WORKING OUT- LOVE IT, HATE IT

Damien and I have been going to the gym for over a month now. I must say having a workout partner has made all the differnce in the world. We have been very consistant about going to the gym, whether it be in the morning or after work we go on average four times a week. YAY us!

As someone who enjoys multi-tasking and continually being busy I find doing cardio machines quite difficult. I enjoy the workout and the health benefits but an hour on the eliptical or the bike, or the tredmill becomes extremely boring. Typically I have a magazine or book in hand to help pass the time. Others listen to their ipods, as much as I love my ipod and bring it everywhere with me blasting music through earbuds into my head gives me a pouding headache- call me crazy but how could it not! I would watch the TV's they have installed in the celine however there are only 2 stations on- one sports (no thanks!) though it does have captions, and the other is CNN. The CNN station usually covers very intersting stories which I would love to read/hear about however there is no sound and no captions! Totally lame! This morning they grilled the AIG executives on the bonuses (from the stimulus money aka out tax payer's dollars!) distributed to themselves and other top employees- don't even get me started with that. Back to my original thought I will do cardio if I am next to Damien and have something to read but only because I know it's "good for me".

So what you may ask do I enjoy doing at the gym? Classes, I love participating in the classes! Mainly because I am what some would call a "social butterfly" and classes allow me to interact with others. Secondly because the workout is continually changing. Third because it allows me time to relfect, relax, and think. It's so nice to have an hour where I don't have to worry about work, my house, money, etc. Yoga is incredible and helps with strength and flexibility. When I begin the class I can tell my body is kinda stiff from sitting at my desk all day long but when I am done every muscel is relaxed and I can easily bend over and touch the floor. My other love at the gym bodyworks! This hour long class set to peppy uses light weights to tone the body. I always walk away from that class feeling very good about myself. It's important to do a balance of the boring cardio with the fun strength building classes. The third class I have recently joined is Latin Impact. Talk about a fun way to do cardio. This hour long class teaches fast past latin dance moves. What a hoot. The instructor really makes the class what is, she is friendly, outgoing, and hillarious. I think I burn more calories laughing in that class than I do dancing. I would recommend this class to anyone who is looking for a fun new way to exercise.

So to recap- cardio machines are boring, cardio and strength classes rock. I love working out and especially enjoy working out with Damien. Ultimate goal to look cute in my summer dresses and feel good about myself!