It's been exactly a week since I wound my way through the maze of the 30 Day Method. I must admit that I miss it. Funny how when you take on a boot camp or enter into a writing residency or some other sort of exclusive activity for a set amount of time, when you're in it, you long to be free. You plot all of the things you are going to do once you're through with the program. Once you've made it though, sometimes you can be left with a sense of nostalgia, it wasn't that hard, it wasn't too bad... we should do it again...
Nice idea but the 30 Day Method is a kick-start program, it's not meant to be extended for longer than the 30 days. Eventually, you've got to rejoin the ranks of the rest of the world and try to eat a normal balanced diet, but what is that? Obviously the things I was eating prior to the program were out of whack since I put on extra weight. I mean come on, I was eating brownies after breakfast, lunch and dinner. But during the program I dropped the extra weight and am now at a weight I'd like to stay with. If I continue on, I am at risk for losing more. Ha, that's really sort of funny to me since for the last five years I couldn't get those last few pounds off - but I digress. So what's the plan?
As mentioned in yesterday's post, Tracy's got an outline for getting (or in this case staying?) in shape for New Year's. What a novel idea. Most of us put our diet and fitness regimes on the back burner for the holidays, but what if we stuck with it so we'd already be stunning for the new year? I want to try it, who's with me?
Check out yesterday's post for the link, or you can follow my adaptation of it. Again, I'm no expert, so the latter would be at your own risk.
Since I've carried on right from the book, I went directly to her Mat Video - it's my fave and I wanted to set myself up for success. This started on the 25th. So all week I've been working with that and eating rather poorly. More in diet in a second. For the upcoming week in addition to the mat I will add cardio. Now that I have a few choreographed moves down, I can choose my own music and regulate the time spent doing it. Since I hate cardio this might help.
So from the first of November until 7th, 20 minutes of cardio will be added to the mat workout. Likely every other day. On days I'm short on time, I will simply do the standing leg series, standing abs and the arms. You can do this too if you are using the mat workout, then do the first and second dance from her beginner's cardio - again, refer to her post for more details.
I'll give you the updates on my next steps starting on the 8th, so stay tuned.
As far as my diet goes, that is going to be the tricky part because I have never been any good at dieting. I am going to try to stick to some of the similar things she outlines in the book while adding granola - I have a wonderful recipe that I'll share on lipfromthehip.blogspot.com if you're interested you can check it out - as well as slowly reintroducing some grains to the evening meal. Not every night I want to try to limit my grain intake to once a day so on the days I have granola, I'll skip the quinoa or rice in the evening. Plus it will be important for me to not slip into the old 'gotta have dessert' habit I've grown so accustomed to.
Because it isn't all outlined for me in black and white, it's going to be more difficult, but hopefully posting my progress and my slip-ups will keep me on track and help keep some of you hanging in there too.
Cheers,
Shan
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
6 days out
I've been flying solo for nearly a week now and so far have not gone too far off the rails, although I must admit, with no one watching, I have had a few more treats that I might have if I'd been blogging my progress each day as I have had with the 30 Day Method.
Last night was a big indulgence with Yorkshire Puddings and mashed potatoes. These things are okay in moderation, but like Thanksgiving weekend, I knew when I was full but kept right on eating. Big no no.
I've recently been to Tracy's site and she's got a great new post outlining a simple program that if followed, will allow you to easily slip into your New Year's Eve dress. Yes it's that time of year, we're thinking about the holidays already and all of the goodies they involve that can really throw you off track.
Check out the post -
http://tracyandersonmethod.com/lifestyle/entry/look-fabulous-in-your-new-years-eve-dress
If you haven't picked up the book yet, but want to get started, you can order her DVD's or follow one of her webisodes posted on Utube. As for me, I've got to run so I can get on the mat and squeeze in a session of my muscular structure work. Hey, I may have slipped up in the diet arena last night, but that's no reason to throw in the towel, right?
Cheers
Shan
Last night was a big indulgence with Yorkshire Puddings and mashed potatoes. These things are okay in moderation, but like Thanksgiving weekend, I knew when I was full but kept right on eating. Big no no.
I've recently been to Tracy's site and she's got a great new post outlining a simple program that if followed, will allow you to easily slip into your New Year's Eve dress. Yes it's that time of year, we're thinking about the holidays already and all of the goodies they involve that can really throw you off track.
Check out the post -
http://tracyandersonmethod.com/lifestyle/entry/look-fabulous-in-your-new-years-eve-dress
If you haven't picked up the book yet, but want to get started, you can order her DVD's or follow one of her webisodes posted on Utube. As for me, I've got to run so I can get on the mat and squeeze in a session of my muscular structure work. Hey, I may have slipped up in the diet arena last night, but that's no reason to throw in the towel, right?
Cheers
Shan
Monday, October 25, 2010
Onwards and Upwards.
I hope that this blog has inspired you in some way to take a step towards fulfilling your own dream of getting off the couch or knocking off that nasty habit or to just keep moving along the path to wellness.
It's been truly inspiring for me to share my journey and because of you I was able to complete the task I set out to do.
In light of that, I have started a new blog called Lip From The Hip. It's a place where you can come and share thoughts on health, fitness, the environment, aging, art and whatever other topic that comes up.
I invite you to check it out at www.lipfromthehip.blogspot.com. Hope to see you there!
Cheers,
Shan
It's been truly inspiring for me to share my journey and because of you I was able to complete the task I set out to do.
In light of that, I have started a new blog called Lip From The Hip. It's a place where you can come and share thoughts on health, fitness, the environment, aging, art and whatever other topic that comes up.
I invite you to check it out at www.lipfromthehip.blogspot.com. Hope to see you there!
Cheers,
Shan
Sunday, October 24, 2010
After Glow.
It feels so great to have made it through the tough challenge of the 30 Day Method. Today was my first day back on solid foods and without a diet plan, so I felt both elated and somewhat lost.
It's going to be tricky to navigate the diet and fitness waters all by my onezie. It's not as if I live in New York and can just pop down to Tracy's studio, but I did my workout today and actually avoided the orange-iced chocolate cup cakes at work. So somewhere along the way I have picked up a bit of willpower. I once had an odd year where I became the voice of reason, it didn't last more than that one year before I was back to my wacky self, but perhaps my new voice this year will be the voice of will power and motivation. Here's hoping.
Because I have so enjoyed the process, I will do my best to keep up with the workouts and some kind of eating plan and do intent to continue writing a blog, so if you've enjoyed reading it, check back for updates on the new one. I will set up a link once I figure out what it's going to be.
Cheers,
Shan
It's going to be tricky to navigate the diet and fitness waters all by my onezie. It's not as if I live in New York and can just pop down to Tracy's studio, but I did my workout today and actually avoided the orange-iced chocolate cup cakes at work. So somewhere along the way I have picked up a bit of willpower. I once had an odd year where I became the voice of reason, it didn't last more than that one year before I was back to my wacky self, but perhaps my new voice this year will be the voice of will power and motivation. Here's hoping.
Because I have so enjoyed the process, I will do my best to keep up with the workouts and some kind of eating plan and do intent to continue writing a blog, so if you've enjoyed reading it, check back for updates on the new one. I will set up a link once I figure out what it's going to be.
Cheers,
Shan
Saturday, October 23, 2010
30
Day 30, the last on the road of the Tracy Anderson 30 Day Method.
I made it, today's the final day of the program and yes, I got into my skinny jeans.
But I'm feeling a bit misty. I set out to do this program for a number of reasons. The obvious ones were to finally get rid of that nasty five pounds that just wouldn't go away, to get into my skinny jeans and maintain my health. But the less obvious reasons were to find something that I enjoy as much as my yoga practice so that I can happily keep up with it on a regular basis.
So far, Tracy Anderson's Method has been the only exercise program that did for me what it promised to do and that's huge. In the fitness and diet market there are literally thousands of books written by experts who claim to have that miracle you've been looking for hiding between their pages. That's not to say that they don't, I'm sure some of them do, because I believe that there isn't one single program that will work for everyone. There's an expression that says "nothing is right for everyone, but everything is right for someone". (At least I think that's expression.) Anyway, through trial and error I found a program that I could work and it worked. Tracy gave me the tools to help me help myself.
So why the blues? Because as much as I've come to love the method, it's fun, it's challenging, it yields results, it doesn't give me that same feeling that I got from going to the mat. An asana practice helps through sadness, heart-ache, loneliness, it brightens even the best day when you think it can't possibly get better, it's a warm hug on a cold day, a cool breeze in the scorching heat... for me. I can't speak for anyone else. As I've written in an earlier post, what makes me a yogi at heart may make someone else a runner, swimmer, dancer, cyclist. They may strap on their sneaks and head for the open road on a bad day where I would have taken to my mat.
In fairness the method has only been evolving over the past decade, perhaps in a few thousand years it will carry the same weight and medicine for a future generation that an asana practice has carried for me.
In the mean time, I will keep up. As I type I am saving up for new DVD's, Tracy still has a few that I haven't yet added to the collection, plus her promise of new content.
It's sort of sad that it's the last day too, I've really enjoyed the whole process, the examination of it here on this blog each day has kept me going. It's been great. I did say no photos, but what the hell, I say a lot of things. I had to take a picture of me in the skinny jeans because as of tomorrow I'm flying without a net so who knows, I may never be here again!!
Yep, it's really me, in a really old pair of American Eagles. My old faves, artfully cropped just so and shot, quite literally, from the hip.
Hey maybe that'll become the name of my next blog. Who knows, until then, whatever you're working on, keep doing it little by little each day, perseverance is the only way. How else would two snails have made it onto the arc?
Cheers,
Shan
I made it, today's the final day of the program and yes, I got into my skinny jeans.
But I'm feeling a bit misty. I set out to do this program for a number of reasons. The obvious ones were to finally get rid of that nasty five pounds that just wouldn't go away, to get into my skinny jeans and maintain my health. But the less obvious reasons were to find something that I enjoy as much as my yoga practice so that I can happily keep up with it on a regular basis.
So far, Tracy Anderson's Method has been the only exercise program that did for me what it promised to do and that's huge. In the fitness and diet market there are literally thousands of books written by experts who claim to have that miracle you've been looking for hiding between their pages. That's not to say that they don't, I'm sure some of them do, because I believe that there isn't one single program that will work for everyone. There's an expression that says "nothing is right for everyone, but everything is right for someone". (At least I think that's expression.) Anyway, through trial and error I found a program that I could work and it worked. Tracy gave me the tools to help me help myself.
So why the blues? Because as much as I've come to love the method, it's fun, it's challenging, it yields results, it doesn't give me that same feeling that I got from going to the mat. An asana practice helps through sadness, heart-ache, loneliness, it brightens even the best day when you think it can't possibly get better, it's a warm hug on a cold day, a cool breeze in the scorching heat... for me. I can't speak for anyone else. As I've written in an earlier post, what makes me a yogi at heart may make someone else a runner, swimmer, dancer, cyclist. They may strap on their sneaks and head for the open road on a bad day where I would have taken to my mat.
In fairness the method has only been evolving over the past decade, perhaps in a few thousand years it will carry the same weight and medicine for a future generation that an asana practice has carried for me.
In the mean time, I will keep up. As I type I am saving up for new DVD's, Tracy still has a few that I haven't yet added to the collection, plus her promise of new content.
Hey maybe that'll become the name of my next blog. Who knows, until then, whatever you're working on, keep doing it little by little each day, perseverance is the only way. How else would two snails have made it onto the arc?
Cheers,
Shan
Friday, October 22, 2010
29
Even the motivated can get defeated, they just don't give up.
Had a conversation with a friend yesterday that left me with the impression that she may have thought this process might be easier for me than for some, because in her opinion, I have discipline. That's totally paraphrased by the way and really only a small part of the conversation, but I'm here to say that it hasn't been easy.
I've definitely enjoyed some parts of this process more than others, but each and every day there has been some kind of struggle. The thing I've learned is that if you can get past the struggle, you will be met by a small success and overcoming that challenge can be it's own reward. But over the course of the 30 Day Method, I wasn't always able to work through the struggle and on those days, I lost the battle, but here I still am, so the war's not lost.
When I went completely off the rails over Thanksgiving or indulged in French fries, which are absolutely not part of the program, I felt awful. There have been days where I have missed my workout and I definitely haven't been doing both the mat and cardio everyday seven days a week. In fact today, no amount of bribery could get me to want to do my workout this morning so I just had to be my own bully and force myself into it.
The point is, that everyday during this process, I've shown up. I've been present and accountable for every success and every misstep. Regaining our health at any age is no easy feat, whether it's the overweight twenty-year-old, the unwell senior, the new mom, or the once trim chick on the brink of forty, we all have our own challenges, our own triggers and stumbling blocks and vices. How we deal with them is going to be different but the thing we all have to try to have in common is to keep showing up. Do it day after day, one day at a time, with one baby step at a time.
What the hell, if Tracy had put us on mashed corn and sweet potato on day one, I might not have made it past day one. Okay, I'll admit, I had a bit of a freak out over the egg plant thing that I never did get over, but I adapted and adjusted and worked out my own way along this path as we each must do if we want to be well and fit.
We do a little bit each day and slowly our definition of what we can't live without can change. Our idea of our limits and what's beyond them just might broaden. I know I for one have a whole new perspective on how much food is actually enough and it turns out that I may have mostly been eating the right things but I was eating waaaaay more than I needed to feel satisfied. I'd been told that time and time again by various people close to me and experts alike, but until I had the experience of feeling satisfied on less for myself, I could not be convinced.
As my time on the kick-start plan is drawing to a close, I do wonder what next steps to take. What to allow and what to stay away from, what I can enjoy in moderation and what will send me skidding backwards. I think the biggest lesson here is to just take it slow and be compassionate with ourselves. We'll all indulge from time to time, but it's what we do the majority of the time that counts.
As for my workout today, I slogged through it. I had thoughts of only doing half the reps, or only three or four of the variations, but I did them all. I got to the end and felt better about the whole thing. And it's a good thing I did too because tomorrow... I try on my skinny jeans.
I haven't been perfect and have certainly not reached my idea perfection yet, but hopefully those jeans will zip up just a little easier than they did a month ago and if they do, to my mind, that's a success bigger than my collective failures.
I'll keep you posted.
Cheers
Shan
Had a conversation with a friend yesterday that left me with the impression that she may have thought this process might be easier for me than for some, because in her opinion, I have discipline. That's totally paraphrased by the way and really only a small part of the conversation, but I'm here to say that it hasn't been easy.
I've definitely enjoyed some parts of this process more than others, but each and every day there has been some kind of struggle. The thing I've learned is that if you can get past the struggle, you will be met by a small success and overcoming that challenge can be it's own reward. But over the course of the 30 Day Method, I wasn't always able to work through the struggle and on those days, I lost the battle, but here I still am, so the war's not lost.
When I went completely off the rails over Thanksgiving or indulged in French fries, which are absolutely not part of the program, I felt awful. There have been days where I have missed my workout and I definitely haven't been doing both the mat and cardio everyday seven days a week. In fact today, no amount of bribery could get me to want to do my workout this morning so I just had to be my own bully and force myself into it.
The point is, that everyday during this process, I've shown up. I've been present and accountable for every success and every misstep. Regaining our health at any age is no easy feat, whether it's the overweight twenty-year-old, the unwell senior, the new mom, or the once trim chick on the brink of forty, we all have our own challenges, our own triggers and stumbling blocks and vices. How we deal with them is going to be different but the thing we all have to try to have in common is to keep showing up. Do it day after day, one day at a time, with one baby step at a time.
What the hell, if Tracy had put us on mashed corn and sweet potato on day one, I might not have made it past day one. Okay, I'll admit, I had a bit of a freak out over the egg plant thing that I never did get over, but I adapted and adjusted and worked out my own way along this path as we each must do if we want to be well and fit.
We do a little bit each day and slowly our definition of what we can't live without can change. Our idea of our limits and what's beyond them just might broaden. I know I for one have a whole new perspective on how much food is actually enough and it turns out that I may have mostly been eating the right things but I was eating waaaaay more than I needed to feel satisfied. I'd been told that time and time again by various people close to me and experts alike, but until I had the experience of feeling satisfied on less for myself, I could not be convinced.
As my time on the kick-start plan is drawing to a close, I do wonder what next steps to take. What to allow and what to stay away from, what I can enjoy in moderation and what will send me skidding backwards. I think the biggest lesson here is to just take it slow and be compassionate with ourselves. We'll all indulge from time to time, but it's what we do the majority of the time that counts.
As for my workout today, I slogged through it. I had thoughts of only doing half the reps, or only three or four of the variations, but I did them all. I got to the end and felt better about the whole thing. And it's a good thing I did too because tomorrow... I try on my skinny jeans.
I haven't been perfect and have certainly not reached my idea perfection yet, but hopefully those jeans will zip up just a little easier than they did a month ago and if they do, to my mind, that's a success bigger than my collective failures.
I'll keep you posted.
Cheers
Shan
Thursday, October 21, 2010
28
...smooth and even; without marked lumps or indentations.
That's the primary definition of FLAT that my computer dictionary gave me. Smooth and even; without marked lumps or indentations. So why is it that when we see a thirteen-year-old model who looks like she's not eaten more than a cracker all week and her little hip-bones are jutting out and her belly is concave do we think, hmm, her stomach sure is flat, ? No it's not, it's indented, clearly not the definition of flat.
Realistically, most of us over 30 don't aspire to look like that. We can rationalize that she is only thirteen and in all likelihood the poor kid's probably been airbrushed, but I myself aspire to having a "flat" stomach. Growing up, my grandmother was constantly after me to suck it in, she didn't think little girls should be running around with their bellies all hanging out. Good job too, because I can look at photos of me as a kid and for the most part I had pretty good posture and my tummy wasn't protruding. To this day, I still suck it in.
But there was a time in my twenties where I didn't have to. I could be completely unconscious of my abdominal muscles because my tummy was flat, sucked in or not. I was never the thirteen-year-old with the concave stomach, let's be clear, but my stomach was more or less flat.
In my 30's I've been busy sucking it in and that's cool, I've got strong abs and good posture because of it, but I suppose that a teeny tiny part of me was hoping that by the end of the 30 Day Method, maybe I wouldn't have to work quite so hard.
With only three days left, I'm not sure that a miracle change is going to happen. Don't get me wrong, my body has responded well to the hard work and practice I've put in and I look and feel much better than I did a month ago, but chances are, I am going to have to suck it up and keep sucking it in. But maybe, on occasion when no one else is looking, I can let it all hang out and it won't be hanging out quite as far.
That's the primary definition of FLAT that my computer dictionary gave me. Smooth and even; without marked lumps or indentations. So why is it that when we see a thirteen-year-old model who looks like she's not eaten more than a cracker all week and her little hip-bones are jutting out and her belly is concave do we think, hmm, her stomach sure is flat, ? No it's not, it's indented, clearly not the definition of flat.
Realistically, most of us over 30 don't aspire to look like that. We can rationalize that she is only thirteen and in all likelihood the poor kid's probably been airbrushed, but I myself aspire to having a "flat" stomach. Growing up, my grandmother was constantly after me to suck it in, she didn't think little girls should be running around with their bellies all hanging out. Good job too, because I can look at photos of me as a kid and for the most part I had pretty good posture and my tummy wasn't protruding. To this day, I still suck it in.
But there was a time in my twenties where I didn't have to. I could be completely unconscious of my abdominal muscles because my tummy was flat, sucked in or not. I was never the thirteen-year-old with the concave stomach, let's be clear, but my stomach was more or less flat.
In my 30's I've been busy sucking it in and that's cool, I've got strong abs and good posture because of it, but I suppose that a teeny tiny part of me was hoping that by the end of the 30 Day Method, maybe I wouldn't have to work quite so hard.
With only three days left, I'm not sure that a miracle change is going to happen. Don't get me wrong, my body has responded well to the hard work and practice I've put in and I look and feel much better than I did a month ago, but chances are, I am going to have to suck it up and keep sucking it in. But maybe, on occasion when no one else is looking, I can let it all hang out and it won't be hanging out quite as far.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
27
Less than a week to go, never thought I'd make it this far.
Writing about the experience has been rewarding and it's kept me accountable. I'm almost sad to see it nearing the end, but we're not there yet.
So far, apart from the tremendous amount of work involved (I feel like I've spent the last two days in the kitchen), the Performance Cleanse hasn't left me starving. In fact, I don't even feel remotely as hungry as I did at the start of the 30 days.
I've been far less resistant and have been surprised at what results my compliance has brought. And it's always an interesting discovery to see where inspiration may come from. Being tired and sore has become the norm so of course I was in no hurry to get to my workout yesterday. Then I thought of one of my favorite authors, Christopher Moore, who's written many novels, among them a trilogy about a young female vampire. She's just an ordinary red head living in San Fran who wakes up one morning under a dumpster and realizes that she's been turned into a vampire. Among her many regrets is that she'll carry that extra five pounds for eternity!
It was with that in mind, that I popped in the dance cardio DVD and got my groove on. I don't know what will happen at the end of the 30 days to be quite honest, but I would love to get as much of a kick start as I can. When you can see the finish line, it's never a good idea to quit, rather you need to push through and try to get the best time that you're capable of. Same attitude here.
If I didn't quit after the first week or after my Thanksgiving binge, it makes absolutely no sense to quit now. I'm so close. I think I've just talked myself into today's workout.
I'm off, but before I go -
To all the staff and teachers at my sister's school, I wish you fun, luck and a rollicking good time on your way to your best body.
Cheers
Shan
Writing about the experience has been rewarding and it's kept me accountable. I'm almost sad to see it nearing the end, but we're not there yet.
So far, apart from the tremendous amount of work involved (I feel like I've spent the last two days in the kitchen), the Performance Cleanse hasn't left me starving. In fact, I don't even feel remotely as hungry as I did at the start of the 30 days.
I've been far less resistant and have been surprised at what results my compliance has brought. And it's always an interesting discovery to see where inspiration may come from. Being tired and sore has become the norm so of course I was in no hurry to get to my workout yesterday. Then I thought of one of my favorite authors, Christopher Moore, who's written many novels, among them a trilogy about a young female vampire. She's just an ordinary red head living in San Fran who wakes up one morning under a dumpster and realizes that she's been turned into a vampire. Among her many regrets is that she'll carry that extra five pounds for eternity!
It was with that in mind, that I popped in the dance cardio DVD and got my groove on. I don't know what will happen at the end of the 30 days to be quite honest, but I would love to get as much of a kick start as I can. When you can see the finish line, it's never a good idea to quit, rather you need to push through and try to get the best time that you're capable of. Same attitude here.
If I didn't quit after the first week or after my Thanksgiving binge, it makes absolutely no sense to quit now. I'm so close. I think I've just talked myself into today's workout.
I'm off, but before I go -
To all the staff and teachers at my sister's school, I wish you fun, luck and a rollicking good time on your way to your best body.
Cheers
Shan
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
26
Under Fire.
My good friend surprised me with a visit back in July. She brought her 10-month old son with her. "What does this have to do with a diet and exercise blog," you ask? Ooooh, don't you just love a good segue? I do.
They're healthy, whole-foods kind of people so she didn't bring jars of baby food or boxes of formula and cereal, no-siree, it was all fresh and from scratch.
Well today, I started the Tracy Anderson 30 Day Method Performance Cleanse, the last part of this 30 day road that I've been traveling toward health and a smaller waist-line, and the cleanse part of the program is a lot of work. All fresh and from scratch.
The reason that I mention my friend is because I'm convinced that Baby Ben must be on the Performance Cleanse too! We're having steamed sweat potatoes all mashed up, he had some yams, we're having steamed apples and blueberries mushed beyond recognition, he had that too. Very curious.
Tracy's been under fire in the tabloids in recent months for putting her clients on baby food diets, to which they of course all vehemently deny. But I can see how this misconception has occurred. The entire five day cleanse is all really healthy wonderful fruits and vegetables and soy beans and tofu and there's even some chocolate involved (three cheers for Tracy) but every single meal is pureed to baby food consistency.
As stated time and again, I'm no expert, but from my limited understanding, mushy soups and stews and purees are great for digestion, they really give the system a break from all the hard work it does day in and day out for the duration of our lives.
I am not here to defend the TA Method diet or to criticize it. Hopefully anyone who takes the advice of a trainer or chooses to participate in a program, is an adult and can decide for themselves what they want to do or not do.
But if you could see Baby Ben, how healthy and happy and sparkly he is, you might just want to have what he's having!
Cheers
Shan
My good friend surprised me with a visit back in July. She brought her 10-month old son with her. "What does this have to do with a diet and exercise blog," you ask? Ooooh, don't you just love a good segue? I do.
They're healthy, whole-foods kind of people so she didn't bring jars of baby food or boxes of formula and cereal, no-siree, it was all fresh and from scratch.
Well today, I started the Tracy Anderson 30 Day Method Performance Cleanse, the last part of this 30 day road that I've been traveling toward health and a smaller waist-line, and the cleanse part of the program is a lot of work. All fresh and from scratch.
The reason that I mention my friend is because I'm convinced that Baby Ben must be on the Performance Cleanse too! We're having steamed sweat potatoes all mashed up, he had some yams, we're having steamed apples and blueberries mushed beyond recognition, he had that too. Very curious.
Tracy's been under fire in the tabloids in recent months for putting her clients on baby food diets, to which they of course all vehemently deny. But I can see how this misconception has occurred. The entire five day cleanse is all really healthy wonderful fruits and vegetables and soy beans and tofu and there's even some chocolate involved (three cheers for Tracy) but every single meal is pureed to baby food consistency.
As stated time and again, I'm no expert, but from my limited understanding, mushy soups and stews and purees are great for digestion, they really give the system a break from all the hard work it does day in and day out for the duration of our lives.
I am not here to defend the TA Method diet or to criticize it. Hopefully anyone who takes the advice of a trainer or chooses to participate in a program, is an adult and can decide for themselves what they want to do or not do.
But if you could see Baby Ben, how healthy and happy and sparkly he is, you might just want to have what he's having!
Cheers
Shan
Monday, October 18, 2010
25
Last day of the regular diet program.
Tomorrow is the start of the big push, the grand finale. It's the Performance Cleanse. I'm a bit skeptical, and a little nervous as I haven't been the most faithful to the regular diet thus far. But, it's only five days. I am going to give it an honest effort.
I was able to pick up most of the ingredients, but the island I inhabit is no Manhattan, some things you just can't get around the corner - like chestnuts. Can't tell you how many times I've had to endure a grocery store clerk looking at me with confusion, then burst into song - chestnuts roasting on an open fire and say, "those chestnuts?"
Yes!! Those chestnuts. I had no idea they'd be so impossible to get, not even my reliable little health food joint had them and they have every obscure thing ever practically listed in a vegetarian or vegan cookbook.
In any case, I am forging ahead with almonds. I once did a Sadhana Intensive at an ashram in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec and we subsisted on Kitchery and Almond milk. If almonds are good enough for the monks and swami's, they'll be good enough for the TA performance cleanse.
The cleanse consists of 7 basic foods, including soups and dessert (Tracey uses that term very loosely I can assure you) and we are expected to consume four ounces of each throughout the day in whatever way we choose over the course of the last five days. Maybe I will finally lose the paunch. Then again, I might be too weak to work out. At least today I can lift my arms!
If I have the strength to blog, I'll keep you posted. He he he.
Cheers,
Shan
Tomorrow is the start of the big push, the grand finale. It's the Performance Cleanse. I'm a bit skeptical, and a little nervous as I haven't been the most faithful to the regular diet thus far. But, it's only five days. I am going to give it an honest effort.
I was able to pick up most of the ingredients, but the island I inhabit is no Manhattan, some things you just can't get around the corner - like chestnuts. Can't tell you how many times I've had to endure a grocery store clerk looking at me with confusion, then burst into song - chestnuts roasting on an open fire and say, "those chestnuts?"
Yes!! Those chestnuts. I had no idea they'd be so impossible to get, not even my reliable little health food joint had them and they have every obscure thing ever practically listed in a vegetarian or vegan cookbook.
In any case, I am forging ahead with almonds. I once did a Sadhana Intensive at an ashram in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec and we subsisted on Kitchery and Almond milk. If almonds are good enough for the monks and swami's, they'll be good enough for the TA performance cleanse.
The cleanse consists of 7 basic foods, including soups and dessert (Tracey uses that term very loosely I can assure you) and we are expected to consume four ounces of each throughout the day in whatever way we choose over the course of the last five days. Maybe I will finally lose the paunch. Then again, I might be too weak to work out. At least today I can lift my arms!
If I have the strength to blog, I'll keep you posted. He he he.
Cheers,
Shan
Sunday, October 17, 2010
(missed 23) 24
Putting it all together.
I'd be willing to bet that old Frankenstein didn't have to endure as much bolting as those of us on the Tracy Anderson Method have. My entire body aches. It even hurts my forearms to type this blog.
Do you recall me mentioning that I wanted to see more arms in the third sequence? Yeah, I was wrong about that. During the leg series, she has you so reliant on your arms for stability, balance and the use of the cross vectors of force, that when you add extra to the arm series as I foolishly did yesterday, you can all but render your arms useless. Hmm, who knew? Good thing I'm not in the store today schlepping armfuls of books around.
I did notice yesterday that the 30 Day Method has been moved to the front of the store and onto the Fit and Fun table. I had a wee moment of pride when I saw it. I wanted to hold it up for all the customers walking into the store and say "hey, I'm doing this," but my arms were too sore to lift it.
In any case, I felt like I was part of a secret club. A select few who knew the secrets contained within it's pages and wanted to dare all the girls to crack it open and give it a go, could change their lives.
I know, I know, it's just an exercise regime but it's making a difference to me. Now that I am really working the cardio and logging more time on the diet, there really are visible changes. I honestly can't quite believe it. I thought I was long past it. Hopefully at the end of it all, I'll come out looking a little better than old Frankenstein.
Cheers.
Shan
I'd be willing to bet that old Frankenstein didn't have to endure as much bolting as those of us on the Tracy Anderson Method have. My entire body aches. It even hurts my forearms to type this blog.
Do you recall me mentioning that I wanted to see more arms in the third sequence? Yeah, I was wrong about that. During the leg series, she has you so reliant on your arms for stability, balance and the use of the cross vectors of force, that when you add extra to the arm series as I foolishly did yesterday, you can all but render your arms useless. Hmm, who knew? Good thing I'm not in the store today schlepping armfuls of books around.
I did notice yesterday that the 30 Day Method has been moved to the front of the store and onto the Fit and Fun table. I had a wee moment of pride when I saw it. I wanted to hold it up for all the customers walking into the store and say "hey, I'm doing this," but my arms were too sore to lift it.
In any case, I felt like I was part of a secret club. A select few who knew the secrets contained within it's pages and wanted to dare all the girls to crack it open and give it a go, could change their lives.
I know, I know, it's just an exercise regime but it's making a difference to me. Now that I am really working the cardio and logging more time on the diet, there really are visible changes. I honestly can't quite believe it. I thought I was long past it. Hopefully at the end of it all, I'll come out looking a little better than old Frankenstein.
Cheers.
Shan
Friday, October 15, 2010
22
I was a little stiff this morning and it occurred to me that maybe I'm getting too old for this, but then I thought, well, I'm certainly not getting any younger either, it's now or never.
So, I got on with it. Again, I have to stress that this last bit is really hard. Tracy talks about "bolting" in the book where your muscles pull in to work on those trouble zones and I think she's really going for it in the last sequence. My fear is that I am going to get so "bolted" together that I will no longer be able to walk. I said that yesterday, didn't I?
It's only 8 more days. Who needs to walk as long as you can dance and jump around. Okay maybe it's more of a limp at this point than a real jump, but at least I'm doing it.
Can't tell you how many times today I wanted to throw in the towel and go back to life before the 30 Day Method. Then I read a really cool quote.
"You can't buy muscle. The only way to get it is to build it yourself."
Then I remembered why I wanted to do this in the first place. I don't want to be a fat forty-year-old. I don't want to have never experienced that body that I have always dreamed of. I don't want to be stuck with bad habits forever. Tracy promised that if I let her in and followed her program, she'd deliver perfection.
So I got off my somewhat perkier (albeit, achier) butt and put in the time and did the work and every single time I wished I was doing something else, I brought myself right back to where I was and kept going. It was a rare and kinda proud little series of moments.
I may be getting too old for this, but I'm not too old yet and there are only 8 more days left, that's only one more day than a week and I only have to do it one day at a time. Hmm, maybe I should become a sponsor?
So, I got on with it. Again, I have to stress that this last bit is really hard. Tracy talks about "bolting" in the book where your muscles pull in to work on those trouble zones and I think she's really going for it in the last sequence. My fear is that I am going to get so "bolted" together that I will no longer be able to walk. I said that yesterday, didn't I?
It's only 8 more days. Who needs to walk as long as you can dance and jump around. Okay maybe it's more of a limp at this point than a real jump, but at least I'm doing it.
Can't tell you how many times today I wanted to throw in the towel and go back to life before the 30 Day Method. Then I read a really cool quote.
"You can't buy muscle. The only way to get it is to build it yourself."
Then I remembered why I wanted to do this in the first place. I don't want to be a fat forty-year-old. I don't want to have never experienced that body that I have always dreamed of. I don't want to be stuck with bad habits forever. Tracy promised that if I let her in and followed her program, she'd deliver perfection.
So I got off my somewhat perkier (albeit, achier) butt and put in the time and did the work and every single time I wished I was doing something else, I brought myself right back to where I was and kept going. It was a rare and kinda proud little series of moments.
I may be getting too old for this, but I'm not too old yet and there are only 8 more days left, that's only one more day than a week and I only have to do it one day at a time. Hmm, maybe I should become a sponsor?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
21
There is no mastering.
Mastering the method will take a very long time indeed, there is always more to do, more moves to learn, more reps to do, little weights to add, it is ever changing, ever challenging.
I have officially entered the last leg of the 30 day kick-start and I have officially had my ass kicked! Sequence three is by far the hardest. Let me tell you something, if I can walk tomorrow, no... if I can even move I will be amazed.
Here's the thing, as I add more cardio, my muscles become more taxed, then Tracy changes up the muscular structure and I'm telling you if I can get through the next nine days and really stick with it, the last ounces of fat, those lingering wee dimples that we all get as we age - you know the ones I mean, THEY DON'T STAND A CHANCE! Sequence three is all about the butt and the butt kicking.
I have to say, I would like to have more for the arms, but I can simply add more from the first two sequences, but my rear is still tingling and wondering what the heck just happened to it. Add to that, in a few more days I will be moving through the detox - this body is going to have to change. I do not believe that there is any way that it cannot after this.
Kettlebell - the Russian Military training that I practiced for 8 months has got nothing on Tracy Anderson. I mean I'd always suspected that ballerina's suffered in silence but I had no idea. She has us doing so many attitudes from so many different angles it's amazing. I didn't even know my hip could turn out in so many little variations.
I am in pain, but I am so loving it. It's a love day. It's kind of a love/hate thing because as I was moving through it I was sort of cursing her name under my breath but had to keep going and want to go more.
Hardest thing I've ever done. Biggest challenge I have undertaken and I'm a screenwriter for crying out loud, does it get harder than that?
Do it, get on the method. If you can't commit to the 30 day boot camp that's okay. Get her mat video. Or beginner's cardio, or order the post pregnancy workout if you've had babies. At the very least, go to UTube and find a ten minute workout that she's got posted there or on her website. She will change your backside, your front side, your upside and downside.
There is more to come. Nine days more. But I have a feeling that the adventure won't be ending there.
Mastering the method will take a very long time indeed, there is always more to do, more moves to learn, more reps to do, little weights to add, it is ever changing, ever challenging.
I have officially entered the last leg of the 30 day kick-start and I have officially had my ass kicked! Sequence three is by far the hardest. Let me tell you something, if I can walk tomorrow, no... if I can even move I will be amazed.
Here's the thing, as I add more cardio, my muscles become more taxed, then Tracy changes up the muscular structure and I'm telling you if I can get through the next nine days and really stick with it, the last ounces of fat, those lingering wee dimples that we all get as we age - you know the ones I mean, THEY DON'T STAND A CHANCE! Sequence three is all about the butt and the butt kicking.
I have to say, I would like to have more for the arms, but I can simply add more from the first two sequences, but my rear is still tingling and wondering what the heck just happened to it. Add to that, in a few more days I will be moving through the detox - this body is going to have to change. I do not believe that there is any way that it cannot after this.
Kettlebell - the Russian Military training that I practiced for 8 months has got nothing on Tracy Anderson. I mean I'd always suspected that ballerina's suffered in silence but I had no idea. She has us doing so many attitudes from so many different angles it's amazing. I didn't even know my hip could turn out in so many little variations.
I am in pain, but I am so loving it. It's a love day. It's kind of a love/hate thing because as I was moving through it I was sort of cursing her name under my breath but had to keep going and want to go more.
Hardest thing I've ever done. Biggest challenge I have undertaken and I'm a screenwriter for crying out loud, does it get harder than that?
Do it, get on the method. If you can't commit to the 30 day boot camp that's okay. Get her mat video. Or beginner's cardio, or order the post pregnancy workout if you've had babies. At the very least, go to UTube and find a ten minute workout that she's got posted there or on her website. She will change your backside, your front side, your upside and downside.
There is more to come. Nine days more. But I have a feeling that the adventure won't be ending there.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
20
Twenty days in. Swimming against the current of PMS, food cravings and aching joints and muscles. We're exhausted!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
19
Wow, only one day left in the second sequence of the program. That means I'm nearly 2/3 of the way through. I took a sneak peak at the last leg of the journey and it appears to be the toughest one by far. I'm not sure that I feel ready to move into it just yet but I still have tomorrow with sequence two.
I was diligent today and was sure to include the cario segment. Why does cardio feel so much like punishment? For some, they can run or bike or swim all day long. They love it. My heart rate prefers to stay right where it is, calm and steady, one beat after the other, no quickening, no racing. Maybe my heart is more the tortoise than the hare. In any case, I made the commitment and am really curious to see the end results.
In five days, the diet will change considerably as Tracy kicks us into high gear in the final five days of the program with a detox. It's a detox like no other. It consists of 7 foods that I'll consume each day for the entire five days. That combined with the work out which is also stepped up a notch is both exciting and intimidating.
As I round the corner into the last leg of the journey I am determined to make good on my promise from yesterday, no more slip ups. So far so good. Okay, so it's not even noon yet, but a girl's got to give herself credit and encouragement sometime, right? If you've been on your own road, keep your chin up, we're nearly there and we can do it! If you're not on that road yet, get off the sofa, lace up your sneakers, clear the junk from the fridge and get a move on.
Cheers.
I was diligent today and was sure to include the cario segment. Why does cardio feel so much like punishment? For some, they can run or bike or swim all day long. They love it. My heart rate prefers to stay right where it is, calm and steady, one beat after the other, no quickening, no racing. Maybe my heart is more the tortoise than the hare. In any case, I made the commitment and am really curious to see the end results.
In five days, the diet will change considerably as Tracy kicks us into high gear in the final five days of the program with a detox. It's a detox like no other. It consists of 7 foods that I'll consume each day for the entire five days. That combined with the work out which is also stepped up a notch is both exciting and intimidating.
As I round the corner into the last leg of the journey I am determined to make good on my promise from yesterday, no more slip ups. So far so good. Okay, so it's not even noon yet, but a girl's got to give herself credit and encouragement sometime, right? If you've been on your own road, keep your chin up, we're nearly there and we can do it! If you're not on that road yet, get off the sofa, lace up your sneakers, clear the junk from the fridge and get a move on.
Cheers.
Monday, October 11, 2010
18
Only twelve days left and it's official. I don't need a personal trainer.
I need a sponsor!
Last night, as I walked down the street toward my neighbor's house, eagerly anticipating the beautiful dinner that I knew awaited me, I gave myself a little pep-talk. Remember the program. You will indulge, but do so in moderation. Things like that. As I walked, I carried my mom's homemade apple crisp and a tub of vanilla ice cream. I promised myself I would not be partaking in either and I committed to no more than one glass of wine.
The air in the neighborhood was filled with the fragrance of Thanksgiving Feasts. I mean everyone was cooking, there was no escaping the tempting aromas.
When I arrived, everyone was in good spirits and the food was well on it's way. My neighbor's sister made the meal and when she pulled that bird out to baste it, it looked so good that I was even tempted to eat it. That thing should have been on the cover of October's hottest cooking magazine. As for the rest of the meal, everyone from Julia Child to Rachel Ray to Gordon Ramsey would have been delighted. She had whipped yams smothered in a brown sugar glaze topped with pecans, mashed potatoes with tons of butter and fresh chives and don't get me started on the dressing - it was filled with nuts and fruits. It was a virtual cornucopia of sweet and savory, fluffy and crispy, roasted and baked.
That little speech I gave myself, the one about only one tablespoon of mashed potatoes, fill up on vegetables, that one? Yeah, totally out the window.
I decided that if I was going for it, I was going to eat super slowly and enjoy every single mouthful. And enjoy I did. At that pace though, I became full rather quickly (so it's true what they say about chewing a lot to feel full on less, who knew?), I was stuffed before my plate was even a quarter empty. Now keep in mind what I've been eating for the last 17 days, my stomach had shrunk.
Rather than do the right thing and quit eating, I persevered and plowed through. I stretched the hell out of my tiny shrunken stomach. The good news is, I was soooo stuffed that dessert was entirely out of the question. Oh, yes and I did make good on the promise to only have one glass of wine. Yeah me. (insert sarcasm here)
I was exhausted this morning from all that eating the night before, there was no way I was going to work out first thing, not to mention the mountain of writing that was waiting for me. But I knew it was going to be a cardio blitz later on.
I spent the early part of the day, face planted in front of my laptop and the afternoon running around the store. After work I came home and danced my heart out. I mean to tell you sweat was pouring from places I didn't know had sweat glands. But that isn't the end of the story.
Good and devoted girl that I am, or at least know I can be, I cooked a beautiful meal straight out of the 30 Day Method, made a small portion and everything. The thing I didn't mention was that while I was at work, my lovely and beautiful neighbor brought over some leftover apple crisp AND half a pumpkin pie. God, hadn't I been tested enough?
Something came over me. I snapped, thinking to myself what could possibly be in apple crisp that's bad for me? It's basically apples and a few oats, right? I mean we get chocolate on the method so...
One bite led to two then to a whole freaking bowl!! Sugar can be so, I don't know, ADDICTIVE MAYBE? So of course then I had to try the pie. I don't even like pumpkin pie, have never eaten it in my life, until now! OMG.
Argh. Now that the sugar high has worn off, my stomach hurts and I seriously think that I have undone everything I've managed to accomplish thus far. It sucks.
Clearly I've not learned the art of moderation. I'm not ready to be free and on my own yet. I am determined to get through the rest of the program without anymore slips. Must sound like a broken record by now. There's a girl I work with who is struggling to quit smoking. Each day I see her, it's the same story. Had a smoke today, but it's my last or soon as I finish this pack it's over. I've been there. I'm there again, but it's not tobacco - it's bread and rice and everything nice.
Here I go again. One day at a time or so the program goes. Happy Thanksgiving. Mostly it was fun, but I for one am grateful it's over and I could live without ever having to face Halloween or Christmas!
I need a sponsor!
Last night, as I walked down the street toward my neighbor's house, eagerly anticipating the beautiful dinner that I knew awaited me, I gave myself a little pep-talk. Remember the program. You will indulge, but do so in moderation. Things like that. As I walked, I carried my mom's homemade apple crisp and a tub of vanilla ice cream. I promised myself I would not be partaking in either and I committed to no more than one glass of wine.
The air in the neighborhood was filled with the fragrance of Thanksgiving Feasts. I mean everyone was cooking, there was no escaping the tempting aromas.
When I arrived, everyone was in good spirits and the food was well on it's way. My neighbor's sister made the meal and when she pulled that bird out to baste it, it looked so good that I was even tempted to eat it. That thing should have been on the cover of October's hottest cooking magazine. As for the rest of the meal, everyone from Julia Child to Rachel Ray to Gordon Ramsey would have been delighted. She had whipped yams smothered in a brown sugar glaze topped with pecans, mashed potatoes with tons of butter and fresh chives and don't get me started on the dressing - it was filled with nuts and fruits. It was a virtual cornucopia of sweet and savory, fluffy and crispy, roasted and baked.
That little speech I gave myself, the one about only one tablespoon of mashed potatoes, fill up on vegetables, that one? Yeah, totally out the window.
I decided that if I was going for it, I was going to eat super slowly and enjoy every single mouthful. And enjoy I did. At that pace though, I became full rather quickly (so it's true what they say about chewing a lot to feel full on less, who knew?), I was stuffed before my plate was even a quarter empty. Now keep in mind what I've been eating for the last 17 days, my stomach had shrunk.
Rather than do the right thing and quit eating, I persevered and plowed through. I stretched the hell out of my tiny shrunken stomach. The good news is, I was soooo stuffed that dessert was entirely out of the question. Oh, yes and I did make good on the promise to only have one glass of wine. Yeah me. (insert sarcasm here)
I was exhausted this morning from all that eating the night before, there was no way I was going to work out first thing, not to mention the mountain of writing that was waiting for me. But I knew it was going to be a cardio blitz later on.
I spent the early part of the day, face planted in front of my laptop and the afternoon running around the store. After work I came home and danced my heart out. I mean to tell you sweat was pouring from places I didn't know had sweat glands. But that isn't the end of the story.
Good and devoted girl that I am, or at least know I can be, I cooked a beautiful meal straight out of the 30 Day Method, made a small portion and everything. The thing I didn't mention was that while I was at work, my lovely and beautiful neighbor brought over some leftover apple crisp AND half a pumpkin pie. God, hadn't I been tested enough?
Something came over me. I snapped, thinking to myself what could possibly be in apple crisp that's bad for me? It's basically apples and a few oats, right? I mean we get chocolate on the method so...
One bite led to two then to a whole freaking bowl!! Sugar can be so, I don't know, ADDICTIVE MAYBE? So of course then I had to try the pie. I don't even like pumpkin pie, have never eaten it in my life, until now! OMG.
Argh. Now that the sugar high has worn off, my stomach hurts and I seriously think that I have undone everything I've managed to accomplish thus far. It sucks.
Clearly I've not learned the art of moderation. I'm not ready to be free and on my own yet. I am determined to get through the rest of the program without anymore slips. Must sound like a broken record by now. There's a girl I work with who is struggling to quit smoking. Each day I see her, it's the same story. Had a smoke today, but it's my last or soon as I finish this pack it's over. I've been there. I'm there again, but it's not tobacco - it's bread and rice and everything nice.
Here I go again. One day at a time or so the program goes. Happy Thanksgiving. Mostly it was fun, but I for one am grateful it's over and I could live without ever having to face Halloween or Christmas!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
16 & 17
Happy Thanksgiving.
I finally get why it's so easy to put on weight as you age. It's understandable that you're not always going to get your workout in, but if you're not diligently minding each thing that goes into your mouth, you're sunk!
Today and tomorrow are extremely busy days for me, but so far, I've managed to stick to my required eating regime, but the workout has had to be sacrificed. I will be sure to get on the mat and work up a sweat tomorrow, but am off to a feast with friends in the evening. That will be interesting.
Tracy's menu calls for tofu for dinner - no problem, we're baking a tofurkey, so am more or less covered there, but I don't think mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and apple crumble are allowed. So far my will power has been shockingly good, is my time up?
PMS is also here in full force and it was all I could do not to mow down on a chocolate bar while in line at the grocery store after work. Yikes. Turns out I am an emotional eater as well as a sugar/chocolate addict.
It's been an incredible 16 days so far. The program is one of the toughest things I've ever committed to but it is proving to be one of the most rewarding as well. For anyone on their own journey, I wish you luck and willpower as you sit down to your own divine dinner and give thanks this weekend.
Cheers,
Shan
I finally get why it's so easy to put on weight as you age. It's understandable that you're not always going to get your workout in, but if you're not diligently minding each thing that goes into your mouth, you're sunk!
Today and tomorrow are extremely busy days for me, but so far, I've managed to stick to my required eating regime, but the workout has had to be sacrificed. I will be sure to get on the mat and work up a sweat tomorrow, but am off to a feast with friends in the evening. That will be interesting.
Tracy's menu calls for tofu for dinner - no problem, we're baking a tofurkey, so am more or less covered there, but I don't think mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and apple crumble are allowed. So far my will power has been shockingly good, is my time up?
PMS is also here in full force and it was all I could do not to mow down on a chocolate bar while in line at the grocery store after work. Yikes. Turns out I am an emotional eater as well as a sugar/chocolate addict.
It's been an incredible 16 days so far. The program is one of the toughest things I've ever committed to but it is proving to be one of the most rewarding as well. For anyone on their own journey, I wish you luck and willpower as you sit down to your own divine dinner and give thanks this weekend.
Cheers,
Shan
Friday, October 8, 2010
15
Just when I thought it was safe...
Seriously? I thought I was getting accustomed to the whole fruit thing. I'd suffered through the grapefruits, the oranges and the fresh melon compote (that one I even mildly enjoyed and on more than one occasion). It was becoming much less - shall we say 'gag-inducing'? So when this morning's breakfast called for Pear Apple Spice I wasn't even intimidated.
The recipe suggests that you quarter and cut the fruit, steam it lightly, then pull off the peel, and throw it in a food processor with a pinch of cinnamon. I was game, how hard could it be? I washed and cut the fruit and plopped it into the steamer. Mmm, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen as I tripped off to my office to warm up the computer.
Um...I've never steamed an apple before. Or any other fruit for that matter. Were you aware that this process doesn't take as long as a potato or a carrot or a friggin' piece of broccoli even? Yeah, that little piece of information would have been helpful Tracy! When I got back to the steamer, my fruits were not even recognizable, they were mush - with peels. No problem, I thought, that'll save me from having to use the blender, one less thing to wash, win win, right? The peels came right off, literally fell away from the muck in the bowl. I sprinkled in the cinnamon which I happened to have because my thoughtful mother picked some up while she was here so she could bake us a beautiful pie (which I didn't get to eat by the way). As I was saying, sprinkled in the cinnamon and added just a drop of maple syrup for good measure and I was all set.
I was even ready to blog all about how great it was, what a warm and wonderful thing to have for breakfast on a cold rainy fall day like the one I was currently experiencing, life was good. Until I tasted it. Ick. Sour luke-warm mushy fruit. It wasn't like pie filling at all. Because that's of course what I was expecting!!!
Disappointed. I spent the better part of 40 minutes trying to shovel it in and I then realized why some toddlers get more baby food on their faces and clothes than in their mouths, mush is disgusting. It's nothing like pudding, it isn't all creamy and sweet.
Thank goodness lunch is a good one today.
Needless to say in exactly 15 days, I won't be rushing off to peruse the fruit department in my local grocery store. I'll stick to my beans and rice and veggies thank you very much.
Seriously? I thought I was getting accustomed to the whole fruit thing. I'd suffered through the grapefruits, the oranges and the fresh melon compote (that one I even mildly enjoyed and on more than one occasion). It was becoming much less - shall we say 'gag-inducing'? So when this morning's breakfast called for Pear Apple Spice I wasn't even intimidated.
The recipe suggests that you quarter and cut the fruit, steam it lightly, then pull off the peel, and throw it in a food processor with a pinch of cinnamon. I was game, how hard could it be? I washed and cut the fruit and plopped it into the steamer. Mmm, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen as I tripped off to my office to warm up the computer.
Um...I've never steamed an apple before. Or any other fruit for that matter. Were you aware that this process doesn't take as long as a potato or a carrot or a friggin' piece of broccoli even? Yeah, that little piece of information would have been helpful Tracy! When I got back to the steamer, my fruits were not even recognizable, they were mush - with peels. No problem, I thought, that'll save me from having to use the blender, one less thing to wash, win win, right? The peels came right off, literally fell away from the muck in the bowl. I sprinkled in the cinnamon which I happened to have because my thoughtful mother picked some up while she was here so she could bake us a beautiful pie (which I didn't get to eat by the way). As I was saying, sprinkled in the cinnamon and added just a drop of maple syrup for good measure and I was all set.
I was even ready to blog all about how great it was, what a warm and wonderful thing to have for breakfast on a cold rainy fall day like the one I was currently experiencing, life was good. Until I tasted it. Ick. Sour luke-warm mushy fruit. It wasn't like pie filling at all. Because that's of course what I was expecting!!!
Disappointed. I spent the better part of 40 minutes trying to shovel it in and I then realized why some toddlers get more baby food on their faces and clothes than in their mouths, mush is disgusting. It's nothing like pudding, it isn't all creamy and sweet.
Thank goodness lunch is a good one today.
Needless to say in exactly 15 days, I won't be rushing off to peruse the fruit department in my local grocery store. I'll stick to my beans and rice and veggies thank you very much.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
14
GAME ON!!
Two weeks in. My folks left this morning. It was sad to see them go as we're usually only together once a year and their visit was much too short. That said, now that the house is empty there will be no more excuses. Okay well, except maybe Thanksgiving dinner, but why don't we cross that bridge when we get to it, shall we?
I got straight on with my workout and I found myself so elated to be there that the pain of the hideous number of reps didn't even phase me. Am I a sucker for punishment? Not necessarily.
A yoga practice as a whole is very nourishing for both the body and the spirit. When you get on the mat each day, there is no guilt. There are no thoughts of "I should be doing that" or "this other thing needs doing", you are simply in the moment, doing something good for yourself.
Since I've stopped my asana practice, my focus has turned to my writing. Many things have been sacrificed for that craft in much the same way one might need to make sacrifices to raise a family or advance in another type of career. Everything becomes second fiddle. You might find that a workout gets squeezed in among other obligations but it certainly doesn't take priority, and you might even feel a little guilty for the time you are taking to do it.
I had no idea when I started the 30 Day Method that it would grow into feeling like I was really taking care of myself. Something that encompasses not only my body but is affecting my spirit, my outlook on life and my general attitude toward my physical being. When I fell off the wagon yesterday, I didn't do it with enthusiasm or a rebellious attitude. It just happened and I felt deeply disappointed for it. The only other time I'd felt that way was when I'd given up smoking and then had a cigarette. It was like all of the hard work and resistance was for nothing and I was back to square one; the only person hurt by it was me. I'd quit smoking because deep down, I had wanted to do something good for myself.
That's why I started this program. That's why I'm writing this blog. I am doing something, that it turns out, is good for me. Good for ME, not just my waistline. I've become invested in taking care of myself and not expecting anyone else to do it for me. There is a great reward in that; a wonderful sense of satisfaction that no one can give to me or do for me. So no, it turns out that I'm not a sucker for punishment, I'm seeking pleasure in a new way.
I truly believe that there is never a situation in which there is not a way out of. The solution may not always be pleasant and won't usually be easy, but we don't ever have to stay stuck. We can choose to try something new and that's empowering. That feels good. When we fall off the wagon, we don't have to stay down, we can get right back up, climb back on and keep going.
Could the Tracy Anderson Method be turning into a new priority; a new daily practice that I'll look forward to each day for a long time to come? Anything is possible.
Cheers,
Shan
Two weeks in. My folks left this morning. It was sad to see them go as we're usually only together once a year and their visit was much too short. That said, now that the house is empty there will be no more excuses. Okay well, except maybe Thanksgiving dinner, but why don't we cross that bridge when we get to it, shall we?
I got straight on with my workout and I found myself so elated to be there that the pain of the hideous number of reps didn't even phase me. Am I a sucker for punishment? Not necessarily.
A yoga practice as a whole is very nourishing for both the body and the spirit. When you get on the mat each day, there is no guilt. There are no thoughts of "I should be doing that" or "this other thing needs doing", you are simply in the moment, doing something good for yourself.
Since I've stopped my asana practice, my focus has turned to my writing. Many things have been sacrificed for that craft in much the same way one might need to make sacrifices to raise a family or advance in another type of career. Everything becomes second fiddle. You might find that a workout gets squeezed in among other obligations but it certainly doesn't take priority, and you might even feel a little guilty for the time you are taking to do it.
I had no idea when I started the 30 Day Method that it would grow into feeling like I was really taking care of myself. Something that encompasses not only my body but is affecting my spirit, my outlook on life and my general attitude toward my physical being. When I fell off the wagon yesterday, I didn't do it with enthusiasm or a rebellious attitude. It just happened and I felt deeply disappointed for it. The only other time I'd felt that way was when I'd given up smoking and then had a cigarette. It was like all of the hard work and resistance was for nothing and I was back to square one; the only person hurt by it was me. I'd quit smoking because deep down, I had wanted to do something good for myself.
That's why I started this program. That's why I'm writing this blog. I am doing something, that it turns out, is good for me. Good for ME, not just my waistline. I've become invested in taking care of myself and not expecting anyone else to do it for me. There is a great reward in that; a wonderful sense of satisfaction that no one can give to me or do for me. So no, it turns out that I'm not a sucker for punishment, I'm seeking pleasure in a new way.
I truly believe that there is never a situation in which there is not a way out of. The solution may not always be pleasant and won't usually be easy, but we don't ever have to stay stuck. We can choose to try something new and that's empowering. That feels good. When we fall off the wagon, we don't have to stay down, we can get right back up, climb back on and keep going.
Could the Tracy Anderson Method be turning into a new priority; a new daily practice that I'll look forward to each day for a long time to come? Anything is possible.
Cheers,
Shan
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
13
Off the Wagon!!
Talk about an inability to resist temptation. My parents have been here for two days and on their second day I have completely blown it. I feel like it's inevitable that in day to day life, there is going to be a day in the week where you may not be able to fit your workout in or you'll stumble and have the occasional treat... but when you make a commitment for such a short time, you'd think that there would be fewer slip ups.
For shame!
I of course didn't get my workout in today, but since I could hardly walk from the last workout I considered this a blessing in disguise, but the wheels came completely off my wagon in the diet department. It started with a lunch out and admittedly there were a few French fries involved. Next we went out to dinner and that was it - bread, potatoes, rice - it was a Greek place so I had all the forbidden foods - I even fell off my vegan wagon and ate cheese. Can't even begin to justify it, but had to admit it.
I hope as I move into the third week in this next leg of the journey I will have less illness and less temptation, but I'll likely have less fun too.
Cheers.
Shan
Talk about an inability to resist temptation. My parents have been here for two days and on their second day I have completely blown it. I feel like it's inevitable that in day to day life, there is going to be a day in the week where you may not be able to fit your workout in or you'll stumble and have the occasional treat... but when you make a commitment for such a short time, you'd think that there would be fewer slip ups.
For shame!
I of course didn't get my workout in today, but since I could hardly walk from the last workout I considered this a blessing in disguise, but the wheels came completely off my wagon in the diet department. It started with a lunch out and admittedly there were a few French fries involved. Next we went out to dinner and that was it - bread, potatoes, rice - it was a Greek place so I had all the forbidden foods - I even fell off my vegan wagon and ate cheese. Can't even begin to justify it, but had to admit it.
I hope as I move into the third week in this next leg of the journey I will have less illness and less temptation, but I'll likely have less fun too.
Cheers.
Shan
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
12
Craving my addiction.
I talk a lot about food on this blog. I guess it's because I knew more or less what I was signing up for with the physical aspects of the program but I am a relative diet virgin.
Sugar has always been the thing that I could never quite commit to letting go of. In 2004, sometime around September ironically enough (fall being the best time to start diet and exercise changes I'm told) I decided to give up sugar for 90 days. I even managed to pull it off, shocking I know. But with 90 days under my belt I developed a false sense of confidence in my control over it.
It was a balmy tropical night in Cuba and I was out on a date with my beloved and we decided to order a creme caramel - crazy right? One should ease themselves back into these things, but being on holiday I threw caution to the wind and dove in spoon ablaze. It was fantastic. This must be how junkies feel when they get their perfect fix. The sugar rush that ensued was so thrilling that I didn't look back. 'What 90 days?' I asked myself.
I did attempt to get off the sugar a number of times since then, failing miserably each time...that is until now. I've been off the sweets for 12 days and that's almost a bloody miracle in my book. The strangest part of all is that I'm not missing it as terribly as I imagined that I would. Of course I'm terrified that once my 30 days are up one chocolate almond will lead to a bag of two bite brownies and three cookie sheets of chocolate chip cookies.
But is it really the sugar that I'm addicted to? Sure, a chemical reaction takes place when the sugar hits the blood stream, but is that all that's at play? My good friend explained to me that it isn't the actual substance that we're addicted to, but rather the perceived level of pleasure that we derive from said substance. So we're all essentially just addicted to pleasure? How do we even begin to deal with that?
Kate Moss was once quoted as saying, 'Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.' Was thin her sugar? It's a short walk from super model to anorexic and I can assure you that I am in no danger of becoming either, but perhaps my new sugar is caring for my health and taking total responsibility for sorting out every single thing that I put into my body. Could that actually be true?
Nah, I'm still counting the days to the next creme caramel, but maybe, just maybe the 30 Day Method will help me learn some new eating habits that won't leave me eating like a teen whose parents have gone away for the weekend.
Cheers
Shan
I talk a lot about food on this blog. I guess it's because I knew more or less what I was signing up for with the physical aspects of the program but I am a relative diet virgin.
Sugar has always been the thing that I could never quite commit to letting go of. In 2004, sometime around September ironically enough (fall being the best time to start diet and exercise changes I'm told) I decided to give up sugar for 90 days. I even managed to pull it off, shocking I know. But with 90 days under my belt I developed a false sense of confidence in my control over it.
It was a balmy tropical night in Cuba and I was out on a date with my beloved and we decided to order a creme caramel - crazy right? One should ease themselves back into these things, but being on holiday I threw caution to the wind and dove in spoon ablaze. It was fantastic. This must be how junkies feel when they get their perfect fix. The sugar rush that ensued was so thrilling that I didn't look back. 'What 90 days?' I asked myself.
I did attempt to get off the sugar a number of times since then, failing miserably each time...that is until now. I've been off the sweets for 12 days and that's almost a bloody miracle in my book. The strangest part of all is that I'm not missing it as terribly as I imagined that I would. Of course I'm terrified that once my 30 days are up one chocolate almond will lead to a bag of two bite brownies and three cookie sheets of chocolate chip cookies.
But is it really the sugar that I'm addicted to? Sure, a chemical reaction takes place when the sugar hits the blood stream, but is that all that's at play? My good friend explained to me that it isn't the actual substance that we're addicted to, but rather the perceived level of pleasure that we derive from said substance. So we're all essentially just addicted to pleasure? How do we even begin to deal with that?
Kate Moss was once quoted as saying, 'Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.' Was thin her sugar? It's a short walk from super model to anorexic and I can assure you that I am in no danger of becoming either, but perhaps my new sugar is caring for my health and taking total responsibility for sorting out every single thing that I put into my body. Could that actually be true?
Nah, I'm still counting the days to the next creme caramel, but maybe, just maybe the 30 Day Method will help me learn some new eating habits that won't leave me eating like a teen whose parents have gone away for the weekend.
Cheers
Shan
Monday, October 4, 2010
11
Feed a fever, starve a cold...
Or so the old saying goes. If that's actually the correct recipe for wellness, then it should stand to reason that I shouldn't have gotten a cold in the first place, starved as I've been the past ten days, right?
Wrong!
It was going around and I got the darned thing anyway. Maybe it will go away in record time since I am clearly not feeding it.
Anyway, enough of that. Today is day 11 and for those of you who have no idea what that means, lemme explain. After 10 days on the 30 Day Method, you move on to a whole new workout routine. A bit like yoga when you master some primary postures and get nice and comfy, your mean old teacher comes along and adds some new variations to keep it interesting. Hmmm. I'm starting to see more than a passing resemblance between the two.
In any case, my folks are coming today and I am under the weather, so it was extremely tempting to take a little hiatus from the program, an intermission if you will, to rest, recuperate, and catch up with the Fam, but I have committed to this and I did it in writing. What. An. Idiot!
So one of the first things Tracy writes at the start of the chapter on Sequence 2 is; "You can expect to feel exhausted at the end of the first two days in the same way that you did in the first sequence, as I push you a little further and your body learns some new lessons." Spoken like a true personal trainer, yes? And push me she did. It's going to take some time for my body to learn the lessons though, this new sequence is tough.
Like sequence one, there were some old favorites, but she's thrown in some new moves and they had me crying 'uncle'. Seriously, I just wanted it to stop, but in the end it was the sort of pain that hurt in a good way. Let's see if I'll be singing the same tune tomorrow, if I can even walk tomorrow.
In the mean time I all I can do is hope for a fever - SO I CAN FEED IT!!
Cheers,
Shan
Or so the old saying goes. If that's actually the correct recipe for wellness, then it should stand to reason that I shouldn't have gotten a cold in the first place, starved as I've been the past ten days, right?
Wrong!
It was going around and I got the darned thing anyway. Maybe it will go away in record time since I am clearly not feeding it.
Anyway, enough of that. Today is day 11 and for those of you who have no idea what that means, lemme explain. After 10 days on the 30 Day Method, you move on to a whole new workout routine. A bit like yoga when you master some primary postures and get nice and comfy, your mean old teacher comes along and adds some new variations to keep it interesting. Hmmm. I'm starting to see more than a passing resemblance between the two.
In any case, my folks are coming today and I am under the weather, so it was extremely tempting to take a little hiatus from the program, an intermission if you will, to rest, recuperate, and catch up with the Fam, but I have committed to this and I did it in writing. What. An. Idiot!
So one of the first things Tracy writes at the start of the chapter on Sequence 2 is; "You can expect to feel exhausted at the end of the first two days in the same way that you did in the first sequence, as I push you a little further and your body learns some new lessons." Spoken like a true personal trainer, yes? And push me she did. It's going to take some time for my body to learn the lessons though, this new sequence is tough.
Like sequence one, there were some old favorites, but she's thrown in some new moves and they had me crying 'uncle'. Seriously, I just wanted it to stop, but in the end it was the sort of pain that hurt in a good way. Let's see if I'll be singing the same tune tomorrow, if I can even walk tomorrow.
In the mean time I all I can do is hope for a fever - SO I CAN FEED IT!!
Cheers,
Shan
Saturday, October 2, 2010
9 & 10
What's in a number?
As I peruse the bookstore shelves in the diet and weight-loss section I am struck by the sheer number of diet books available. Each promising what no one else can do, drop those unwanted pounds, regain your energy, look youthful, get in shape at any age and on it goes.
My love of everything sweet has kept me from trying out most diets, but because I am such a fan of Tracy Anderson's Method, I wondered if there might be something special in her book. So far I haven't been disappointed, hungry, yes but not disappointed.
Around age 34, I gained ten pounds and have struggled to loose them since, to no avail. Becoming nearly vegan in April helped with the first five, but the last five seemed here to stay.
I promised myself that I wasn't going to weigh in or take any measurements during this 30 days, but I couldn't resist. What if it wasn't working? Yikes, would I quit if it wasn't? Or how exciting would it be if I'd finally found the thing that worked for me. I am two days away from changing up the workout program, with the Method, Tracy changes it up every ten days so your muscles don't get a chance to adjust and plateau, and my curiosity got the better of me.
OMG - I am thrilled to report that the number on the scale was one I'd not seen in years. It gave me the incentive to keep going and to try even harder to master every move with precision and work up to the recommended number of reps, but what if that number on the scale hadn't dropped? I can feel the difference in my body, heck I can see it, but would that have been enough to make me want to throw in the towel and go back to my brownie chowing ways? I shudder to think.
Why does that number on the scale carry so much weight? (pardon the pun)
I'll be taking a day trip to the mainland tomorrow and I think I'll be able to avoid all those tasty treats on the ferry and the delectable delights in the city, all because of a number.
So what's in a number? The power to inspire, the strength to persevere, or just a simple way to trick the mind? Does it matter? As long as we don't become slaves to the magic number, then probably not.
As I peruse the bookstore shelves in the diet and weight-loss section I am struck by the sheer number of diet books available. Each promising what no one else can do, drop those unwanted pounds, regain your energy, look youthful, get in shape at any age and on it goes.
My love of everything sweet has kept me from trying out most diets, but because I am such a fan of Tracy Anderson's Method, I wondered if there might be something special in her book. So far I haven't been disappointed, hungry, yes but not disappointed.
Around age 34, I gained ten pounds and have struggled to loose them since, to no avail. Becoming nearly vegan in April helped with the first five, but the last five seemed here to stay.
I promised myself that I wasn't going to weigh in or take any measurements during this 30 days, but I couldn't resist. What if it wasn't working? Yikes, would I quit if it wasn't? Or how exciting would it be if I'd finally found the thing that worked for me. I am two days away from changing up the workout program, with the Method, Tracy changes it up every ten days so your muscles don't get a chance to adjust and plateau, and my curiosity got the better of me.
OMG - I am thrilled to report that the number on the scale was one I'd not seen in years. It gave me the incentive to keep going and to try even harder to master every move with precision and work up to the recommended number of reps, but what if that number on the scale hadn't dropped? I can feel the difference in my body, heck I can see it, but would that have been enough to make me want to throw in the towel and go back to my brownie chowing ways? I shudder to think.
Why does that number on the scale carry so much weight? (pardon the pun)
I'll be taking a day trip to the mainland tomorrow and I think I'll be able to avoid all those tasty treats on the ferry and the delectable delights in the city, all because of a number.
So what's in a number? The power to inspire, the strength to persevere, or just a simple way to trick the mind? Does it matter? As long as we don't become slaves to the magic number, then probably not.
Friday, October 1, 2010
8
I am quoting Tracy Anderson when I say, genetically we are all programmed differently. I couldn't agree more. If you are a woman, you will naturally have more fat and less muscle than if you are a man. One nationality may be slighter than another, or taller, or broader so these are things we cannot help.
But, can doing certain activities change your genetic predisposition?
In Ayurveda (wiki describes it as the science of life, a system of traditional medicine native to India) they hold to the belief that we are born with a certain constitution or set of traits called a dosha, with one being more dominant than the others or a mixture of all three.
Briefly, in this system you can be comprised of either Vata, which is thin, willowy and a bit airy (think butterfly, never flying in a straight path), Pita, which is muscular and very one pointed (if you're a Pita there are no 'pit stops' along the way to your destination) or you can be Kapha, sort of soft and round and a lover of comfort and pleasure (forget the destination, you're happy to just stay on the sofa).
So we have a genetic set of traits and we've got a certain constitution, I'm curious as to whether or not we have a propensity for a particular type of physical activity that suits us.
I have a colleague who is a triathlete. She trains and competes for triathlons and she's super fit and strong. However, she claims that her weakness is running, so most recently she was training to run a marathon. She's a machine, we should all be so lucky to have our weakness be running and yet still be able to run a freakin' marathon. In any case, I use her as an example because she is aware of what she prefers to do as an athlete. She's good on her bike and in the water.
I've got a neighbor who'll climb on her mountain bike and cycle to the next town...we're talking about for fun here people. I can't even get my bike up and out of my driveway. It currently resides in the shed under a surfboard and dog crate.
The point is, perhaps we also have a fitness activity predisposition. Some thrive at the gym, others in spinning class and me - well - I was a yogi. That was my thing, my passion, the place that I could go every day and find some peace while getting into shape.
Tracy Anderson is a dancer, has been since she was four, so she loves to dance. I would assume that's why she developed dance cardio within her method.
The reason I bring all of this up is that curiously enough, my sister finally cracked open her 30 Day Method, popped in the DVD and got through a few of the exercises and confessed to finding them tough, which of course they are, but she can get on her elliptical, or strap in the sneakers and go for a run and not bat an eye, yet on the mat she struggled.
I love the mat work. It kills me every day, but I look forward to doing it. The cardio on the other hand, not so much. In fact I sort of dread all the jumping around and the business of sweating. I'm not entirely convinced that I'll be able to keep it up after the 30 days. The jury is still out on that, but I think that the mat resonates with me because of my love of yoga.
Was I born that way naturally? Is my neighbor a born cyclist, my colleague a born swimmer, my sister a born runner? Or is it because as a child way back in the 70's I grew up mimicking my mom doing yoga or all that old school mat work, but didn't my sister grow up the same way? Is it that we all process information differently in addition to our genetics and doshas? Whew, that's a lot to consider.
I suppose it's the age old question; nature versus nurture. Either way, I think that the TA Method with it's muscular restructuring work may just be suited to my temperament and lucky for me, it appears to be doing...something.
If I do the dance cardio enough, will I eventually come to love it, or will my nature win out in the end? Hopefully I'll be closer to the answer in 22 days.
But, can doing certain activities change your genetic predisposition?
In Ayurveda (wiki describes it as the science of life, a system of traditional medicine native to India) they hold to the belief that we are born with a certain constitution or set of traits called a dosha, with one being more dominant than the others or a mixture of all three.
Briefly, in this system you can be comprised of either Vata, which is thin, willowy and a bit airy (think butterfly, never flying in a straight path), Pita, which is muscular and very one pointed (if you're a Pita there are no 'pit stops' along the way to your destination) or you can be Kapha, sort of soft and round and a lover of comfort and pleasure (forget the destination, you're happy to just stay on the sofa).
So we have a genetic set of traits and we've got a certain constitution, I'm curious as to whether or not we have a propensity for a particular type of physical activity that suits us.
I have a colleague who is a triathlete. She trains and competes for triathlons and she's super fit and strong. However, she claims that her weakness is running, so most recently she was training to run a marathon. She's a machine, we should all be so lucky to have our weakness be running and yet still be able to run a freakin' marathon. In any case, I use her as an example because she is aware of what she prefers to do as an athlete. She's good on her bike and in the water.
I've got a neighbor who'll climb on her mountain bike and cycle to the next town...we're talking about for fun here people. I can't even get my bike up and out of my driveway. It currently resides in the shed under a surfboard and dog crate.
The point is, perhaps we also have a fitness activity predisposition. Some thrive at the gym, others in spinning class and me - well - I was a yogi. That was my thing, my passion, the place that I could go every day and find some peace while getting into shape.
Tracy Anderson is a dancer, has been since she was four, so she loves to dance. I would assume that's why she developed dance cardio within her method.
The reason I bring all of this up is that curiously enough, my sister finally cracked open her 30 Day Method, popped in the DVD and got through a few of the exercises and confessed to finding them tough, which of course they are, but she can get on her elliptical, or strap in the sneakers and go for a run and not bat an eye, yet on the mat she struggled.
I love the mat work. It kills me every day, but I look forward to doing it. The cardio on the other hand, not so much. In fact I sort of dread all the jumping around and the business of sweating. I'm not entirely convinced that I'll be able to keep it up after the 30 days. The jury is still out on that, but I think that the mat resonates with me because of my love of yoga.
Was I born that way naturally? Is my neighbor a born cyclist, my colleague a born swimmer, my sister a born runner? Or is it because as a child way back in the 70's I grew up mimicking my mom doing yoga or all that old school mat work, but didn't my sister grow up the same way? Is it that we all process information differently in addition to our genetics and doshas? Whew, that's a lot to consider.
I suppose it's the age old question; nature versus nurture. Either way, I think that the TA Method with it's muscular restructuring work may just be suited to my temperament and lucky for me, it appears to be doing...something.
If I do the dance cardio enough, will I eventually come to love it, or will my nature win out in the end? Hopefully I'll be closer to the answer in 22 days.
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