School. Club meeting. Field Hockey practice. Piano lesson. Dance Class. Homework. Repeat.
This was my life in high school, busy busy busy! For four years I prided myself on the refining of many talents a.k.a being super involved and as a result I was in great shape, both physically and mentally. And then I went to college. Honestly, I was more of active student than many other freedom-crazed freshman but I did have my share of lazyness and as a result I gained 10 lbs.
It is so important for a girl to feel confident in herself, and, you know, some of that has to do with one’s appearance. I looked fine, but just, eh, fine. My usually toned arms were getting less so and my jeans were more snug. I believe that girls are beautiful, at any size but I wasn’t used to this. I knew that I was out of shape and it didn’t feel right. So I decided to do something about it.
I knew that eating more vegetables and less dessert would be an improvement but I wanted more. After being so physically fit for so long just because I was involved I knew I had to get myself to simply sweat for the sake of sweating. I joined a fitness center near my school. I tried spinning, kick boxing, fusion (a combo of pilates, yoga, and dance). It felt good! I knew my body was thanking me for the hardwork and it began to show. Then I came home.
No more fitness classes three times a week, now I was back to the place where junk-food was even more readily available along with the couch and tv. I was in another fitness slump. What to do? I didn’t want to go to the gym. Personally, I wasn’t up for a full-on high school reunion while I attempted to tone my tummy. I didn’t want to go for an hour run either. Where was I going? I just couldn’t see the purpose in running without field hockey stick and goal in front of you. There had to be another way…
There was, it came to me in the form of a DVD. A program that provided the perfect combination of exciting strengthening and cardio exercises. Cardio Pilates. It’s tough, it basically “kicked my ass” the first week but I can’t keep myself from wanting to do it. 28 minutes of pilates mat work with Ana Caban in a relaxed Asian garden and then 20 minutes of never boring and always heart-pumping aerobics. I’m sold!
New York Sports Club and the track aren’t for me, but I’ve found my fix. It’s not all about losing weight, it shouldn’t be. It’s about having more energy, becoming stronger, and being happy in a healthier lifestyle. I challenge you to find yours. Trust me, your body will thank you.