Raise the Barre

I think that is what I would have liked to have said in class today. Don't get me wrong, the workout was good, but I judge my workouts by the condition of my hair when I'm finished and let's just say my hair was damn near perfect (in fact someone asked me if I just had it done!) when I walked out of the exercise room. I barely broke a sweat.

There were a couple times when I started to cramp in my hamstring or buttocks, but overall, the workout was probably what I would considerate "medium" or even "light" intensity. I think that this will be a wonderful "filler" workout for me. I hope to do it about twice a week because it does give me an overall body workout that doesn't completely wipe me out for the rest of the day.

I loved the music, the instructor was lovely, the class size was perfect and I know that my flexibility will greatly improve; its just not as intense or hard as I thought it would be. I'm not saying that the instructor wasn't great. She new what she was doing and we had fun, but this was just not what I had anticipated after reading all the blogs and hype about Barre.

My husband asked if I thought the class challenged the other people in the room, and I think it did. I think with my background in heavy lifting, my sadistic love of squats and lunges, and because of the high intensity workouts I've become familiar with and have come to expect I was not prepared for a slower paced workout. This is actually a good thing though. Not every day can be a HARD day.

Like I said, this class is really going to help my flexibiliy, give me an overall body workout and elongate my muscles, specifically in my legs. I'm going to go for it again in a couple days. If anyone has any suggestions on how to challenge myself a little more in the class, I'm all ears!

Not What I Had in Mind...

I've lost 4lbs this week, but not exactly how I had planned. I'll take grueling workouts and a strict clean-eating diet ten times over rather than this nasty stomach bug that has hit our home like some atomic bomb! I literally have not been able to keep much food down since Friday. I'm starving yet terrified to put anything in my stomach. I'm feeling MUCH better today, but still apprehensive about getting too confident. I've managed to hold on to about 1/2 a cup of oatmeal for breakfast and then about 1/2 c. of chicken and rice for lunch. That's about all I'm willing to risk at this point. If all feels ok tomorrow morning, I'll ease back into my routine. I definitely don't want to miss Barre class tomorrow and I'm really hoping to get back into a steady running/lifting groove. I think I'll spend the rest of the day resting and sipping water, maybe some more gingerale too. Then tomorrow, this girl is SICK of being SICK. I'll will my way out of it :)

Barre Method

I'm trying a new workout/class this coming week. I'm so excited about it! Everyone is talking about The Barre Method Exercise classes. http://www.barmethod.com/bar-method-exercises.html I'm taking the class at a local studio that has a trained dancer/trainer leading the class. Only 12 are allowed in the class, so I'm really looking forward to the intimate training and guidance.

Let's face it, everyone (or at least those who are willing to admit it) LOVE dancers' legs! Who doesn't? Have you ever heard anyone say, "oh, her butt was too tight!" or "yeah, I was totally grossed out by her elongated muscular legs!" Yeah...probably not.

I'll be the first to admit that I have a booty. I like it though! I'm thankful for that badonkadonk! I think it adds character...errrr something like that :) If I don't keep it tone, it can really expand, so I'll do everything I can to keep this junk in the trunk!

I'll be sure and update how the class goes. If I really like it, I'll be joining the studio so I can get a better rate. Barre classes are NOT cheap, but if I see results, I won't hesitate to keep it going!

Commonality

It has become more and more clear to me just how much I love surrounding myself with people who have the same health and fitness goals as myself. I think like anything, you feel great when you can share a passion or find some commonality with your peers.

I find the many of my conversations revolve around fitness and health. Perhaps people feel comfortable enough around me to talk about it since they've seen my transformation, or maybe they look to me for advice, or maybe I'm just drawn to people who live that lifestyle. Something I've also learned about my friends who share this lifestlye, is that we also lean on each other in regards to insecurities, fears, hurdles, etc.

For example, my friend Pam, we've really pushed each other with swimming and lifting. She is an incredible swimmer, she's fast, strong, and just pierces through the water. Of course it is natural to feel awkward when I'm in the pool with her. I'm flapping wildly in the next lane, holding on to my kick board for dear life and hoping no one noticed how many stops I had to take just to catch my breath. LOL. Pam on the other hand, with lifting, asks questions, slows down, or takes the alternate form (girl push ups) on certain exercises.

We are out of our "individual element" but we know that about each other. We support each other and we know that everyone has to start somewhere. We're working towards the same goal...HEALTH.

I'm doing more and more with people that have this goal. I organized the Biggest Loser Challenge and we even have a facebook page! LOL! Each week we check in and we're just cheering each other on; I'm joining many of my girlfriends to do the Warrior Dash and then run a 10K this summer. My sister-in-law is now cleaning eating and we're talking almost daily about nutrition and meal prep and planning. Of course, then there is Blythe, my mentor, my role model and my trainer! God, how I've missed her! I love her energy, enthusiasm and ability to just kick my ass!

Don't get me wrong, I love all my friends. I'm not just friends with tight bodied health nuts :o)

I'm just saying, friendship is about finding what you have in common with someone and embracing that. Its about the value and comfort that you bring to each other. Your insecurities, self-doubt, stubborn ways...whatever. Its about the ability to be YOU and know that your friends accept you for whatever you are! When it comes to health and fitness goals, it feels good that I have friends that understand that "tick" in me. They know that its about ME and how I see myself. Nothing more, nothing less!

Blythe Bootcamp

I have to chuckle at myself and my post about how I was going to stop obsessing about my diet and exercise plans and just work on maintaining a healthy lifestyle...hello...this is Alice Anne we're talking about. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I wasn't obsessing over something!

So, back to Blythe Bootcamp it is! I called her on Monday and said "Give me a Plan!" so I'm back! I'm training for a 10k (exciting) and I also want to be strong enough to not embarrass myself through the Warrior Dash coming up this May. Blythe has me eating the right meals at the right times to maximize my workouts, burn fat and lean down. I'm very excited, although it actually seems HARDER this time around to clean up my diet! For example, yesterday without even thinking about it, I popped a bite-sized butterfinger candy in my mouth! 1/4 serving and a whole 45 freakin' calories! DAMN! Not too bad, I guess, but I can think of a million other things I would have rather had to give up 45 calories! In the grand scheme of things, no big deal, but anyone that knows me knows that when I set my mind to something I stick to it and I do it well!

For my training, I'm lifting two days a week doing full-body workouts and then I'm to run a 5k three days a week. This week, I hit it hard and my body is definitely feeling it (especially my ankles and hip flexors). Tomorrow I'm going to do some lifting and then I'm going to try and get some laps in at the pool. I like using the kickboard for my laps because that gives me a KILLER ab workout.

My goal date is May 7th to be at tip top shape. I'm in my niece's wedding, so I want to look awesome; the fact that I'm the oldest bridesmaid might have a little something to do with my increased vanity. The Warrior Dash is May 22nd and then the 10K is in June. I figure, I slim down, tone up and get in great shape this spring and then I'm all set in my poolside body for the summer ;) We'll see how it goes...

Pay Back

Today my swimming buddy, Pam, met me for a lesson on weight training. We had a blast! I joke that it was "pay back" but truly, I was thrilled that I had someone to work out with. I really pushed myself hard; I always work out harder when I have a partner. She was really a great sport and I could tell that she was nervous and uneasy about her abilities. We were careful and I was sure to start her with little to no weight. I don't know if my body is just reacting from all the new activity I've been doing, or if I'm really pushing myself harder than I have been in the past, but I'm really sore!

Today, we warmed up with lunges. Three sets of ten on each leg. I love that warm-up. It wakes up the whole body and gets your heart rate up. Then we did chest press and chest flies. We also did cardio intervals between sets. Pam was brave and even did squat jacks on a bench with me. Our goal was to do 25, she made it to 15, but that's great that she even tried!

We did a little work on biceps and triceps and then finished strong with abs. I am sore and I know that tomorrow and Friday will be exceptionally painful/stiff for me. Pam has already texted me telling me her ass hurts. Its the lunges...I tell you...they get you EVERY time!

I'm meeting her tomorrow for swimming again. Wish me luck; I may be so sore I drown!

Stepping Out (in heels) of Comfort Zones

Yesterday for a pre-bachelorette party workout, 10 lovely ladies (including my gorgeous niece who is the bride-to-be) survived an hour lesson on Exotic Dance. WOW. It was intense!

I won't post pictures of this post because...well, that's just raunchy. However, I will tell you that all of us are feeling the pain today! That could also be because after the hour class, we did spend the rest of the evening and into the wee hours of the morning on our feet in heels like we were preparing for the remake of "Flash Dance". What a great night!

But back to the exotic dancing class. We did some great dancing with chairs, learned some very difficult floor work and moved our bodies in ways I truly believed should only be seen in the bedroom! It was such a great kick off to the bachelorette party festivites; by the time the class was over, we all felt very comfortable with each other. Bachelorette parties can be nerve racking, especially when you don't all know each other but you're there to support the one person you all have in common...the bride.

My abs are killing me today; along with my inner thighs, buttocks and calves. I attribute all that to the difficult moves we learned in the class. My feet hurt too, but I blame that on the hours spent in 5 inch heels and the dance clubs. :)

Between the swimming and then exotic dancing, this week has been loaded with pushing myself to experience new and challenging workouts. I'm thrilled that I'm feeling it, but I'm looking forward to my traditional weights and HIIT tomorrow morning.

Ouch, ouch, ouch.

Yes, that is the sound of me trying to walk. I am so incredibly sore today, but also EXCITED that I really pushed myself this week! Let's just pray I make it through my busy weekend without being in too much pain.

The good news is that the soreness is definitely paying off!!! I lost all the weight I gained while on vacation and then even a couple pounds more. Hard work is definitely worth it!

Sink or Swim

Today I had my first swim lesson. It wasn't really a lesson, per say, but my daughter's "BFF"s mom invited (actually challenged) me to join her at the gym to swim some laps. I've been toying with the idea of giving it a try. So I bit the bullet, and put on the swimsuit.

I'm not a good swimmer, not at all actually. I've never had formal swim lessons, and my mother couldn't swim so we never spent any time in a pool or around much water while I was growing up. Having kids of my own now and since we are always around water, I feel very strongly that my children learn how to swim. I also believe that we should practice what we preach and lead by example, so into the pool I go!

Mistake #1, not all swimsuits are created equal. I happened to run into said BFF's mother at SAMs club and when she invited me, I told her that I didn't really have a suit that would work for swimming laps. She pointed to the Speedos hanging in the clothing section...hmmph. Speedo is a good swimsuit right? Right! If you buy the RIGHT Speedo! I bought a nice purple one. In the size I normally wear in swimsuits. I get to the gym, put on the suit and BLAH, its TIGHT. This one was also low cut. Hello, cleavage! Just what I needed; it made an already uncomfortable situation...uncomfortable. Nevermind the fact that the life guard immediately commented on my hourglass shape and ta-tas. I thought if she stared any longer she'd have to buy me dinner! Well, I guess the good point to having the suit feel tight is that it will be a reminder that I cannot gain any weight ;)

Mistake #2, bring swim cap and goggles. Thankfully, my friend brought me extras, but it would have been great if I had come prepared. I felt bad borrowing, so I only used the goggles. My eyes were thankful; my hair suffered.

Mistake #3, rushing to catch breaths. I swallowed more pool water than I'd care to admit. Apparently, learning to breathe and swim is not as easy as one might think. My friend says that once I get this down, swimming will be much easier.

Mistake #4, working your legs the day prior to swimming. I was so sore! I'll know better next time.

Mistake #5, lifting weights AFTER swimming. I didn't realize how sore my shoulders would be. I probably could have skipped the weights afterwards.

So that's day one of swimming. I definitely plan to keep it up. I am so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and I beleive that with months, years, decades of practice, I might actually be good at this. Here's hoping!