Time For Some More Lifestyle Modifications

Well, it seems that losing about 5 pounds is as far as I am able to get with the few lifestyle modifications that I made early on.  Mostly those changes were eating lots more fruits and veggies and getting 5 hours of exercise a week.  It appears that it’s going to take something more to work through the next weight class – the 150s.

Though joining a gym is a little contrary to my vision of accomplishing my goal in a way that anyone can do, I have made a small compromise.  I’ve started Jazzercise.  I wouldn’t have sought this out, nor would I be likely to be a Jazzercise fan under usual circumstances, but it came together in a way that felt right.  We got a marketing postcard in the mail with a really great deal – $37 per month for unlimited classes for 3 months with no additional fees and some nice perks.  Since that’s really quite affordable for many (and yes I know, not all) people, I felt like I could take advantage of the offer without feeling like I’m compromising my simplicity principles.  The class space is also only about a mile and a half from my home.  I could walk or ride my bike.  So I joined.

In case you’re not familiar with Jazzercise, the classes are 60 minutes and include warm up, stretching, at least 30 minutes of cardio, strength training, and a cool down.  All of the movements are choreographed to modern music.  Overall, it’s fun and the time passes quickly.  So far it’s going well.  I only went to 2 classes last week since I’m still in recovery mode from last week’s bout with the flu.  I have some nice stiff muscles, which is a sure sign that I’m challenging my body in a new way! 

I admit that I feel a little out of place.  I tend not to shave often, have a no-fuss hairdo, wear no make-up, and don’t own a bra.  Many, but certainly not all, of the others in class are a bit more stylish that I am.  Also, I do greatly prefer natural exercise and outdoor activities whenever possible.  So working out in a facility feels a little contrived.

I’m going to keep going.  It feels good to have some sore muscles.   And, though recovering from the flu has put my determination to keep headed toward my goal in the intellectual zone, I believe that Jazzercise will help me move closer to my goals. 

How I did today:
1.  Sleep - 9 hours last night
2.  Exercise - 20 minutes of bike riding, 15 minutes of speedminton, and 60 minutes of raking 
3.  Strength training - not today
4.  Yoga – nope
5.  Meditation – none
6.  Food – more fruits and veggies again and only 1 serving of chocolate!  (yay!)