Week 34

2.8 pounds lost in the past 3 weeks!

First off, my apologies for not blogging for the past 2.5 weeks.  I've had a lot going on in my life and not much time to sit down at the computer.  So again, my apologies...  

I've got some exciting stuff going on...  if you follow my on Facebook, you know I'm signing up to be a spin instructor.  It's a one day course I'll take at Rutgers University.  After that I'll train with Regina to get everything down.  I'm SO EXCITED!!!!  I still cannot believe it...  ME!  A SPIN INSTRUCTOR!  ME!  The one who was too lazy to do much of anything a year ago.  Wow.  Blows my mind.  

Let me start from the beginning...  At the beginning of November, 2015 I was looking for some form of exercise to do other than the gym.  My friend Kate suggested spin.  She had done it years ago and really enjoyed it.  I went to Groupon did a search and found Fit Results.  It was cheap, close and Kate was going to go with me so I said what the heck.  

The first time we walked in we were greeted by Alena.  Alena is a sweetheart.  She has a Georgian twang that makes me smile every time I hear it.  Don't let that sweet face fool you though.  She can sweat with the best of them and push you when you need it.  

I walked out of my first class sore in places I didn't know existed and swore to Kate that I wasn't coming back.  The good thing is I already paid for the Groupon deal so I wanted to get the most for my money.  And so, I went back....  again and again and again.  

The next class I took was Regina's.  Oh sweet Regina.  You see those eyes?  That's passion and determination.  She has such a love for what she does and it truly shines through in every single class.  I've yet to see her in a bad mood or not giving her 110% to her career.  She absolutely cares about her clients.  We are not just clients, we are friends.  When you walk into Fit Results, you walk into a family.  One that cares so deeply about your health and well being that they go the extra mile for you.  The challenge you when you would really like to tell them to shut up.  ;-) 

Regina is not only my "trainer", she is my friend.  Without her, I really do not think I would be where I am today.  I can bounce ideas off her without hesitation.  She cares.  That's the only way I can describe her without blogging for 3 pages about her or getting all sappy and letting her think I actually like her.  ;-)

Next, Kate thought it would be a BRILLIANT idea to take a boot camp class.  SHE WAS WRONG. Boot camp is hard.  SO SO SO HARD.  I'll be honest when I say I didn't like it.  I was sore for at least a week after.  What I did take away from it though is a new respect for Marci.  

Marci is the one I love to hate.  Good thing she has a thick skin or she'd probably think I'm telling the truth.  I take Marci's Tuesday night boot camp class.  It's not my favorite class but it's something that I desperately need.  It is strengthening my core and building muscle.  I'm sore for a couple days after class but in a good way.  You'll hear Marci say several times during class "YES YOU CAN!"  And she's right, you can.  

The last class is a new love...  Yoga.  I absolutely love yoga.  The relaxation, the stretch and the ability to make my body do things I never imagined are all new things for me.  

This is Brenda.  Brenda is by far one of the sweetest, calmest, most zen people I know.  The first class I took with her was Hot Yoga.  And while I really liked it, its right in the middle of my girls bedtime.  Recently, she started a Thursday morning beginner class.  I've been in the past 3-4 classes and it's been a joy.  She's taught my stretches that have come in very handy for after a rough day and she has me practicing wheeling.  If you don't know what that is, google image it and check back... I'll wait...  

Crazy huh?  I can get my butt and down up but the chest and head don't yet want to lift off the ground.  I'm practicing though and am determined to get there.  

Her practice is very moving.  You walk out free from stress and with a calmness that cannot be described.  She comes around and adjusts positions which I personally really like.  It's not doing my body any good if I'm not positioned correctly.  She has mantras that she shares during the practice and ends each one with the same Namaste.  

Okay, so she may not say it quite like that...  but it's close.  teehee!!!  

So, that's it...  my gym family.  The people who push me and motivate me and have made me part of their lives whether I like it or not.  I'm honored to be one of them and I'll be even more honored when I have the privilege of working with them.  

Thank you all for everything you have done for me.  I wouldn't be this person today without each and every one of you.  To each of you I bow and say Namaste.