This is the 4th week of the Structure House program - and technically once this week is completed you're considered a graduate. Most leave after the month and some opt to remain. For those that are leaving, they undergo the same tests that we took when we first arrived. I wanted to get an idea of how successful I have been so far, so asked if I could do the fitness test - I'll wait and do the blood work in my last week here.
I have worked hard - and was pleased to discover that my fitness levels have improved significantly. My first week here, I was at the absolute bottom of the charts - the only thing that came close to average was my grip, everything else was poor or at the bottom of the grid - with most at the bottom. After four weeks I am thrilled to report that my range is now mainly hitting the average mark and a few things hovering just above below average. My BMI is still high - but physically I'm doing so much better that my BMI will continue to improve over time.
The nurse also took my measurements and my chest, waist and hips now total 8" smaller than when I arrived! I was blown away with this - as I had commented on the weekend that the only real difference that I had noticed was that my rings were getting loose on my fingers. Wearing primarily exercise clothes, it's hard to notice a real difference right now.
I'm really enjoying the fitness classes that are influenced by dance. I find that I get a great cardio workout - my spirit loves them - and I am discovering that on the days that I dance - I am on a real high. The same is true when I do the strength training workouts. I realised last week that I was holding back - and decided it was time to work with one of the personal trainers. I really enjoy working with him - he challenges me to do more - at a pace that works for me. He also ensures that I stretch between sets - which really helps.
I have try to stretch daily - and I truly believe that this is helping to improve my muscle tone and has eliminated any stiffness that I might experience from all the physical activities that I have been doing.
I have been slowly working my way through all of the classes offered -and am finding that I really don't enjoy the aerobics classes as much as I did 18 - 20 years ago. I did a step aerobic class today - and found it to be brutal. I don't think it helped that my body was tired today - I did not have it in my schedule but opted to do it as I had missed the earlier dynaband class. I got through the class, but it was a struggle. There were several times when I wanted to quit and leave - but I was determined to complete the class. Later when I met with Randy for my strength training work out - he told me that it was important that I make time to nap or sleep in order to allow my body to fully recover. No need to get injured now!
So, rather than go to chair yoga or cardio ballroom - I decided to return to my apartment and put my feet up for the hour before dinner. After dinner I went for a swim and did some stretching in the water. It was my first swim since I've been here - it felt good to be in the water. I had intended to go to the outdoor pool but got as far as my foot - the water was just too cold! So ...I went to the indoor pool - I'm not a big fan of the indoor pool - as it has a strong chlorine smell about it ....but it was warmer. I did a few laps and essentially played in the water (it helped that I had the pool to myself!).
As I played around in the water - I realised how important it was for me to listen to my body and my heart. I am learning to do that here, actually I've been working on this for a while now - but am now putting it into practice for myself.
I've noticed a real difference since I started doing the movement expression with Rebecca. She has this ability of creating a safe environment so much so that I am able to play with the music as I dance. Yesterday we worked together in the gym as the smaller space was already booked. Her instruction was to start from my toes and to let them dance - and gradually work my way up through the rest of my body - and then to use the all of the space in the gym. It was an uplifting experience as I tried new moves and relaxed into the music.
We also worked more on the acapella piece "We Are". For a few seconds I became aware that others were watching and I started to get self-conscious. I chose to acknowledge the feeling and let it go - and continued with my dance. When we finished, I felt terrific - I was dripping with sweat - but was exhilarated!
When I went outside after my class, I had a few people compliment me on how I moved. It's funny - I find it much easier to give compliments than to receive them. And yesterday was initially no different - I heard my inner gremlin jump up in my brain and immediately dismiss what was being said - and after the second instance - another thought popped up .... instead of dismissing the compliment outright, why not accept it gracefully. My inner critic or gremlin was quite willing to accept this - and all was good in my world :-).
I'm getting there - one day at a time! Tomorrow is NIA :-))) and my third session with Rebecca :-)). It's also movie night ...so a night out off campus (woohoo!!!).
Time for me to head to bed!
Lots of love,
Norma
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