A Date to Spin

I have quite a few active co-workers.  We often speak about our fitness activities (i.e. training for marathons, gym classes taken, work out schedules, etc.).  Two of my co-workers speak about their spin class and how much they enjoy them.  My response to that, 'can't do it, the seat will hurt my butt!'.  Their response to me, 'ah...you're butt will get used to the seat!'

After many conversations about spin, my co-worker invited me to his gym for a lunch time spin class.  I accepted the invite and I put it on my calendar in ink, too!  I was excited about the class, he was excited about me taking the class.

Spin class day arrives and we're both excited, but I'm still concerned about my butt!  For real, ya'll!  I don't even ride the stationary bike at the gym!

I get to the class and take a bike near the back; in case I leave early.  I would have hated to be tough girl on the bike in the front, but have to do the 'walk of shame' out of class because I couldn't hang.  Anyway...I'm trying to figure out my bike.  Thankfully, the instructor asked for newbies and who needed help.  She got me all set up, yet I'm still worried my butt would hurt.  She told me as long as I used proper posture, which she demonstrated for me, I'd be okay.  I put two towels on my seat, just in case.

And we're off!  I'm spinning...following the instructors direction.  Turning my tension up, doing sprints, normal pace, turning the tension down.  Off the seat, going up hill, sprint, normal pace, etc...I'm spinning and yes, my butt was a bit uncomfortable, but it was such a great workout.  I really enjoyed the class. After, my co-worker smiled and congratulated me.  He said I did a great job.

What a great lunch date....a spin class!

Thanks, Amiy!     


       

'I need some ME time'

I've had recent encounters with ladies who've been too busy to work out. Both responding they've been, 'too busy', 'too stressed', or 'trying to get back on track'.  I'm just as guilty of all of the listed excuses, but my response to that? Make time and get back to 'ME' time.   

I say often at work that, 'it's in your (referring to co-worker's) interest that I work out.  I feel better about myself and I'm taking care of me'.  It's also in the best interest of myself that I take care of ME.  Additionally, when you're feeling better about yourself, it's easier to care for others in your life, especially if you're a mom, spouse, or partner.  When you feel good, those around you feel good, too.  It's just great positive energy that's flowing.

When you're feeling stressed out or too busy to work out, it's probably really the best time to fit it in; even if it's 15 minutes.  That's better than zero minutes in my book.  Think about how good you will feel and how those around you will feel, if you do.

While the lyrics in Heather Headly's song, 'Me Time' refers to her needing her 'ME' time to hang with her girls and not with her man, use the lyrics to refer to yourself.  Take your 'ME' time to take care of yourself. Sit quietly for 15 minutes if you can't get that 60 minute cardio workout in.  What ever you define to be your 'ME' time, just make time for it.  You'll feel so much better if you do.    

** my disclaimer:  (She is in no way saying she' not feeling her man, she just wants to hang alone or with her girls.)    

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/heatherheadley/metime.html    

'Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name'

I have two East Bay Lounges I frequent where it feels like 'Cheers' when I go.  It's always a welcomed feeling, but my most recent visits came with, 'hey where ya been?'.  I had to let Ben and Chris know that I've been working on my sexy and that I'm not drinking as much these days.

Bijou Restaurant and Bar and Mimosa Champagne Lounge are my spots!  I love going there and being greeted with warm hugs from the owner Ben, Chef Christian, or Alfred the bar manager at Bijou.  Or a big hug from Chris & JP, owners of Mimosa or a hug from Tim the bartender.  By being that frequent customer comes a few perks that I admittedly enjoy.

While visiting Bijou, I noticed they changed the menu and didn't see my panko shrimp I often ordered to enjoy with my basil gimlet.  I asked the server about the missing item and he informed me the item has been removed from the menu.  In jest, I asked to speak with Ben.  Not in an angry way, of course.  I asked Ben if it were possible to ask Chef to make the shrimp.  He honored my request without a thought or a question.  I loved it!

This past weekend, I visited Mimosa.  A place I've not been to in months!  It was great to see everyone and was even asked where I'd been.  My response, 'drinking is counter productive to bringing sexier back'.  While hanging at Mimosa, I tried two new mimosas on their menu, blueberry-limon and pineapple.  YUMMMMM!!  Both were very refreshing.  Our server Tim pops by to check on us and brought a round of apple-pie mimosa-for us to 'sample'.  YUMM, again!  Bar Manager, Amy pops over to say hello and than asks, ' have you girls tried our white chocolate mimosa?'  Next thing you know...here comes white chocolate mimosas.  Not my favorite, but appreciated the 'sample'.  Chris stops by our table to say hey and to see how things are going, etc.  He walks away and returns with amaretto mimosas. Now that I'm full of mimosa's, next on my conversation list was the after drinking food fest!  I wanted a cheeseburger and fries or just fries to ease the hangover I was sure to have the next day.  My sister was the driver and declined my requests to make those stops.  I settled for waffles with butter and a tall glass of water.

In thinking about my drinking experiences, I always pair drinking with eating.  My post drink meals aren't typically healthy choices, either.  It clicked even more for me why I cut back significantly on my drinking. I can't physically afford to drink and eat as often as I did.  As I mentioned above, it's counter productive to bringing sexier back.

Yes, I love going to Bijou and Mimosa, but I have to learn to exercise a drink limit.  I can have a great time hanging out with friends.  I can also have a great time by drinking a glass of sparkling water after I have one adult drink.  

If you're ever in the East Bay, check out Mimosa or Bijou. 

Cheers!  



http://mimosachampagnelounge.com/
http://www.bijouexperience.com/

Finding the beauty in my own back yard

Today, I decided to take a walk on the property where I live.  I'm so glad I did!  It provided a great workout, not that I didn't think it would.  Where I live, it provides flat ground surface, rolling hills, and stairs.  It also provides nature sounds.  I listened to the birds sing, bugs buzz, and the squirrels make the sound they make...kinda like a sneaky laughing sound.  Those squirrels aren't scared of people, either.  One was in my path and it looked at me and 'told' me to move!

This property walk also allowed me to tour my complex.  I discovered some villas are 3-floors and not 2-floors like my villa.  I discovered there are mini-dog parks. I also discovered that some units have the most amazing views of the city.  I want to be-friend those neighbors so I can check out the view at night from their balcony.  I also, just want to get to know the neighbors from other villas....I will for sure be doing this property walk, again. I live in such a beautiful place.         

Own your sexy!

It's no secret...I'm a plus-size girl.  I work out to maintain good health, stay fit, and to bring my sexier back!  You see, I know I'm sexy, I work out to make it better!

I've had conversations with sista-friends who don't feel the same way about themselves.  Especially when working out.  Many say, they don't like how their body feels when they're moving, they can feel the jiggle, their boobs are too big.  I tell them bull crap!  Those are excuses in my book.  'You won't jiggle so much if you work out', is what I usually say.  But I also tell them, 'Hell...I know exactly how you feel.  I can feel my jiggle, too, just not as much anymore!'  The other favorite excuse I hear- My boobs are too big.  My response, 'Buy a better sports bra or wear two sports bras!'.

Women with larger breasts have to be sure they are wearing a proper bra or bras to keep the girls in check when running or doing aerobic activity.  That would be terrible to be knocked unconscious by boobs!  The more you work out, the quicker you will wiggle that jiggle away. 


My point...feel good about yourself, make improvements to feel better about yourself, what ever that is to you.

40th birthday celebration in Hawaii

Lastly, tell yourself you are sexy!     

My favorite places to buy sports bras:
http://www.movingcomfort.com/
http://www.titlenine.com/

Additional resource:
http://www.athleta.com/

Healthy checks

On Friday, I attended a memorial service for my friend, Carolyn, who passed away March 18th.  On June 7th, she would have celebrated her 41st birthday!  Yes, you are reading correctly.  While I don't know the full circumstance of her passing, another friend made mention that she had been experiencing back pain, but the true cause was of her pain was intestinal problems, which may or may not have caused her untimely death.  Additionally, he stated that a simple blood test could have revealed what was going on.  My friend made the comment, 'I need to get myself checked!  I've not been to the doctor in forever!'  That raised my eyebrows so, and I immediately went into 'mama-J' mode as my mom says.  I became so concerned for him and even lashed out at him because it doesn't make sense for him to not seek medical check ups-at minimal, annually!  He has two excellent jobs with fantastic medical benefits, so that is not an issue.

This friend I was speaking with isn't the first conversation I've had about not seeing a doctor in 'forever'!  It makes no sense to me.  I don't understand why we're not taking better care of ourselves and ultimately wait until it's too late. 

I'm sure many will know the last time the oil was checked in their car, but will not be able to remember the last medical check up they had.

I have another friend who is of age where he should be getting his prostrate checked.  His machismo attitude could lead him down a path of prostrate cancer because he doesn't want a doctor performing 'that type of check up'.  Another friend has neglected his teeth for years and has been spending many appointments getting his teeth cleaned, fillings filled, and all kinds of horrible painful things done.  Why?  Because he hasn't been to a dentist!  I have lady friend who mentioned she's not had a well-woman check up in years even when she had medical benefits.  Now she doesn't, but she could easily go to a women's clinic (planned parenthood) and pay on a sliding scale for a visit.

Living a healthy life isn't only about breathing and having fun with family and friends.  It's about loving your self enough to take care of it and get it checked out...at least once per year. 

I bet you took your car for an oil change.          

Make small changes

I remember when I  began my road to a healthier lifestyle.  I kept a journal for 30 days so I could see what I ate and than I made an appointment with a nutritionist.  Keeping a journal in November may not be the smartest thing because most people eat differently during the holiday season.  I thought, why not, now!  If I want to make changes, I still have to make them in a honest way.

My nutritionist reviewed my journal and to my surprise, my food choices weren't as bad as I thought.  She made suggestions to modify and select other food combinations.For example, I eat the packaged oatmeal with maple and brown sugar.  She suggested buying instant rolled oats oatmeal and rather than use sugar, sweeten it with appplesauce.  She also suggested I not eat the pre-sweetened yogurt.  Her suggestion: eat plain non-fat yogurt and add fresh fruit or vanilla extract.  I must say, eating plain yogurt was a huge leap because it is nasty!  I will eat Yoplait's Lemon Burst yogurt, but I am now able to enjoy plain yogurt with fresh fruit. YUM!

I gave up white rice and switched to brown rice. Another tough choice, but a suggestion from an old neighbor, add a tablespoon of olive oil and cook in chicken broth, not water.  WOW!  What a difference that makes!

Healthy eating doesn't have to be the end of the world, nor do you need to feel as if you're on a diet.   Besides, in the words of Garfield, 'Diet is Die-with a T'.

All one should do is make small changes to the foods you currently enjoy.  Over time, you will see what a difference it will make.