Showing posts with label Zumba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zumba. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

11. Thin Line


Dancing is self expression without words.  A release of energy that makes me feel untouchable! Unstoppable!  Music & Dancing is a Universal Language and has become my outlet this year.  I took on running last year but lately Zumba has fulfilled my physical appetite.   I’ve been attending Zumba class twice a week.  My schedule permits an hour to work out three to four times a week.  Therefore, that hour needs to be intense, challenging, fun and calorie efficient.  Two weeks ago, I had the worse substitute in Zumba class.  Boy, was I not only pissed with the waste of a work out but I felt a Spark. Inspiration came knocking at my feet.


Not all shoes are created equal.  Please don’t go to Zumba with your running sneakers. It’s just not cute or beneficial to the dance technique.  I wore my running shoes for the first three classes and I felt Frumpy and slow on my moves.  I’m a HUGE FAN of Asics so I purchased the Asics Corrido.  Super light, very comfortable, roomy for my Wide Feet, and super sleek and sexy.  It made a big difference on my performance level.  It just did!

It’s an epic time in my life and I am playing with the idea of becoming Fairfield’s best Zumba Instructor.  Ok, “ni pa tanto” but I have the desire to teach Zumba.  Bottom line, I want to give someone else that sparkle.  I want to explore my body’s capacity and endurance to learn a new language and be able to translate it to the world.  I had a random girl come up to me at the end of class and said, “You really kept me going today.  You’re amazing and I enjoyed watching you over the substitute teacher”.  My reaction--smile from ear to ear.  You are about to witness my thought process to determine if I should obtain the Zumba certification.  It’s significant to convince both myself and Michael.  Participating in a new hobby or possibly the beginning of a new career would take time and money away from the family and I really have to weigh my decisions.  Teaching this class is not a lucrative job ($15-20p/h); it would be to simply fulfill a desire and to check off another great accomplishment in my lifetime.  Is this all worth the tradeoff? 

“The strongest among the weak is the one who doesn't forget her weaknesses”.  Here goes and notice how I have one of the most contradicting personalities: 1. Improving Self Image is a given.  2. I am sincerely shy but very social.  3. I can make friends easily but I’m not outspoken.  4. I am very opinionated but I never enter a debate, to each his own, has been my attitude.  5.  I work hard but I always do a Half Ass Job.   6. Last but not least, I absolutely cannot manage anyone and cannot tell people what to do.  Not in my nature.  So I am thinking... Zumba will work and reinforce all of my weakness.  I will feel empowered and driven by the energy. Mind, body, soul will be stronger.  Lastly, I will witness how influential I really can become and that lil me can make a Big difference.

Seen by my eyes, taken with my Cam
I’ve convinced myself already but the only one stopping me here is Michael.  WHAT! a non supporting husband?  Not on the same page? not encouraging my dream? He has pointed out that it would relatively take almost four months for me to make up the upfront costs.  I would need to figure out childcare to work part time in addition to my full time job and it would definitely take time away from the family.  I understand him and also recognize he has not pursued many dreams as well in the name of our family.  I will compromise to hold off till the end of summer to re-evaluate where we are at the time.  But once again, this decision will be a thin line between my personal advantage, my passion, self love and my responsibilities as a Mother.  Always a trade-off when you’re a mom.  An internal struggle of your full potential vs. responsibilities aka sacrifices.  For now my balance will be to enjoy Zumba as a student and prepare to be engaged and completely committed to my new calling, one day…..

Thursday, April 14, 2011

2. Flush Away

I’m always looking for a Re-boost!  I search for extremes to detoxify my attitude and lack of self motivation.  It became very easy for me to drown my own thoughts and stress with a drink or two a night.   That glass became a thick surface between me and my reality.  No one has to tell me that “Denial” is written all over my face.  But I do know that an Unhealthy Lifestyle by no means will strengthen MyBackbone. 
I’ve always struggled to accept the Curvaceous Latin figure I was blessed with.  You know the typical wide hips, big butt and petite upper body.   Add two kids to the equation you have a lot of stretching & tearing of what use to be a smooth skin surface.  P.S. I am an emotional eater so that doesn’t help either.  So when people say, “Wow, I can’t believe you have two kids” My response is, “I wasn’t blessed with good genes, I work HARD for it”. 
You name the diet, I’ve done it.   From Diet Pills, the Atkins, Blue Print Cleanse (Detox), calorie counting, weight watchers, hiring a trainer, training for a half marathon, P90x, Insanity, Jillian Michaels, Boot-Camp, Considering Plastic Surgery (Tummy Tuck), countless sports, becoming a Vegetarian and last but not least the Cinch.  It wasn’t until I gave birth to Nathan that I really wanted to take control of my body image & weight in a healthy matter.  My top picks in losing weight are a combination of Weight Watchers and the Cinch while working out minimum three days a week.  Thru this lifestyle you learn the “How to Eat the Perfect Meals and Portions”.  Nothing feels better than feeding your mind and soul the proper dose without adding on the pounds.
Not only are my jeans snug but Money $$ is tight, I don’t eat all Organic, but if I could, I would.  I try to eat all Natural foods without hormones and pesticides.  Trader Joes is now added to my LIKE button.  Shopping at TJ’s makes this task, 100 times easier.  You go in there trusting the food and ingredients of the products.  No wasting time reading labels and its good eating on a budget.  It’s cheaper than Whole Foods and other Fresh Markets around town.   I’ve made grocery shopping a fun outing for the boys since TJ’s has miniature shopping carts, balloons and lollipops.  Saves me a trip to the park and the candy store.   Where there is a Happy Kid there is ALWAYS a Happy Mom.      
In my upcoming posts, I’ll blog about Cinch Recipes/pics, my half lived running career, my future challenge as a Zumba Instructor and more Lifestyle changes I’ve made to Flush Away the stress and pounds.