Day 1: 30 Day Cardio Challenge & How I Plan to Tackle It!

Hey Beautiful! Ever get an invite of some sort and click "Yes" without reading ALL the details? That is exactly what I did and found myself agreeing to Mr. Shut Up and Train's 30 Day Cardio Challenge. -_-
It's so much more to it than drinking more water and a few minutes of cardio!

Day 1: Baseline Assessment
Admittedly, it was more of a struggle than I thought it would be to complete the baseline. Nevertheless, it was a much needed kickstarter. It was confirmation of what I already knew. As I age, I must work harder to be healthy and fit. Furthermore, I can not continue to accept my size, irregular sleep patterns, and bouts of emotional eating as something I can change alone. Not to mention, I'm asthmatic and have had other problems develop when I catch a bug. Therefore, my goal is not to be thin, but healthy. I have to fully open my eyes to what will help me achieve my goals and use those tools.

Tool #1 - Acceptance
Prior to even knowing this challenge existed, I had the man-child snap some "before" photos of me. I didn't think I would be posting them now. In my mind, knowing that my weight fluctuates seasonally, I figured after a few months I would be back on the other side of MY normal. I could then post my Hershey Chocolate Bar-Ben & Jerry's look alongside my Jenny Craig-Weight Watcher-Jennifer Hudson smile pictures. However, life is showing me how to handle acceptance in a different manner. I have to first accept my present state and work toward change in a way that is healthy and long lasting.

Tool #2: Accountability
I can predict that this is going to be an intense journey and I'm asking all of you to come along! I know there is someone out there in need of another with true nagging skills. You can do it! :-) Isn't it funny how we can tell each other what to do, but often fall short with ourselves? That's the beauty of group projects.  Everyone pushes each other to do their share!

Tool #3 Perseverance
I have set my mind to the tune -"Make It Last Forever".  As much as I embraced and enjoyed turning 40  (one of my better seasons), I am not all that ecstatic about the changes that came afterwards. I never thought I would envy a 20 something for ANYTHING! But I do. I HATE that I didn't consider that eventually age would catch up with me! I can't stand them and their little midriff shirts and the ability to wear 4 inch heels to the park!  Lol.  Yes I do envy them for that, but I wonder who's warning them to lay off of those $1 menus?? After all, why should we suffer alone? So to the 20s, 30s, 40s and up -tell yourself "Shut Up and Train!!

Journey light,
E

Dancing Like A Magic City Girl

Ok so several days ago I tweeted a comment about an advertisement I received to learn how to dance like the girls at Magic City, a popular gentleman's club in Atlanta.  Therefore this post was inspired by a few of my Facebook friends who were interested in the details. Now, if you are a little hesitant to try one of these classes, let me say that I took an exotic dance class at my gym when I was working on me as I was going through my divorce. Women of all ages (oldest 67) were in the class.  The one thing I learned more than how to have fun with my future guy (if that happens), was how to have fun with me.  The class was awesome. I met some great women and it’s a real confidence builder. Now I’m not sure how I feel about using the poles at Magic City to learn a new trick on.  Something about that just doesn’t feel quite right.  So I suggest you bring wipes.  :) Sorry, did I go too far? LOL, anywho, I overlooked that for the moment and called to find out what they were charging and decided to check into some other spots I was aware of.

First up, apparently many of the Magic City Dancers have been approached by women wanting to learn a trick or two to try out at home on the hubby or boytoy ;)  Whatever fits.  Therefore, Magic City is planning a class to be held on Saturday May 29, 2009 from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.  The cost is $40 and the bar will be open.  Appetizers will be served as well.  If the turnout meets approval of the owners of this fine establishment, monthly booty popping classes may become a staple in Magic City’s current offerings.  Magic City is located at 241 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA, 404.584.5847.

Next, I came across a meet up last month called “Realistic Pole Dancing for Housewives” that was created by Pole Waxers University Pole & Exotic Dance Studio.  Now because I’m a divorcee, I felt a little discriminated against and asked would a meet up be offered for single women.  The response “Of course, you are more than welcome to attend”. The basics….this meet up is an advertisement for class offerings and friendships.  Various classes are offered for different levels.  Beginning May 8^th, 7:00 – 8:00, is Stripper 101, which is a beginners class that will run 4 weeks for $99.  In this 4 week class series you will be instructed on Beginners to Intermediate Pole Dance Spins & Combinations, Booty Shaking-Popping,& learning Inversions.  Inversions are 'upside downs'.  Ha, learning something everyday. Anyway, for more information, go to www.polewaxersuniversity.com or http://www.meetup.com/Realistic-Pole-Dancing-For-Housewives/calendar/10239767/\ They are located Dance Studio, 1647 Canton Road. Marietta, GA 30066, 678.558.4842.

Now I was also going to post the the rundown for http://www.polelateaz.com/, but I don’t feel like writing much more. However, I will leave you with this. During the month of April, they offered a free 'teazer' class each Saturday.  No signup, just show up ready.  They are located at Pole Studio, 2148 Hills Ave, Suite H2, Atlanta, GA 30318, 404.399.3358.  There is also a second location for exotic non-pole dancing classes.  Until next time.......journey light.

Luv, peace, and overwhelming joy,

E