Ahh...back to the Y tonight...

The new session started last week and I finally made it tonight.  Boot Camp followed by Spin.  And both were great!  While in spin class, just sitting there pedaling away and dripping with sweat, I had the following realization:

We joined the Y approximately one year ago.  We joined primarily so my husband could swim (remember, he's training for tri/ironman races).  Now...I only go to the Y for my classes as I primarily use the gym at work for most of my exercising (and occasionally utilize the living room at home).  In the time we have been members of the Y...I have dropped approximately 40 lbs. (176 to 136).  I have gone from a size 12 (and at least one pair of size 14 jeans) to a 4.  And recently, the 4s have seemed a bit too big.  I've gone from larges and extra larges in tops to mediums.  And some of those are now a little loose fitting.  My bra size (yes, I'm going there...I'm going to share my bra size) has gone from a 38DD to a 32DDD.  But dammit...my shoe size hasn't changed at all!

The Y definitely doesn't get all the credit, not even a good portion of it.  It goes to me.  I'm the one doing it.  I'm the one that quit making excuses.  I'm the one getting it done.  It is no longer a matter of forcing myself to exercise - I stopped doing that quite some time ago - it is now a habit.  And by habit, I mean I am not happy if I can't get at least a small workout in.  Like cranky unhappy.      A kind of crankiness that could rival Stella's legendary crankiness when she's tired.

And here's the thing.  If I can do it...why can't so may others do it.  I work full time (and then some), I have a toddler.  I have a husband (a husband who works a complete opposite shift and has his own fitness goals).  But I do it.  I hear all kinds of excuses from people of why they can't (and many of those excuses I used at one time or other myself).  I hear that from people and yet they tell me what an inspiration I have become.  What exactly am I inspiring because they certainly aren't joining me in the gym...but rather contentedly complain about what they dislike about their body, health, etc.  I understand, I do...been there done that...but geez...if you say I inspire you...prove it!

fitness class review: KettleBell

A description for this particular class:

Kettlebell training uses a series of swift movements to work the entire body as a synergistic whole (unlike traditional strength training, which uses controlled movements to isolate muscle groups.)

A new session started at the Y this week.  I am, of course, sticking with my twice a week spin class. And would have liked to also stick with the twice a week boot camp I started last session.  However, Wednesday night's class is moved up 15 minutes, so it would start before my spin class is over.  I will continue with the Monday night session.  To replace Wednesday night's boot camp, I started the Kettle Bell class.  I have been wanting to try something like this for a while, so now is my chance.

And?  I like it.  So far, at least.  I definitely felt like I got a workout.  And tonight, I definitely feel like I got a workout last night!  I am getting sore (the good kind, however)!  We worked arms and legs:  squats, lunges, presses, curls, etc.  Incorporated the stability ball on some of the moves, a lot swinging of the kettle bell, even some ab work.  The class definitely made me sweat (and can I just say, that I am really starting to enjoy ow my biceps look?- that's just an observation from watching my form in the mirror).

The only gripe about the class is just me being pissy - burpees.  Seems like every class these days, they gotta sneak those bad boys in.  I hate them!  Okay - it is because I am absolutely horrible at them...but still!

On a separate note regarding gym classes...I have a general gripe.  People talking in class.  Now quiet conversation with your neighbor is fine.  I guess.  But dammit...I don't want to hear your conversation from across the room!  I am (quite literally) working my ass off (okay, so i really didn't have one in the first place) and my working like that does not allow for easy LOUD conversations like yours!  I find it very disruptive to me and my workout.  I am paying to be in that class.  I am there to work on my fitness, not to socialize.  When I can't hear the instructor because there are loud conversations going on either side of the room...that is ridiculous!  When I am dripping sweat  and my thighs are burning and looking over to see you looking like you are on a leisurely bike ride through the park with your pal....argh!!!

Okay...vent over.