Dancing to the Beat of My Own Drum

I discovered a great way to exercise about a month ago. It's called Zumba. Normally, I usually only last about a couple of weeks with any routines I have tried in the past because I haven't seen the results I would like to see. Well, Zumba is the opposite.

I look forward to going to class every day, seeing the people, talking with the instructors, and dancing. I have always loved to dance, but this puts a whole new spin on it. You can burn as much as 1,000 calories per class. Just knowing that when I am done, I will have burned at least most of what I had consumed that day is amazing. The harder you work, the louder you holler back at the instructor and the more energy you put into it, the more you lose the weight, the inches, etc., etc.

My instructors are amazing, and very encouraging. They use the positive reinforcement technique which will keep people coming back. The energy level is highly addictive, and the positivity is even more addictive. Just knowing that I am not going to be put down for doing a step wrong, but encouraged to try it again and nail it, is ever so helpful. I am learning a lot from going to class and watching my instructors online on the public profiles. They give GREAT health tips that you should live by and good examples of healthy foods to eat. They are trying to teach you how to enjoy what you eat. Eat to Live. Not Live to Eat.
When I started Zumba, I was nervous, but the instructor, Casey, told me not to be. That everyone has been in my shoes, and everyone has started at the bottom. The first couple of weeks are the worst because you don't know the steps and you look like a fool, but everyone starts that way. After a few weeks now, I am getting a lot of the routines down in both classes, hers and the owner of the studio (Michelle). I can't tell you how happy I am to have found something I love doing, and something that is so much fun. It keeps me wanting to come back and going harder the next class. I messed up a step or four? It's cool, next class I can rock it out.
Now, on to the results.

So, keep in mind, I have only been going to the studio for about a month. And that I have only started going more than twice a week this week.
In one week since I started going 4 times a week for Zumba (5 when I can make the Monday class, or staying for another Zumba class after the first one), 2 times a week for Power Up (Weights for 30 minutes) and yoga once a week, I have lost a half inch off my waist, and have lost 3 lbs. To you it may not sound like much, to me, it's results. I am going to be measuring once a week. My waist at start last week was 39 1/2 inches. I am now at 39 inches even. I want to be down to 35 1/2 or 35 by my birthday which is 54 days from today. It's going to take some hard core dieting,  which I have started, and a lot of exercise, which I am happy to be doing, but I can reach my goal.

Well, I now must get on to homework. It's nice to be back to blogging, it truly is.

*Simple Moment of the Day*

My instructor, Michelle, told me the other night that people will purposely try to make you angry, and will do whatever they can to get a rise out of you. If you let them make you angry, then they win. Don't let them. Don't let them get the best of you. Don't let them make you angry, cause all it does is allow them to win. Don't let them bring you down. Be the winner, and look at them and say, bless you. I send nothing but positive vibes to you and wish you nothing but happiness. I feel sorry for you, cause you don't know how to be happy. It took her saying this, and really pondering it for a moment for it to finally sink in.

This girl is on fire, and can't no body bring me down.

Week One Update!

Well, I just finished my workout for the day and I fell really good about it! I am a little sore but that is what it is all about, being sore so you can feel better! The physical therapist said as long as it's not a "sharp and stabbing pain" it's a good pain. 


I did my first weigh in this morning, and let me tell you, I was extremely nervous stepping on the scale. I was so sure I had gained weight this week, but I didn't. I actually lost 5 pounds! I was surprised to be honest. My Mom didn't look surprised, but Travis couldn't believe it. I had to laugh at his amazement. He hadn't been very supportive this past weekend. Making remarks that, I am guessing, he thought was helpful and all. But they ended up hurting my feelings more than helping. Although, it did give me a ton of determination to prove him completely wrong.


My Mom is watching my progress real closely. She is making sure I eat healthy, and stay on track with my exercise. She is also making sure I don't go overboard with it either. She is more focused on me making healthier choices and living a healthier lifestyle. The weight loss is an added bonus, even though it is one of my main goals. She told me she was happy that I was doing this and that I would be happier in the long run, not only with how I am eating, but with my lifestyle. 


Never let anyone tell you that Mom's aren't usually right. Those are people who never listened to their moms, and learn later that mom was actually right. My Mom is right, I will feel better about myself once I reach my goal. :) And diet and exercise is the trick! 


Well, I feel like I have a million and one things to do before I have to go to work today.  This means I need to hop off here and start going. :) 


*Simple Moment of the Day*
Friday night, I was out with Travis and some friends and as we were saying our goodbyes we looked up towards the moon. There was an eerie ring around the moon, but it was perfectly even all the way around and was gorgeous. Travis and I stood side by side gazing at it in awe. It was a clear night, so perfect. On the way home, he took my hand and held it. It was a 45 minute drive and he didn't let go except to turn the heat on. It was a perfect midnight drive. 




Until next time,
Remember the Simple Things in Life.