Upping the ante
I’m a self-confessed lover of the thing-I-go-to-which-is-called-Zumba, but which is not quite Zumba. I know this now, having been to a ‘real’ Zumba class run by a company which hosts classes across my capital city. It was more like what I thought Zumba would be…. unrecognisable songs and lots of sambas and the like. It was very high energy; and a great workout. But not as fun as faux Zumba*, which I have written about extensively here and here (and on several other occasions) in this blog.
Anyway, last week at faux Zumba, we learned some new routines (and even more this week). But what I noticed was that I actually got a bit stuffed (or tired… to translate for non-Aussies). At some point during the class I actually thought that I needed a break and had to drop my workout down a notch. Now, I’m not particularly fit, but this doesn’t usually happen in faux Zumba.
And it worried me. A little. The irrational me wondered if I’d suddenly gotten more unfit over the course of a weekend; or even the week – despite exercising every weekday. But the saner me realised that the new routines were just a bit faster and higher-energy. However… at the same time it was a gentle reminder that I need to keep challenging myself and trying to increase my fitness.
Sure, I decided I wasn’t ready to ‘learn to run’ and didn’t aspire to lift ridiculously heavy weights or participate in marathons… I’d decided I just wanted to feel fit and healthy and lose weight. And I wanted to keep it off. So sustainability is the key, which for me is very much dependent on enjoyment.
Having said that, however, I know it can’t be all ‘beer and skittles’ (in fact… because I don’t actually know what skittles is/are, I’m sure it can’t be!); and I know that I do need to push myself.
For example, I don’t particularly LOVE the circuit class I do at my gym on a Friday which sometimes includes cardio that is just outside my comfort zone. But… I continue to go, because it’s not TOO far beyond it, and I know it’s good for me.
Similarly, a few weeks ago I attended a Cardio Blast session at my gym. I think I wrote about it at the time, having turned up not knowing what to expect and enduring a mish mash of cardio and strength work, similar to the circuit, but well… less circuit-y. The class seems to vary from week to week, but the first included quite a few 1990s aerobic moves (leg curls, high knee-up thingys and star jumps) mixed with some squats, lunges and some fairly energetic use of the old faithful ‘step’. I was completely buggered (again, for non-Aussies = tired) during and after.
I initially went as a one-off, but, after the exhausting faux Zumba class, I decided it was what I needed to push my fitness levels, so I’ve been back for more and am now planning on including Cardio Blast as my regular Tuesday workout. Again, I don’t love it, but I don’t dread going OR spend the day obsessing about how hard it might be!
I do know that I’m often loath to do things I don’t want to do. And I know that I SAY I’ll challenge myself, but am sometimes fairly unambitious when I do. However, I wanted to make sure you (and I) know that I am trying. I am doing things I don’t like or want to do.
I do realise I’m still drawing a line in the sand and not pushing myself beyond an extended comfort zone… but perhaps one day running and boot camp type shuttle runs will lose some of their nightmarish qualities for me and I’ll willingly break into a trot. But not yet.
I like to think I’ll (again) know when I’m ready, or when I need more of a challenge. And I can’t help but wonder how others know when it’s time to step it up a notch.
For the moment though, I’m happy that it’s something I’ve identified; and that I’m slowly realising that I’m a work in progress and I am capable of pushing myself. Just a little at a time.
* For any Zumba purists out there who are worried about my gym class passing itself off as Zumba, I note that in the description on the timetable it’s actually called ‘Dance for Fitness’. My instructor (a dance teacher as well I think) said she finds music she loves and Zumba-fies the moves!
Discover more from Debbish
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
beanfruit
February 8, 2012Good for you, pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone a little. Sounds like for you the running would be too much toward the “dread doing” end of the spectrum – don’t sweat it! You’re doing what you enjoy (and other things you don’t dread) and you hit the nail on the head with the fact that it is sustainable. Whether you get your workout from running, swimming, biking, or faux Zumba (love that description!), it is still good exercise!
Debbish
February 8, 2012Thanks and I hope so. As long as I’m burning calories it has to be a good thing. I know there are ways of increasing the burn and fitness – interval sessions etc, but I think enough of that is incorporated into my circuit classes and the Cardio Blast, that I don’t need to think too much about it. It’s all done for me! I just have to turn up.
Miz
February 8, 2012you know me. IM IN AWE youve found cardio you enjoy and doing just DO!!
I say love onward 🙂
dont go changing.
Debbish
February 8, 2012Miz C, you ended up in my SPAM folder… I thought only my comments did that (hee hee… but seriously… I have no idea why re me / you!)! Thank you so much for your comment. I know you won’t mind if I say (arrogantly) that I’m also in AWE of myself… in that I’m doing cardio I enjoy AND cardio I ‘don’t-mind-TOO-much’! AND sticking at it! As you say… onward (and upward!!!).
Deb
FitMum
February 8, 2012I’m so proud of you for sticking at it and challenging yourself! And you are right .. it’s not going to be easy but it’s going to be worth it!
Debbish
February 8, 2012Thank you… and I hope so! Lost a couple of kgs my first week back on my diet (aka: healthy eating plan / thingy).
Liz Nelson (@leanlizzy)
February 8, 2012Hi Deb, I think you’ve hit the sweet spot – it’s when you get to a certain level of fitness and then think , “I wonder if I can push a bit harder”. It’s a personal preference really – but I think you’re doing well.
I’m sorry you’re buggered though! Spoken like a true Aussie! Aren’t we all charmers?
Debbish
February 8, 2012I think the “I’m buggered” describes it perfectly, but realise others may not agree. I have to admit I kinda like the fact that I (myself) am the one who wondered about pushing myself more!
Carol Hess
February 8, 2012It sounds to me like you are doing a tremendous job of self-care and striking the right balance between pushing yourself and being appropriately loving with yourself.
Please continue to give us more “Aussie-speak” for our dictionaries! I’m a writer so that means I’m a word lover (and stealer). Can’t wait until the next time I’m tired when I can tell my friends here in the States that I’m stuffed or buggered. Both words will cause eyebrows to go up. 🙂
Debbish
February 8, 2012Umm… yes Carol, ‘buggered’ certainly has other connotations! ‘Stuffed’ may be safer!
PS. I usually try and steer clear of Australian-isms, but will keep them coming (though must confess I’m not particularly ‘ocker’).
Deb
Carol Hess
February 9, 2012Ocker? Okay, you’ve got me. What’s it mean? 🙂
Debbish
February 9, 2012Sorry… ocker = very Australian….
Karen@WaistingTime
February 8, 2012I got rather distracted by the Skittles part:) I love that last quote. I think some days are bodies are up for more challenge and some days it is all we can do to get through what used to be easy! I don’t know why. But I’m thinking it’s normal?
Debbish
February 8, 2012Am yet to find out exactly what skittles are…. am thinking it’s something like bowling, though I may be wrong. Of course I could just google it!!!
I think you’re right about our body being different on different days. During my (somewhat pathetic) attempt at running I’d find that one day I could run for 3mins without TOO much trauma, but the next time it nearly killed me!
Deb
KCLAnderson (Karen)
February 8, 2012I’m with the other Karen…there are just days that are harder for whatever reason. My fitness mantra of late has been “just do it (a little more than you don’t). And on the days when I feel like going all out, I go for it. And on the days I don’t, I don’t. This is truly where it comes down to trusting yourself (and this is different than being afraid that you won’t do anything because you can’t trust yourself…know what I mean?)
Debbish
February 8, 2012I aspire to have your mindset about this whole dieting / healthy living / exercise gig Karen… I guess the trusting yourself also comes into the ‘not weighing and knowing you won’t suddenly gain 20lbs’ thing as well! Obviously something I need to work on more!
Alexis {Diva on a Diet}
February 8, 2012Skittles are just all right, so you’re not missing anything! 😉 And I don’t know when you know to step it up a notch. I guess I haven’t been active long enough. Heck, I don’t even go to the gym! But for some reason lately I have been trying to extend my walks from 30 minutes to at least 45 minutes… I think maybe it’s just instinct that you need to add on a little more. So good for you. I am still loving your attitude about working out!
Debbish
February 8, 2012Thanks so much. I actually didn’t even join the gym until I’d lost nearly 20kg (44lbs) so guess even then I started to realise it was time to step it up and I was ready for more. It sounds like you’re also stepping it up by extending your walks, so that’s great work!
Deb
Marion
February 8, 2012Hi Deb! Skittles, as far as this area of the U.S. is concerned, are little fruit-flavored candies with every color of the rainbow. They are gross, in my opinion, mostly because they make my mouth get canker sores.
Regarding getting “stuffed,” well, we in the U.S. commonly used that term for overeating (like how a Thanksgiving Day turkey is “stuffed” with dressing), but there are vulgar connotations as well. (In the U.S., almost everything tends to have a possible vulgar connotation, if you ask a sleazy person.) 😀
🙂 Marion
Debbish
February 8, 2012Am gonna have to google skittles now, cos I swear I thought they were a game…. Stay tuned, will add a comment advising when I find out.
PS. We have skittles (the lollies) here as well!
Deb
Debbish
February 8, 2012Phew… finally I’ve found out what Skittles are… but I can’t add the photograph to this comment – so will upload it on my Diet Schmiet Facebook page!!! (Link is in right hand panel.)
biz319
February 9, 2012The first time I did a spin class I almost stepped off the bike after the first five minutes. It was hard! But I pushed myself, because I told myself I could, and then grew to love it!
Hooray for getting out of your comfort zone! 😀
Debbish
February 9, 2012Thanks… I’m hoping I grow to love some of the exercise that I currently dislike!
Deb
deb roby
February 9, 2012That surprising tiredness during your “Dance for Fitness” class could have anything: slightly more tired or stressed, a little more dehydrated, fighting off a cold. Good on you for recognizing it and NOT obsessing on it.
“Beer and Skittles” apparently refers to a pub game type of bowling. So it’s not all fun games.
Debbish
February 9, 2012Deb, I ended up googling ‘Skittles’ because everyone kept telling me they were just a lolly/candy!
And thanks for the encouragement about the dance class. I didn’t find the same dances as hard this week, so perhaps you are right!
Bali Bride
February 10, 2012Hi Debbish, Good on you for pushing yourself. I recently got the Zumba DvD pack as after one actual Zumba class I felt too unco to EVER be seen doing it again in public. It is good fun though. Also I can highly recommend skittles. They are delish!
Debbish
February 10, 2012Am not sure I’ve ever tried skittles… I have some vague recollection they’re fruity flavoured, though I could be making that up!
I keep thinking I should buy an exercise DVD for home – I don’t have any cardio ones – but am not sure I’d use it. I’m not good at forcing myself to exercise, though I guess… it could at least give me another option! The thing I liked about the real Zumba class was how high-energy it was! (Even my calves got tired!)
Deb
sweetopiagirl
February 11, 2012Reblogged this on Inspiredweightloss.
Debbish
February 11, 2012Thanks!
worldlyobsession
February 11, 2012You are motivating me to go to the gym today! Vinyasa yoga here I come 😉
http://worldlyobsession.wordpress.com/
Debbish
February 11, 2012Woo-hoo! Glad I could be of assistance!
Deb
hip hop dance class
March 13, 2012Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was
super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any helpful hints for newbie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Debbish
March 14, 2012My suggestion would be to just ‘write’ – don’t stress too much over what you are writing initially – write about what you love.
Deb