Had a great trip to Idaho this weekend. Usually flying is so difficult, but I've recently gotten a softball (very hard - what a crazy name) and am using it on my muscle spasms 2 - 3 times a day. Though the flights wasn't totally comfortable (come on!) - I got into Idaho with little to complain about and enough time to relax and do a little last minute shopping before the convention.
The training was great on Saturday and my noon flight home on Sunday left me with time to relax, so my body wasn't screaming after the training weekend. Though I can say - love the 1 training weekends instead of the doubles - so much easier on the body.
Got home and today felt pretty good, I must say. It's been 3 years since I've felt so good the Monday after a training weekend. I'm hoping to keep this trend going!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Pain as a Guide
It's so perfect that I wanted to blog about this topic now. I've been up since 3am today with pain and medication issues. My right side spinus erectus, ql muscles, and glueteus minimus muscles were in such spasm it was arching my back and abducting my right leg in rest. So I've been up all morning with my meds, my trusty soft ball (massage), and the tv trying to get mobile again. It's now 10 am and I may be up and moving before noon!
When you begin exercising whether you have a chronic illness or not, doctors and professionals tell you to use pain as your guide. And...rightly so! There is a certain amount of discomfort and minor pain inherent in exercising, but too much pain indicates you're at risk for an injury.
BUT, HOW DO YOU USE PAIN AS A GUIDE WHEN YOU'RE IN PAIN 100% OF THE TIME?
When it comes to the body parts that aren't involved in the chronic pain - use pain as your guide. But, whatever body part(s) are involved in the chronic pain issue will hurt regardless or may even hurt worse during exercise.
The hardest part is to begin exercising in small, increasing segments, and listen to that pain. Your assignment is to learn when the pain or increase in pain is simply from being up and around or moving and does it decrease to normal as soon as your done, or if you are inflaming and at risk of worsening your chronic issue. The only way to answer this question is with gentle trial and error (ugh!).
My advise is to find a doctor who supports exercise and movement and have scans done just prior to exercise. Begin exercising in small segments and learning about the quality of the pain you have. Does this pain get better after a short rest after exercise or am I exacerbating my condition? Then have regular check ups during the process and a follow up scan in 3 - 6 months to ensure that there is no worsening of the condition and you can continue to exercise.
If all is well, then just as in life, in exercise you can't let your pain stop you. If you just lie in bed every time you have pain, you'll spend your life in bed, no Christmas, no movies, no diners out, no life. This is the same concept with exercise you must "accept" a certain level of pain as normal and be willing to have a hightened level of pain for a short time to get the benefits of exercise.
What are the benefits of exercise? Aside from being healthier, a healthier weight, and all the health benefits that come from that...you'll be stronger. For many of you stronger muscles around your chronic pain sites will reduce the amount of pain you have overall and increase the number of activities and the amount of time standing up and out and about you can tolerate. These are huge life changes for a chronic pain patient.
So my advice is use severe pain as your guide and learn the difference between good pain and bad pain for your body. Talk to your doctor and go make your life better.
When you begin exercising whether you have a chronic illness or not, doctors and professionals tell you to use pain as your guide. And...rightly so! There is a certain amount of discomfort and minor pain inherent in exercising, but too much pain indicates you're at risk for an injury.
BUT, HOW DO YOU USE PAIN AS A GUIDE WHEN YOU'RE IN PAIN 100% OF THE TIME?
When it comes to the body parts that aren't involved in the chronic pain - use pain as your guide. But, whatever body part(s) are involved in the chronic pain issue will hurt regardless or may even hurt worse during exercise.
The hardest part is to begin exercising in small, increasing segments, and listen to that pain. Your assignment is to learn when the pain or increase in pain is simply from being up and around or moving and does it decrease to normal as soon as your done, or if you are inflaming and at risk of worsening your chronic issue. The only way to answer this question is with gentle trial and error (ugh!).
My advise is to find a doctor who supports exercise and movement and have scans done just prior to exercise. Begin exercising in small segments and learning about the quality of the pain you have. Does this pain get better after a short rest after exercise or am I exacerbating my condition? Then have regular check ups during the process and a follow up scan in 3 - 6 months to ensure that there is no worsening of the condition and you can continue to exercise.
If all is well, then just as in life, in exercise you can't let your pain stop you. If you just lie in bed every time you have pain, you'll spend your life in bed, no Christmas, no movies, no diners out, no life. This is the same concept with exercise you must "accept" a certain level of pain as normal and be willing to have a hightened level of pain for a short time to get the benefits of exercise.
What are the benefits of exercise? Aside from being healthier, a healthier weight, and all the health benefits that come from that...you'll be stronger. For many of you stronger muscles around your chronic pain sites will reduce the amount of pain you have overall and increase the number of activities and the amount of time standing up and out and about you can tolerate. These are huge life changes for a chronic pain patient.
So my advice is use severe pain as your guide and learn the difference between good pain and bad pain for your body. Talk to your doctor and go make your life better.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Another Go
Another week is about to begin. I returned home from my trainings last weekend with a sinus and throat infection/illness popping up again (it's been just over 3 months and it won't go away). I was so exhausted I had trouble just getting regular tasks done this last week. But....I did find a new doctor...fan fair...YEA! My previous primary care physician quit taking my insurance, and though he was a nice guy, I was less than thrilled with him (a bit passive and small picture thinking). I've learned as a person with multiple systematic illnesses/injuries and the type of physical lifestyle I lead, I need a brilliant big picture doctor (Dr. Greg House where are you????) and I think I've found him. Dr. Banias just may be a God, I'll let you know once we're done with testing at the end of this week.
Quick Trivia - on the TV show "House" my genetic disorder Hemochromatosis (HHC) has been the "answer" for 2 patients on 2 separate episodes. Wow! Both patients lived (barely).
However, I had the weekend off this weekend and am preparing to go teach at the International Zumba Convention in 2 weeks - yeee haw! And realizing I'm just 6 pounds from my goal weight and 2 weeks from the date I had hoped to reach said goal weight - shit!
But, I've been a good girl this weekend. The real challenge has been to deal with feeling sick - having felt sick for about 3 months (sinus, exhaustion, sore throat/larnyx, chronic hoarseness and laryngitis) and keep the workouts going, keep the work going, and not overeating due to being a big FRUSTRATED by it all!
However, It's going well. Topic for tomorrow - using pain as your guide when you're always in pain! See you soon.
Quick Trivia - on the TV show "House" my genetic disorder Hemochromatosis (HHC) has been the "answer" for 2 patients on 2 separate episodes. Wow! Both patients lived (barely).
However, I had the weekend off this weekend and am preparing to go teach at the International Zumba Convention in 2 weeks - yeee haw! And realizing I'm just 6 pounds from my goal weight and 2 weeks from the date I had hoped to reach said goal weight - shit!
But, I've been a good girl this weekend. The real challenge has been to deal with feeling sick - having felt sick for about 3 months (sinus, exhaustion, sore throat/larnyx, chronic hoarseness and laryngitis) and keep the workouts going, keep the work going, and not overeating due to being a big FRUSTRATED by it all!
However, It's going well. Topic for tomorrow - using pain as your guide when you're always in pain! See you soon.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Here We Go!
Getting the week started! I'm trying a new app so I can post blogs from my phone. This way it'll be easier for me to post more often while Ike traveling. Keep your finger crossed.
So, left for my trainings in Rochester, MI feeling GREAT this weekend. Had 2 great days, both classes brought lots of energy! Did lose my voice again (I've been losing my voice almost every workshop for the last 2 1/2 months hmmm) but can't complain other than that.
Got in my car Sunday to drive home and made it just outside Rochester to the main highway (about 28 min) and was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. Lucky me, first exit I found had a Holiday Inn. So I pulled over (7pm) and took a nappy in my car in the parking lot. I woke up 2 hours later realizing that I needed a room for the night, so there I stayed.
Got home Monday, the dog was spool happy to see me and had 1 hour to walk dog and take a nap before I hopped in my car to go teach Zumba Toning. Stayed for a walk around the track and laps of lunges with a friend and back into bed. If all goes well I'll actually unload my car and do my stinky laundry today.
Talk to you all tomorrow!
So, left for my trainings in Rochester, MI feeling GREAT this weekend. Had 2 great days, both classes brought lots of energy! Did lose my voice again (I've been losing my voice almost every workshop for the last 2 1/2 months hmmm) but can't complain other than that.
Got in my car Sunday to drive home and made it just outside Rochester to the main highway (about 28 min) and was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. Lucky me, first exit I found had a Holiday Inn. So I pulled over (7pm) and took a nappy in my car in the parking lot. I woke up 2 hours later realizing that I needed a room for the night, so there I stayed.
Got home Monday, the dog was spool happy to see me and had 1 hour to walk dog and take a nap before I hopped in my car to go teach Zumba Toning. Stayed for a walk around the track and laps of lunges with a friend and back into bed. If all goes well I'll actually unload my car and do my stinky laundry today.
Talk to you all tomorrow!
Barbara Klontz
ZUMBA Fitness
ZUMBA Education Specialist
224-217-1404
Barbara.Klontz@zumbamail.com
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Lessons
So now we're getting to the nitty gritty of the blog. All the experts and books tell you to learn to rest when you need to rest when you've got chronic pain or illness (just in life - not in fitness). Yeah, that's easy (not)!
But it's so true (damn).
I'm starting to do so much better now that I plan time in each day to rest/nap (and it takes priority no matter what is going on). I tend to work on 100% or 0% and I push and push until I drop, then I'm out completely to recover. NO GOOD!
Now I'm recovering from being down with an infection and learning the art of pacing myself. The cool thing is I can see an improvement every day. Including my exercising and lifting - I'm still having an energy and ability spike each day -yeah!
What I've learned about lifting and exercising with chronic pain and illness. Saying everything I've said about pacing and resting above - you have to work out and can't use being tired or in pain as an excuse or a reason to go light or skip (unless absolutely necessary - it takes a while to learn when this is - but hint....it's less often than you'd like). The more I push myself (within reason) while I'm tired or in pain the greater my stamina and endurance gets. This is a great thing when each day takes both stamina and endurance.
So, I use the rest and naps in the course of my everyday life - but I'm learning to exercise and follow the exercise plan everyday regardless of how I feel (with extreme exceptions applied).
Future blogs -
1. How to use pain as your guide when you are in pain ALL the time.
2. What kinds of cardio are good for chronic pain and illness?
3. What are the rules to follow when I want to pump iron and stay healthy and safe?
What Barb did this week for exercise:
1. Monday - Afternoon - Walked 1.25 miles, Evening - Zumba Toning (1 hour), Walked 2 miles.
2. Tuesday - Walked 2 miles
3. Wednesday - Afternoon - Walked 1.5 miles, Evening - Taught Zumba in the Circuit (1 hour), Taught Zumba (1 hour), Weight lifting (Chest Press - bar+10lb, Chest Fly 65 lb, Back Row 45 lb, Shoulder press 12.5 lb, Biceps 17.5 lb, Triceps 12.5 lb, Shoulder Raise 10 lbs, Abs - stabilizing exercises).
But it's so true (damn).
I'm starting to do so much better now that I plan time in each day to rest/nap (and it takes priority no matter what is going on). I tend to work on 100% or 0% and I push and push until I drop, then I'm out completely to recover. NO GOOD!
Now I'm recovering from being down with an infection and learning the art of pacing myself. The cool thing is I can see an improvement every day. Including my exercising and lifting - I'm still having an energy and ability spike each day -yeah!
What I've learned about lifting and exercising with chronic pain and illness. Saying everything I've said about pacing and resting above - you have to work out and can't use being tired or in pain as an excuse or a reason to go light or skip (unless absolutely necessary - it takes a while to learn when this is - but hint....it's less often than you'd like). The more I push myself (within reason) while I'm tired or in pain the greater my stamina and endurance gets. This is a great thing when each day takes both stamina and endurance.
So, I use the rest and naps in the course of my everyday life - but I'm learning to exercise and follow the exercise plan everyday regardless of how I feel (with extreme exceptions applied).
Future blogs -
1. How to use pain as your guide when you are in pain ALL the time.
2. What kinds of cardio are good for chronic pain and illness?
3. What are the rules to follow when I want to pump iron and stay healthy and safe?
What Barb did this week for exercise:
1. Monday - Afternoon - Walked 1.25 miles, Evening - Zumba Toning (1 hour), Walked 2 miles.
2. Tuesday - Walked 2 miles
3. Wednesday - Afternoon - Walked 1.5 miles, Evening - Taught Zumba in the Circuit (1 hour), Taught Zumba (1 hour), Weight lifting (Chest Press - bar+10lb, Chest Fly 65 lb, Back Row 45 lb, Shoulder press 12.5 lb, Biceps 17.5 lb, Triceps 12.5 lb, Shoulder Raise 10 lbs, Abs - stabilizing exercises).
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Hats Off 2 Bloggers!
I never realized how difficult blogging would be. My hat goes off to bloggers everywhere. I feel so naked blogging. I never realized how many things happen in my life around my chronic illness and pain that I'm afraid to share. I'm afraid I will be judged, that people will find out I really am just lazy and not living up to my potential and to be quite honest being totally open about how shitty I feel and the pain I'm in makes it all the more real.
I don't know how these bloggers share the intimate details of their personal life, it makes me want to run and hide!
But, I didn't start this blog to hide. I came home from a training in Michigan May 22nd sicker than a dog. It started out with a fever of 102 and sore throat. I was feeling better the Friday we drove to Michigan - but started to loose my voice on the drive up. Saturday Basic 1 training was a blast - but 1/2 way through the day my voice left and I was exhausted. By that night I could barely hold my self upright and was dreading the next day. I've taught some trainings sick before - but ...kill me now... Sunday May 22nd was unbelievably painful. Thank God for my assistant Cristina, because I could never have driven myself home. She drove me the WHOLE way and I made it to my bed. That was the end of it. I was so sick I couldn't shower, wash my face, brush my teeth, or even drive myself to the doctor for several days. The throat infection moved to my sinuses and when it finally invaded my eyes at the end of the week, I dragged myself to the local ER (my doctor quit taking my insurance - lovely - and am searching for a new medical genius).
Antibiotics later and miracle I started to improve. But was shocked at how long it took to get my energy back, even though I was able to start talking and stopped blowing green chunks out of my nose.
Well, I'm about 98% and even though I still tire out easily, I'm ready for action.
So here I am back to the blogging and committing to you to be naked and honest and hopefully give you all something that is both entertaining and inspiring, if a bit mundane.
Off to bed - I have a Zumba Toning training in the morning. I get to sleep in my own bed tonight - will wonders never cease? The training is only 20 min. from my house - hallelujah!
And I'm actually excited and ready to kick some Zumba @$$! For a while I was dealing with a bit of burn out, and though I never wanted to quit - I did loose some of the pre training excitement for a while. But just as being sick is a great reminder of how wonderful it feels to be "healthy" (we'll use that term loosely), being unable to perform is a great reminder of the gift it is to do a job that I love and that changed lives not only of the poeple I touch, but of the lives they touch as well.
Ready to bask in the glory of sleep and grow sleep crusties in the corners of my eyes. 'Till tomorrow!
I don't know how these bloggers share the intimate details of their personal life, it makes me want to run and hide!
But, I didn't start this blog to hide. I came home from a training in Michigan May 22nd sicker than a dog. It started out with a fever of 102 and sore throat. I was feeling better the Friday we drove to Michigan - but started to loose my voice on the drive up. Saturday Basic 1 training was a blast - but 1/2 way through the day my voice left and I was exhausted. By that night I could barely hold my self upright and was dreading the next day. I've taught some trainings sick before - but ...kill me now... Sunday May 22nd was unbelievably painful. Thank God for my assistant Cristina, because I could never have driven myself home. She drove me the WHOLE way and I made it to my bed. That was the end of it. I was so sick I couldn't shower, wash my face, brush my teeth, or even drive myself to the doctor for several days. The throat infection moved to my sinuses and when it finally invaded my eyes at the end of the week, I dragged myself to the local ER (my doctor quit taking my insurance - lovely - and am searching for a new medical genius).
Antibiotics later and miracle I started to improve. But was shocked at how long it took to get my energy back, even though I was able to start talking and stopped blowing green chunks out of my nose.
Well, I'm about 98% and even though I still tire out easily, I'm ready for action.
So here I am back to the blogging and committing to you to be naked and honest and hopefully give you all something that is both entertaining and inspiring, if a bit mundane.
Off to bed - I have a Zumba Toning training in the morning. I get to sleep in my own bed tonight - will wonders never cease? The training is only 20 min. from my house - hallelujah!
And I'm actually excited and ready to kick some Zumba @$$! For a while I was dealing with a bit of burn out, and though I never wanted to quit - I did loose some of the pre training excitement for a while. But just as being sick is a great reminder of how wonderful it feels to be "healthy" (we'll use that term loosely), being unable to perform is a great reminder of the gift it is to do a job that I love and that changed lives not only of the poeple I touch, but of the lives they touch as well.
Ready to bask in the glory of sleep and grow sleep crusties in the corners of my eyes. 'Till tomorrow!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Getting Going
Woke up this morning no fever! Yea! Am getting going with some work - emails, paperwork, etc. Then we pack the car, drop off some books to donate at the library. Next - DMV to fix my missing license plate sticker that fell off over the winter in the cold weather. All before 2 when I need to pick up my assistant and drive to Michigan for my Basic 1 and Basic 2 zumba trainings this weekend. Fun, fun, fun. I still have a sore throat and a little weak feeling, but I think I'll live to dance another day.
Am still on the getting organized kick so I don't have to feel so behind in "getting things done"; and I can give myself a break and stop beating up on myself. I think most people are hard on themselves and beat themselves up - it gets a little hard when your husband hops in the mix. It must be hard to see me laying about in pain all the time and even more difficult to reconcile that with what he wishes I could do and then to see some things not getting done and intellectually knowing that I'm in pain and I should be resting, but not fully understanding seeing me resting so frequently. I understand his frustration, but it just beat up on myself even more. Would love to hear some positive reinforcement from him, with time maybe.
Am still on the getting organized kick so I don't have to feel so behind in "getting things done"; and I can give myself a break and stop beating up on myself. I think most people are hard on themselves and beat themselves up - it gets a little hard when your husband hops in the mix. It must be hard to see me laying about in pain all the time and even more difficult to reconcile that with what he wishes I could do and then to see some things not getting done and intellectually knowing that I'm in pain and I should be resting, but not fully understanding seeing me resting so frequently. I understand his frustration, but it just beat up on myself even more. Would love to hear some positive reinforcement from him, with time maybe.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Hot, Hot, Hot
Woke up today with fever of 102! Fun! I had a sore throat and headache yesterday and thought - uh oh! And today look out. Feel like hell, this explains why I've been so tired the last few days. It's such a challenge to figure out when I'm sick, when things are normal, or when I'm just being lazy. I am constantly judging myself and often angry that I didn't get more done in a day because I have trouble learning what my "new" life restrictions are. I remember what I used to be able to do and I expect to be able to achieve on that level most of the time. Logically I know that's silly, but psychologically and emotionally it's super hard not to beat up on yourself.
On a positive note I was able to walk the dog every day this week (.75 miles - 1.25 miles) even though I've been sick. And I missed lifting weights and doing legs on Monday but I did lift yesterday (about 50% of my normal). So, not bad for a sickie.
I'm off tomorrow to teach a double header in Hastings, MI this weekend. We'll see how I feel in the morning. Keep your fingers crossed!
On a positive note I was able to walk the dog every day this week (.75 miles - 1.25 miles) even though I've been sick. And I missed lifting weights and doing legs on Monday but I did lift yesterday (about 50% of my normal). So, not bad for a sickie.
I'm off tomorrow to teach a double header in Hastings, MI this weekend. We'll see how I feel in the morning. Keep your fingers crossed!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Inspiration
It's amazing that there is so much inspiration everywhere you look. This weekend I listened to Dr. Laura's radio talk show and she talked about how to find inspiration and let that be the fuel for the "grit" that get's you through life. Then I watched "Invictus" and was awestruck at how Nelson Mandela brought a country together.
No matter your goals, surviving cancer, getting through depression, finding the drive to get up everyday and face work and your family, lose weight, live with chronic illness and pain - the stumbling blocks and emotions that get in our way are the same regardless of the struggle.
Sadness is sadness no matter the cause. Even though society puts more "value" on life threatening illness over everyday struggles, the emotions that hold us back are the same - and so is the cure.
Our job as human beings is to find inspiration and attack life and relationships with everything we've got to give every day. And when we fail at that assignment, we don't beat ourselves up - we recover and go at it again.
Inspriation and grit are the 2 ingredients to a life full of experience, fulfillment, value, accomplishement, and relationships. In Zumba Beto Perez teaches us that you have nothing without Passion and Perseverance. No matter what you name it, the result is the same. We must find something in life to focus on to help inspire us - keep our passion burning. And we must have "grit" to persevere regardless of what we FEEL like we want - we must keep on.
We make our own lives and our own happiness. If you wait for inspiration or until you FEEL like it - you'll never reach your goal. You must create your own inspiration and feed your passion with what you find in everyday life. For those days you don't feel inspired, then that's when "grit" and perseverance come in.
For Nelson Mandela he found inspiration in a poem to get him through his days - years in prison. The poem is called "Invictus" and in the movie by the same name President Mandela said that the poem "Invictus" .."Helped me to stand when all I wanted to do was lay down.". This was so meaningful for me. For me that was Zumba, Zumba helps me to stand when (the pain gets so bad) all I want to do is lay down. However, inspiration is funny - it doesn't always work, it isn't always with you - that's when we perservere.
What is your inspiration? What are you trying to accomplish?
I happen to have a long list. I have goals as a Zumba professional and educator and as a fitness professional. I also have goals as a friend and wife. And, the topic of this blog is my personal fitness goals.
I've lost 45lbs. My goal is 55lbs. I've gone from a 12+ to a 4-6. And I want to increase my lean muscle mass and have killer arms, abs, and legs. So, despite the pain we do what we need to do.
Monday was my first day back to my fitness regimen after a day off on Sunday:
2 mile walk 1:00 pm
Pull ups, Chest Press, Bicep Curls, Tricep Push Downs, Upright Rows 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Zumba Toning 7:10 pm - 8:10 pm
Walk the track and talk with a friend and do 4 - 1/2 track laps of lunges 8:20 pm - 9:00 pm.
Today -Tuesday - Recovery:
1.5 mile walk
15 push ups - 5 at a time in between emails throughout the day (the best way to train - a bit at a time).
See you tomorrow!
Invitus:
by William Ernest Henley:
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
No matter your goals, surviving cancer, getting through depression, finding the drive to get up everyday and face work and your family, lose weight, live with chronic illness and pain - the stumbling blocks and emotions that get in our way are the same regardless of the struggle.
Sadness is sadness no matter the cause. Even though society puts more "value" on life threatening illness over everyday struggles, the emotions that hold us back are the same - and so is the cure.
Our job as human beings is to find inspiration and attack life and relationships with everything we've got to give every day. And when we fail at that assignment, we don't beat ourselves up - we recover and go at it again.
Inspriation and grit are the 2 ingredients to a life full of experience, fulfillment, value, accomplishement, and relationships. In Zumba Beto Perez teaches us that you have nothing without Passion and Perseverance. No matter what you name it, the result is the same. We must find something in life to focus on to help inspire us - keep our passion burning. And we must have "grit" to persevere regardless of what we FEEL like we want - we must keep on.
We make our own lives and our own happiness. If you wait for inspiration or until you FEEL like it - you'll never reach your goal. You must create your own inspiration and feed your passion with what you find in everyday life. For those days you don't feel inspired, then that's when "grit" and perseverance come in.
For Nelson Mandela he found inspiration in a poem to get him through his days - years in prison. The poem is called "Invictus" and in the movie by the same name President Mandela said that the poem "Invictus" .."Helped me to stand when all I wanted to do was lay down.". This was so meaningful for me. For me that was Zumba, Zumba helps me to stand when (the pain gets so bad) all I want to do is lay down. However, inspiration is funny - it doesn't always work, it isn't always with you - that's when we perservere.
What is your inspiration? What are you trying to accomplish?
I happen to have a long list. I have goals as a Zumba professional and educator and as a fitness professional. I also have goals as a friend and wife. And, the topic of this blog is my personal fitness goals.
I've lost 45lbs. My goal is 55lbs. I've gone from a 12+ to a 4-6. And I want to increase my lean muscle mass and have killer arms, abs, and legs. So, despite the pain we do what we need to do.
Monday was my first day back to my fitness regimen after a day off on Sunday:
2 mile walk 1:00 pm
Pull ups, Chest Press, Bicep Curls, Tricep Push Downs, Upright Rows 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Zumba Toning 7:10 pm - 8:10 pm
Walk the track and talk with a friend and do 4 - 1/2 track laps of lunges 8:20 pm - 9:00 pm.
Today -Tuesday - Recovery:
1.5 mile walk
15 push ups - 5 at a time in between emails throughout the day (the best way to train - a bit at a time).
See you tomorrow!
Invitus:
by William Ernest Henley:
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Frida Kohla
Getting ready to head off to bed. I have a strategically planned weekend off - a rare and wonderful occurrence in the ZES world. I have gotten to pretend to be a "real" person this week-weekend. A real person, a real wife, a real friend. I've gotten to eat breakfast and lunch with my family and friends, plan a and enjoy a last minute BBQ, and even enjoy a movie. All things I only get to do a few times a year as my other weekends are dedicated to my Zumba Trainings. Though I love teaching the new instructors and watching the lights pop on throughout the day, I do miss weekends like this. It's difficult to strike a balance between ZES machine and human being.
However, before bed tonight, I've watched a movie about Mexican artist Frida Kohla. She was a strong woman who embodied both the feminine and masculine, the extreme and mundane, the conservative and truly odd. And in her own words she was a "Cripple". She was in a trolly accident in her early 20's and lived a life of excruciating pain. The movie was both inspirational and too real. It's funny, people often remark to those who are sick or have pain at how amazing or inspiring we/they are. And, when you're on the other side; you're just trying desperately to live your life. To keep your nose above water. To fill the days with something other than doctors, medicine, and how "you" feel. I'm so sick of "myself", my thoughts, and how I'm feeling, I could just scream.
It would be remarkable to me if I didn't have days or even weeks where I laid on the couch or in bed and did the bare minimum to keep my life a float, in between my periods of great accomplishment. If I didn't pull away from my friends and turn inward but rather stayed open and connected even when I felt overwhelmed, sad, or hopeless.
But, here I am, enjoying a wonderful spring weekend and having one of the best times of my life. Good night. Can't wait to see what happens in the daylight.
P.S. On a light workout schedule this weekend - we hit it hard on Monday. Just some walking planned for Sunday.
However, before bed tonight, I've watched a movie about Mexican artist Frida Kohla. She was a strong woman who embodied both the feminine and masculine, the extreme and mundane, the conservative and truly odd. And in her own words she was a "Cripple". She was in a trolly accident in her early 20's and lived a life of excruciating pain. The movie was both inspirational and too real. It's funny, people often remark to those who are sick or have pain at how amazing or inspiring we/they are. And, when you're on the other side; you're just trying desperately to live your life. To keep your nose above water. To fill the days with something other than doctors, medicine, and how "you" feel. I'm so sick of "myself", my thoughts, and how I'm feeling, I could just scream.
It would be remarkable to me if I didn't have days or even weeks where I laid on the couch or in bed and did the bare minimum to keep my life a float, in between my periods of great accomplishment. If I didn't pull away from my friends and turn inward but rather stayed open and connected even when I felt overwhelmed, sad, or hopeless.
But, here I am, enjoying a wonderful spring weekend and having one of the best times of my life. Good night. Can't wait to see what happens in the daylight.
P.S. On a light workout schedule this weekend - we hit it hard on Monday. Just some walking planned for Sunday.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Gotta Love Mornings?
Good Morning All!
Morning are always the toughest time for me, and I suspect for many ill, in pain, or healthy. As a kid you're taught a schedule and you won't realize until much, much later in life how important learning to keep that schedule is to the health of your life and your psyche.
Getting up, getting dressed, starting your day is essential regardless of how you feel, learning to keep a schedule and stick to it with good old fashion grit is a life skill up there with eating, drinking, and breathing. It brings with it accomplishment, pride, and opportunity and sweeps away wasted time and shame.
After I became sick; mornings became exceptionally hard. I would be woken with some of my worst pain of the day. It would often take hours and many pills to get me to a place where I could stand long enough to shower. After my last round of shots last week - I'm at a place where physically I can just get out of bed and go (painfully - but possible) and I'm finding that being out of the "get up and move it" habit for the last 5 years is making this seemingly simple task very tuff.
However, the inner satisfaction and sense of accomplishment from showering, dressing, and doing my hair and make-up (regardless of how I feel) is immense. And it affects everything else I do that day. Will I be productive and get my work done? Will I have the drive to get ahead on my work? Will I stick to a healthy eating plan or pig out on take out and candy? Will I work out? The answer to all the questions starts the moment I put my feet on the floor.
When I was a little girl I used to read the "Little Golden Books" and one of my favorites was about the day in the life of a little girl who got up and helped her mommy cook breakfast, clean, make a pie for dinner, iron, etc. I know it seems silly and archaic (especially to feminists), but I had a working mom and I longed for days filled with house hold stuff like that. It wasn't the kind of work that tickled my fancy, it was the schedule and the accomplishment that made me feel special.
So, I'm starting my own "Little Golden Book". I've found schedules take some time to work themselves out, you can try to force them, but they sort of have a mind of their own. But I do know mine will start with a shower, clothing (no pjs or sweats), hair, and make-up NO MATTER WHAT.
How does your "I've accomplished my goals" schedule start?
Morning are always the toughest time for me, and I suspect for many ill, in pain, or healthy. As a kid you're taught a schedule and you won't realize until much, much later in life how important learning to keep that schedule is to the health of your life and your psyche.
Getting up, getting dressed, starting your day is essential regardless of how you feel, learning to keep a schedule and stick to it with good old fashion grit is a life skill up there with eating, drinking, and breathing. It brings with it accomplishment, pride, and opportunity and sweeps away wasted time and shame.
After I became sick; mornings became exceptionally hard. I would be woken with some of my worst pain of the day. It would often take hours and many pills to get me to a place where I could stand long enough to shower. After my last round of shots last week - I'm at a place where physically I can just get out of bed and go (painfully - but possible) and I'm finding that being out of the "get up and move it" habit for the last 5 years is making this seemingly simple task very tuff.
However, the inner satisfaction and sense of accomplishment from showering, dressing, and doing my hair and make-up (regardless of how I feel) is immense. And it affects everything else I do that day. Will I be productive and get my work done? Will I have the drive to get ahead on my work? Will I stick to a healthy eating plan or pig out on take out and candy? Will I work out? The answer to all the questions starts the moment I put my feet on the floor.
When I was a little girl I used to read the "Little Golden Books" and one of my favorites was about the day in the life of a little girl who got up and helped her mommy cook breakfast, clean, make a pie for dinner, iron, etc. I know it seems silly and archaic (especially to feminists), but I had a working mom and I longed for days filled with house hold stuff like that. It wasn't the kind of work that tickled my fancy, it was the schedule and the accomplishment that made me feel special.
So, I'm starting my own "Little Golden Book". I've found schedules take some time to work themselves out, you can try to force them, but they sort of have a mind of their own. But I do know mine will start with a shower, clothing (no pjs or sweats), hair, and make-up NO MATTER WHAT.
How does your "I've accomplished my goals" schedule start?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Blog 2
Taught a fun Zumba class tonight. It's amazing what proper pain control will do for a girl's energy level. Didn't get those lunges in - but did do the push ups and pikes in. OMG. I'm just a few pounds and muscles away from my ultimate goal - lost 45 lbs so far and July 7th and the ZIN Convention is my goal/deadline. But I've been grazing my weight in sugar lately as a response to the stress from my recent pain spike (13 weeks of pain at a 7 - 8.5 on a 10 scale). Now that my body is starting to recover thanks so massage, chiro, acupuncture, pain meds, and injections on a regular basis - my psychy is the only thing left trying to recover. Going grocery shopping in the morning to get more clean fruits, veggies, and protien in the house!
Time to hit the sheets - sleep is a huge factor in pain management and recovery in a fitness program. See you all in the am.
Time to hit the sheets - sleep is a huge factor in pain management and recovery in a fitness program. See you all in the am.
1st Blog
Hello to Everyone! (Well, OK technically no one...yet),
Today is the first inaugeral post for my new blog. It's been an interesting life and now I get to post it on the internet one crazy thought at a time ... YIKES! This seemed like a good idea until a few minutes ago.
For those chronic pain/illness folks out there, I'm on a upswing I've had a few weeks of sheer hell and now I'm starting to feel better. So the task of getting my life back on track begins. Getting work back on task and on time, clean out my email box, update my Facebook page, and get my workouts back onto regular patterns again.
We just adopted a dog 3 weeks ago - so I'm garunteed a short walk daily. Today is a 2 mile walk with 50 lunges, 10 push ups, 25 pike crunches, and 1 Zumba class.
Will check in tomorrow with an update and maybe a little drama or fingers crossed humorous musings. TTFN
Today is the first inaugeral post for my new blog. It's been an interesting life and now I get to post it on the internet one crazy thought at a time ... YIKES! This seemed like a good idea until a few minutes ago.
For those chronic pain/illness folks out there, I'm on a upswing I've had a few weeks of sheer hell and now I'm starting to feel better. So the task of getting my life back on track begins. Getting work back on task and on time, clean out my email box, update my Facebook page, and get my workouts back onto regular patterns again.
We just adopted a dog 3 weeks ago - so I'm garunteed a short walk daily. Today is a 2 mile walk with 50 lunges, 10 push ups, 25 pike crunches, and 1 Zumba class.
Will check in tomorrow with an update and maybe a little drama or fingers crossed humorous musings. TTFN
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