May 24, 2011

Funk?

daily fitbattle #1479…

Funk defined…

A state of cowardly fright; a panic.

A state of severe depression.

A cowardly, fearful person.

To shrink from in fright or dread.

To be afraid of.

To shrink in fright.

Those definitions might be a little harsh…

Wow… I know I’ve said something similar before… but really? more than two months since my last blog… what the?

My sister Teresa was in a Funk last summer and she blogged about it too… click here to read T’s Funk Blog

I’ve kidded around a lot about having a mid-life crisis (transition or whatever) but now I’m sure that I’m having one.

It’s May! Yes May… 2011 and I’m still sitting on my sabbatical butt. Okay yes I did become a BodyPump instructor (more work than you can imagine). And I joined a couple of dating websites in search of Mr. Right…but that’s another blog. I attended a NASM seminar. Helped my mother with her move into a new home. I’ve got a consulting gig coming up in the near future. Celebrated my last birthday in my 40′s. What else? Oh…had a weekend getaway in New Orleans for one of my best friend’s 40th b-day. So I haven’t been a complete lazy slob in 2011 and I’m also not exactly setting the world on fire either.

I do know that when I blog about what’s happening in my life it somehow makes it better. And I’ve learned that you cannot (as hard as you try) compartmentalize your life. If one thing is off balance (or not quite right) it throws everything else off. Kindof like how when you toss a pebble into the water and the ripples seem to go on forever. (I know profound!)

What am I saying? This extended mid-life crisis (funk) has continued to impact my fitbattle. I’m pretty sure I mentioned earlier in the year that I had gained a few pounds around the holidays. I’ve started an effort to shed those holiday pounds at least five times with no success.

At first they were just an annoyance on the scale…not really noticeable when putting on my favorite jeans. But now I feel them and see them almost every minute of every day… I’m hoping this is the motivation I need to get serious about finally committing to losing them once and for all.

Okay…yes I realize that these pounds are not the end of the world considering where I started four years ago. But I’m not at my best…therein lies the problem. What now? I must pay more attention to my nutrition! I’ve been much better the last several days. The key is staying on track. I’d really like to crack this nut without having to log my food. But if I do not see progress in the next week I will start a food log.

So I’ve said it out loud… admitted that I’m in a funk, keep stalling out when trying to lose those damn holiday pounds, still sitting on my sabbatical butt. Let’s hope admitting it (out loud) in a blog is what I need to boost my fitbattle (and lifebattle). Only time will tell… until next time… and yes it will be sooner than later.

Later… Kathi

Share|

4 Comments

Filed under daily fitbattle, fitness

Tagged as , , , , , ,

March 16, 2011

BodyPump video…check!

daily fitbattle #1410…

I did it!!! I taught my fake class for the video submission last Friday. Hurray!!! It feels so great to have this done. It was more work than I imagined it would be. We did two videos on Friday… mine and Amy’s.

Amy’s was first so by the time we got to the end of my class everyone was completely spent. I nearly busted out laughing a couple of times looking at the faces of my fellow BodyPump (soon to be) instructors as I lead the last couple of tracks. They were struggling and exhausted. Doing everything they could to stay in the workout. The only reason I made it through was because I took at easy during Amy’s class, using really low weights, knowing I wanted to be on the top of my game for my video. I’m sure the adrenaline didn’t hurt either.

Everyone said I did a great job. I’ve not watched my video yet. I got it yesterday… ugh now I have to review it and take notes on anything that I missed, etc. to include with the video when I send it to Les Mills. Nothing more exciting than watching yourself for an hour and critiquing your own performance.

I’ll see if I can post a small clip on my next blog for you.

Right now I’m on a vacation from BodyPump. I pushed myself very hard both physically and mentally preparing for the video. I took both Saturday and Sunday off from the Gym and I’m taking the rest of the week off from BodyPump. Next week I need to start working on the new release of BodyPump. Every quarter Les Mills sends out a new Release to keep the class fresh for the participants.

In the meantime I’m going to enjoy my little vacation and get my body and mind ready for the next push. Hopefully I’ll also get a chance to sub a couple of times on the current release.

Honestly I cannot believe I got this far with BodyPump. Halfway into the first day of the BodyPump Instructor 3-day Training I thought there was no way I would get this far and here I am. I’m excited to start teaching classes and inspiring people to keep moving and take care of their bodies.

Until later… Kathi

Share|

Leave a Comment

Filed under daily fitbattle, fitness, fitness classes

Tagged as , , , , , ,

February 24, 2011

saran wrap around their waists…

daily fitbattle #1390…

NO NO NO… you cannot lose belly fat by wearing saran wrap around your waist when you workout.

After spin class last night there were two young girls in the bathroom deciding whether or not to remove the saran wrap from their mid-sections. Another older woman in the bathroom was encouraging them as I entered my stall.

When I finished up my biz the two girls were still in the bathroom. I couldn’t help myself… YES I told them that the only way to lose fat is to watch what you eat and workout. Saran Wrap around your stomach cannot help you lose fat.

One of the girls asked if I eat healthy. I sad “yes”… and told them that I watch the carbs eat brown not white…brown rice, brown bread, brown pasta. Minimal carbs at night, lots of protein, drink lots of water, and workout. Oh and no candy and cake! I also told them that they were both really cute girls and to not worry so much about their bellies.

As I exited the bathroom Mia (my spin buddy) was waiting for me. She had seen the two girls too and although she left the bathroom before me she hung out just outside and pretty much heard the entire conversation. Mia was able to bite her tongue… me not so much.

It’s so frustrating that people are gullible and believe wearing Saran Wrap around their waist can help them get a smaller waist.  You cannot target fat loss. You can eat right and exercise…lose fat…and eventually the fat loss will come from your waist and other areas where fat dwells.

I just hope those two girls believed me and stop being sucked in by BS quick fixes.

Later… Kathi

Share|

Leave a Comment

Filed under daily fitbattle, fitbattle weapons, fitness

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

February 17, 2011

happy birthday to me…my last year in my (oh I cannot say it!)

daily fitbattle #1383…

I read my birthday post from last year and amazingly…just like last year…the first person that spoke the words: “happy birthday” to me this year was the person who checked me in at LVAC…

She didn’t recognize me at first cause I was wearing a baseball cap and sun glasses and she asked why I’m always disguising myself. Before I could answer she saw the message on her screen and blurted out: “happy birthday”. I told her that’s why I was disguising myself…lol.

Last year I went on a long ramble about being older and in better physical condition than 10 and 20 years ago. I won’t do that to you again. If you want to read last years blog, here’s a link to it… CLICK HERE

I’m definitely in a different place this year. For one…this birthday ends in a “9″. I hate ages ending with a “9″. By the time I get over them it makes entering a new decade seem easy. So yeah…I’m  not feeling nearly as optimistic as last year. Plus I’ve been off of my nutrition game so I’m feeling fat too. Lastly the damn dating websites are in a big hurry to update your age on your profile…really?

On the bright side social media has made me the center of attention today. I love getting all of the happy birthday posts, texts, emails, and phone calls. It’s so nice to feel loved by my friends, family, and acquaintances. You can bet that I will do some celebrating too. I have dinner plans tonight with some friends that are going to be out of town this weekend and then a big night on the town planned for Saturday. I’ll definitely be milking this birthday for all it’s worth.

All-in-all… I don’t mind having a birthday, just wish it didn’t end with a “9″. I’ll definitely be suppressing the memory of my actual age in a few days after the celebrations are over. And once and for all I’m going to get my crap together and focus on my nutrition. I keep saying… “ah…darn…tomorrow…tomorrow…tomorrow”. I need to get serious. I think this birthday just might be the wake up call I need to buckle down.

Sooooo… “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!”

Now I need to go get ready for happy hour and dinner and the first of several celebrations in my honor. I owe you a BodyPump update and I need to complain via blog about a heavy breather in spin class last night. So more entertainment to come soon.

later… Kathi

Share|

Leave a Comment

Filed under daily fitbattle, just for fun

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

February 11, 2011

i taught 4 (of 10) tracks of BodyPump on tuesday…

Daily fitbattle #1377…

One of the requirements to becoming an “official” BodyPump instructor is that I need to team teach at least four times. I’ve got one down and three to go.

I team taught on Tuesday at the LVAC on North Rainbow. It was scary and fun all at the same time. I’ve only been signed off on 4 of the 10 tracks so I taught my 4 tracks… Squats; Chest; Back, Glutes, & Hammies; and Arms & Triceps. Once I got through the first track without losing my breakfast or passing out I was okay.

I’ve been to several of the Tuesday morning classes now so many of the people in the class are familiar. Charli, the regular instructor, is great to work with. She has us “trainees” stand in the front of the room and shadow her so we can get used to facing the class. That in it’s own was scary the first time I did it. It’s also quite different being in front vs. participating with the class since I’m not able to watch myself in the mirror. The benefit of the mirror is that it enables me to ensure I’m performing each exercise with the correct technique.

I’m looking forward to my next opportunity to team teach. I need to get more of the tracks signed off on tomorrow morning (at the @$$ crack of dawn – 6am)  so I have more to offer when one of the regular instructors lets me team teach with them.

I’ll tell you what…just like everything in life…it’s not nearly as easy as it looks. I have to remember the choreography for each track (did I mention there are 10?). Meaning I have to remember what tempo each exercise needs to be performed at and it changes several times during each set (within each track). And many tracks have more than one exercise to be performed so I also have to know when and how to transition from one exercise to the other.

Then there’s making sure I queue the class so they know when to change tempos or exercises. All while providing coaching and feedback to ensure everyone is performing the exercises with the proper form. Whew! I gotta tell you it’s a lot more work than I could have imagined…but so far I still love it!!!

The next time you take a group fitness class do not take the instructor for granted. They spend a lot of their personal time preparing to teach the class and believe me they are not teaching for the money…they are doing it because they love it. Now…go check the schedule and take a BodyPump class!!!

Later… Kathi

Share|

3 Comments

Filed under daily fitbattle, fitness, fitness classes

Tagged as , , , , ,

February 1, 2011

let’s talk BodyPump…

daily fitbattle #1367

Many of you know that I participated in the BodyPump group fitness instructor training a couple of weekends ago. It was hands down the most physically challenging thing I’ve ever done. No doubt that everything I’ve done (in the gym with my trainer and changing my lifestyle) for the last (nearly) four years enabled me to successfully complete the training…and YES pass!!! YAY!!!

At the onset of the training the instructor explained the process and the three potential outcomes for each participant…one of which was passing. Honestly (like I would lie to you)… I did not expect to pass. I didn’t think I would fail (that’s not what they call it) either.

Are you familiar with BodyPump? It’s one of eight classes created by Les Mills, a New Zealand based company. For more info about Les Mills CLICK HERE.

BodyPump is a barbell class (to music) that strengthens your entire body. The class lasts 60-minutes and the workout challenges all your major muscle groups and improves your strength and endurance while burning calories. It includes exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls. For more details about BodyPump CLICK HERE.

One of benefits of BodyPump is that it challenges you. During the three days of training we participated in five (count em five) BodyPump classes and an additional three plus (or so) hours of physical activity designed to prepare us to properly perform the exercises in the BodyPump class and challenge our bodies and minds.

Working out is as much mental as it is physical. Learning to push your body requires a great deal of discipline. There’s a fine line between doing more (a few more reps…sometimes only one more rep) and failure (unable to push through one more rep).

BodyPump is about endurance, lower weight (than you’d typically use when doing strength training on the gym floor) and more reps. As an instructor it will be important for each of us to find the appropriate balance between pushing our limits (with weight) and completing each set and track (all the reps) with proper technique and umph.

Now what? There are ten music tracks in BodyPump…the warm up, cool down, and eight tracks in between focusing on different muscle groups. I learned and taught two tracks during the weekend. Since completing the training I’ve learned two additional tracks…so four down six to go. I hope to complete two additional tracks this week.

I will also start team teaching, most likely next week…scary but necessary. Once I know all of the tracks and I’m able to teach the entire class straight through successfully I will be approved to teach solo…yay! I expect to complete the entire process by mid April.

All of you Vegas based readers with a LVAC membership get ready to come to my BodyPump classes. You will love it! I promise…

Until then you can still try BodyPump…you can join me at one of the several classes I attend during the week. Just let me know when… Not a member of LVAC? Other gyms in the valley also have BodyPump…so check it out!

Later… Kathi

Share|

Leave a Comment

Filed under daily fitbattle, fitness, fitness classes

Tagged as , , , , , ,

January 26, 2011

i’m me again!!!

Daily fitbattle #1361

I once was lost, but now am found.

I couldn’t remember where I knew this line from so I googled it. It sums up how I feel right now…“found”. The line is from the song “Amazing Grace”.

This is the last time I’m going to write about “the break up”. I feel it’s important to bring some closure to the subject since it did significantly impact my fitbattle. It knocked me off course and as a result I found myself in a lifebattle trying to find my way back to me (for the lack of a better explanation).

I’m sure most of you understand what I mean if you’ve been jolted by a significant loss…something you didn’t see coming or simply were not prepared to deal with. It is a part of life and the only way to the other side is through it. All those damn cliches are right but they did not help me.

I had to take this part of my lifebattle journey on my own terms and at my own pace. I did have the love and support of my friends and family and I am grateful for each of you!

The good news… I feel much better now. I was afraid to say it out loud for a little while in fear of a relapse, but I’ve felt better long enough now that I think it’s safe to say so. And I hope my friends and family would agree if you’ve spent any time with me during the last week.

I’m not sure what exactly got me here… Maybe it was… time (you know that they say about time). Maybe it was my friends and family showing and telling me how much they love and appreciate me. Maybe it was the supplements (happy pills – herbal ones) I added to my daily vitamin routine. Maybe it’s the rituals I celebrated at the Lunar and Solar eclipses. Maybe it’s all that extra praying (and talking to God) that I did. Maybe it’s just human nature. Or maybe it’s all of the above.

I’m not sure it matters. What does matter is I feel great!! I’m back to my happy go lucky self…my positive outlook is back. I no longer feel like I’m under a gloomy sky. And now I can get rid of the 5-6 lbs that I gained during my lifebattle. It‘s “game on”!

We all face our own challenges and obstacles that knock us off course. Sometimes it’s just a bad day at work and other times it’s something bigger that consumes weeks or months (almost two months for me). That’s life.

What is most important is how you handle the set backs and what you learn from them. I learned that I have a very strong support system of people who love me. I was reminded that a good workout can make you feel a lot better (at least temporarily). And I learned that with some of life’s curve balls you just have to feel what you are feeling, not be to hard on yourself, and let time do it’s thing.

Okay… OKAY! That’s it! No more referring to “the break up” or the “broken heart”. Although I must warn you I have decided to put myself on the market for a new man-friend which I’m sure will result in some ups and downs. I’m in search of Mr. Right. Cross your fingers that I find him. (And yes a great idea for a new blog.) Kathi

Here are the lyrics to Amazing Grace… in case you are interested.

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.

John Newton, Olney Hymns, 1779

Share|

Leave a Comment

Filed under daily fitbattle, fitness

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

January 19, 2011

NO!!! speaker phone in the gym shower… really?

daily fitbattle #1354

Now I’ve seen and heard it all… let’s hope!

As I arrived in the shower area for my post workout shower this morning I couldn’t help but notice a woman talking on her cell phone (yes in the shower area). I assumed she’d end her call as she entered her stall… but NOPE!

Me and another woman made eye contact both looking equally confused and surprised by what we were witnessing. We exchanged a couple of comments back and forth regarding our disdain for this behavior.

The gal on the phone turned the shower on, put her phone on speaker, and continued her conversation while she showered.

P L E A S E ! ! ! This is taking the convenience of a cell phone WAY to far!!! She even told the person she was talking to that she was taking a shower. No kidding! I’m sure she could hear the water running.

I took my shower in shock and I was also thinking… WOW thanks for the new blog topic.

This is the type of behavior that will contribute to the end of civilization as we know it. What’s next? Please do not answer that question.

When I was in college (way before cell phones) I had all of my friend’s phone numbers memorized. I would call each of them…giving them the time and place of where we’d be meeting for a night out. If you didn’t show up you ran the risk of missing the night’s festivities… since if we changed locations there was no way to let anyone know. You either show up or you were out!

Don’t get me wrong… I appreciate the convenience of technology. There are a lot of benefits. There are also a lot of inconveniences… people do not have to be on time… they are not present in the moment walking, driving, standing in line, and now showering… everyone else has to be on the defense.

There’s no guarantee that someone on their cellphone is paying attention to the traffic light, staying in their lane when driving, going to the next register when it’s their turn, not spilling their coffee on you or letting a door close in your face. And now you can’t even take a shower in peace. It’s bad enough you gotta hear all those crazy noises people make in the gym showers, i.e. snorting, etc. now you have to listen to other people’s phone call too… ugh!

Let’s hope we all come to our senses and realize that there is a time and place for cellphones.  Behind the wheel of your car, in line at Starbucks, and the shower are places that cellphones should not be present… just to name a few.

Safe travels… use caution when you see someone wielding their cell phone.

Later! Kathi

Share|

2 Comments

Filed under daily fitbattle, fitness, just for fun

Tagged as , , , , , ,

January 13, 2011

it’s 2011 now what?

daily fitbattle #1348

I have a vision for 2011… health, wellness, wealth, joy, balance, love… just to name a few things that come to mind when I think about my vision for this year.

I do realize that none of these things will come to me without effort and a plan wouldn’t hurt either. I actually attended a seminar (for the lack of a better word) on creating your “Vision Board”. The first thing the gal had us do was to rip words and pictures out of magazines. Anything… The sky was the limit. The pics/words were to be related to career, health, spirituality, leisure, etc. You know life themes.

Next she had us cut/trim all of the words/pics and finally she had us glue them onto a poster board. There was not a lot of direction… just do it however you are lead. And the only other requirement was to not let your mind stop you from choosing a pic or word…be child like. The interesting result was that everyone except me had mostly pictures on their poster boards…big pics. I had mostly words and some smaller pictures. I was the odd woman out. (Oh yeah everyone that was at the seminar was a woman.)

Now I have a “Vision Board” now I gotta figure out what the heck to do next.

In my post on January 3rd I mentioned that I was facing a lifebattle and that’s still the case today. The good news is that my fitbattle is just like breathing for me (most days). As long as I get my butt out of bed and I’m present in the moment I can face the fitbattle head on with not a lot of effort. Adding Bikram Yoga to my routine has helped too. It’s been a nice change of pace.

There are a couple of obvious questions… “What the heck am I going to do to win the lifebattle?” and “What am I going to do about this giant vision board that I created”? I’ve found that my morning workouts are essential to my peace of mind. I’ve known for a while that I’m addicted to endorphins and I need them more than ever right now. And I need them in the morning! So one thing is for sure until I feel like I’m back to 100% I will continue to fit in a morning trip to the gym or yoga each day.

One of my friends is a PA (Physician’s Assistant) and she recommended that I talk to an Herbalist about my state of mind. I did…and I’m adding a couple of supplements to my daily vitamin/supplement routine in an effort to smooth out the rough edges. Nothing too drastic and all perfectly safe.

If you’ve been following me for a while… you know that I tried out to be a BodyVive instructor last fall. I was not selected (I didn’t have the moves), but they did pre-select me for BodyPump. I’m attending the BodyPump group fitness instructor training this weekend. Apparently it takes about 3 months to get certified so this weekend is just the start.

Finally I’m going to work on removing my head from my @$$ and start studying again for the Personal Trainer certification. I got knocked off track a bit due to my lifebattle the last several months…but I’m going to focus and start dedicating time to my studies.

As for finding love…well that’s another blog. Meaning if I ever feel compelled to share my search for love I’ll create a new blog maybe called lovebattle or luvbattle or datingbattle or ???

Until later… Kathi

Share|

Leave a Comment

Filed under daily fitbattle, fitness, fitness classes, personal trainer

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

January 6, 2011

daily fitbattle #1341 (bikram yoga…i’m a fan!)

Bikram (HOT) Yoga is good for the soul…

I bought a Groupon for the Bikram Yoga studio in Summerlin. $25 for 25 classes. It was a steal!

My sister goes to this studio so it was a safe way to try hot yoga again. I had taken hot yoga (I don’t believe it was a branded Bikram studio) several years ago when I lived in Dallas. I’m not sure why but for some reason I really liked it. Even though you literally leave the class soaking wet in your own sweat.

My first class was on Sunday, November 30. Yep the Sunday before my breakup. Little did I know that it was a perfect time to start Bikram Yoga. I survived the first class. Since I had done Hot Yoga before I was familiar with most of the poses and I knew what to expect. Meaning that the room would be 100+ degrees and extremely humid.

Here’s a little more info on Bikram Yoga. I grabbed this text from the Bikram Yoga Summerlin’s website.

Bikram’s Beginning Yoga is a series of 26 postures, and 2 breathing exercises taught in a 90 minute class designed for all levels.

Each pose is a challenge based on one’s personal abilities. The postures are done in a safe environment of a heated room. The room is intentionally heated to warm your muscles and allow you to work deeper and safer. The heat also heals, helps prevent injuries and promotes sweating which flushes toxins from your body. By the end of class, each individual will have worked ever muscle, tendon, joint, ligament, internal organ and gland while systematically moving oxygenated blood to 100% of the body.

Ideal temperature for this yoga is 105° F with 40% Humidity. This is a true “Hatha” yoga. A 90 minute moving meditation.

As you increase strength, flexibility, and balance in your body, you will be eliminating conditions of stress produced by fast paced lifestyles.

The Bikram method was developed by Bikram Choudhury, founder of the worldwide Yoga College of India located in Los Angeles, California.

I attended several more classes that week as I faced the end of my relationship. The great thing about Bikram Yoga is that it gets you out of your own head. The only thing you have room for in your thoughts is the affects of the heat and humidity and focusing on holding each pose.

As the class first begins, besides the immense heat and humidity, I always notice that first bead of sweat that runs down my spine all the way to my crack (yep you know the crack I’m talking about), there’s also the sweat on my face that runs into my eyes and blurs my vision, and there’s the fight or flight response that I have as a result of the heat and humidity.

The first half of the class is standing which includes several poses that challenge your ability to balance. The balancing poses require an exceptional amount of concentration and focus. There’s no time to be thinking… coulda, shoulda, woulda about anything… a breakup… work… an argument you had… the endless problems facing you in real life… It’s just you, the heat, the humidity, and holding the pose.

I’ve found Bikram Yoga to be very therapeutic the last five weeks. It’s also extremely challenging…mentally and physically. I’ve incorporated my own personal mantra that I run through in my head during the Dead Body Pose (Savasana) and it goes like this… “I am strong, I am beautiful, I am love”. A friend also recommended… “I release” (exhale) “I let go”. Bikram Yoga provides a perfect time to hit the reset button and focus on your own personal intentions.

The obvious question is… what will I do when my Groupon classes run out? Well… Bikram Yoga is not cheap. A year membership at a studio with unlimited classes can cost close to $1K or you can purchase blocks of classes for around $10-15 per class depending on how many classes you purchase at a time.

I know – I know! You can’t put a price on your health and in this case both your physical and mental health. But I’m unemployed so I need to be smart about how I spend my money. I’m hoping I can continue to purchase Groupons for studios around the valley until my ship comes in.

Until later… Namaste… Kathi

Share|

4 Comments

Filed under daily fitbattle, fitness, fitness classes, life's hurdles

Tagged as , , , , , , ,