The journey...

Life is in the journey, not the destination, so do what you can and take it one day at a time. Go slow, do it right, and make your changes permanent — then help out others who are where you were.

~Jillian Michaels

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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Cardio Blitz

...not to be foolishly confused for Cardio "Bliss." On no folks, there isn't absolutely NOTHING "blissful" about this fast paced, heart pumping, blood sweating "boot-camp" type of class.

OH...and did I mention it's at 5:30 am???

You know there is this scripture where Jesus says, "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Mt. 10:34) Although TOTALLY different references - that's how I'd describe this class. lol. Seriously, nothing pleasant, peaceful and leisurely about it. Not a social, mild, beginner type experience. NOPE. Our instructor just whipped out the sword and quickly proved to me that this is no class for the faint of heart. Straight up hard-core, no nonsense, melt-away the fat, cardio aerobics. :)

To give a bit more "descriptive" summary of the class: The 1st HALF of class basically (don't be deceived by the word 'basic') consists of a 30 min spin session (on a bike similar to that pictured above - notice the seat, or what is considered to be a seat. lol...this isn't some "cushy," sit and relax chair). So after this first HALF of class wrapped up, the instructor went around the class to ask what everyone's objective was for the class.

Endurance. Loss 10 lbs. Endurance. Train for a triathalon...

"And Mesha? Your objective?"

DEATH! At least that what it appears to be. I don't think I was in the right state of mind this morning when I hit my alarm at 5 am, jumped out of bed and proceeded to drive to a 5:30 am DEATH class!

The 2nd HALF of class includes random cardio of the instructors choice followed by an abdominal workout/cool down. Todays was step aerobics, which thanks to the WiiFit I was capable of completing. A little shorter of breathe than usual though.

Now, I'm going to be honest, after the class was finished there was a feeling of liberation that came over me as I proudly displayed my sweat (should have used that as my "sweat" T-shirt contest entry). I've kinda been on cloud 9 knowing I completed it, however, I think I'm going to wait another 50 or so lbs before I attempt to face this feat again. haha

After this morning - I think my love/hate relationship with the stair stepper has turned into one of great appreciation.

Bring it on stepper - bring it on!


Verse of the Day:

Psalm 18:2 (NKJV)
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

6 comments:

Michelle said...

Congratulations on a great workout! I'm an early morning workout person myself - I'm at the gym by 5:45am 5x a week for my personal training workouts, but prior to that, I was at the gym by 4am. I love the early mornings - I just get up, roll out of bed, brush my teeth and drive to the gym. Everything is so peaceful at that time, and I love that I've done my workout and am back home by the time most people are just starting their day!

Have a blessed day! said...

Bring it on stepper, bring it on...that was hilarious!! I'm pretty sure my relationship with the stepper is not a love-hate, it's all hate.

Congrats on spin/cardio class. Words to live by...CUSHION SEAT! You can pick one up at any sports store for hardly anything. So worth saving your tooshie!

Magic Brush said...

I so wish our gym had a spin class. I would just love to try it. Laretha and I have been doing a 5:30 a.m. step class. I feel your pain. I really didn't know so much of the world was up and moving at 5:30 a.m. But they are!!!!

Congrats on a great workout. What I really want to see is... how will you feel in the morning?! (insert evil laugh as I think of my thighs burning last week after lunges and squats. I'm sure I would be dying after a spin class). You go girl!

Anonymous said...

5:30?!? Ahh!! I am sooo not a morning person!! I give you credit for your determination! You are inspiring! Seriously! {do you like all of my ! :) hehe}

Valerie said...

Hahahaha!!! Hysterical: "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."!

I am so proud of you for hanging with it! Heck, I am proud of you for waking up at 5 a.m.!! I don't have mornings in me somehow. I read somewhere that "night owls" are physically stronger during the evening. I use this as my excuse not to get up at the crack of dawn and go to the gym! (At least I go in the evening though ; )

No fear, Mesha...next time you are in that class you will be kicking butt and taking names. You are strong and you are getting stronger every day!

Thanks for making me smile today : )

L said...

I love that you used that scripture to describe your workout! That cracked me up!

I heart spin class so much! I wish we had one near us. Oh, Jen said that - well, we do.

You totally need a cushion seat. It straps on to the seat of the bike. It's not perfect, I mean it's not like a Lazy Boy...although they should consider making a bike seat, I bet that would sell! Anyway, it's not perfect but it does help!!!

I am VERY proud of you for your extra hard workout. You totally rock!

PS Jen complaining about lunges and squats (I love both of these exercises) is hilarious. She complains the second she does one!!

Hehe!!!!