Start Somewhere

10 weeks after having my fourth baby, I felt tired and exhausted. Tackling a newborn, unpacking a new home and trying to be a mom to my three other kids was taking everything I had. I'd been given the all clear to begin exercising at 6 weeks, but other than a walk around the neighborhood, hadn't done much else. I felt like I had no time to go back to my previous self. I felt like my body just didn't have the energy to commit to one more thing. I felt like I needed to wait until things slowed down.

What was happening to me? I was rationalizing. Looking for reasons not to start. Finding ways to delay what would really help me feel better. Why? Because I knew it was going to be hard. And I felt like I was doing enough hard things.

In that moment, I made the decision to try. I've been an advocate for exercise and clean eating for years. I needed to practice what I had preached for so long. I planned to go for a run the next morning. Our new homesite was next to trails, "why not take advantage of them?" I thought.

Before I could blink the next morning arrived and I was standing on my front porch looking at the trail in front of me. I mentally planned to run to a specific spot on the trail. The distance seemed more than doable and I began.  The crisp morning air shot into my lungs. It felt invigorating.

Until about the 6th stride. When I remembered that I don't actually like to run. 30 seconds after that, my heart was pounding, and my side began to ache. I was so close to home, I wanted to cry, quit, lay down on the grass and go to sleep - anything but continue.

I forced my legs to keep moving. To the outside eye, this was anything from a run. My body felt awkward. I had no rhythm. From an ariel view, I looked like a sluggish, jiggly snail moving across the earth. At least that's how I felt.

I battled every step. The loud voice in my head was shouting at me to quit. To sit on the park bench, splash water on my face from the nearby creek and walk home "so sweaty." But I wasn't going to lie to myself. I wasn't going to let myself stop. I needed to keep moving.

In an effort to distract myself, I began focusing on everything outside. I would mentally say the name of what I saw. House. Tree. Dog. Then I counted my steps. Anything to keep my mind from letting the quitting voice take over.

I approached the initial point on the trail where I had planned to slow and walk. I'm a visual person, and had chosen a place with an actual line to it. It was at the end of a bridge. Once I crossed the bridge, I could walk, recover, do whatever I needed to do.

I so badly wanted to change the line. Even to just the beginning of the bridge. But my feet pounded on the pavement, the sound eventually changing to the pounding on the wooden bridge and as if I had fought through an endurance marathon, I crossed it.

Then I threw up.  (okay probably a little too much information, but hey, I'm honest.)

It took everything I had to make it across the bridge. As a group fitness instructor, I often reference a perceived scale of exertion (or a 1-10 scale). Always keeping ourselves below a 10 so that we can maintain control. Well, I felt a solid 10.

But crossing that line changed me. Because I had managed to do something that felt really hard. I didn't quit. I had made myself stronger. All the feelings from the night (and weeks) before had been erased.

I smiled. The blood pumping through me made me feel warm from the inside out. True sweat dripped off my nose as if my body was telling me thank you for allowing it to work.

As an added bonus, each time I now cross the bridge, I have a spring in my step and smile on my face reminding myself of that moment. Of starting somewhere.

Want to start somewhere?

1.  Commit Mentally. No one, especially a new mom, has the time or energy sitting in excess to start exercising. It has to be a mindful decision that you are going to commit yourself to.

2.  Take action. We can think about starting all we want. But we need to take those first steps. Choose some type of fitness program - at home, with a group, inside, outside, on land, on water. Decide what it is and schedule time to make it happen.

3.  Embrace your present self. If you're a new mom or if you've lost the routine of exercise, or if you've never really started exercise before, be realistic. You are not the person you were 10 years ago. That's actually a good thing. But we need to listen to our present body. And, no we don't need to push ourselves to a 10 like yours truly. Set a goal that is realistic. Then move forward.

4.  Cross your starting line. I call it a starting line because getting through the first workout is going to feel extremely difficult. But once you do it, you've started on your journey to becoming a stronger version of you.

5.  Keep moving forward. I actually chose a workout that I personally don't love. That's okay. I finished it. Moving forward, I found something else that I loved a lot more. It doesn't mean I won't still run on occasion, or that I might enjoy it more someday, but my present self needed a different option to succeed. Because we're more likely to do something if we actually like it.

Find JOY in the little things

Her face was beautiful as she threw dandelions into the air while I cranked out lunges and push-ups.

Of course, I was experiencing an end-of workout natural high, but it took this moment to realize she too had been exercising right along with me and was feeling the same JOY.

The JOY of sunlight, air, family and love. The JOY of being in the present moment.

To keep it real - as dandelions and exercise happiness were happening, the babe was sucking on her thumb with crinkled eyebrows (teething), the 3YO was behind me running in circles, and the 9 yo was looking for bugs and crawfish.

But, I felt better with exercise. Still sleep deprived, but better. And hopeful this journey of fitness will rub off on these kiddos. Because it's not about a number on a scale. It's about the feeling that comes from within.

Make them the reason, not the excuse.

Expectation vs. Reality

Lesson. Learned.

It was the middle of summer. We were headed out the door. Kids on bikes and me pushing the jogging stroller ready to run (okay jog) our usual route. We'd found a comfortable groove the the crew and exercise, sunshine and fresh air. The babe rode in the jogging stroller, kiddos rode their bikes, and I jogged.  I liked the routine.

Before leaving the garage, my six year old turned to me and said "mom, I want to run with you today."

***insert long pause and some crinkled eyebrows***

Mentally, I was predicting how disastrous/frustrating this would be if she couldn't run.  Her suggestion was not part of my plan. I was clearly internally irritated, but took a breath, faked a smile and said, "why not?"

Off we went. I expected her to struggle, ask to sit, and to want to give up. I expected a huge gap between my two on bikes and my six year old trying to run with me somewhere in-between. But reality came through completely different from my expectation.

She ran HARD. And kept going strong. As if the wind lifted her. All the way to the end.

The reality of this experience reminded me of something. This experience, like many, wasn't about ME and MY expectations, but allowing my child to believe in herself, take action, and ACCOMPLISH something on her terms. Often the REALITY of these experiences turns out much better than any plan or expectation I'd made.

How many times do I "think they can't" when they really can?
How often do I think I can't, when I really could?
How often do we sell ourselves short?

Self doubt can destroy us. Confidence can lift us.

"If you believe you can, you will. If you believe you can't, you won't."

MINDFUL MOMENT: Expectation and reality can lie vastly separate from one another.  When I recognize I'm internally 'expecting' a negative reality with those closest to me, I do my best to breathe and choose to look at the situation from the other's perspective.  It helps remove the frustration and replace it with more understanding.

:15 minute medicine ball workout

Ever short on time?

It happens! I snuck in a :15 minute medicine ball workout while my babe was napping (and before I needed to pick up the rest of the crew from their schools!). Try this fun mix and let me know how you like it.

Exercises can be done with or without weights!

Each exercise lasts ONE minute!

Begin with a warm up of your choice.

• Reverse Lunge with Bicep Curl (one minute for each leg, two minutes total) - hold weight with bent elbows, close to chest as leg lowers, lift weight to bicep curl as leg returns to standing position.
• Sumo Squat hold and medicine ball twist - hold legs in sumo squat position and while squeezing navel into spine, twist torso while holding medicine ball close to the body. Keep rotation in the spine, and stabilize knees (make sure they aren't rolling in!).
• Deadlift to Standing Crunch (one minute for each leg, two minutes total) - deadlift with back leg reaching along the horizon, or gently tapping the ground, extending arms and allowing medicine ball to lower toward ground. Pulling medicine ball close to body as teetering back into a standing crunch position (shown).
• Controlled Mountain Climbers with Medicine Ball - placing palms on ball and beginning in a plank position, draw knee toward chest and extend back. Repeat other leg, and continue alternating. Form and control is more important than speed. Option: For less movement, hold a plank for one minute instead.
• One Arm Push Up with Medicine Ball (:45 seconds on each side, so 90 seconds total) - in push up position, place one hand on the ground and one hand on the medicine ball. Remember form is more important than speed. Use child's pose rest position as needed.

Repeat for 2 rounds total.

Finish with a cool down.

5 fun fitness tips for kids

When my home feels a bit like a zoo, and popping outside isn't an option, we'll opt for fun indoors.

5 tips I've found to keep it fun:
Move with music (Pandora!).
Make it a game - two piles of index cards - one with the moves and one with numbers. Draw from each pile to see how many of each move to do.
Use animal names and noises as much as possible.
Keep it short! 10 minutes for littles, and build up to 25-30 minutes using 5 minute increments over time.
Finish with a cool down/stretch/breathing and relaxation. Even 1-2 minutes is huge for kiddos to connect mind and body. Start at :30 seconds and build by :15 second chunks. 

MINDFUL MOM TIP:  As much as the group fitness instructor in me wants to create an environment where all are following along, this is a great opportunity to allow the kiddos to take the lead.  And sometimes, that means four minds going in four directions.  But hey, they're happier with the freedom.

I can't do a pull up....yet...

Looking at our newly mounted pull up bar, I had a flood of fear/panic. Because I can't actually do a pull up.

Rewind to the moment when I casually said to my hubs: "I want to do pull ups. Actual pull ups." He responded, "Sure, why not? I wouldn't mind a pull up bar either."

Of course I expected him to respond. I anticipated a chuckle. Not commitment. It was as if he'd been thinking it himself. Or is an incredibly talented mind reader.

Back to the newfound 'goal.' Turns out to do pull-ups, we'd actually need to practice them. And since working out from home is our go-to these days, we'd need a pull up bar at home.

Without too much pain, we installed one. Although I had the hubs hang on it first just to be sure. And the ceiling didn't fall down.

I realize this bar will be staring at me every day moving forward. And as much as I want to hang onto the fear of "I can't do a pull up" I'm going to add five words:

"I can't do a pull up yet, but I can try."

Then I'll breathe. And get to work.

Progress counts. Even if it's small.

ACTION:  As much as hanging onto fear feels safer, I'll move away from that known comfort by reminding myself I can try.

Consistency

It'd be easy to assume after having this big moment on the bike, it was smooth sailing for me getting back to being me.

That was hardly the case.

As soon as I pulled into the driveway, life crept back in.  But, I had a new perspective.  While the work ahead was big, it was doable if I took it one step at a time.

I jumped back into teaching classes at the gym.  Honestly, I felt anything but strong and energized, but figured I needed to get back at it.

When you go through pregnancy in any type of fitness environment and place yourself at the front of the room, you are bound to have comments of all kinds from members.  Sometimes you are seen in a position of expertise, sometimes it is to see what you actually know, and sometimes you're just the person they need to vent to when life isn't going right.

Teaching through two pregnancies, I feel like I've heard a lot.  Probably not everything, but a lot.

The most common ones include:  "did you really gain enough?"  or  "you should weigh differently at this point in your pregnancy than you do." or "did you check with your doctor to see if you should really exercise right now?"

A little less common ones include:  "wow.  I figured you had to be pregnant, you looked so bloated." or "I figured it was a good workout if I could do more push-ups than a pregnant lady." or "for a pregnant person, you don't look too fat." or "can you really still sit on a bike?"

Post-pregnancy, with a solid 20 pounds yet to lose, I had naturally let self-doubt creep in.  Questioned whether I should step back into class again.  The voice in my head said "you're so out of shape!"  or "you are way too tired to do this, just give up!" or "does it really matter if I teach another class?  who even pays attention to the instructor anyway?"

I tell members all the time that walking through the door is the hardest part.  Getting there.  That is tough.  Once you're in, it's easy.  You've already made the choice to improve yourself, so enjoy it and make it count.

I had become a student of my own words.  Walking back through the door really was the toughest part.  But after I took that step, everything came back.  Natural endorphins are incredible, and I hope everyone has the experience to know for themselves how positively life-changing they are, both mentally and physically.

One of the best post-pregnancy comments I received from members was from a husband and wife working out together (they were taking a tabata bootcamp class).  They told me they'd just started exercising again and were terrible with motivation.  But, if I was going to be there every Saturday morning, and just had a baby, then they could get up and go too.

Hearing that was such a big boost for me.  All the worries and self-doubt erased and I was reminded why I love teaching so much.  I love the chance to see people make a difference for the better in their own lives.

My journey continued.  A combination of eating good, wholesome, fresh food (I can't emphasize enough how much that did for me with losing the 20!), coupled with exercise.  As we were in the mix of moving too, I was lucky to get 3 workouts a week.

Little by little, the numbers crept down.  A 2 pound weight loss each week for the first four weeks, then it averaged a 1 pound weight loss per week for the next month, then slowed to about a 1/2 pound weight loss per week for the remaining chunk.

Which put me at 6 months.  In a new state, a new home, and without a teaching job.  On the list after "set up internet" was "get a gym membership."

Not currently teaching, but with some invisible sign that reads ask me about my weight  I was walking out of the gym one day when a women stopped and said, "can you really look like that and have a baby that small, or is this just genetics for you?"

I had a choice.  I could shrug, and let her think that no matter what she did, genetics determined everything about our bodies, or I could stop and chat.  Looking at her eyes, I could tell she wasn't just making small talk.  She really wanted to know.

Our conversation continued.  She'd fallen into some bad eating habits, and was trying to lose about 50 pounds.  She was younger than me, and had just started exercising.  She had very little knowledge, felt very out of shape, and overwhelmed.

My response was completely honest.

Told her how I think genetics play some role in how your body carries a pregnancy, how big your babies are, and how your overall labor and delivery goes.  And, I feel blessed that genetics have been to my overall benefit.

But, I definitely believe that it is what we do with ourselves that determines so much of the process.  A body already in motion wants to stay in motion.  A body that is regularly given whole, nourishing foods, will react differently than a body that doesn't.

And, it all comes down to consistency.  Having the discipline and will power to be consistent over a long period of time.  Expecting mistakes, but then starting fresh the next day.  That's how big changes are made.

Being so honest to a stranger can be a little tough.  I had no idea how she'd respond.

It was better than I could have anticipated.  Her response was something like this, "thank you so much for your honesty.  I've wondered if anything I did really made a difference.  Thanks for telling me that all of this really will pay off."

It does.  And it will.  Keep at it, whatever it is for you.

Getting back on the bike

(Ages ago, I mentioned I'd be writing about different experiences I've had post-babe.  So, here they go, one at a time.  If you read this, stay tuned for more.  I you're just looking for pics of the kids, sorry folks!)


6 weeks after having Tayler, I felt miserable.  Inside and out.  The exhaustion of everything felt so permanent, the stress of all the unknowns felt so permanent, and the state of my just-had-a-baby-haven't-exercised-in-ages felt so permanent.

Sure, I'd been walking, and overall, active for post-prego, but I was a far cry from feeling like me.  The initial weight loss from the birth had come and gone, and while I was nursing and could count that those calories contributed, I knew that it had settled out and plateaued as well.

8 weeks was even tougher.  At this point, I felt the expectation that life should move forward (which it was), but I was clinging to whatever part of it I could.  Hard to describe that feeling of utter exhaustion. Where just looking at a dish in the sink seems like an overwhelming task.

Enter my rock.  A.K.A. Mike.  Who saw I needed to feel like me again.  Timing worked out that his parents were in town and could watch the troops while we went on a bike ride.

I was super hesitant at first.  At my best, I still can't hold his wheel, and the thought of wearing a whole bunch of spandex didn't do much for my inner image.  But, I swallowed my grumpiness and went into the closet to change.

And, laying on the floor, he'd placed a pair of his trunks to wear.  Because, current self wasn't going to get anywhere close to fitting the women sized cycling clothes that were sitting in the closet.  I sighed a big sigh, and looked around.  Staring at a closet full of clothes that minus the small section right in the front, seem to stare back at me.  "Will I ever wear them again?"  "How did I fit those to begin with?"  "It feels so impossible to do it all over again."  The voice resonated in my mind.  Again, I swallowed my grumpiness, and slipped them on.  Humph.  Comfortable.

Made it to the garage where my champ already pumped up my bike, filled up some water, and was smiling like he always does when he's about to head off on the bike.  Looking at him, I could only think, "why can't I smile like that?"

With a click of the pedals we were off.

It didn't take longer than hitting the first turn off of our street before I began to breathe the crisp spring air.  Amazingly energizing.  Incredibly lifting.  The image of the first turn burns in my memory as a moment in time that stood still.  Bright blue skies, white happy, puffy clouds, and my best friend at my side.  Yes, right there with me.  Not buzzing ahead, but with his white-teeth, smiling at me like we were taking on the world.

Off we went.  A 45 minute loop that wound us through some curvy, beautiful tree lined roads, up 3 rolling hills, and past countless farm houses, cornfields, wooden windmills, and American flags.  A scene fit for a postcard or a beautiful painting.  So beautiful that when you see the image, you question if it really could be real.

Was it a tough ride?  You bet.  But, a coach sat beside me, or rode behind me, and talked me up the hills.  Talked me through the tired, weary legs that were trying to move forward.  Talked me through the tired, exhausted self that I'd become.  I felt my legs begin to burn.  That fire felt unbelievably energizing.

And with every pedal stroke, I felt myself move forward.  One step at a time, I was moving somewhere.  Doing something.

I'm a firm believer that the first step you take into something is the toughest.  No matter the challenge.  But once you make it, you realize you have nowhere to go but up.

As we rounded the corner from country back into suburb, a part of me was relieved.  I was tired, and ready to rest.  But, at the same time, I loved the new feeling of tired.  Like I couldn't wait to have sore legs tomorrow.

And, it was the first step into becoming me.  Again.

Made it in the newspaper!

Workouts that raise the monkey bar...Check it out here!

Learning

I had the opportunity recently to attend yet another yoga training.

Why are you going to a training? Don't you already teach yoga?

It could be to see the newest trends in yoga (ironic, that such an old practice from India actually has new trends. Thank you, America for keeping us on our toes). Or it could be to socialize with a bunch of adults whose journeys in life are so different and unique that we'd never cross paths otherwise. But, without much more than an introduction of names, can engage in endless conversation thanks to the one commonality we all share - a love not only for yoga, but a love to share it with others.

Maybe I go to learn. Every time I go, I realize how much I actually don't know. I love taking those snippets that I've picked up and passing them onto my classes. I love cramming my mind full of new material and information to the point of feeling mentally drained, and then reading it over (and over).

Or maybe it's that each training acts as continuing education that brings me a step closer to the 200 hour yoga certification (one can teach yoga with a certain amount of training, but to become a licensed yoga teacher 200 hours of course training are required). A journey that I'm definitely headed toward, but as with all chapters in life, getting there will be with one step at a time.

Possibly it's the combination of it all that I love.

Coming home and seeing the kids all smiles, eating hot dogs and playing in the park after a day with dad isn't so bad either.

Traditions

Building new traditions has been a big part of our first year in Minnesota. We've done new things, are still finding new things, and have tried to set up some fun traditions inside our home. It's still a work in progress, and I feel like it'll always be evolving.

With that, we try to build different types of traditions. Obviously ones built around holidays, but also small daily or family traditions, ones that build up the values we want to pass onto our kids, and ones that are built on things we are passionate about.

One of those is the tradition of fitness. We both have a passion, not only for the physical aspect, but how exercise can create such a balance in the rest of life. Not that we are experts in any way, shape or form, but we definitely have an appreciation for the sense of accomplishment that can come from doing something physically challenging.

Grandma

My mom made a daring choice to head north recently to spend some time with her grand kids. Prior to her arrival, I mentioned she would definitely find the temperatures chilling and should plan to dress a bit warmer. I don't think she believed me. Her first request was to go shopping for some long sleeved sweaters! Mike and I chuckled every time she commented on the cold (temps were in the teens, and twenties while she was in town), because those temps felt a bit refreshing compared to the "real cold" we had in earlier months! Funny how weather can be so relative to what you are familiar with. The visit was a fun excuse to do some out-of-the-usual-routine activities.

While she was here, Max's preschool had an art show and winter song fest. They sang a few winter themed tunes, and then headed over to their exhibit to show off some of their recent art projects. The kids had been asked to make their own type of snowman for the show. It was fun to see the different types of snowman the kids made - from snow-princesses, to snow-dogs, to snow-astronaut. Max chose a snow-robot. Also on display was a clay animal. Each child chose an animal they wanted to create out of clay. Dogs, horses, and giraffes seemed to be the most popular. What did Max pick? A moose. Definitely original. Another fun art project they did was the big yellow fish. The teacher brought an actual fish (from a kind ice-fisherman), the kids painted it, and then pressed paper to the fish to capture the texture and shape of the fish. I hadn't heard of that before. Seemed pretty creative. And a bit stinky.We took her to the Children's Museum. The kids had fun showing her their favorite spots at the museum, and it was fun to check out the new interactive Lego exhibit.

You can't have a winter visit to Minnesota and not go to the Mall of America! This time we checked out the aquarium. Max took his camera and loved taking pics of everything (posting his pics is on the to-do list). Alexis was a bit scared with the sharks (I can only imagine how huge they seemed from her perspective!), but finally warmed up a bit (we have a cute video, but I have yet to figure out how to upload it correctly. Another one on the to-do list).



From the aquarium, we headed over for our second Lego experience - the new Lego Land store that was recently remodeled. It is a pretty fun place to see - there are some places for the kids to build, and the Lego creations they have are so big! It is hard to imagine someone having the patience to actually assemble it. Max has a definite interest in building and using his imagination with his creations - and Legos seem to be a natural fit. Grandma was so sweet to let them pick something out - a gift they have used countless times since going!
In addition to the sightseeing, my mom helped me with some projects at home. I accomplished my first ever sewing project thanks to her guidance, and while I won't be tackling complicated patterns at this point, knowing and having the capability to do some mends and small projects here and there will be fantastic.

She joined me at the gym and while I was teaching, she headed to the pool to try out some water fitness and may have found a new hobby! She spent some one on one time with each of the kids, went to the library and spoiled them with plenty of ice cream.

And, she was a great babysitter. Mike and I were able to get out as a couple and enjoy some grown up time. Cross country skiing, a visit to the temple, dinner with friends, catching up on random errands, we even caught a movie. Knowing that those opportunities don't come by with the blink of an eye make them so much more appreciated.

Thanks for the fun trip mom!

Feels good to be sore

I caved. I thought I could hold off until I picked up another teaching spot, but after one-month-without-a-gym-pass, I just couldn't do it. This was my first stint without a gym pass since - jeez, before I was 18. I'd been doing some early morning short runs (with Kermit alongside), and they had been okay, but they just weren't cutting it. I'll be honest. I just don't love to run. I respect those who can pound the pavement for miles on end, but I'll be the first to admit that I am not one of them. Maybe it's all the years of dancing and the work I did on my feet and knees, and with every pound, I feel like I just want to save what is left of those joints for my later years.

Maybe it's just that I love the variety of a good class - doing some of this, some of that, being forced to concentrate and think about what and how you're doing it. Maybe it's moving to the music (again, the dance background) that I love. Or that bit of competition that I feel, standing in a room full of people, knowing that I can push a little harder, and keep moving because they are (Don't get me wrong, Kermit enjoyed the chase to catch a fellow jogging boxer and owner every morning)! Or that I just like being surrounded by people - listening and talking and building relationships.

Or, maybe it was this conversation:

Max: "Hey mom, what are we going to do tomorrow?" (the question I get every night)

Mom: "I have a few ideas - how about checking out a new park or something?"

Max: "Think you could get me a pass to the gym again? I really liked going to the Sandy gym."

Mom: long pause, quietly laughing that my four year old just asked for a gym pass. Realizing that maybe this is a good thing for all of us. "You're right, we should get a gym pass again."

Max: "Yeah, 'cause I really want to get my exercises done with the kids while you're at your class. I think I want to wear my exercise shoes." (in other words, "I really like to run around with the kids, mom - I'm a pretty social guy.")


So, he talked me into it. It reminded me how much I love group fitness classes, and how much I look forward to teaching them again.

Ah, we all have those constant battles and struggles of what and what not to do. Am I selfish to make this part of our routine? Should I allow my kids to be exposed to all kinds of germs and other kids who may or may not be as nice? The questions could go on and on.

I can't answer them for everyone, but I can say that Max has loved that time and has helped him build confidence in making new friends in any type of environment. And, I'll never forget this post. Alexis has built confidence in the time that she's been there. And, I can say that their sicknesses that they have had, haven't really stemmed from the gym (knock on wood). Now, church nursery, well that's just a whole other thing.

Without a doubt, I can say that I am a better mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter - okay - person when I go to classes. I can't begin to describe how fulfilling my fourish years of teaching has been - and how humbling it was to talk to the members as I was leaving, and hear them tell me how much I've helped them in their fitness goals, and in their live experiences. Things that I never heard or saw at the time.

My first teaching gig starts up in a few more weeks (wahoo!), at least until then I can enjoy the limbo time a little more - at the gym!

More Classes!!

Last night I started teaching my two new classes at the 24hour in Sandy. S.E.T. (strength and endurance training) and Yoga!!!


Those two added to my two current classes - Pilates and a Mom & Me Bootcamp (where moms with brand new babes get to bring their little ones into the class, leave them in their car seats/strollers while they get a workout).


Still working on getting my own cycle class....


I love my hobby/job/workout. It's really fun teaching something I love to do and getting the bonus of a paycheck. Who knows, with all this teaching, I might just look like this:


Want to join? Let me know. From now until March 13th I can give a friends and family deal - $24 big ones a month.
p.s. seriously, could that photo actually be real? My vote is NO - I think that's a combo of juice and photoshop!! What do you think?

iTunes

So, I'm putting together some tunes for Vday for the classes I'm teaching.

Mike and I have a HOT DATE (literally). He's coming to the cycle class I'm teaching that night. Yep, he's completely off the hook from having the pressure of planning a big fancy night out. I really can't think of a better way to spend the evening than doing something we both like to do together. Who knows?!? We might even go crazy and hit my favorite treat place after.

Anyway, on the iTunes guide to valentine's day, they are offering all types of sappy playlists. From the romantic moods, make up songs to break up songs, I feel like iTunes is trying to be completely P.C. to the holiday, and provide everyone with slow songs that will either get you in the mood, or make you depressed. What about the fun valentines music out there - i.e. "Happy Valentine's Day" by Outkast - which couldn't be a more direct valentine's day song!!

On the other hand, I guess not everyone out there is trying to find specific BPM for people to push a pedal to, but c'mon, does it all have to be so slow and sappy?