Happy Birthday, Bicycle!

Tonight I took my first spin class of 2013 which officially means I am entering my 2nd year of spinning.

Last year after the holidays I felt the need to make some changes in my life and to do something that would deliver improvements both physically and mentally.  I don't recall how I chose the class or the exact date that I went to my first one.  But knowing myself I knew that I needed to find something that was in a group setting, wasn't the same every time, and that I didn't dread doing.

I sort of look at spinning as a dance class on a bike.  What once intimidated me now seems simple.  Each instructor brings his/her personal touch to the class and before I knew it the 45 - 60 minutes were flying by.  Before I knew it I was scheduling my day to include a trip to the gym for a class.  I have also expanded my iPod playlist quite a bit with the music I have found inspiring.

A couple months in I started noticing some improvements.  Now, there was that one time I passed out but I chalk that up to exercising on an empty stomach which I wouldn't recommend.  I noticed my clothes fitting a little better, I had more energy, and my boobs now stick out further than my stomach (not by far, but enough for me to notice anyway).  I also notice after class that my stress level goes down quite considerably.  This has become a great way to get rid of the various stresses of my day and to give myself a bit of perspective.

So, while I will likely always have a bit of a muffin top (a reminder of my two fabulous boys) I am committed to continuing on this journey.  Finding time to exercise isn't as hard as I thought it would be.  The boys like going to the kids area at the health club and tonight we all went as a family which was a great way to spend an evening.  I know I'm still working hard because when I came out tonight Jim and the boys all asked if I was ok because my face was so red.  Cameron even whispered that I kind of looked like a devil.  I took it as a compliment - and it made me chuckle.  And clearly no chance of me becoming a complete health nut.  When we got home I joined the boys in a bowl of ice cream - if nothing else to cool off my red face.

I'd like to think I've ridden around the world by this point, but likely it equals from here to Milwaukee.  Yesterday I took my first yoga class.  Not sure if that will be something I stick with but time will tell.