transformation....Develop the length of a dancer-who me?

"Develop the length of a dancer
and the strength of an athlete
with our highly effective 60-minute workouts.
Each class follows a thoughtful sequence for fast body shaping results
and long term postural benefits."
From barre3 website home page.


On a side street off A Avenue in Lake Oswego** the transformation began on March 31, 2011 and I posted a blog about that first class on April 8th...and in my true Type A style - I obsessed about taking classes as my I moved with increasing muscle soreness  in the belief that soon, very soon that would be but a memory and I would just take the classes, enjoy them and wake up one day with new streamlined body. (Hahahahahaha....she laughed.)  (**NOTE: this is only 1 of 3 locations here in the Portland area. There are also classes in other major cities, Bellevue/Seattle, WA, Denver CO, and soon to be in WDC. Check the barre3 website for other locations.)

On any given day my body aches in every conceivable muscle - and it's not the large muscles that appear to be affected. No siree, it's those tiny muscles under the bigger muscles that ache. And it is not symmetrical this soreness I feel...although each group of muscles does get a workout each class. I have a few tiny mad muscles that continue to tell me exactly where they are at - who knew there were so many tiny hidden muscles. I can now do push-ups....not 100, but 10 and that's something for me. I hate push-ups.

That is the beauty of barre3...at least for me. Each class has been different, each instructor has their own style and variations on the body shaping sequence, and although I have taken the same time slot/instructor, NO two classes have been identical - a huge plus!  I am easily bored. I need variety. So I change it up between the basic and the foundations classes. Being supported and encouraged to challenge yourself, AND to listen to your own body...be present in class for yourself and only for yourself. Class sizes are small, pre-registered enabling the instructor to provide direction, correction and encouragement...winning!

Now just over 2 full months of classes - going 3-4x a week...I am re-visiting biceps and triceps that disappeared about 6 years ago. My glutes are becoming more toned, I have a stronger core. My chiropractor is liking the new me. I feel terrific...I am sleeping better and my appetite is shrinking. Who knew a ballet-barre, yoga strap, a squishy ball and 1-lb barbells would be so loved. Madonna is a fan...yes that Madonna. (there I said it, and I'll bend over and pick up the name I just dropped.) I don't have the body of a dancer (secret ambition: NYC Rockette as a child) yet...but maybe, just maybe sometime in the future.

Last week one of the instructors actually commented on how my body was transforming right before her eyes. (shhhh, don't tell anyone, I like her the best!) Of course, now that the transformation is occurring I am leaving town for an extended RV trip through Yellowstone and Calgary...I am fully prepared to at least manage my renewed self with the 40 min DVD version in hopes of keeping the return-to-class aches to a minimum. Don't laugh - it could happen.

Check back in August for an update.

(Ask about the 3 class special, or when they are having another athletic wear trunk show. If you want to confuse them, tell them I sent you. )

Ciao~

this week's dribs and drabs

So, it's Monday again, time for DWTS. I think I'd be more excited if the Playboy Princess wasn't still testing our patience and tolerance what with the bad acting and all around bratty 'tude. Yes, I could remove myself from in front of that portion of the show - don't want to, after all, it may actually be another train wreck and that's always good for a giggle.

Took myself to my 7th Barre3 class today...love, love, love this class. Not one class has the same instructor or content. At times, I feel like my muscles will burst at any second - but compared to the first week I am in so much better condition. I do sometimes have to put my 1lb hand weights down to lower my heart-rate, after all my heart is a lot older than the girl that is talking in my head believes the body is...and I know enough about aerobic exercise - both the good and bad - to know that anaerobic is counter productive in the grand scheme of things.

Found a new protein bar. Not only is it gluten-free (which I totally need) but also several of the bars have ZERO sugar. That's right...ZIP sugar.  The ten natural thinkThin® high protein bars have 0 grams sugar and around 230 calories (70 fat cal) and are OMG delicious. I have only been able to find 4 of the 10 protein bars in our local Trader Joes and New Season's but one can order them on line. Chocolate Brownie and White Chocolate Chip are my current favs, although the Cookies & Creme bar is right up. I have one in my bag now all the time, perfect for a afternoon snack when I'm away from home and the healthier snacks that dwell within. Their also have a "crunch" bar line which does have sugar as an ingredient, as well as a small box of 5 half bars (protein) which is the perfect after-dinner treat with a cup of chamomile tea. (think I will email them that I blogged about the bars...will they reward me with a box?) Oh, and the website also has a coupon you can download for .50cents off a bar until 30 April.

We now have helmets and fenders on our bikes. Now if the weather would just cooperate long enough to take a dry spin....and the RV bumper rack has been modified to work around the tire currently mounted there. Watch out people the 'crazy' lady on the hot pink bike hasn't ridden in years!

Have a reiki practice partner lined up...and my darling man is also making himself "available"....he isn't a believer - but then he doesn't need to be!  The Universe knows just what it is that needs the love and attention.

And finally, spring veggie planting is semi-done. Am waiting for sweet onion roots from a neighbor, but all in all until the ground warms up enough to plant tomatoes I am done. Oh, that and Brussels sprouts and beets...ohmygosh - nothing better that roasted b sprouts and beets. So good for you...

Am off for a walk around the 'hood while there is a bit of sun in our (brrrrr) 48 degree afternoon.
Ciao

my new ride....on the road to fit-ness

recent posts by yours truly have been focusing on my need/desire/search to get back into a regular fitness routine. this one will as well. there are a multitude of reasons. among them is my desire to ward off the encroaching "love handles", age inertia/limitations, and to just feel better. physically one could say i am a mess, at least structurally.

i have spinal degeneration going on, specifically in my upper back/neck area that regular chiropractic care, over the last 35+ years, has helped me maintain an active lifestyle. being active was and continues to be important, even through periods of yoga, aerobics, weight training, running, pilate's. there was also periods of inactivity...when i went back to school to finish getting my college degree, and the 5 - yes 5, knee surgeries and the subsequent periods of recovery from them. no more running for me, ever. i could be all sad about that, but frankly - running sucks. didn't like it as a teenager, didn't really love it as an adult, but it did get the workout done faster - and no, i never got the runner's high. whatever that is! and  at one point in my 20's i had a road bike, until the partying got to be more fun then the bike...but that is another story.

last spring i found new solutions through Dr. Arnot and his team. intense appointments with ice, stretches and adjustments soon got me stabilized. even with a nasty fall last july 17th and my sprained wrist got attended to...then i left town for 4 months and even though i was diligent about doing my daily stretches and exercises, i came home a mess, albeit not a huge mess - finding myself getting treated each week. hence the search for regular fitness...building core strength and maintaining flexibility. in all these years not one of my many chiropractic physicians (there have been 6 not counting the current one) had a team to assist in designing a program to help stabilize until now.

can't run, but no one has suggested i can't ride.

my new ride

sooooo - yesterday we got our new mountain bikes - they are really cross trainers with fat tires...no trail riding for this one, but they will come in handy while we winter somewhere warm and dry.

isn't she pretty?
so fitness is part of who i am. (along with the fat girl that lives inside my head, screeching to be let out.)
i think i'll punish her more once i get a helmet - then i'll be ready to go!

Ciao~