Overslept and Had to Do Bodypump :(

Overslept, threw on some clothes, brushed my teeth, and ran out the door.

I realized that I would be way too late for the 8am UHF class and headed over to the 8:30 Strength Training class at 24.

But, the instructor had just "retired" from that class and now they were offering Bodypump in it's place. I really enjoyed that class - I would drive about 20 minutes away to take it - on Saturday before I joined UHF. So, now, I only get to do it every 6th week when we are on break. The instructor was a beautiful lady in her late 50s who was in great shape. She worked full-time as a nurse and taught a few fitness classes. She was a great role model.

And because she was older the class had a great mix of ages. About a year and half ago, they were going to end her class to bring in Bodypump. But, most of the class signed a letter stating we wanted her class and a few of us also talked to the manager about it. He promised that as long as attendance stayed up/steady he would keep the class.

Anyways...apparently, she taught her last class last week. The girl replacing her was nice enough. Definitely, didn't have the same panache. She did use or show how to use handweights for several of the exercises - which was nice - I haven't been to bodypump yet when an instructor does that (Although they'll tell you are free to use them). I think that was largely due to the class which was use to the mix you got in 24 Lift.

I really don't care for Bodypump. It doesn't help that I jacked up my shoulder in Bodypum either...I didn't do the shoulder track at all because I didn't want to risk re-injury...

But, afterwards, I went over to do Zumba. It was fun. The class was really nice. I've really got to find a regular Zumba class to be a part of...But, I'd rather do my hikes/walks at the Nature Park on Saturdays (at least for now - I'm not sure if I'll want to once it gets really cold).

Friday, a family friend invited me to check out a FREE Zumba class that a local center is offering. It was okay. I didn't love the girls music and it seemed that she didn't do enough repeat choreography throughout the songs (every few lines we were doing a different move).

I Need More Zumba In My Life

Tonight was a really fun! My girls and I went to a 2 hour zumbathon raising money and awareness for breast cancer.

I was nervous how I would do. The last month or so, I've been walking for cardio. When we have to run laps at UHF during my HIIT interval class, I can definitely feel my need to improve my cardio capacity and endurance.

I was nervous how my ankle would hold up. I had a blast and I felt great for most of the zumbathon. I took a few quick breaks or cut back on my intensity on a few songs.

This week has been a tough one emotionally - honestly. I've been feeling overwhelmed with my work and my finances. Still experiencing - although much improved - some ankle pain. And, these ~25 lbs to lose.

It was so fun tonight to let all that go and just dance.

I am excited because I now really think my goal for get back to teaching Zumba in the new year is doable. I held up great yesterday. 2 and 1/2 more months of working on my ankle & cardio endurance, I should be in a good place!

Halfway through, I realized I had once thought about what I couldn't do or wasn't comparing myself to what someone was doing or what I used to do. I don't know why...but since I've started back at UHF in mid-July I'm constantly thinking about what I can't do (yet) or what I used to do or how I can't keep up with "......" anymore.

So, I am gonna add more Zumba in every week!

My First Weight Watchers Meeting (164.6): Change is Good

This Thursday was my first meeting.

I weighed in at 168 (I weigh myself first thing in the morning - naked :) - this meeting was in the evening). I was given 28 points allowance.

My 5% goal is 8 pounds. 10% is 16 pounds.

The topic was "Change is Good". :) We'll how perfect was that for my first meeting? I'm doing something new...

I've been trying to think about some of the new things I did this year healthwise. I tried Aqua Zumba, Aqua Fitness, Went Back for Another Opinion on My Ankle, Found a New Acupuncturist (after mine stopped seeing patients), and of course, WW.

I'm must admit I am feeling overwhelmed. How can I reach the 5% goal? 8 pounds feels like a huge mountain to climb.

I've worked at all summer and haven't felt like I made significant process. I am traveling next week for work and concerned about losing ground. I have a trip to a Caribbean island in December to do some work for a non-profit I'm on the board for and I REALLY want to be down to 149 but I'll take 155.

I think if I can hit 158 - the  5%. I will begin to really look and feel really good.

Winter is coming soon...and...I've got to get smaller to fit into my winter gear and clothes. I don't want to buy ANYTHING. For the summer, I went to thrift store shopping and purchased some a-line skirts. Enough for about 2 weeks of work. Quite a few are super cute and I'll continue to wear them after the weight is off.

The fit and flare look is flattering on my body type, but, I'm ready to have more variety in my clothes. 

I know I have made progress. I am getting slimmer. I am improving in my cardio and strength endurance. I'm just ready to be "there" already.

69 days left in the year and I'm determined to end it harder, better, stronger, and faster.

Joined Weight Watchers

I'm gonna give WW a spin. The first time I lost 25 pounds (or the Corporate 25 I like to call as I gained it from the inactivity at my desk and business travel the year right after grad school) - I lost it following advice I pieced together from health magazines and a few blogs and some advice from the staff at the gym.

I worked with a dietitian to lose and maintain the weight loss over the past few years. I did both a small group and one on one sessions. I loved both dietitians I worked with and absolutely loved the Hyvee program. But, they made some changes to the program adding testing for cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure at the beginning and the end of the program - which really drove up the cost - from $80 for the group to $300 and double the $119 for individuals.

You can also see a dietitian one on one but at about $1 a minute - it gets expensive.

I liked the small group experience of working with a dietitian and the nice thing about the small groups is we got to have samples of product or special meals. And, I really like the "small" (depends on the night - and the season of the year -- like the first of Jan) group training at UHF. So, I was thinking maybe WW would be a good fit.

I also like that you can obtain lifetime membership.  My concern:  I am not big on counting points (of course - I've never done it). I prefer aiming for certain servings of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats and/or calories. We'll see how this works...

I was concerned about the Goal Weight. Right now I want to be at 142. Technically my 137 is acceptable on the BMI chart. Last year, I spent most of the year around 142 (+/- 5lbs) and looked and felt pretty good. I finally realized that looking back at some pictures and reading myfitness pal tracking #s. But, then I read that as long as I have a doctors note they'll honor that. Hopefully, my doctor will agree with me...I won't see him for a few weeks.

My first meeting is Thursday....

Can't You Feel A Brand New Day? (164.6)

Today was a good day!

Although, I stayed up late watching movies with my nephew until about 2:00 am the night before and then was awakened at 3:30 to drive home a friend who got pulled over for driving on a suspended license, I was determined to get a in a good workout.

So...got up early and went to UHF. Today was the end of the 6 week session workout and it was a great one! We warmed up with suicides. Then, we did 6 rounds of 1 - kettle bell swings 2 - renegade rows 3 - abs on a bosu ball 4 - flipping a 200lb tire 5 - dumbell chops 6 - squats with a jump 7 - running a lap.

I really pushed myself to run without stopping through every lap run. I'm still rebuilding my ankle strength and cardio ability...and I'm pleased with my determination today. My coach even gave me a hug after class to say good job :)

A pic from today's walk - I never feel like I can quite capture the beauty here.

Then I headed over to George Owens Park. It was a beautiful day today! I've really enjoyed these walks at GOP. I did get a little lost today on one of the trails and had to cross through "the woods" to find my way back to the trail. I have to admit I wanted to panic. I was close to finishing my 3 mile walk and was ready to go home and get some lunch...But, I just pushed up and out and through and found a way back to the trail.

I'm up a few pounds from my bday - I relaxed a bit too much on the food and exercise...I have 2 business trips this month that, honestly, I had hope to be slimmer for. I'm gonna work really hard to be at least 159 by November 1st despite my limitations to get to the gym and food I would want.

I'm a HUGE fan of the Wiz - the original broadway production and the movie version. Thursday - I was listening to the soundtrack and Yesterday - my nephew and I watched the movie. This morning on my way to the park - I sang this song to myself. I'm working towards a brand new day - physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially!