Well, that's me done for 4 weeks x 3 classes = 12 classes!! It does NOT feel like that many, as I enjoy them so much. And I had related good news today. Two years ago I had a health check and was told my blood pressure was raised, so I should 'lose weight, exercise more', blah blah. Soon after that I had the start of my back trouble which eventually led to me starting Pilates with Jane. Well, had a check again today and lo and behold my bp is perfect!! Another reason to be glad to be able to exercise: one way or another it's probably the reason my bp is good again. I'm only about four pounds lighter than I was then, so doubt that would have made the difference. It's probably a bit physical, a bit psychological (exercise makes you happier, more positive, less stressed) but whatever, but I'm sure it's the reason it's gone down.
Have had a bad week class attendance wise - parents' evening Tuesday, busiest-week-of-the-month-at-work time and stressed older son who has school assessment on Friday and as a consequence has not been sleeping well (and keeping me awake as a result). May miss my favourite Thursday class as I could be called upon to help mount photos and stick stuff AND may have to miss Saturday, also. Jane is probably thinking she'll never see me again now the blog is finished, but fear not - I'll be back (with my back) for more!!!
So, take it from me, enjoy your healthy body while it's still in good nick, as it's only when it lets you down that you wish you'd taken better care of it. I've been lucky to be able to get back to some sort of fitness, but I've seen plenty of people younger than me on crutches and with sticks and even needing hip replacements in their forties! I'm just grateful that I saw Jane's classes advertised just when I needed them and that they're so welcoming, handy and happy places to go. And here endeth the lesson!
See you all soon.
Jenx
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
back in the red . . .
Just as I thought the colour of my face was adjusting to more exercise (ie getting less red) I ventured to Circuit last night. Wrong move. On my second go around (and I was almost done in by the heavy-duty warm up, let me tell you), while doing press-ups on the pilates ball I seriously thought my face was going to burst!!!! You could have fried an egg on it - baking. Although I found Circuit more arduous than Jane's classes, and a bit serious and less fun, I'm certainly feeling the benefit today. My legs are aching all over, but the back and sciatica are no worse, which is the most important thing. Wendy was concerned at the beginning, although I explained that my back was pretty good at the moment, and we agreed I'd do what I could. She shadowed me when I was doing weights, showing me how to put less strain on the back. The trouble with this class is that you sort of go round in twos, and it's a bit more competitive, so the onus is on you to 'keep up'. Maybe that's my perception, and my need to feel I'm 'doing fine'. I felt shattered afterwards, and where I sometimes run home from the aerobics class, I felt every footstep walking back last night!!!!
Glad I went, though, and great I reckon if you only have space for one class a week - a bloody big workout (two for the price of one, so to speak) but be prepared to sweat. Also, for me, not one I'd particularly look forward to right now, like I do with the aerobics classes, but maybe a good one for when I'm fitter and leaner (ahem) later on this year.
Well, only a couple of classes to go 'til the end of the blogging. I WILL continue to go to at least two classes a week - three is stretching it, having kids at home NOT doing their homework (although that's a good reason in itself TO go - it beats nagging and stressing). So I'll be trading in my pay-as-you-go for a monthly pass from Monday! I definitely feel better, my sciatica is less pronounced, I run for the bus more without being puffed out, feel more flexible, my knees aren't so noisy(!) and I sleep like a baby and just feel happier. Imagine how you'd feel if you went to a class every day. And without cutting down on food much I've lost a couple of pounds into the bargain, although there's a long way to go on that score!!!!!
Glad I went, though, and great I reckon if you only have space for one class a week - a bloody big workout (two for the price of one, so to speak) but be prepared to sweat. Also, for me, not one I'd particularly look forward to right now, like I do with the aerobics classes, but maybe a good one for when I'm fitter and leaner (ahem) later on this year.
Well, only a couple of classes to go 'til the end of the blogging. I WILL continue to go to at least two classes a week - three is stretching it, having kids at home NOT doing their homework (although that's a good reason in itself TO go - it beats nagging and stressing). So I'll be trading in my pay-as-you-go for a monthly pass from Monday! I definitely feel better, my sciatica is less pronounced, I run for the bus more without being puffed out, feel more flexible, my knees aren't so noisy(!) and I sleep like a baby and just feel happier. Imagine how you'd feel if you went to a class every day. And without cutting down on food much I've lost a couple of pounds into the bargain, although there's a long way to go on that score!!!!!
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Exercise = happiness?
Meant to do a scary double session today of Dance Fit & Tone then circuit, as I know Hayley survived just that last week, but I had a crabby son at home who really needed some TLC so I had to miss Lance's class today. May swap my usual Monday night for Wendy's circuit this Tuesday. Please tell me, bloggers and commenters, that I won't be the only one struggling . . .
It's been a difficult week (one child's hospital appointment with not particularly good news, bad news about another family member, and manager away so TOO MUCH WORK) but rather than conveniently letting the classes slip as I was starting to feel sorry for myself, I felt even more inspired to go. It's something about the feelgood factor that I think I craved - a bit of normality, cheeriness, sweat and effort that I knew would make me feel (temporarily at least) better. I had a ready-made excuse (well, three, really), but I didn't even have a conscience struggle - there was no way I was going to miss. I even had to run from central Muswell Hill to get to Thursday's, and I was late, but determined to get there! Am I an exercise addict now? Will I need a spell in The Priory before too long? I may have said before that I would go every night (well, almost) if I didn't have two sons at home I want/need to spend SOME time with, which is why I am restricting myself to three sessions a week. Having said that, they are surprisingly supportive and encouraging, though they do like a laugh when they see me coming through the door - a waiting committee of hyenas, you could say. BUT they agree that I'm less red these days.
I met someone recently whom I hadn't seen since before Christmas, and she commented that I'd lost weight on my face (luckily the body was covered up, otherwise she may have noticed that there was little change there). Brilliant - would like to lose the hamster cheeks. Two pounds is the sum of my weight loss, but I'm not surprised. I find it very hard at this time of year to cut down portions and stop picking in the evening. Once the warmer weather comes I'll be less interested in food and it should be easier. When the lighter evening comes, I potter about outside after eating, in the garden or on the playing field, so there isn't that temptation to laze around. Roll on spring . . .
Thanks to everyone who's blogged back - it's nice to hear from you, and your comments are so kind, but I probably still don't know who you are in class, so sorry about that!!
Jennifer
It's been a difficult week (one child's hospital appointment with not particularly good news, bad news about another family member, and manager away so TOO MUCH WORK) but rather than conveniently letting the classes slip as I was starting to feel sorry for myself, I felt even more inspired to go. It's something about the feelgood factor that I think I craved - a bit of normality, cheeriness, sweat and effort that I knew would make me feel (temporarily at least) better. I had a ready-made excuse (well, three, really), but I didn't even have a conscience struggle - there was no way I was going to miss. I even had to run from central Muswell Hill to get to Thursday's, and I was late, but determined to get there! Am I an exercise addict now? Will I need a spell in The Priory before too long? I may have said before that I would go every night (well, almost) if I didn't have two sons at home I want/need to spend SOME time with, which is why I am restricting myself to three sessions a week. Having said that, they are surprisingly supportive and encouraging, though they do like a laugh when they see me coming through the door - a waiting committee of hyenas, you could say. BUT they agree that I'm less red these days.
I met someone recently whom I hadn't seen since before Christmas, and she commented that I'd lost weight on my face (luckily the body was covered up, otherwise she may have noticed that there was little change there). Brilliant - would like to lose the hamster cheeks. Two pounds is the sum of my weight loss, but I'm not surprised. I find it very hard at this time of year to cut down portions and stop picking in the evening. Once the warmer weather comes I'll be less interested in food and it should be easier. When the lighter evening comes, I potter about outside after eating, in the garden or on the playing field, so there isn't that temptation to laze around. Roll on spring . . .
Thanks to everyone who's blogged back - it's nice to hear from you, and your comments are so kind, but I probably still don't know who you are in class, so sorry about that!!
Jennifer
Saturday, 23 January 2010
red . . . but not dead!
Well, my first full week of 3 sessions is up, and I'm beginning to feel the effects. I don't THINK I was so red today after Dance Fit and Tone as I was in the first week after classes. I check my face every time when I get home and today I seriously think it was more of an 80% red compared to 100% 10 days ago. And something else I've noticed is that my knees have stopped creaking when I run up stairs at home or do the floor exercises with Jane. They're pretty dodgy most of the time, and I used to have to start those floor knee bends in stages as they creaked into gear and warmed up. Now they seem to move fluidly, with no cringey noise (sometimes I run upstairs with my fingers in my ears, 'cos the noise makes me feel ill). Mentioned that to my super-fit son who's comment was 'Well, of course. You're loosening your joints with exercise, aren't you (doh).' Yeah, well, I knew that really (smartarse). They're still sore sometimes but the length of time they're sore seems to be shorter. Back has been a bit achey this week, but not in the usual place, so was a bit wary on Thursday. However with a paracetamol it was fine - and the next day (which is when I thought I might pay the price).
So, feeling great, love the classes and have set myself a goal of doing a circuit class (surely the most gruelling) this week. Hope my fellow bloggers are there for moral support.
Jennifer
So, feeling great, love the classes and have set myself a goal of doing a circuit class (surely the most gruelling) this week. Hope my fellow bloggers are there for moral support.
Jennifer
Monday, 18 January 2010
still standing - just
Well, a matter of hours after the HARDEST workout I've done with Jane (except for circuit where she worked us into the ground) and I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. However, I'm determined to get another blog in before bed, so here goes.
Had never done the Monday class (Dance Superobics) before but thought well, a bit like Saturday but without the weights. Precisely, it's without the weights (ie without the warm down, standing still bit of weights). Phew - hugely enjoyable all the same. Still keep losing my rhythm on the moves, but am getting quicker at catching up and joining back in, and don't think I'm the only one who loses track. With Jane's infectious personality keeping things rolling along, you just laugh at yourself and get back in there.
On the weight front, er, em . . . have had two friends' birthdays over the past few days, so lots of cake, booze, etc, so not much progress on that front. Starting back with a vengence tomorrow, as once I notice even a pound or two coming off I will be further inspired to 'be good and healthy'. I am trying not to eat after 8pm and not snack between meals. If I HONESTLY stick to that, I can lose weight easily, but my willpower is another matter!
As for my back issues, a first! Tonight was the first night I'd been to a JCW class without having taken painkillers, so am really pleased. On Saturday for Funk & Tone I cut from two to one, so progress indeed. I used to do the odd burst of jogging (or more recognisable as trotting) last year, and that did used to give me pain for 24-48 hours after. I just thought that was the price I had to pay to try to get fit, but now I've realised that I can do high impact exercise without the agony afterwards. The background pain is still there, moderately, but it's there all the time anyway so I may as well get healthy with it.
Thanks for reading and see you all around.
Jennifer
ps no fewer than two people laughed at my red face and soaking hair as I left Saturday's class and asked if I was sure it was the 'right class for me', (but then they're the old pilates crowd who like things quite easy!!)
to which I answered a categorical YES. Give me a few months and I won't even be sweating, just glowing!!
Had never done the Monday class (Dance Superobics) before but thought well, a bit like Saturday but without the weights. Precisely, it's without the weights (ie without the warm down, standing still bit of weights). Phew - hugely enjoyable all the same. Still keep losing my rhythm on the moves, but am getting quicker at catching up and joining back in, and don't think I'm the only one who loses track. With Jane's infectious personality keeping things rolling along, you just laugh at yourself and get back in there.
On the weight front, er, em . . . have had two friends' birthdays over the past few days, so lots of cake, booze, etc, so not much progress on that front. Starting back with a vengence tomorrow, as once I notice even a pound or two coming off I will be further inspired to 'be good and healthy'. I am trying not to eat after 8pm and not snack between meals. If I HONESTLY stick to that, I can lose weight easily, but my willpower is another matter!
As for my back issues, a first! Tonight was the first night I'd been to a JCW class without having taken painkillers, so am really pleased. On Saturday for Funk & Tone I cut from two to one, so progress indeed. I used to do the odd burst of jogging (or more recognisable as trotting) last year, and that did used to give me pain for 24-48 hours after. I just thought that was the price I had to pay to try to get fit, but now I've realised that I can do high impact exercise without the agony afterwards. The background pain is still there, moderately, but it's there all the time anyway so I may as well get healthy with it.
Thanks for reading and see you all around.
Jennifer
ps no fewer than two people laughed at my red face and soaking hair as I left Saturday's class and asked if I was sure it was the 'right class for me', (but then they're the old pilates crowd who like things quite easy!!)
to which I answered a categorical YES. Give me a few months and I won't even be sweating, just glowing!!
Friday, 15 January 2010
Better late than never!
Hi, All. I'm late to join the band of bloggers due to technical reasons(!) but here I am at last!
Some history - 'fraid it's a bit boring and medical though maybe considering exercise from this angle may be interesting for those of you with the start of aches and pains. I suppose I'm a bit of a veteran of Jane's pilates class, which I joined a year ago after having had a steroid injection to ease chronic back pain and sciatica due to a slipped disc. The procedure was pretty successful and by the time I started pilates with Jane I was mostly painkiller-free, 'though concerned not to aggrevate the problem. I still have the prolapsed disc, which causes sciatica on a daily basis, but it is SO much better than it was prior to the injection and is bearable, sometimes almost unnoticable. Depends on what I do - I do take a couple of paracetamols before Jane's classes, as it allows more flexibility in my left leg and enables me to enjoy the lesson to the full.
I decided to capitalise on 'feeling much better' a year ago by taking up pilates, so good for strengthening core muscles and increasing flexibility and I LOVED it. However, as someone who's always had plenty of energy, I gradually wanted to do something more physical, and plucked up courage to do that after the summer. I took it easy at first but noticed that my back was no worse than it had been a year ago, and I feel so much better for the exercise. My knees (also a bit dodgy) do sometime give out right in the middle of one of Jane's routines, so if you notice me kind of crumbling a bit, don't worry - I'll be on my feet in no time.
Enough of that - the positives. Having reached the big FIVE-O last year, I've decided that 2010 is the year that I want to (a) get fitter; (b) lose the excess weight which I've carried for years and which is NOT helping my dodgy back, dodgy knees or any other dodgy bits I've picked up over the past 50 years; and (c) feel energized and feel that I'm doing something for ME now that my boys are 13 and 17, and can be left at home alone without bludgeoning each other to death! Please don't make me divulge my weight, except to say that I would like to lose one and a half stones, but would be happy with one. I'm not a dieter (no surprise there) and don't frantically weigh myself, but I just KNOW what's body and what's flab, and the flab has got to go!!!!
I've rambled for too long. Did 'Dance Fit and Tone' last night which I loved - I could have done a second hour, I think, but that's NOT to say it will always be that way. I'm not the most co-ordinated, and sometimes am just mastering the legs movements when Jane introduces some sort of flailing arm thingeys - then I lose all sense of rhythm. So I usually concentrate on the legs - here's hoping they will get more co-ordinated with time. I really love the weights section, which feels like a bit of a 'rest' after the dance. I even asked for weights for Christmas - no chance. Everyone thought I was joking!
See you at Saturday am's class. Here's to a fun, fit and healthy 2010 (and the rest) for all of us!!!!
Jennifer
Some history - 'fraid it's a bit boring and medical though maybe considering exercise from this angle may be interesting for those of you with the start of aches and pains. I suppose I'm a bit of a veteran of Jane's pilates class, which I joined a year ago after having had a steroid injection to ease chronic back pain and sciatica due to a slipped disc. The procedure was pretty successful and by the time I started pilates with Jane I was mostly painkiller-free, 'though concerned not to aggrevate the problem. I still have the prolapsed disc, which causes sciatica on a daily basis, but it is SO much better than it was prior to the injection and is bearable, sometimes almost unnoticable. Depends on what I do - I do take a couple of paracetamols before Jane's classes, as it allows more flexibility in my left leg and enables me to enjoy the lesson to the full.
I decided to capitalise on 'feeling much better' a year ago by taking up pilates, so good for strengthening core muscles and increasing flexibility and I LOVED it. However, as someone who's always had plenty of energy, I gradually wanted to do something more physical, and plucked up courage to do that after the summer. I took it easy at first but noticed that my back was no worse than it had been a year ago, and I feel so much better for the exercise. My knees (also a bit dodgy) do sometime give out right in the middle of one of Jane's routines, so if you notice me kind of crumbling a bit, don't worry - I'll be on my feet in no time.
Enough of that - the positives. Having reached the big FIVE-O last year, I've decided that 2010 is the year that I want to (a) get fitter; (b) lose the excess weight which I've carried for years and which is NOT helping my dodgy back, dodgy knees or any other dodgy bits I've picked up over the past 50 years; and (c) feel energized and feel that I'm doing something for ME now that my boys are 13 and 17, and can be left at home alone without bludgeoning each other to death! Please don't make me divulge my weight, except to say that I would like to lose one and a half stones, but would be happy with one. I'm not a dieter (no surprise there) and don't frantically weigh myself, but I just KNOW what's body and what's flab, and the flab has got to go!!!!
I've rambled for too long. Did 'Dance Fit and Tone' last night which I loved - I could have done a second hour, I think, but that's NOT to say it will always be that way. I'm not the most co-ordinated, and sometimes am just mastering the legs movements when Jane introduces some sort of flailing arm thingeys - then I lose all sense of rhythm. So I usually concentrate on the legs - here's hoping they will get more co-ordinated with time. I really love the weights section, which feels like a bit of a 'rest' after the dance. I even asked for weights for Christmas - no chance. Everyone thought I was joking!
See you at Saturday am's class. Here's to a fun, fit and healthy 2010 (and the rest) for all of us!!!!
Jennifer
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