Monday, April 12, 2010

Trying Something New

I attended the first of five Body Strengthening sessions this evening. I signed up for them with a friend to support her in her own endeavors to lose weight and become more fit (although I honestly feel that she is beautiful and extremely trim already). I have to admit that these particular classes did not overly excite me when I read the course description, but I wanted to participate for the sake of my friend. So it was with very slight trepidation that I entered the multi-purpose room it was to be held in this evening.

The write-up on the class stated that it would focus on a combination of ballet, Pilates, and yoga moves to strengthen and stretch the body. I have never been even remotely interested in ballet, have no desire to pursue Pilates after my brief encounter with planks during the 30 Day Shred, and have a distinct memory of the one and only yoga session I tried (years ago) resulting in me swearing I would never attempt such a thing again. Needless to say, I was hesitant to even sign up for the class, much less participate in it with enthusiasm.

But, regardless of how I managed during the workouts – and forgetting for a moment that I was there largely in a supportive role – I was looking forward to attempting yet another new activity. One of the best parts of losing this weight has been that I now feel much more comfortable trying things out. Before, my hesitation would not have been centered on a concern of whether I would like it or if it would align with my interests. Rather, my uncertainty would have stemmed from a fear of looking foolish, of not being able to keep up, and of having to walk out part way through the session with the glum realization that I was unable to finish. I am not saying that in the past any of those scenarios would have necessarily come to fruition nor that the fear was ever severe enough to actually keep me from doing something, but it was definitely a factor. And now it’s not.

So, in a strange way I was looking forward to the class tonight. It was one more opportunity in a very long line of fresh chances that I have gifted to myself as a result of this journey. It turned out that the class went well. I found it to be a bit slow, and more relaxing and stretching focused than I generally like my exercise to be, but it was still really nice to explore something different this evening. Stepping out of one's comfort zone is always good for the soul!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 8 glasses of water
- 1 pan-fried banana and light peanut butter wrap on a soft tortilla shell
- 1 mug toffee nut steamed skim milk
- 3/4 cup mango-vanilla yogurt with 1 cup maple almond granola cereal
- 2 egg wrap on a soft tortilla shell with grated cheese, yellow pepper, onion, and pepper
- 3 1/2 cups low fat butter flavoured popcorn
- 1/4 cup dried pear
- 1/2 cup corn with margarine
- 1 cup steamed broccoli and cauliflower with margarine
- 3/4 cup basmati rice with soy sauce
- 2 slices pork loin
- 1 piece of sweet and sour pork
- 1 mug white mocha steamed skim milk

EXERCISE:
- 50 minutes of jogging with walking warm up, intervals, and cool down (40 minutes of actual jogging)
- 55 minute Body Strengthening class

11 comments:

  1. lovelovelove the phrase of gifting yourself and adore that youve chosen something so lasting (even beyond, say, a pedicure).

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  2. It's so very cool to read you---and this confidence you have, and well---it's just beautiful! Like MZFT, I loved that "gifting" phrase...
    You're amazing my friend!

    My best always
    Sean

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  3. You are awesome. I love that you are willingly going out of your comfort zone to help a friend. Super bonus points for the day!!!

    1st Fat-Rat guest post today!! So excited.
    http://losingethel.blogspot.com/2010/04/guest-post-what-to-look-for-in-fitness.html

    Cheers,
    Missa
    LosingEthel

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  4. WOW. Very cool. Perhaps a photo of you in a ballet toutout next time? :-)

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  5. Love the thought process of this post & yes, out of the comfort zone teaches us new things.. and new things about ourself too!

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  6. Getting out of your comfort zone is not always easy - I applaud you for doing it!

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  7. What a good friend...and you are very open minded to try the class. Sounds interesting..not really one I would gravitate toward, either....but, I'd try it I think. :)

    Your friend...who is already "trim" might want to add some lean muscle to her body which would increase her metabolism and give her a bit more sculpted look. Many people who look "trim" still have a bodyfat percentage that is not too healthy, believe it or not. If she replaces 10 pounds of fat with 10 pounds of muscle...she will feel and look better. I don't know her...or her goals...I am just guessing here. But regardless of someone's outward appearance...strength work is always a good idea and makes one feel much better and ramps up metabolism. It is all good. :) Enjoy...!

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  8. Great comment above 'It was one more opportunity in a very long line of fresh chances that I have gifted to myself as a result of this journey.' It's so refreshing to hear and is something I strive to do each day! Thanks for sharing

    Also very interested in trying the banana and light peanut butter wrap on a soft tortilla. :-)

    Thanks again for sharing!
    bodyhacker

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  9. You know what??? You are awesome!!! Do you know how hard it is for me to find anyone willing to go for a walk? or a bike ride? let alone a class to attend??? You are an amazing friend and you sound like you are open to trying anything to find more that YOU like to do. AWESOME.

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  10. Neat! Such a variety of remarks today! I love all the different opinions and thoughts that you are all so willing to share!

    Anonymous, you know that if I come across a tutu in my travels today I will seriously consider your request! Lol!

    Greta, that is an excellent point! I think there are many different levels of fit out there and I still make assumptions based on what people look like. You would think I, of all people, would have a good grasp on the concept by now, but it is still something I am working on! :)

    Bodyhacker, ooooh... they are so good! Just pan-fry them with a very light oil spray in the pan until they are lightly browned on each side. Mmmmm...

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  11. I like the "gifted to myself" phrase as well.

    I've gotten too comfortable with being uncomfortable. How crazy is that? I will try to get out of that uncomfortable comfort zone.

    I love the sounds of the yogurt and granola cereal. And peanut butter and banana just BELONG together naturally. :)
    have a great day, J.

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