Zumba retry

Friday, April 24, 2009

I enjoyed zumba a lot more last night. The moves seemed a little easier, even though I was still a bit clueless at times. The instructor was better too. She seemed to have more energy. Maybe last time I just wasn't in my zone. I remember I was full because I tried to have a light dinner beforehand (class isn't till 7 p.m. and I was starving) but I don't think that was the best idea. Last night I didn't go on a full tummy, which really helped. There also were more people in the class - and lots of newbies- so that made it more fun.
We are having a gorgeous, sunny day. I am off for my walk to the gym soon. No classes to speak of today so I will do one of the machines. Bleh. But it's something... and I can catch up with my Jillian Michaels podcasts.
I wish all my Spark friends a wonderful weekend!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STARTSPARKING 4/27/2009 6:28AM

I'm so glad that your Zumba class went much better this time. I hope your future sessions will be just as enjoyable. Have a wonderful week! Comment edited on: 4/27/2009 6:28:45 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

2010TRIATHLETE 4/24/2009 3:55PM

I've never heard of this workout before. I searched it & it sounds like a lot of fun! I also found several instructors in my area. I'm going to give them a call to see where they teach. Thanks for telling me about something new! I'm ADD when it comes to workouts, so I love finding new ones. Report Inappropriate Comment

ZIRCADIA 4/24/2009 12:53PM

YAY for getting the workouts in! :D Congrats! Report Inappropriate Comment

EMPRESS726 4/24/2009 10:24AM

Where do they have Zumba classes. I've heard there a lot of fun Report Inappropriate Comment

Not sure where to take my food and fitness from here

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Lately I have been using cold, rainy weather as an excuse not to go to the gym. Yesterday (until about 6 p.m.) we had lovely weather and I took advantage of it to head to my morning water aerobics class, and I felt GREAT afterwards. Today it's back to cold and rainy and I decided to skip the gym once again. Tomorrow I have too much going on but Friday through next week we are supposed to have beautiful weather and I am planning to get back into that gym Friday, attend my body combat class Sat. morning, strength training Sunday, and take lots of walks with my DH and dog.

I have to admit that I am disappointed in some of my fitness (lack of) and food choices lately. I am supposed to be eating the healthiest diet I possibly can right now, yet somehow I find myself making less than stellar food decisions. When I am forced to eat out (we need to get to the grocery store) I have a lot of trouble. We were in Richmond last weekend, and I am convinced that there are no healthy foods in the entire city. LOL. I know I do best when I prepare my own meals, eat at home and track my calories here on Spark. As for fitness, I know I don't have the energy level I used to have but that doesn't mean I can't make more of an effort to get my exercise in no matter what the weather. I used to be like a mail carrier andtrudge to the gym in rain, snow, wind...anything. Now I just feel lazy and blah and lethargic. It's what happens when I don't get enough exercise. My body is begging for something active.

Also, I am still trying to figure out how much fitness is good for me and how much I should be eating to give baby all the nutrients she needs but also to make sure I don't gain too much weight. This is my first pregnancy, so I am new at all of this!

Emotionally, it isn't easy to be gaining weight after spending 2 years LOSING weight, even though it is for a very good and happy reason. I just want to be healthy and fit and give my baby the best start possible. Doctors surprisingly don't give you all that much insight into your nutrition during pregnancy. I am left to try to piece things together based on my calorie ranges here and on Babyfit, message boards on Babyfit and speaking with my dietitian friend. The perfect calorie range still illudes me.

Depending on the day, I worry that I am not getting enough nutrients that I need, or I worry about eating too much and gaining too much by the end. People's comments don't help. One day I hear: "Look at that belly!" The next day I might hear: "You're 5 months pregnant? You're tiny!" Mixed messages for sure!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MUSTANGAMORE 4/27/2009 5:36PM

Cartoon is right that is a great book. I also believe you are very in tune with your body so listen to it. And my favorite thing to tell you-stay hydrated!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CARTOONB 4/23/2009 12:00AM

One of the best books I read when I was pregnant was the What to Expect When You're Expecting. Totally explains all of that STUFF that is happening in your body. I even reread it with my 2nd pregnancy. Might look into it and see if there are suggestions for eating and exercising. Good luck and keep taking care of yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

SSANFORD1 4/22/2009 8:58PM

I think if you are making healthy food choices and getting your fruits and vegetables, taking your vitamin and not starving all the time, you are probably getting all the calories you need. Good Luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOM2ACAT 4/22/2009 8:22PM

I didn't know you were expecting, on that! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZIRCADIA 4/22/2009 6:21PM

Girl, keep us updated. I want to know what you learn about this whole thing. I hope to take what you learn and use it when I finally have children. :) MILAYA has some nice specific comments that she was given, so that's nice -- and BELLABOOKWORM said the same thing! My best recommendation would be to just try to do something ACTIVE to move your body around. Is there anything you can do at home that you enjoy? Dance session? Workout video that's been gathering dust? Maybe something you can watch online? :) Good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

MILAYA 4/22/2009 5:20PM

Hi Mila, I was told by my midwife that you only need 300 calories more a day during pregnancy and 500 more when breastfeeding. Be careful not to exercise too strenuously. I know how tired I was by 5 months and sometimes a nap is what you need or a nice walk and then the nap. I always had hard pregnancies with none of them lasting over 34 weeks so I tend to be more cautious with exercise. But if your doctor gives you the go ahead on your exercise program....I say do it until it gets too uncomfortable and it will. But the reward is worth the weight gain! Don't worry about what other people say about your belly. Everyone is different. I always looked like I was expecting twins by five months. Report Inappropriate Comment

BELLABOOKWORM 4/22/2009 5:16PM

Hello! I have not made much progress on my weight loss in general, so I am probably no one to talk, but I just hired a personal trainer the other day at the gym and we discussed pregnancy (since my husband and I are trying now). She told me that when I get pregnant that she will continue the program as usual, just trim some of the weight lifting add 300 calories to the diet (which as you know is virtually nothing) and continue the cardio but not overdoing it. You are much further along in your pregnancy, but if I find anything out next week at my nutrition consultation I will let you know. I'm sure the lethargy is probably just due to hormornal changes during pregnancy. P.S. I went to Trader Joes today! I love their Kefir. Its strange, I dont like regular milk, but I love cultured milk! Report Inappropriate Comment

MLEBLANC 4/22/2009 3:30PM

Congratulations on the pregnancy news. Just enjoy this time! You'll do fine with your weight goals. Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAIRIEDAWNPAM 4/22/2009 11:26AM

I obsessed over learning about my pregnancies. I read so many books and had such a detailed birth plan that the delivery room nurses asked if I was a nurse. I suspect you are the same, so I won't give you any advice except 1--to listen to your body and your intuition and 2--to ENJOY this time. The best skill I've had as a parent, especially a parent of infants, is to trust my intuition. Mom really does know best and you are already "Mom" to your little girl. Comment edited on: 4/22/2009 11:26:54 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

My name is MDTWEETY and I don't tweet

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Lately all I've been hearing about is Twitter. Everyone seems to be talking about it. I looked into it because I was curious, but honestly...between this site and Facebook, I think I'm spending enough time online with social networking sites. I think it's a cool concept, even though I still don't know much about it, and it might be fun but I am not convinced that it is for me. I mean, I don't think anyone really cares what I am doing right now in less than 20 words or that I am flossing my teeth or what I had for dinner. I guess if I had something unique and interesting to tweet about every day that was worthy of following, I would consider it. But as it is, my daily life is not that exciting - I don't think. But I want to poll my Spark friends. Do you tweet? if so, what do you tweet about? I am really interested in learning more.

So...my knitting class was OK last night. One more class to go and I will be done with the beginner classes I signed up for. I am going in again tomorrow morning for some more help. But I pretty much have the hang of knitting and pearling. I did forget how to "cast on" and still don't really remember because once I cast on and go on to the knitting part, I forget the procedure. She also showed us how to "tink" (which means "unknit — it's "knit" spelled backwards, get it???) and how to fix mistakes with a crochet hook. We started to learn how to knit on the round, which would make a hat, for example. I think it's fun overall to learn all this stuff, but I don't see myself sitting in my living room and knitting holiday sweaters in the future.

We are having beautiful weather today. Just perfect. After being a hermit for the two straight days of rain we had, I was itching to get outside. I walked to the post office and then the gym for a workout. It felt great to be back at the gym. I won't get to go again until probably Tuesday of next week, but I will try to do some sort of exercise outdoors this coming weekend. We'll be at the in-laws and there is a lake with a path around it to walk on. I hope you're all having a fabulous day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PAMANN247 4/17/2009 8:03PM

I don't tweet either. =) I also don't have a facebook page or a myspace page. Somehow I waste a huge amount of time on the computer despite that! =D I am so envious about taking knitting classes. I would love to take one and need to get serious about locating one in my area! Congrats on learning to create a hat! Enjoyed your blog. =) ~Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

SVALLIE 4/17/2009 1:23PM

I Tweet :) In fact, I'm one of the top twitterers from MD :| maybe that means I'm on the PC too much, but to be honest, I love interacting with the world. I would never have as many friends AFK [away from keyboard] as I do at my fingertips on the net. Twitter is a miniblog, so to speak. You can put up 140 characters of whatever is on your mind. Now personally, I have my own site [www.allisondduncan.com] which supports all 3 of my blogs. I've had blogs on other sites [www.mindsay.com or livejournal.com] which were great as well. It lets you build a small community of like minded people and that can be great especially when you all have the same gold as losing weight, or politics, or [insert whatever it is here]. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

BINEMELLES 4/17/2009 5:22AM

i don't "tweet" either, for much the same reasons as you. i don't have the time, i don't do stuff that would interest folks out there, and i think i'm spending enough time on the computer as it is. the new status thingie on SP is very similar - sometimes it's nice to send a little message out, but most of the time i wonder why anyone would be interested that i just finished dinner. way to go on the knitting! i never learned to do very complicated stuff, i think a pair of warm wool socks for the house was about the fanciest thing i ever created, lol! i'm starting to think it would be a nice relaxing thing to take up again, to stay out of the cracker box after dinner. but i guess i'm just not craftsy enough to really get the hang of it. Report Inappropriate Comment

MSU_GAL 4/16/2009 3:49PM

I agree with you! Between this site and Facebook, I'm good. I can't access Facebook at the office, so I spend a ton more time on here than there. But Facebook is how I keep in touch with my family- lots of cousins, aunts, and old foreign exchange students on there. As for weather, you know, it's always gorgeous in sunny Phoenix! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZIRCADIA 4/16/2009 3:33PM

The weather is gorgeous again here too and I'm LOVING IT! :D Congrats on getting through those knitting classes! :D I.... have a twitter but I don't use it. I think updating a status on Facebook is kinda enough for me. Twitter is like a site that is just that. Statuses. Forever. It seems so redundant and pointless if you already use facebook... ? Plus I don't update my facebook status that often anyway. Report Inappropriate Comment

ASTER2606 4/16/2009 3:06PM

Have a great weekend! Path around a lake sounds nice. My in-laws are coming into town for the UW Band Spring Concert. My husband's cousin lives in town and she is a band alumna and her parents will be in town too. She's also expecting her first child and we haven't seen her since she and her husband announced that they are expecting so it will be good to see them. I don't twitter. Still resisting Facebook. I'm right there with you on the knitting. I can do basic stuff, don't know if I remember how to cast on or not. I should take a class. My sister started knitting a few years ago. Her first project was a sweater and she never looked back. If you need a refresher on casting on, another knitter friend of mine says there are plenty of instructional videos on youtube. Report Inappropriate Comment

MILAYA 4/16/2009 1:51PM

I don't use twitter. I have too much to do around here without wasting more time on the computer than I already do plus it just doesn't interest me. I don't even do facebook. I looked into it and didn't think it was something that I needed to do. Glad your knitting is getting easier. Things like that take time and practice. Enjoy the beautiful day! Report Inappropriate Comment

Zumba!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

I went to my long-awaited Zumba class last Thursday. I meant to blog about it a lot sooner but got busy so...
For anyone who is not familiar with Zumba, it's a workout using latin dance moves: salsa, merenge (sp), etc.
It was fun, but a little difficult for me at times. I'm just not very coordinated. The class is new at my gym so I was surprised that the instructor didn't, well, INSTRUCT more than she did. In my other fitness classes, the instructors usually go over the basic moves for any newbies. Well for this class, everyone is pretty new to it since it was just introduced 2 weeks ago! But she just went right into the moves and we were to follow along as best we could. She also wasn't very motivational, personality wise. However, I still had fun, and I think I will get better as I go along. But for this first class, I didn't feel like I got a good workout because I was so focused on what my feet were supposed to be doing (forget about the arms, which were another dilemma altogether).
Trying to drum up some motivation to go to my 9:30 Tuesday morning gym session. I usually go to either bosu or water aerobics, and it's usually my favorite day to go to the gym. AND, I haven't been to the gym since Saturday. I had planned to go to the store afterwards and pick up a few things. But now I am rethinking because it's cold and raining. If I go to water aerobics, I'll have a big bag to carry with me as I walk, and do I want to carry that plus grocery bags in the rain?? I could just go to bosu and skip the store until later in the week. That is probably what I will do. When will spring finally get here?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BELLABOOKWORM 4/15/2009 9:12AM

I have heard a lot about Zumba lately and it sounds like a lot of fun! They do not offer the class anywhere near my house, but a friend of mine has the DVDs. I'd like to try it sometime! I love to dance! Report Inappropriate Comment

STARTSPARKING 4/15/2009 3:09AM

I LOVE my weekly Zumba class! I'm glad that you enjoyed the Zumba class at your gym despite the less than ideal instructor. I'm sure that you will be more familiar with the choreography as you keep going to class. Keep up your great work, and I hope the weather in your area will improve soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZIRCADIA 4/14/2009 5:17PM

Too bad the teacher was not so great! I've heard it can be a really amazing class, but it's no fun to have an uninspiring teacher who doesn't INSTRUCT on HOW to do things... There are Zumba classes coming to my local Y. I definitely want to at least try ONE. $10 guest pass to the Y and I'm definitely not going to get a membership, so we'll se... Report Inappropriate Comment

ESMERELDA55 4/14/2009 11:24AM

Woohoo! Zumba! A spark friend introduced me to it a few months ago and I started out just like you... what the heck do I do with my arms and legs?! But I kept dragging myself back and now most of my parts are starting to do what they're supposed to and it's a WORKout! And lots of fun, too. So don't give up! Just count out loud if you have to.. you'll get it! There are some Zumba videos you can google of the more popular dances.. it helps me to practice those while I'm at home. Have fun! You'll be glad if you keep it up! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAIRIEDAWNPAM 4/14/2009 11:07AM

I like the idea of exercising through dance. I wonder if there are videos out there on Zumba since I workout at home, only? I'll have to check it out. We had a very nice long weekend weather-wise but now its threatening to snow again. It will rain, for sure. What a downer. You may need a colapseable cart for all of your bags. Try taking an umbrella stroller with you. They can be very handy, even without a baby in them. Report Inappropriate Comment

BECKYMS 4/14/2009 7:58AM

Hi there, I've been looking for something to do that is affordable and that will fit in my schedule, I moved to Georgia in December and am still trying to get a feel for the area. This sounds like it would be fun and a great way to burn up some calories..I'll have to read up more and try this. Thanks for sharing...Take care Becky Report Inappropriate Comment

GIN106 4/14/2009 7:44AM

Zumba is a great workout - just stick with it and the moves will come! Your instructor doesn't sound like a very good one. I'm with you, though...I've got the feet down and am working on the arms portion! Let me know how it goes! Report Inappropriate Comment

Knitting is not my forte

Thursday, April 09, 2009

I am so proud of my hubby today. He passed his final architecture exam and can now get his license! Woo hoo!! It's been 6 long years of studying (the exam has NINE parts) and now he is DONE DONE DONE!! We got the test results in the mail today! He is very excited, and so am I!

So...back to the title of this blog, otherwise it makes no sense. I went to my second knitting class last night, and it reinforced what I already knew: that I am NOT a crafty person. Yes, I am the remedial student in the class. Everyone else went on to the next thing, but the instructor had me keep doing what we learned last week and I have to come in on Friday for extra tutoring! LOL!

OK yes, I am laughing about it now, but last night I was pretty much in tears. I didn't cause a scene in the class or anything and I am not sure that anyone noticed, but I did get teary eyed because I was so frustrated. I know that a lot of it is probably due to my whacked-out hormones. But I just feel like such a dummy!

I was just really hoping that this would be a fun new hobby for me. Well, two more classes to go (plus the tutoring session). We'll see what happens with my knitting career.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SSANFORD1 4/12/2009 10:03PM

LOL! That's pretty funny. I can totally understand. I cannot knit a stitch to save my life. Congratulations on your husband passing his exam. That is very exciting for both of you I am sure. Report Inappropriate Comment

STARTSPARKING 4/12/2009 7:17AM

First of all, congratulations to your husband for passing his final architecture exam! How exciting for your family! Good luck with your knitting class. I just want you to know that I can sympathize because I am the LEAST crafty person in the WORLD. One of my early elementary school assignments was draw an aquarium, and I made my dad do it for me. How pathetic was THAT! Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLEJOYS 4/10/2009 10:59PM

Hang in there - I can knit...and I'm from Michigan, so there's hope for you! I am best at just straight knitting- but I've made some awesome baby blankets using really huge needles and double yarn. I like the big needles (especially as a newbie) because you can really see the stitches. I had some regular needles when I first started and by the time I got to the end of the first row, I had my stitches pulled so tightly I couldn't even get the knitting needle through it! Do not despair. If you get frustrated to the point of tears, just put it down and pick it up another day. It took time for me to be able to see and understand what making a mistake looks like - and then how to back up and fix it. You are a capable, intelligent woman - you can do this. :) AND CONGRATS TO YOUR HUBBY (AND TO YOU)! You are all on your way! Karen Comment edited on: 4/10/2009 11:00:08 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

MILAYA 4/10/2009 10:16AM

I just learned to knit after several tries. I finally learned from a book. I suggest you check out "Teach yourself visually knitting" by Sharon Turner. It taught me where having people just show me confused me to no end. I am halfway thru with my first project. Congrats to your hubby! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOM2ACAT 4/9/2009 8:16PM

I could never get the hang of knitting with needles either, but I like knitting on those round looms. They are no where near as complicated as knitting. Congrats to your husband for passing his test! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAIRIEDAWNPAM 4/9/2009 5:17PM

Yah... knitting isn't my thing, either, and it makes me sad when I think about it. Its a dying art form. My grandmother could knit and crochet in her sleep. With effort, my mother is almost as good. I, on the other hand, end up throwing the needles and yarn across the room. My poor, crazy, German gramma's dying wish -- ok ONE of her dying wishes -- was that one of her granddaughters would become a knitter to carry on the tradition of making afghans for every new baby that's born into the family. I go to Walmart for a quilt, instead, or the Farmer's Market and buy a blanket made by someone else's gramma. Now that I think of it, quilting with the sewing machine isn't too hard. I suppose I could do that, instead. Anyhow, don't be sad. Few of us possess the dexterity or patience to knit, although you might find that when you aren't hormonal that you do better at it. ...Pam PS Congrats to your hubby! Mine is studying to be an engineer. His exams will be next year. Report Inappropriate Comment

PUPPYWHISPERS 4/9/2009 5:00PM

I have been thinking a lot about learning to knit. I know that I would also be the remedial student, and I probably would have burst into tears (or thrown down my work and walked out). Hang in there though, my friend. I'm told it will get better. Some people take right to the work, while others take a bit longer getting the hang of it. I know you can do it, and your finished work will be beautiful! Be patient, and remember that learning to knit is very much like raising a child. It's difficult in the beginning, but the end results are worth the effort! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZIRCADIA 4/9/2009 4:55PM

GOTTA be the hormones. I get being frustrated, but I bet the hormones multiplied those frustrations into a much bigger thing. Silly hormones. :P anyway. I wanna learn how to knit, but I've never tried. Not yet! Report Inappropriate Comment

SCOLLY 4/9/2009 4:51PM

Oh....I'd be in the remedial class with you...I'm not crafty either. Good for you for putting forth the extra effort, tho : ) Report Inappropriate Comment