I entered Grand Central Station and checked the schedule for the next train home. Immediately I recognized my dilemma. It was 5:57pm and my train was leaving at 6:04.pm. With only seven minutes to spare, I had to decide between CHEESECAKE and a RESTROOM.
As I sit here eating my cheesecake, I am very grateful that this is a EXPRESS TRAIN. I'm also wondering if a session of Ballet Conditioning will make up for the momentary lapse of good judgement.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Cardio Hula
8:30am
I was right. This is hard. Not impossible, but it will definitely take some getting used to.
I was sweating by minute 7, and I had to take 3 water breaks! This may seem excessive since the workout is only 35 minutes. But I've learned to take breaks when I need them. This makes it less likely for me to stress something and end up out of commission for a couple days. Also, this will help me recognize my improvement once I'm able to make it through a session without resting.
I've had some soreness in my ankles since the plies in Ballet Conditioning last week, and it hasn't completely recovered since belly dance is also barefoot. With this in mind, I decided to do Cardio Hula today wearing sneakers. This was a fantastic decision!
I admit that I'm likely missing out on some of the earthiness (is that a word?) of dancing barefoot, but I realize that I'm not strong enough yet. Yes, it will probably look a little awkward doing Ballet, Hula or belly dance in sneakers. But really, who cares? I'm in the privacy of my own house, I'm up off my butt trying not to waste away at 25, and I'm moving my body in ways I never thought I was coordinated enough to move. Truth be told, it still looks silly when I catch myself in the mirror, but like I said. Who cares?
I'm certain that with practice I will graduate to barefoot dancing. Hopefully by then I'll be well versed in each move. In the meantime, I can consider this weighted dancing. Sneakers easily weigh at least a pound each!
I was right. This is hard. Not impossible, but it will definitely take some getting used to.
I was sweating by minute 7, and I had to take 3 water breaks! This may seem excessive since the workout is only 35 minutes. But I've learned to take breaks when I need them. This makes it less likely for me to stress something and end up out of commission for a couple days. Also, this will help me recognize my improvement once I'm able to make it through a session without resting.
I've had some soreness in my ankles since the plies in Ballet Conditioning last week, and it hasn't completely recovered since belly dance is also barefoot. With this in mind, I decided to do Cardio Hula today wearing sneakers. This was a fantastic decision!
I admit that I'm likely missing out on some of the earthiness (is that a word?) of dancing barefoot, but I realize that I'm not strong enough yet. Yes, it will probably look a little awkward doing Ballet, Hula or belly dance in sneakers. But really, who cares? I'm in the privacy of my own house, I'm up off my butt trying not to waste away at 25, and I'm moving my body in ways I never thought I was coordinated enough to move. Truth be told, it still looks silly when I catch myself in the mirror, but like I said. Who cares?
I'm certain that with practice I will graduate to barefoot dancing. Hopefully by then I'll be well versed in each move. In the meantime, I can consider this weighted dancing. Sneakers easily weigh at least a pound each!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Preview of Hula Dancing
Island Girl: Cardio Hula & Hula Abs and Buns (Amazon $9.98)
In true form, I sat on my couch with my bowl of noodles to check out this new addition to my dance collection. I was pleasantly surprised and just a little concerned for my looming first session.
Like belly dance, I'm almost certain these moves will be harder in practice than they seem while I continued to watch from my couch, now eating my coffee ice cream soda float. That's the point right? It's supposed to be "so easy" anyone could do-- but that's just a big fat joke. No pun intended.
Before I go any further, let me just talk about Kili (Kilihune) for a sec. She's super cute and her voice isn't overly annoying as she gives her prompts. Her most memorable line is "This is the [basic step name] this is what it looks like". I love it, it's like she's reminding you that you probably aren't doing it properly now, but eventually your moves will look like hers. It's actually a bit of a jab, but said in a way that makes me want to do it like her.
Next, was she Ms. Universe in a past life?! I can't even begin to believe that this workout alone will give me her body. But, wow, if it could! She looks like she does some serious weight lifting, or she really doesn't eat anything. Either way, between her body and the legitimate Hawaiian waves and breeze you can hear in the background, I'm hooked.
Kili shows you each basic step stringing them together along the way. This is a great way to really ingrain the movements in your mind. It also helps that each basic move has it's own name. Once I actually connect move and name in my mind, it'll be easy to follow Kili's prompts.
Practice outside of the workout session will be important. The final edits seem to have been cut by a horny goat disquised as a editor. Half the time you can't see the actual dance step because the camera is 3 inches form Kili's face, butt, abs or some other part of her body that isn't as important as seeing her entire body all at once. Yes she's hot (in a Ms. Universe kind of way) but I don't need to focus on her individual body parts while I'm heeving and wheezing through my workout.
Cardio Hula ~35 minutes
The session begins with a performance of the dance routine you will (hopefully) have learned at the end of 27 minutes. There are a couple of "jump" moves to help get your heart rate up, but in general it is mostly low impact.
Hula Abs & Buns ~35 minutes
This also starts with a dance routine you will (again hopefully) learn by the end of 27 minutes. Here there are a lot of squats, lots of plies and quite a bit of staccato jumping. There are also a ton of funky hip swirls and rocking movements.
This is going to be hard! I don't even have the words to describe how awkward I will look the first couple run-throughs, but as with belly dance, I'm confident it will get easier.
In true form, I sat on my couch with my bowl of noodles to check out this new addition to my dance collection. I was pleasantly surprised and just a little concerned for my looming first session.
Like belly dance, I'm almost certain these moves will be harder in practice than they seem while I continued to watch from my couch, now eating my coffee ice cream soda float. That's the point right? It's supposed to be "so easy" anyone could do-- but that's just a big fat joke. No pun intended.
Before I go any further, let me just talk about Kili (Kilihune) for a sec. She's super cute and her voice isn't overly annoying as she gives her prompts. Her most memorable line is "This is the [basic step name] this is what it looks like". I love it, it's like she's reminding you that you probably aren't doing it properly now, but eventually your moves will look like hers. It's actually a bit of a jab, but said in a way that makes me want to do it like her.
Next, was she Ms. Universe in a past life?! I can't even begin to believe that this workout alone will give me her body. But, wow, if it could! She looks like she does some serious weight lifting, or she really doesn't eat anything. Either way, between her body and the legitimate Hawaiian waves and breeze you can hear in the background, I'm hooked.
Kili shows you each basic step stringing them together along the way. This is a great way to really ingrain the movements in your mind. It also helps that each basic move has it's own name. Once I actually connect move and name in my mind, it'll be easy to follow Kili's prompts.
Practice outside of the workout session will be important. The final edits seem to have been cut by a horny goat disquised as a editor. Half the time you can't see the actual dance step because the camera is 3 inches form Kili's face, butt, abs or some other part of her body that isn't as important as seeing her entire body all at once. Yes she's hot (in a Ms. Universe kind of way) but I don't need to focus on her individual body parts while I'm heeving and wheezing through my workout.
Cardio Hula ~35 minutes
The session begins with a performance of the dance routine you will (hopefully) have learned at the end of 27 minutes. There are a couple of "jump" moves to help get your heart rate up, but in general it is mostly low impact.
Hula Abs & Buns ~35 minutes
This also starts with a dance routine you will (again hopefully) learn by the end of 27 minutes. Here there are a lot of squats, lots of plies and quite a bit of staccato jumping. There are also a ton of funky hip swirls and rocking movements.
This is going to be hard! I don't even have the words to describe how awkward I will look the first couple run-throughs, but as with belly dance, I'm confident it will get easier.
Luscious Bellydance
Tuesday 8am & Wednesday 8:30am
I'm officially hooked on Luscious Bellydance! I was literally practicing the moves in my sleep. I "hip released" myself to sleep last night and I'm not even ashamed to say it.
The moves have become a little easier to do. I found that I've had a hard time with some moves because I was unconsciously trying to do them faster than they were meant to be done. Now that I've noticed that, by slowing down, of course it becomes more easy.
I would really suggest taking some time, outside of the workout, to practice individual moves. Mastering a specific step will absolutely help you get through each session with more fluidity. The most important steps to practice are the ones that involve turns and head-drops when you can't actually see the dancers in front of you.
I'm still struggling with complimentary moves- but I did better today than I did the first time. The "Arabesque" was easier today than before, and the same can be said about the moving "shimmy".
I'm officially hooked on Luscious Bellydance! I was literally practicing the moves in my sleep. I "hip released" myself to sleep last night and I'm not even ashamed to say it.
The moves have become a little easier to do. I found that I've had a hard time with some moves because I was unconsciously trying to do them faster than they were meant to be done. Now that I've noticed that, by slowing down, of course it becomes more easy.
I would really suggest taking some time, outside of the workout, to practice individual moves. Mastering a specific step will absolutely help you get through each session with more fluidity. The most important steps to practice are the ones that involve turns and head-drops when you can't actually see the dancers in front of you.
I'm still struggling with complimentary moves- but I did better today than I did the first time. The "Arabesque" was easier today than before, and the same can be said about the moving "shimmy".
Monday, March 23, 2009
Denise Austin: Get Fit Daily Dozen
Denise Austin: Get Fit Daily Dozen (Walmart $12.99)
Denise Austin is 52! I'm doing whatever she tells me to do from now on!
There are five unique sessions.
- Cardio Athletic
- Cardio Kickbox
- Lower Body Sculpt
- Upper Body Sculpt
- Yoga Stretch
I have now done her Yoga Stretch session twice to help me relax and recover from my dance routines. The session is 12 minutes (daily dozen) and has helped a bit but I probably need a little more stretching at this point.
I've considered doing this 12 minute stretch every morning to aid my recovery. I should probably do it each night-- but I haven't been able to commit to a full 50 minute session in the morning. I simply can't wake up early enough.
180 lbs - Weigh In
I checked yesterday and today--
Looks like I'm hovering around 180lbs. It appears that I fluctuate 2-3 pounds each day, but it's been a while since the scale said I was below 180- so this is what I'm working with.
My goal is to get to 160lbs or a size 8, whichever comes first. Right now I'm tightly squeezed into a size 12, and am consistently busting seams in my (previously loose) size 10 pants. Have you ever wanted to unbutton your pants and hide it under the length of your shirt? I've had those days-- actually too many of those days.
Summer is coming -- at this rate I'll have to hide under my clothes. It's much harder to hide imperfections in the summer. It's hot, and the best dresses are whimsical and barely there. The fall and winter seasons are a chubby girls best friend because people expect you to layer. It's about keeping warm. This said, how awkward will you look in the middle of July with khakis, a turtle neck (this is a problem in itself) and over sized sweater?
even still- this is not about people judging me. This is about me judging me and coming up short. I don't like being out of breath when I climb three flights of stairs or having to wear elastic waistbands when i travel. I want to be comfortable in my skin and exude confidence and grace with my every step.
Looks like I'm hovering around 180lbs. It appears that I fluctuate 2-3 pounds each day, but it's been a while since the scale said I was below 180- so this is what I'm working with.
My goal is to get to 160lbs or a size 8, whichever comes first. Right now I'm tightly squeezed into a size 12, and am consistently busting seams in my (previously loose) size 10 pants. Have you ever wanted to unbutton your pants and hide it under the length of your shirt? I've had those days-- actually too many of those days.
Summer is coming -- at this rate I'll have to hide under my clothes. It's much harder to hide imperfections in the summer. It's hot, and the best dresses are whimsical and barely there. The fall and winter seasons are a chubby girls best friend because people expect you to layer. It's about keeping warm. This said, how awkward will you look in the middle of July with khakis, a turtle neck (this is a problem in itself) and over sized sweater?
even still- this is not about people judging me. This is about me judging me and coming up short. I don't like being out of breath when I climb three flights of stairs or having to wear elastic waistbands when i travel. I want to be comfortable in my skin and exude confidence and grace with my every step.
A little discomfort means it's working
Everything hurts me-- after just 6 different sessions of alternating dance routines!
I'm awakening muscles and reminding them that yes they have a purpose, and yes it's time to finally get to work. No more lazing around and relying on the big muscle groups to do all the work (thighs arms and shoulders). It's time for everyone to pitch in- from the little tendons around my ankles to the the tiny muscles in the small of my back. Step into line fellas-- the foolishness ends here!
I had a tough time sleeping last night because of a faint pain throughout my body. Don't get me wrong- it is definitely a good pain. The kind that means you're working things that have never been worked before. I found myself doing quad stretches in my sleep to ease the discomfort. Perhaps tonight I'll concede to take a Tylenol pm just to take the edge off. It's hard to wake up in time for a morning workout- if I've had a restless sleep.
I'm awakening muscles and reminding them that yes they have a purpose, and yes it's time to finally get to work. No more lazing around and relying on the big muscle groups to do all the work (thighs arms and shoulders). It's time for everyone to pitch in- from the little tendons around my ankles to the the tiny muscles in the small of my back. Step into line fellas-- the foolishness ends here!
I had a tough time sleeping last night because of a faint pain throughout my body. Don't get me wrong- it is definitely a good pain. The kind that means you're working things that have never been worked before. I found myself doing quad stretches in my sleep to ease the discomfort. Perhaps tonight I'll concede to take a Tylenol pm just to take the edge off. It's hard to wake up in time for a morning workout- if I've had a restless sleep.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Ballet Conditioning
10Am
This- my first ballet workout- was intense physically and mentally. I knew it wouldn't be easy because I'd seen the entire workout already. Really- it was harder than I had expected.
Fantastic: I really don't need a lot of space to do this routine. All I need is enough space for the length of my body on the floor including my outstretched arms, and a mat.
Struggle: Any move that involves a standing leg and then movement of the other leg is hard. It's important to stand strongly and not to sink into the standing leg. It is equally important not to sway as I make my moves. Again, this is harder than it appears. Using a chair to assist with balance is suggested and beneficial.
Impossible: Bringing my knee to hip height and then extending the entire leg straight in any direction. Front. Side. Back. Extending backwards may be the hardest because I can't just lean forward to compensate for the movement. This is where strength and pain enters the picture. I am certain this is where buns of mush become buns of steel.
Mental Strength: It's so easy to quit. It's much harder to stick through something and finish stronger than I was when I started. This will be one of those things. I will not give up on ballet even though my thighs get in the way of my first position forward bends.
There is a short section that includes jumps to introduce cardio and increase my heart rate. The burst of whimsical energy is welcomed after the strength training of the legs. I have a tile floor so jumping on my mat is key. There is a bit of core work via Pilate's at the end. This is stressful for the neck, but I will make adjustments (laying my head down) until I build strength.
50 minutes went by relatively quickly. I sweat profusely, especially during the Pilate's core work and the squats on raised heels.
I'll take some time to recover via other workouts, but I'm looking forward to my next ballet session.
This- my first ballet workout- was intense physically and mentally. I knew it wouldn't be easy because I'd seen the entire workout already. Really- it was harder than I had expected.
Fantastic: I really don't need a lot of space to do this routine. All I need is enough space for the length of my body on the floor including my outstretched arms, and a mat.
Struggle: Any move that involves a standing leg and then movement of the other leg is hard. It's important to stand strongly and not to sink into the standing leg. It is equally important not to sway as I make my moves. Again, this is harder than it appears. Using a chair to assist with balance is suggested and beneficial.
Impossible: Bringing my knee to hip height and then extending the entire leg straight in any direction. Front. Side. Back. Extending backwards may be the hardest because I can't just lean forward to compensate for the movement. This is where strength and pain enters the picture. I am certain this is where buns of mush become buns of steel.
Mental Strength: It's so easy to quit. It's much harder to stick through something and finish stronger than I was when I started. This will be one of those things. I will not give up on ballet even though my thighs get in the way of my first position forward bends.
There is a short section that includes jumps to introduce cardio and increase my heart rate. The burst of whimsical energy is welcomed after the strength training of the legs. I have a tile floor so jumping on my mat is key. There is a bit of core work via Pilate's at the end. This is stressful for the neck, but I will make adjustments (laying my head down) until I build strength.
50 minutes went by relatively quickly. I sweat profusely, especially during the Pilate's core work and the squats on raised heels.
I'll take some time to recover via other workouts, but I'm looking forward to my next ballet session.
Saturday March 21: Luscious Belly Dancing
10am
There is nothing luscious about doing this routine for the first time. But it's fun, frustrating and liberating all at the same time.
Even if you consider yourself reasonably good at keeping pace with an audible beat (not just the beats in your head) this may prove difficult at first. It will take some intense effort and encouraged muscle memory to help me get through this entire session gracefully. I'm certain that practice will make a world of difference, but I'm not yet certain that I will ever look as graceful and sensual as the dancers on screen. I suppose that's why I'm on this viewing end and not the performing end.
As my first session, I decided to go through the entire routine once to gage my level of expertise. I didn't want to waist time on the tutorial if I were already able to do the steps, or learn them quickly. I don't regret this decision. Even though I fumbled through most of the routine, I did my very best to keep up- and when I couldn't keep up I did simple hip circles until I could join in again. I didn't sweat a lot, but I'm sure I raised my body temperature.
After the 50 minute routine, I spent about 15 minutes with the tutorial trying to perfect a couple moves. The hip circle and hip drops are giving me a little trouble. There are a lot of complimentary movements involved that are difficult to do at the same time-- (snake arms and infinity loops at the same time. I also need to work on following completely through each movement. My waves are always a bit awkward because I stop short the fluidity of the entire movement-- like reach the end of a bungee rope and being snapped back.
These moves aren't easy, but they are fun even when you get them wrong. My abs have a certain tingle deep inside where I've never really felt this sensation before. The work-out pain is not on the surface where it usually is, but deep in the core of the muscles. I prefer this. It has lasted much longer- in a good way. My abs "spasmed" once or twice when I was consignment shopping today-- it was a pleasant (although weird) surprise.
There is nothing luscious about doing this routine for the first time. But it's fun, frustrating and liberating all at the same time.
Even if you consider yourself reasonably good at keeping pace with an audible beat (not just the beats in your head) this may prove difficult at first. It will take some intense effort and encouraged muscle memory to help me get through this entire session gracefully. I'm certain that practice will make a world of difference, but I'm not yet certain that I will ever look as graceful and sensual as the dancers on screen. I suppose that's why I'm on this viewing end and not the performing end.
As my first session, I decided to go through the entire routine once to gage my level of expertise. I didn't want to waist time on the tutorial if I were already able to do the steps, or learn them quickly. I don't regret this decision. Even though I fumbled through most of the routine, I did my very best to keep up- and when I couldn't keep up I did simple hip circles until I could join in again. I didn't sweat a lot, but I'm sure I raised my body temperature.
After the 50 minute routine, I spent about 15 minutes with the tutorial trying to perfect a couple moves. The hip circle and hip drops are giving me a little trouble. There are a lot of complimentary movements involved that are difficult to do at the same time-- (snake arms and infinity loops at the same time. I also need to work on following completely through each movement. My waves are always a bit awkward because I stop short the fluidity of the entire movement-- like reach the end of a bungee rope and being snapped back.
These moves aren't easy, but they are fun even when you get them wrong. My abs have a certain tingle deep inside where I've never really felt this sensation before. The work-out pain is not on the surface where it usually is, but deep in the core of the muscles. I prefer this. It has lasted much longer- in a good way. My abs "spasmed" once or twice when I was consignment shopping today-- it was a pleasant (although weird) surprise.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Previews of 2 new Workouts
Luscious - The Bellydance Workout for Beginners (Amazon $12.99)
This arrived yesterday and I previewed most of the DVD including the instructions. I'm really excited to try this and also a little afraid. I haven't got much coordination, and the little I do is not necessarily sexy. All I wish for is a successful first run through where I don't break anything. Hopefully I'll be able to follow along without the instructional section, but I'm glad it's there just in case I need it. One good sign is that I found myself winding my hips while sitting on the couch during the preview-- that must mean something.
Element: Ballet Conditioning (Amazon $7.49)
After previewing this, I'm certain it will be much harder than anything I've done to date. This woman Elise Gulan is rock solid. She has rocks where her bum should be and I'm thoroughly concerned and afraid that I won't make it through the first session. I read somewhere that this workout should be good for a relaxing morning session-- but I'm convinced that a body that has been dormant for 6+ hours will not be able to handle this. My guess is that's perhaps I'll be strong enough for a morning session after my first 10 practices.
I'm certain that it will take me at least 10 practices to get through a full session without stopping, or wheezing.
This said, it'll be worth it to get Elise's buns of steel!
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