Sophie's Weight Loss Challenge

I bought a pass. A fitness pass. I didn't find it to be like enrolling in Curves. I didn't go into Curves.

Instead- I printed a calendar of all the fitness classes I could drop-in on. I planned my week to go to at least 5 sessions and to try lots of new things.

This week:

Mindfulness from the mat: This was a "yoga" class that was actually more about the mind. I think if I had been younger and more foolish I would have seen this as a waste of time. Yes, it was more about meditation and it didn't get the blood pumping. My obsession with exercise being to see results and see them now. But I realize that I need to control my mind just has much during this process. I need to find focus. Meditation is something I need to practice... maybe on my own. Now, while this wasn't exercise... the 2.25 mile walk home was.

Turbokick: I awoke at 5:50am. I couldn't go back to sleep. A pesky part of my brain was telling me, "you have a 6:30am kicking boxing class. Wake UP!" So I did. And I did. Go to the class that is. I was dying 10 minutes in. The old me would have given up, paid too much attention to her ailments, and been self conscious. The... current me was determined to make the one hour work out count, knew that everyone else was too concerned about themselves to follow the uncoordinated but determined girl in the back, and, hey, I paid for it so I better do it. I loved the instructor. I felt wonderful afterward and I was dripping like I came in from a storm.

Sunset Yoga: Exactly as it sounds. I made it count as a work out... really pushing myself. It showed. My sweat was dripping from my face. I have come to value those precious droplets rather than detest them with shame. They are little badges of courage and persistence. Thank goodness they have clean towels for mopping up. Sunset pretty. Wear better pants next time.

Zumba: The first night was incredible. I makes a tremendous difference which instructor is leading. Jenny... or was it Chelsea? Was creative, funny, and neverending. The place was packed. The women (only women) were dancing and laughing and tripping around... just like me. No one really approached me and I didn't really approach anyone, but I wasn't self conscious. I realized I was the biggest girl there. And for what I lacked (or held) in size, I was determined to replace with focus and light-hearted eagerness. Of course, this instructor was a substitute and not a regular. Bummer.

The second night. Well it was like night and day. Lets just say that the instructor was less personable, less coordinated and less talented, poor soul. I wouldn't stay motivated if she were the only instructor. There is one other I'm looking forward to trying too. But that may well be after I get back from Georgia.

Conclusions:

• Wow do you need to hydrate, before and after these classes. Good lord I've never loved water so much
• Wardrobe needs some tweaking for comfort
• I can only rely on myself to go, no one else can motivate me
• I am excited to try many others and feel that excitement to stay motivated
• No eating for hours before
• Sweating until I'm soaked is... rewarding... and disgusting
• Ice. Ice those calves, feet, and shins
  

Next week is a short week, but I plan to try another yoga class, an ab class or strength training, and something like a step class. I will introduce Emily to Zumba and we can dance the night away. I am plagued by mistress nature so I have gained several lbs in water weight, but I always find it comforting when it leaves. My weight dips down yet again. And my closest goal, of losing 10% of my weight, has another 14ish lbs to go before xmas. I know I will do it. And I'll do it while eating how I want. Healthy but happy.

Things are good, and I hope the next few weeks are motivated and filled with a balanced workout routine. Focus. Focus. Focus.