all of them and I really wish we could hire them all on permanently.
Then dinner with Marshall and his folks for his birthday. My beloved turned 32 yesterday and we had a tasty meal out at Ruby Tuesday. Nice and calming.
Later in the evening I taught at the YMCA and class was incredible. Firstly, it was my first 20+ student class at the Y on my own. Very cool. Secondly, using Shake Senora at the start helped to bring in new folks and let them just have fun and not feel so nervous. Thirdly, I got an amazing compliment after class. One of the new students caught me after class and told me she loved class, said it was a fun and joyful class, she loved it and she would be back. She also honked and told me I rocked as I walked to my car.
At this point the outside was suffering from a sudden dust storm.. because that's the only excuse for my eyes getting so watery. I rarely get compliments so three big ones in a day is like hitting the lottery for me. I felt so loved, so appreciated and so grateful.
After class the lovely Miss Sarah surprised me with a very thoughtful gift - a "Christmas bonus" of sorts - for all the help I give her. It was completely unexpected and incredibly sweet. She is so awesome and never fails to remind me how much she appreciates my help.
Then we met Marshall and Matt for a birthday drink at the local bar. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Thursday: Already a great day. Lots of good news all around. Marshall should be finishing up this thesis defense shortly so hopefully more awesome to come!
Monday: Work was incredibly busy, fulfilling and made me kind of high on the rush of deadlines. I had a fantastic class at my senior center location. A new student showed up who wound up being an old friend from my previous job! We had lost touch when she left about a year before I was laid off. It was really exciting to see her and catch up a bit! This class planted the seeds of fun for Tuesday!
Tuesday: Run, run, run! Work was a whirlwild of getting ready for this meeting next Monday in Winston. My eyes were about to BLEED from staring at PowerPoint all day. Zumba double class fun ensued after work. After class on Tuesday someone commented that she wished we did Shake Senora at the start of class rather than at the end. I asked why and she said it helped to make her feel more comfortable. It's a silly dance and makes you face your class mates so I can see her thought process.
So we tried it! It really did change the energy of the class. Normally the first 2-3 songs are warm up. I tossed Shake in as the end of warm up. It's silly but it's still a good cardio song so it fit in the flow. It was really cool everyone was off to the races with laughing and joking and just giving it their all. It worked out well in both classes and tonight I'm going to try it with Big and Chunky or Drop it Low which are two of our other fun songs.
Wednesday: This day shall be known as the day of incredible awesome. First off - my month end weigh in. Down to 328. Huzzah! Progressive weight loss! The scale keeps moving downward in a slow, but mostly steady, pattern. This starts my day off on a happy note.
I had an awesome meeting with the team for the Monday meeting in Winston. The PowerPoint was well received and the edits were minimal. Then I had a good talk with my boss about some other job related stuff and I'm really excited for things yet to come.
After work one of the temps on my team said something that just made my heart break that we're losing most of them at the start of the new year. I love working with all of them and I really wish we could hire them all on permanently.
Then dinner with Marshall and his folks for his birthday. My beloved turned 32 yesterday and we had a tasty meal out at Ruby Tuesday. Nice and calming.
Later in the evening I taught at the YMCA and class was incredible. Firstly, it was my first 20+ student class at the Y on my own. Very cool. Secondly, using Shake Senora at the start helped to bring in new folks and let them just have fun and not feel so nervous. Thirdly, I got an amazing compliment after class. One of the new students caught me after class and told me she loved class, said it was a fun and joyful class, she loved it and she would be back. She also honked and told me I rocked as I walked to my car.
At this point the outside was suffering from a sudden dust storm.. because that's the only excuse for my eyes getting so watery. I rarely get compliments so three big ones in a day is like hitting the lottery for me. I felt so loved, so appreciated and so grateful.
After class the lovely Miss Sarah surprised me with a very thoughtful gift - a "Christmas bonus" of sorts - for all the help I give her. It was completely unexpected and incredibly sweet. She is so awesome and never fails to remind me how much she appreciates my help.
Then we met Marshall and Matt for a birthday drink at the local bar. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Thursday: Already a great day. Lots of good news all around. Marshall should be finishing up this thesis defense shortly so hopefully more awesome to come!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Zumba News. Vacation. A secret project!
Earlier this week I hashed out an agreement to teach Zumba at a new location. It's a solo teaching gig! I'll be out there, on my own.
I'm completely and utterly over the moon about the whole situation and also scared out of my mind. Three ladies who come to Zumba at the studio live near where I'll be teaching and are talking the class, and me, up all over the place! I can't even express how much of a boost to my self esteem that is.
I've also agreed to teach in another Zumbathon in Goldsboro next month. Another fundraiser for the troops. Zumba for a good cause? Sign me up!
Then there's the on going plans for my yearly vacation to Kentucky and Indiana. A car load of folks driving up and spending six days trapped in a van and visiting new and exciting places, seeing dear old friends and meeting new and interesting people along the way. I can hardly wait. It's always one of the best parts of my year and I look forward to the break from the monotony to recharge my batteries going in to 2012.
It's also going to be great for my body because I'm going to be wearing myself out over the next few weeks. I'm currently at day 12 of 18 continuous days of teaching/co-teaching Zumba classes.
I have not had a day off from Zumba since October 31st and my next day off is November 18th. While that's kind of cool... it's also very painful.
I'm actually holding on relatively well, all things considered. Yes, my quads and hamstrings are sore, my calves feel like I've filled them with heavy rocks, my back is tight and my feet are in desperate need of a very long massage and a pedicure
On the flip side though, I feel energized and am sleeping like the dead every night. I'm dealing with my anxiety and fear through pushing my body in class. This has decreased my reliance on Xanax for panic attacks because I can funnel that anxiety in to preparation for class and into class itself.
I can't wait to get up in the morning and go teach another hour. Then I get to focus on my other big project for the weekend.
Katie has a dance project to do for a class and she, Matt and I will be meeting up to learn the choreography I came up with and finally get it recorded for her to turn in. I'm excited about having people dancing things that came out of my head.
I still get a high from watching people do the Zumba routines I choreographed. One day I'll get brave and record that too.
There will be video from this project and I promise to share it!
Soon!!!
I'm completely and utterly over the moon about the whole situation and also scared out of my mind. Three ladies who come to Zumba at the studio live near where I'll be teaching and are talking the class, and me, up all over the place! I can't even express how much of a boost to my self esteem that is.
I've also agreed to teach in another Zumbathon in Goldsboro next month. Another fundraiser for the troops. Zumba for a good cause? Sign me up!
Then there's the on going plans for my yearly vacation to Kentucky and Indiana. A car load of folks driving up and spending six days trapped in a van and visiting new and exciting places, seeing dear old friends and meeting new and interesting people along the way. I can hardly wait. It's always one of the best parts of my year and I look forward to the break from the monotony to recharge my batteries going in to 2012.
It's also going to be great for my body because I'm going to be wearing myself out over the next few weeks. I'm currently at day 12 of 18 continuous days of teaching/co-teaching Zumba classes.
I have not had a day off from Zumba since October 31st and my next day off is November 18th. While that's kind of cool... it's also very painful.
I'm actually holding on relatively well, all things considered. Yes, my quads and hamstrings are sore, my calves feel like I've filled them with heavy rocks, my back is tight and my feet are in desperate need of a very long massage and a pedicure
On the flip side though, I feel energized and am sleeping like the dead every night. I'm dealing with my anxiety and fear through pushing my body in class. This has decreased my reliance on Xanax for panic attacks because I can funnel that anxiety in to preparation for class and into class itself.
I can't wait to get up in the morning and go teach another hour. Then I get to focus on my other big project for the weekend.
Katie has a dance project to do for a class and she, Matt and I will be meeting up to learn the choreography I came up with and finally get it recorded for her to turn in. I'm excited about having people dancing things that came out of my head.
I still get a high from watching people do the Zumba routines I choreographed. One day I'll get brave and record that too.
There will be video from this project and I promise to share it!
Soon!!!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Simply awesome
Since Thursday everything has just been flowing beautifully.
Last night I had the honor of joining several Zumba instructors from the Rocky Mount are for their Zumbathon to benefit Operation Purple and Soldiers' Angels. It was a fantastic event and they raised over $700 for the two organizations with donations still coming in from those who couldn't be there.
I got to teach two routines. I did Whenever, Whereever which I choreographed and End of Time which I learned from one of the NC Jammers. It was the first time I'd participated in an event like that as an instructor and I was nervous but the folks seemed to love both routines and I had a great time just dancing with new people and learning from other, more experienced, instructors. I happen to know there are pics of me teaching... when I get them I'll share them if they're not too embarrassing!
After that I got to go out to dinner with Marsh, Matt and one of my Zumba buddies and her husband. It was fabulous! It was great to just sit and chat and share delicious, delicious Mexican food!
THEN! When I got home I had an email that made me squeal like a school girl! I PASSED the Hip Hop Hustle certification - written and practical. I PASSED! I can't tell you how absolutely happy that news made me.
I'm about to order the AFAA study book so I can get my Group X instructor certification next February. Knowing that I passed the HHH course gave me the push to just go for it. My confidence is really starting to build. Each little hurdle makes me want to hop over a bigger one.
This morning I had a great Zumba class at the YMCA and what happened after just made my heart happy. One of the students, an older lady, came up to me and told me how much fun she had. She told me she was just getting back in to working out after having surgery to remove skin cancer from several spots. She said she felt like Zumba was something that would help her get fit and she wouldn't be bored or dread going. She specifically asked what my schedule was and said she hoped to see me in class soon.
It's the moments like that which make me feel fulfilled in my role as a Zumba instructor. I love knowing that people can come in to my class - first time or not - and find the joy in what we're doing. I love that they come in, sweat, laugh and leave with a smile on their face (even if they want to hit me for trying to kill their legs!)
Tonight is my birthday celebration! Katie and I are going to see Paranormal Activity 3 followed by dinner and drinks in Greenville and then dancing at the gay bar. I love The Mining Company! Great atmosphere and grope free dancing? Yes, please!
Last night I had the honor of joining several Zumba instructors from the Rocky Mount are for their Zumbathon to benefit Operation Purple and Soldiers' Angels. It was a fantastic event and they raised over $700 for the two organizations with donations still coming in from those who couldn't be there.
I got to teach two routines. I did Whenever, Whereever which I choreographed and End of Time which I learned from one of the NC Jammers. It was the first time I'd participated in an event like that as an instructor and I was nervous but the folks seemed to love both routines and I had a great time just dancing with new people and learning from other, more experienced, instructors. I happen to know there are pics of me teaching... when I get them I'll share them if they're not too embarrassing!
After that I got to go out to dinner with Marsh, Matt and one of my Zumba buddies and her husband. It was fabulous! It was great to just sit and chat and share delicious, delicious Mexican food!
THEN! When I got home I had an email that made me squeal like a school girl! I PASSED the Hip Hop Hustle certification - written and practical. I PASSED! I can't tell you how absolutely happy that news made me.
I'm about to order the AFAA study book so I can get my Group X instructor certification next February. Knowing that I passed the HHH course gave me the push to just go for it. My confidence is really starting to build. Each little hurdle makes me want to hop over a bigger one.
This morning I had a great Zumba class at the YMCA and what happened after just made my heart happy. One of the students, an older lady, came up to me and told me how much fun she had. She told me she was just getting back in to working out after having surgery to remove skin cancer from several spots. She said she felt like Zumba was something that would help her get fit and she wouldn't be bored or dread going. She specifically asked what my schedule was and said she hoped to see me in class soon.
It's the moments like that which make me feel fulfilled in my role as a Zumba instructor. I love knowing that people can come in to my class - first time or not - and find the joy in what we're doing. I love that they come in, sweat, laugh and leave with a smile on their face (even if they want to hit me for trying to kill their legs!)
Tonight is my birthday celebration! Katie and I are going to see Paranormal Activity 3 followed by dinner and drinks in Greenville and then dancing at the gay bar. I love The Mining Company! Great atmosphere and grope free dancing? Yes, please!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Loving myself in to love
Today is Love Your Body Day! But... what does that really mean?
Like most women, I find myself comparing my body to that of those around me. I'm hyper aware of people looking at me and even more aware of their facial expressions and tone of voice when talking to me. Why? Because I know I'm obese and I know people still judge me based on that fact.
Like I said in an earlier post I struggle on an almost daily basis with the stigma of being a plus sized fitness instructor. I know a lot of students feel comfortable with me because I am a walking example that anyone really can do it but... sometimes that hurts worse.
Why does my weight matter in the grand scheme of things? My body can do everything that a 125 pound womans body can do... why do people feel the need to harp on it because I weigh 330 pounds?
I see examples of "fat persecution" around me all the time. From little things like the catty "Who told her it was a good idea to wear THAT?!?" comments made between friends to more overt societal constructs like the fact that the only clothes designed to fit me make me feel like I might as well be wearing a burlap sack. I don't want to be running around with all of my goodies hanging out for everyone to see but I'd like to be able to feel sexy, sensual and HUMAN sometimes.
It seems bizarre to me that we even need a day to focus on loving our body... shouldn't that be the message every day?
Women's media tends to scream loudly about transforming our bodies, fixing our problem areas, hiding our flaws, masking our imperfections but rarely about embracing the things that make each person special.
It amazes me how many people are shocked or offended when I'm in class and I'm hot and I'm sweaty and I decide to either tie my shirt up or tuck it up in to my sports bra baring my stomach to the room. I'm HOT and SWEATY and my shirt is only making things worse... so I minimize the contact the fabric has with my skin and I feel better. I also look at the little jiggly bits on my stomach and realize how much smaller they've gotten and push myself harder because I can actually see the changes in my body.
Yes, I want to change my body but, ultimately, it's not about my appearance... it's about my health. I want to stay healthy. I want to avoid being on any more medication than I currently am. I want my cholesterol to stay in a healthy range. I want to keep my blood pressure where it is. I want to avoid becoming diabetic. If I can do all of those things and be 250 pounds that's fine by me.
I'd like to be thinner (if only for the fashion!) but if my body decides to stay where it is that's fine by me. I'll continue to gain tone and endurance and become stronger and faster and I'll continue to love my body for allowing to me to do all the fabulous things it lets me do on a given day.
I love my body and I show my body that I love it by giving it quality food, water, and being as active as I can. I pamper my skin with lush lotions. I live life to the fullest and try not to let my physical body determine who I will be on a mental, emotional, or professional level.
This post is part of the 2011 Love Your Body Day Blog Carnival
Like most women, I find myself comparing my body to that of those around me. I'm hyper aware of people looking at me and even more aware of their facial expressions and tone of voice when talking to me. Why? Because I know I'm obese and I know people still judge me based on that fact.
Like I said in an earlier post I struggle on an almost daily basis with the stigma of being a plus sized fitness instructor. I know a lot of students feel comfortable with me because I am a walking example that anyone really can do it but... sometimes that hurts worse.
Why does my weight matter in the grand scheme of things? My body can do everything that a 125 pound womans body can do... why do people feel the need to harp on it because I weigh 330 pounds?
I see examples of "fat persecution" around me all the time. From little things like the catty "Who told her it was a good idea to wear THAT?!?" comments made between friends to more overt societal constructs like the fact that the only clothes designed to fit me make me feel like I might as well be wearing a burlap sack. I don't want to be running around with all of my goodies hanging out for everyone to see but I'd like to be able to feel sexy, sensual and HUMAN sometimes.
It seems bizarre to me that we even need a day to focus on loving our body... shouldn't that be the message every day?
Women's media tends to scream loudly about transforming our bodies, fixing our problem areas, hiding our flaws, masking our imperfections but rarely about embracing the things that make each person special.
It amazes me how many people are shocked or offended when I'm in class and I'm hot and I'm sweaty and I decide to either tie my shirt up or tuck it up in to my sports bra baring my stomach to the room. I'm HOT and SWEATY and my shirt is only making things worse... so I minimize the contact the fabric has with my skin and I feel better. I also look at the little jiggly bits on my stomach and realize how much smaller they've gotten and push myself harder because I can actually see the changes in my body.
Yes, I want to change my body but, ultimately, it's not about my appearance... it's about my health. I want to stay healthy. I want to avoid being on any more medication than I currently am. I want my cholesterol to stay in a healthy range. I want to keep my blood pressure where it is. I want to avoid becoming diabetic. If I can do all of those things and be 250 pounds that's fine by me.
I'd like to be thinner (if only for the fashion!) but if my body decides to stay where it is that's fine by me. I'll continue to gain tone and endurance and become stronger and faster and I'll continue to love my body for allowing to me to do all the fabulous things it lets me do on a given day.
I love my body and I show my body that I love it by giving it quality food, water, and being as active as I can. I pamper my skin with lush lotions. I live life to the fullest and try not to let my physical body determine who I will be on a mental, emotional, or professional level.
This post is part of the 2011 Love Your Body Day Blog Carnival
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Hip Hop Hustle and Zumba Toning Breakdown
And I mean that both literally and figuratively.
This weekend was amazing and awesome and I wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world. Still... I can't believe I broke down the way I did during my practical for Hip Hop Hustle.
Let's start from the top though. S and I had a little trouble getting on the go and were on schedule to make it there just on time but we got a little confused finding the place and got there a few minutes late. The lecture stuff was cool and I learned a lot and not just about Hustle but about fitness in general. The master class section of the day kicked total tail. I love HHH 17 and The Show segment just fricken rocks! The afternoon flew by and before I knew it... test time. I knew I had the written part down. They basically told us the answers. The practical? Let's just say I had a melt down of epic proportions.
As I said in my The Plus Size Stigma I fight with myself daily about being 330 pounds and a fitness instructor. People judge me. I feel judged. I do it because I love it though and that's really all that matters. If I get a good workout and everyone with me gets a good workout then everyone wins.
However... I really kind of needed my Xanax to survive Saturday. I got called in the first group for my practical and I was nervous and I was in a line with 4 beautiful women who were tiny, pretty, and one was quite possibly the best dancer I've ever been in the same room with. I did fine on the first few moves, rocked them out, smile on my face, having a good time. Then came a move I couldn't NOT jump/bounce on.
I've got an ovarian cyst that doesn't want to go away and it's putting pressure on my hip. The doctor cleared me for this weekend but said little to no jumping because, basically, if I do something wrong and it ruptures the cyst and I'm in the air things would end badly for everyone.
I went for it though. Pain. Every single move. The world started to eat me alive. I felt like crawling in to a hole and dying. I kept going. I faked a bigger smile and put more attitude in to it. When it was over I walked back to do my written test trying not to puke or cry or both. It was horrible. S tells me I kicked the practicals tail and I shouldn't worry about passing but I'm sure I'm "in training" the more I think about.
I survived though. Didn't take a Xanax even though I wanted to and probably should have. When I got home I showered and changed and then went to a wedding reception and danced the night away. I even pulled out some of the moves from HHH class on the dance floor. Success!
This morning S and I left even earlier for Zumba Toning. We were frightened. Basic 1 was a tough day. Very tough. Toning was hard but there was a lot more lecture to the class than I expected. She still kicked our tail with the master toning class and the drills in the afternoon got to be really hard focusing on the same muscle groups to learn different ways to incorporate moves into the choreography.
I don't know just how bad tomorrow morning is going to feel but I doubt I will be feeling all that wonderful. I'm already sore from head to toe!
This weekend was a good growth experience for me. I survived a pretty massive panic attack without Xanax. I held my own ground against dancers and fitness professionals who are more fit and more experienced than I am. I learned a lot about the human body, about how we work and about how to use the tools I have to sculpt my body into what I want it to be.
This weekend was amazing and awesome and I wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world. Still... I can't believe I broke down the way I did during my practical for Hip Hop Hustle.
Let's start from the top though. S and I had a little trouble getting on the go and were on schedule to make it there just on time but we got a little confused finding the place and got there a few minutes late. The lecture stuff was cool and I learned a lot and not just about Hustle but about fitness in general. The master class section of the day kicked total tail. I love HHH 17 and The Show segment just fricken rocks! The afternoon flew by and before I knew it... test time. I knew I had the written part down. They basically told us the answers. The practical? Let's just say I had a melt down of epic proportions.
As I said in my The Plus Size Stigma I fight with myself daily about being 330 pounds and a fitness instructor. People judge me. I feel judged. I do it because I love it though and that's really all that matters. If I get a good workout and everyone with me gets a good workout then everyone wins.
However... I really kind of needed my Xanax to survive Saturday. I got called in the first group for my practical and I was nervous and I was in a line with 4 beautiful women who were tiny, pretty, and one was quite possibly the best dancer I've ever been in the same room with. I did fine on the first few moves, rocked them out, smile on my face, having a good time. Then came a move I couldn't NOT jump/bounce on.
I've got an ovarian cyst that doesn't want to go away and it's putting pressure on my hip. The doctor cleared me for this weekend but said little to no jumping because, basically, if I do something wrong and it ruptures the cyst and I'm in the air things would end badly for everyone.
I went for it though. Pain. Every single move. The world started to eat me alive. I felt like crawling in to a hole and dying. I kept going. I faked a bigger smile and put more attitude in to it. When it was over I walked back to do my written test trying not to puke or cry or both. It was horrible. S tells me I kicked the practicals tail and I shouldn't worry about passing but I'm sure I'm "in training" the more I think about.
I survived though. Didn't take a Xanax even though I wanted to and probably should have. When I got home I showered and changed and then went to a wedding reception and danced the night away. I even pulled out some of the moves from HHH class on the dance floor. Success!
This morning S and I left even earlier for Zumba Toning. We were frightened. Basic 1 was a tough day. Very tough. Toning was hard but there was a lot more lecture to the class than I expected. She still kicked our tail with the master toning class and the drills in the afternoon got to be really hard focusing on the same muscle groups to learn different ways to incorporate moves into the choreography.
I don't know just how bad tomorrow morning is going to feel but I doubt I will be feeling all that wonderful. I'm already sore from head to toe!
This weekend was a good growth experience for me. I survived a pretty massive panic attack without Xanax. I held my own ground against dancers and fitness professionals who are more fit and more experienced than I am. I learned a lot about the human body, about how we work and about how to use the tools I have to sculpt my body into what I want it to be.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Fitness Fanatic Weekend
That's what I jokingly called this weekend earlier today and it kind of stuck.
I really feel like I spent today preparing for battle. Picking my weapons. Packing my go bag. Organizing my life within an inch of insanity.
I'm totally stoked for Hip Hop Hustle tomorrow and even more so for Zumba Toning on Sunday. I'm completely addicted to Zumba and can't wait to add HHH to my repertoire.
I can honestly say I'm falling in love with Chalene Johnson, HHH and Chalene's general life philosophies. I'm in the middle of doing the 30 Day Challenge and am already grateful for the lessons I've learned in the first 14 days.
I fully believe that I wouldn't have survived this week without my CCDM to-do list. I've never been great at organization and her tips, tricks and ideas about what makes for a to-do list that will stick made it easy to get everything done.
Now I can only hope that I not only survive, but thrive this weekend as I sweat through two hot, sweaty, intense licensure courses.
I really feel like I spent today preparing for battle. Picking my weapons. Packing my go bag. Organizing my life within an inch of insanity.
I'm totally stoked for Hip Hop Hustle tomorrow and even more so for Zumba Toning on Sunday. I'm completely addicted to Zumba and can't wait to add HHH to my repertoire.
I can honestly say I'm falling in love with Chalene Johnson, HHH and Chalene's general life philosophies. I'm in the middle of doing the 30 Day Challenge and am already grateful for the lessons I've learned in the first 14 days.
I fully believe that I wouldn't have survived this week without my CCDM to-do list. I've never been great at organization and her tips, tricks and ideas about what makes for a to-do list that will stick made it easy to get everything done.
Now I can only hope that I not only survive, but thrive this weekend as I sweat through two hot, sweaty, intense licensure courses.
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