Random Stuff

Recently I have been writing lots of "deep" stuff...  Actually, I can be funny sometimes...  A little sugar, spice, but not everything nice.  :)  So here are some really random stuff that I have been doing, thinking, or obsessing over.

I have been taking a ton of Zumba classes latey, along with some bootcamp classes.  The instructor is teaching us a new dance and it is a Michael Jackson song, Wanna be Startin' Something!!  The version we are using in class is actually a 2008 remake by Akon.  I am obsessed with this song, so of course I bought it from iTunes.   It's actually playing on repeat as I write this.  My poor brother who has to live with me is probably already sick of this song.  I can't wait to pop in my iPod at the gym and practice!!!  

Speaking of the gym, I have been going on the weekends.  After my Saturday Zumba class, I drive over to Apple gym while my adrenaline is still pumping.  I've created a sort of a mish mash of workouts that lasts about 1 hr - 1.5 hr, depending on how much I want to expand on each part.  I warm up to an easy Zumba dance routine and just feel the music in my head and body.  It gets me in the right mindset for the rest of the workout.  Usually I dance to Just Dance by Lady Gaga.  

Next, I jump rope to some vocal trance, usually about 3 minutes.  This gets my heart rate up.  The next 4-5 trance songs, I will do basic kickboxing moves, jabs, crosses, hooks, upper cuts, front kicks, side kicks, round house etc.  After the basic moves are done, I also do some basic combinations.  Nothing that will require too much thinking, but it keeps my heart rate up.  

I slow it down with some weights next.  I have been trying to up my weights, so I use two 12.5 pound weights and do some bicep curls, kickbacks (not sure if it is the right name, but it works your triceps), and a bunch of other arm exercises that I don't know the names of.  Since I am using heavier weights, I don't do that many reps.  In between, if I am brave, I will do some pushups.  Then I have the weights on my side and do some lunges and squats.  Nothing crazy, but I try to hit up the major muscle groups.  

At this point, I am about half way over.  Sometimes I do more jump rope, or maybe another Zumba dance routine.  Then it's yoga time.  Those of you who know me pretty well know that I cannot stay still.  I don't do meditative yoga, it's just not me.  I connect body and mind when I am concentrating on a particular thought or space.  The best way for me to release anything in my system is to actually let my mind draw a blank.  Thus I like to practice moves that require intense physical concentration.   I do some sun salutations with various variations.  One thing that I like to do is pushups where your arms/elbows are right by your side.  I do five each time I go through a flow.  It makes me feel stronger!  I don't really have that much planned out in terms of a routine, but I will always include warrior 1, 2, and 3.  Some of my favorites are half moon, side planks, reverse warrior, side triangle, moon goddess, etc.  My basic goal is to focus on each move, and just let my body tell me what's next.  I try to incorporate a combination of flexbility, strength, and balance.  Oh, I love three legged dog and water fall!  I do that every time!!!  I end my practice with pigeon on each side, held for 1 song for both sides, and plough.  

Wow, I really wrote a lot about my routine...  Sometimes it can get uncomfortable when people see me dancing around, doing yoga moves, and kickboxing.  I try not to let that distract me, but when I lose my concentration in yoga, I have a hard time holding my balancing moves.  That's when I stare at my reflection in the mirror and concentrate on my mouth.  I know, it's totally weird.  There is a slit on my bottom lip that makes me look like rabbit.  It's very unique and genetic.  

I am usually very self conscious about my body.  It's one of those things that you are never happy with.  There is always something that I would like to improve on.  I have a total lack of confidence when it comes to my body.  However, I am a totally different person when I am in Zumba.  I have discovered something that I can be good at, and it builds my self confidence.  It's one of the few times when I feel SEXY!  If I describe myself under normal circumstances, I would NEVER use the words sexy or beautiful.  But that's how I feel when I step into and out of a Zumba class.  It's an awesome feeling!  Strong, Sexy, and Beautiful!  That's how I want to feel all the time.  I shouldn't care if others think I am or not.  Perhaps one day I will find someone who will make me feel like that all the time.  Until then, I will bask in the afterglow of Zumba.  

So now, I will stop.  Perhaps I have revealed too much, even though my intention was to write about my workout routine.  I guess if you talk enough, you will reveal your true self to others.  I don't mind really.  It's good to let others see who you truly are.  They can understand you, and decide if they can accept you.  Isn't it better than to hide behind a mask of some sort?  Now, if I can just stop obsessing over my eyebrows...  but that's a story for another day.  ;)