This weekend I went with my daughter and we did the training to become licensed Zumba fitness instructors. This was sweaty, hard work, and fun, and we were both able to take away our certificates/licenses to start teaching. Does that mean I'm going start tomorrow NO WAY, but I will in a few weeks start up something- first I have to go on vacation- tee hee, and while I'm gone I plan on listening to music and planning choreography so I can be more ready.
So When I came home and plugged in my arm band it said I had done 23,477 steps and burned 3789 calories. Those were new numbers for me to reach for sure. I had been so worried about my iron levels and severe anemia I was worrying about being able to make it through the whole training. I was definitely on the older end of trainers, while my daughter was on the younger end. Trying to keep up with her during these classes we've been taking together is something else. Definitely keeps you young at heart.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Nothing happens unless you keep trying.
Searching blog land I ran into this blog called " This is not a diet" and this was a post in last month. http://thisisnotadiet-itsmylife.com/2011/07/16/12-things-i-did-to-lose-125-pounds/
She made this large post and I pulled just a small section of it out to share with you. But by all means go read the whole post- She listed 125 things she did to lose 125 pounds. There are many significant things in here but today these hit me the strongest because I know at times I and many that I know as well tend to do these things that she stopped doing to be successful. As a fitness professional I am always trying to boost the confidence of others, encourage them to work hard, and follow a healthy eating style. But the focus here in the section I've copied here is that she was kind and gentle to herself. She learned to like her self and accept her body instead of spending her time chastising herself and making herself miserable. I am amazed at what people will call themselves when they are overweight or unsuccessful on some part of the journey. She found ways to account to herself her changes. You can't lose weight or get healthy habits for anyone but yourself. You may be inspired to do it because of someone special in your life- child, significant either or parent, but the reality is you have to do it for yourself. And most important is that it doesn't happen all at once. You may gain while attending the gym, and changing habits but you've started something new and you're going to have ups and downs.
Excerpt from "This is not a diet" site listed above.
She made this large post and I pulled just a small section of it out to share with you. But by all means go read the whole post- She listed 125 things she did to lose 125 pounds. There are many significant things in here but today these hit me the strongest because I know at times I and many that I know as well tend to do these things that she stopped doing to be successful. As a fitness professional I am always trying to boost the confidence of others, encourage them to work hard, and follow a healthy eating style. But the focus here in the section I've copied here is that she was kind and gentle to herself. She learned to like her self and accept her body instead of spending her time chastising herself and making herself miserable. I am amazed at what people will call themselves when they are overweight or unsuccessful on some part of the journey. She found ways to account to herself her changes. You can't lose weight or get healthy habits for anyone but yourself. You may be inspired to do it because of someone special in your life- child, significant either or parent, but the reality is you have to do it for yourself. And most important is that it doesn't happen all at once. You may gain while attending the gym, and changing habits but you've started something new and you're going to have ups and downs.
Excerpt from "This is not a diet" site listed above.
- Said nice things to myself in the mirror
- Stopped berating myself
- Listened to my body
- Did it for me and for my health and nobody else
- Told myself I deserve to be healthy and happy
- Ate when I was hungry, stopped when I was full
- Weighed myself regularly
- Learned to accept weight fluctuations
- Took measurements
- Rewarded myself with new clothes, bargain shopping at each new size
- Focused on quality of food, not quantity
- Reached for the smallest slice of pizza instead of the biggest
- Portioned out snacks then put the package away instead of eating out of the box or bag
- Stopped blaming other people and circumstances for my own choices
- Put my foot down at work for my gym time and made it non-negotiable
Sunday, July 31, 2011
browsing and this is what I found
I was actually browsing the web looking for some new ideas for class and stumbled onto this blog"Fitness after Fifty." I liked her comments and research for the short articles she wrote. Here is and excerpt from her page. I find that I teach in this Hybrid style, trying to mix in different styles usually strength training with yoga/pilates for my dance students and my older students as well to keep their core strong, back healthy and balance as part of their weekly exercise routine. So read this tidbit and open your mind and body to something new. I've been taking some zumba and plan on being certified, so I'm hoping to get my students involved in it, even it its just a couple routines mixed with strength training.
Hybrid Exercise Classes (From the Blog: Fitness after Fifty)
Combination classes (hybrid exercise classes) are among the latest trends at fitness centers everywhere. These classes give you a chance to spice up your routines and also give you a chance to sample several different disciplines.
People are often resistant to change but a hybrid class can put a new perspective on things. Hybrid classes borrow the better of two complementary workouts and fuse them together, but a good hybrid class is more than just slapping two exercise forms together with up-beat music. Ideally a class offers a cardiovascular workout as well as strength and flexibility training.
Camille Noe Pagan (Arthritis Today: May/June 2011) discusses the pros and cons of adding a hybrid workout to your routine. If you are seeing terms such as AI CHI, Gyrontonics, Piloxing, Yogalaties and Zumba in your fitness brochures, you aren’t seeing double and they aren’t typographical errors. Let’s look at some of the combinations: AI CHI (water aerobics + tai chi), Gyrontonics (multiple disciplines like gymnastics, yoga, ballet and tai chi), Piloxing (Pilates + boxing), Yogalaties (Yoga + Pilates) and Zumba (aerobics + Latin dance). People are loving fusion fitness because it is challenging and novel.
The hybrid workout can introduce you to more than one form of exercise and also introduce an element of fun. Fun is especially important if your current routine is getting boring. Monotony is a killer when it comes to maintaining a “fitness for life” program. In a hybrid program you will use more muscle groups and that should reduce the incidence of repetitive stress and injury while boosting over all fitness.
Before giving it a try, be sure that the instructor has experience working with people of all ages and physical capabilities. Look for a class that includes a gentle, flexibility-enhancing exercise such as Pilates or tai chi. Let the instructor know that you are a newbie and may need to modify some of the moves. A good instructor will ease you gently into the flow. and make helpful suggestions without making you feel like the odd man out. A good instructor will offer modifications for different physical and fitness needs. Go slowly. You don’t need to do all of the moves right from the beginning. Focus on learning your new workout rather than attempting to do it as the highest impact possible, and don’t try to keep up with more experienced exercisers. If you like to know the moves before taking a class, start with a beginner skill level DVD. The idea should be to get movement into your life and have fun.
People are often resistant to change but a hybrid class can put a new perspective on things. Hybrid classes borrow the better of two complementary workouts and fuse them together, but a good hybrid class is more than just slapping two exercise forms together with up-beat music. Ideally a class offers a cardiovascular workout as well as strength and flexibility training.
Camille Noe Pagan (Arthritis Today: May/June 2011) discusses the pros and cons of adding a hybrid workout to your routine. If you are seeing terms such as AI CHI, Gyrontonics, Piloxing, Yogalaties and Zumba in your fitness brochures, you aren’t seeing double and they aren’t typographical errors. Let’s look at some of the combinations: AI CHI (water aerobics + tai chi), Gyrontonics (multiple disciplines like gymnastics, yoga, ballet and tai chi), Piloxing (Pilates + boxing), Yogalaties (Yoga + Pilates) and Zumba (aerobics + Latin dance). People are loving fusion fitness because it is challenging and novel.
The hybrid workout can introduce you to more than one form of exercise and also introduce an element of fun. Fun is especially important if your current routine is getting boring. Monotony is a killer when it comes to maintaining a “fitness for life” program. In a hybrid program you will use more muscle groups and that should reduce the incidence of repetitive stress and injury while boosting over all fitness.
Before giving it a try, be sure that the instructor has experience working with people of all ages and physical capabilities. Look for a class that includes a gentle, flexibility-enhancing exercise such as Pilates or tai chi. Let the instructor know that you are a newbie and may need to modify some of the moves. A good instructor will ease you gently into the flow. and make helpful suggestions without making you feel like the odd man out. A good instructor will offer modifications for different physical and fitness needs. Go slowly. You don’t need to do all of the moves right from the beginning. Focus on learning your new workout rather than attempting to do it as the highest impact possible, and don’t try to keep up with more experienced exercisers. If you like to know the moves before taking a class, start with a beginner skill level DVD. The idea should be to get movement into your life and have fun.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
My Iron is up and what a difference
After completing and extensive series of iron iv's, I'm feeling great! I hope this last at least until I've returned from vacation in Kauai. My steps have increased, I actually had a day that came over 1300 steps. It was a productive day, that included my faster zumba class, a couple shopping trips searching for fabric and patterns- what else! but also window shopping as I waited for my daughter to finish work.
Since this wonderful energy is taking charge, I've noticed my steps have increased overall on a daily basis. Also returning is a trend to go back to exercise. Instead of going to the movies as much, I do a drop in class of Zumba and hope to be adding yoga/pilates as well. I need to stretch more, and feel these would be helpful as well.
How are your summer challenges going? Have you been able to make any progress? I know the heat is oppressive in many areas right now and can make it difficult to meet those challenges that involve outdoor activities. We've had only about 4 days with temperatures reaching the 80's this month. I like cool weather as long as its sunny, but its not always so and people have come to calling the various summer months things like junaury(June+January), juber (July+October) etc. My husband just keeps saying its October. Oh sad when you look forward to those few months of sun and warmth together. Of course if it gets very much into the 80's seattlites also complain its to Hot! Oh well schizophrenic weather is the norm here.
Since this wonderful energy is taking charge, I've noticed my steps have increased overall on a daily basis. Also returning is a trend to go back to exercise. Instead of going to the movies as much, I do a drop in class of Zumba and hope to be adding yoga/pilates as well. I need to stretch more, and feel these would be helpful as well.
How are your summer challenges going? Have you been able to make any progress? I know the heat is oppressive in many areas right now and can make it difficult to meet those challenges that involve outdoor activities. We've had only about 4 days with temperatures reaching the 80's this month. I like cool weather as long as its sunny, but its not always so and people have come to calling the various summer months things like junaury(June+January), juber (July+October) etc. My husband just keeps saying its October. Oh sad when you look forward to those few months of sun and warmth together. Of course if it gets very much into the 80's seattlites also complain its to Hot! Oh well schizophrenic weather is the norm here.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Despite travel things are good
Its been a bit but I've been out of town. Well traveling 1900 miles by car, over 5 days doesn't leave much time for exercise. 2 days there and 2 days back, with one day in between to watch my daughter perform and also get her moved out of her apartment. We really didn't get out and do any sight seeing. We did drive on the great Hwy and get some lovely photos.
I still managed to keep my calorie burn avg. at 2388 with intake about 1700, my steps at 5500 despite the 7- 8 hours a day in the car, my sleep still is never where it should be, averaging about 5.5 hours.
I'm really trying to reduce the foods that contain fat, without completely going vegetarian. With the low iron, I still need iron rich foods and beef does seem the best meat for me. I love that all the farmers markets in the area are starting up again. My goal is to always have two vegetables with dinner not just salad. My green salad is more than just lettuce, i usually have tomatoes, peppers, some olives, and often cucumbers. But I'm trying to get more broccolini, squashes, beets and others in there. I'm not that fond of broccoli, but LOVE broccolini. Artichokes, are my go to veggie these days. Steamed or boiled and then grilled with a bit of olive oil and sea salt, No dip for me just pure unadulterated artichoke.
I still managed to keep my calorie burn avg. at 2388 with intake about 1700, my steps at 5500 despite the 7- 8 hours a day in the car, my sleep still is never where it should be, averaging about 5.5 hours.
I'm really trying to reduce the foods that contain fat, without completely going vegetarian. With the low iron, I still need iron rich foods and beef does seem the best meat for me. I love that all the farmers markets in the area are starting up again. My goal is to always have two vegetables with dinner not just salad. My green salad is more than just lettuce, i usually have tomatoes, peppers, some olives, and often cucumbers. But I'm trying to get more broccolini, squashes, beets and others in there. I'm not that fond of broccoli, but LOVE broccolini. Artichokes, are my go to veggie these days. Steamed or boiled and then grilled with a bit of olive oil and sea salt, No dip for me just pure unadulterated artichoke.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
I broke 8000 steps!
Well its take a bit, but I finally made and surpassed 8000 steps.
Of course I don't know that I want to get up at 4am everyday to achieve this. I had such a long day, going to the airport at 4 am, back home and then off to work to teach my first 2 clients. Followed a break with my hubs who just returned from a 3 week trip, then back into to town, for and iron shot, quick shopping trip, and back to work to teach my 2nd class. Followed by my 3rd class of young students who are just preparing for point. We worked on lots of band exercises and stretches for their feet and legs. By the time I got home it was 9 pm. I plugged my bodymedia in this morning and it said I had reached 8964 steps. Whoo hoo. I'm pretty excited. The extra iron has been helping too.
Of course I don't know that I want to get up at 4am everyday to achieve this. I had such a long day, going to the airport at 4 am, back home and then off to work to teach my first 2 clients. Followed a break with my hubs who just returned from a 3 week trip, then back into to town, for and iron shot, quick shopping trip, and back to work to teach my 2nd class. Followed by my 3rd class of young students who are just preparing for point. We worked on lots of band exercises and stretches for their feet and legs. By the time I got home it was 9 pm. I plugged my bodymedia in this morning and it said I had reached 8964 steps. Whoo hoo. I'm pretty excited. The extra iron has been helping too.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
averaging about 4500
Tough weekend, my computer tried to upload some program update and it didn't go so well. I wasn't able to put in my info from device until today.
Being sick most of Sunday night and monday, still a little rough today. Even so I appeared to have averaged between 4000 - 4500 a day. My calories were all over the place because I couldn't eat much, and finally got some chicken soup - it really is a cure all.
We went out for tapas for dinner, they have most delicous dips plate called Dips love- there's hummus, tzaki, baba ganoush, red pepper feta & cream cheese, and a green herb, feta and cream cheese, with pita bread, and Olives. We shared a gyro platter with lamb meat so thinly sliced, more hummus, and pita.
The girls shared a canoli because they had never had one before, but both became fans. I havent' had canoli for about 30 years. It was good to get a taste of it, but I was really full from the other sutff.
Next few days will be interesting, as my girl is home til friday.
Being sick most of Sunday night and monday, still a little rough today. Even so I appeared to have averaged between 4000 - 4500 a day. My calories were all over the place because I couldn't eat much, and finally got some chicken soup - it really is a cure all.
We went out for tapas for dinner, they have most delicous dips plate called Dips love- there's hummus, tzaki, baba ganoush, red pepper feta & cream cheese, and a green herb, feta and cream cheese, with pita bread, and Olives. We shared a gyro platter with lamb meat so thinly sliced, more hummus, and pita.
The girls shared a canoli because they had never had one before, but both became fans. I havent' had canoli for about 30 years. It was good to get a taste of it, but I was really full from the other sutff.
Next few days will be interesting, as my girl is home til friday.
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