High Fitness Love

As the first ten mins passed I could feel my body awaken...like my soul needed to sweat. Doing our second set of lunges I quickly surveyed the room. Good...I wasn't the only one having balance issues ha ha! The music started to pick up again and we shifted to our next set of moves. Each girl now with beads of determination collecting on their skin. 

This was...and is...High Fitness. 

High Fitness was originally started by these lovely ladies, Emily Nelson and Amber Zenith and they are quickly making their presence known. Check out this news report on them HERE. 

I should have written about HF sooner, it's been maybe my 10th class and while it has been a bit brutal, it's fun! I don't think I have ever jumped so much in my life LOL! Thanks to Ashley, studio owner, The Barre Studio in Capitola was lucky to pick this new technique up and we have all gotten hooked. HF involves choreographed moves but is about bringing in cardio and toning sets. Working to shape certain muscle groups. I think it's going to be more than a craze, it really does yield results. There is one set where we jump forward punching the air and it always makes me think that Ashley is building a small army of punching squat jumping warriors. We will take over!

 High completely helps to motivate me even on my most sluggish days. I always dread the beginning and then as our last set starts to wind down I am so proud of myself. 

I would definitely recommend trying HF. I know you can make it through the first 10 mins and you'll be on your way toward glory! Here's a pic from the Studios first class! 

http://www.thebarrecapitola.com/

MWAH! -Bunny

Honest Anxiety

Hi there!

I can easily say that I don't know anyone without some sort of anxiety, including myself. We all just deal with it indifferent ways. So I wanted to share something that has been working for me....cardio.


I know I know...you've heard this before....well I was right there with you. I never really committed to exercise, until now. 

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So after years of going through numerous psychologists, psychiatrists, medications and a short visit to a behavioral facility I found that nothing was really working for my anxiety. There was still this crazy emptiness and panic. Then, due to our looming nuptials and an urge to lose some baby fat, I started to add daily cardio to the mix. 

It did take time for me to settle into a good routine...slowly increasing my time on the elliptical. After awhile I noticed that I was sleeping better and worrying less. Then it began to feel strange... i was looking forward to cardio....to being sweaty...to feeling accomplished. Who was I? I wanted to go as fast as I possibly could....take out all the nerves. Who was this girl? I even started Barre which was so outside of my comfort zone....but it wheeled results both mentally and physically. 
I knew that I wanted to keep it up and be a healthier person, so I spoke with my Reese Witherspoon looking Physician about lowering my meds and trying this more natural approach. I mean...she haaaad often mentioned that exercise was a great choice ha ha!

I kept it up, but as it so often happens, I got busy and certain non-exercise things came up. At first I didn't understand why I was feeling sad...why my anxieties were making a come-back. I thought that perhaps I was just exhausted or sick.....but that wasn't it. I was unhappy, uncomfortable and panicking. Then it suddenly dawned on me...I had not been working out. 
Total face-palm moment. I wasn't giving my body the natural dopamine and endorphins it craved. I could feel my legs craving the movement. That's when it really clicked for me. Exercise was aiding in my mental health. 

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So, anxiety will always be part of me, but now I know how to help myself. Exercise has already made an impact in my life. Hopefully, as I keep growing into this stronger new person, I won't need anything...extra...just some time being active!
It's really a beautiful thing and I say to anyone having issues, please give it a try. It will be hard at first but it is worth the effort. Your mind will thank you. 
-Bunny

Barre Update

Hi there! 

Time for a Barre update. 

Along with trying new foods, I have been pushing myself to do things outside of my comfort zone. I believe I am up to 21 classes. Yay me! he he

Results: My butt is looking good! Well that's what Craig has been telling me LOL.

I feel stronger and more flexible. I reached down to my toes to stretch the other day and noticed that the usual strain in my calf/knees was gone! I can touch my toes! No prob! 

Target: Arms and mid section-my problem areas.

Shirt I need to make Barre owner-Think Higher...and Tighter OR Up...Just Up!

See you at the Barre! -Bunny

Aqua de Vida

I have found the key to everlasting life and it is Barre. 

Let me explain. Over the years... after my metabolism stopped at 25 :( I have been trying to get into better shape. Two things about me: I do not like working out and I rarely do anything for more than a few weeks. So I knew this wouldn't be an easy task. It was a little expensive, but they had a first-timer discount...so with a few clicks I signed up. With the added push that I had put money towards this, I decided to try out my first class that Saturday morning.

About Barre: Barre is a new workout fad with classes popping up all over Cali and girls(and a few select guys)stocking up on non-slip socks. Classes incorporate elements of ballet barre, yoga, strength training and Pilates. Plus everything is done to music, while they inspire us to push longer and leaner! Instructors also take notice of each girls movements, correcting form which is super helpful...especially for someone as uncoordinated as myself! 

As the class started I immediately felt out of shape but as it went on I learned more and more. It felt empowering. Each section of training pushes you to hold difficult poses and make micro movements. This made my legs burn...but just as I felt that I couldn't hold on for one more second, we would move on to another section. Wheeew!

We finished the class with long stretches and a few easy yoga moves. With the last "take a deep breath/letting the air out," a smile crept across my face. I liked Barre. It was difficult and my legs shook but I felt a tad like a ballerina, and it was worth it. 

The class I joined is located in Capitola and pretty close to my place...probably a BIG motivating factor. Both their studio and website are simple yet elegant. They are also celebrating their 3 month anniversary!Check it out: http://www.thebarrecapitola.com/

Now I have a special thing that I do, for myself. Today will be my 10th class. I still can't believe it LOL. Hopefully I keep this up and gain the sculpted lean body I want.

-Bunny