Just Dance!

Since I was offered a dance teaching position for next year, I decided it was time to get back into shape. I haven't danced seriously since high school and although I kept dancing in college, I have lost a lot of flexibility. I stopped dancing last January to have more time to work on wedding stuff, so it has been over a year since I've taken any sort of classes. Feeling more motivated than ever, I decided to step it up.

My first step was buying myself some new workout clothes and a pair of bright pink pumas. I have always been a freak about what I wear when I work out -- if it has sleeves, it just isn't going to cut it. I've been getting back into shape by attending a "Y Dance" (aka Zumba) class at the Y. Unfortunately, it's scheduled at a rediculous time of the day so I am usually working, but I  try to make it to one or two classes/week. I LOVE it and it's so great just to be "dancing" again. If I can't make it to Y Dance, I get my cardio by playing tennis on the one day it doesn't rain each week, rocking out to Just Dance on the WII (which Benny enjoys with me!), or spending a little time on the elliptical. I've also spent a lot of time in our basement working on short combinations for my classes and practicing barre work. We're looking for a piece of flooring I can put down so I can work on turning, but for now I've been practicing in the utility room.

I've been stretching every day, but recently purchased a yoga mat and started doing yoga videos in the morning. I'm extremely proud to say that I am SO close to being able to do the splits all the way down on my right side .. something I haven't been able to do since I injured my hamstring several years ago. Not that doing the splits is something that is beneficial to me at this point in my life, but it just feels good knowing that I'm not "too old" to still regain some flexibility.

I'm beyond excited to start teaching dance again. It's my true passion and I've realized I'll always be able to help people, but I may not always be able to dance. I'm a little nervous to be teaching the older girls, but I am goin to really prepare over the summer so I'm on top of my game. I am also looking for some workshops/classes I can take this summer just to work on my technique. Most importantly, I feel great. I'm still working on the eating healthy part, but my body doesn't hurt and I just have so much more energy.

Just for the record - outside of dance, I'm the most anti-workout person alive .. I lack serious motivation. That means if I can do it, you can do it .. and trust me, you'll feel great! :)