Fitbit Friends

Back when I first got my Fitbit (about five years ago), I didn't know anyone else who had one. Through the Fitbit Community and such, I friended some people, and received friend requests. I have quite a few friends on Fitbit now. I have to admit ... I only know a very small portion of them. Some I have exchanged a text or two with,  others, I might follow on Facebook or on their blog. But I probably only have 20 or so that I actually know in real life. 

 Jane's son is on my boy's basketball team, and Terrilynne is my neighbor!

Love it when I see people I really know appear in my featured Fitbit friends!

Most everyone I KNOW, always comments about how I am #1 on their Fitbit friend list ... but you can see, looking at the image up top, that I am NOT #1 on MY friend list. And I don't think I ever will be! The top two on mine? They are consistently above 200,000 (a seven day day step total). I just can't compete with that, active as I am. I'm generally in 3rd, 4th or 5th place, although I do drop lower sometimes too.  You can see, looking at the three different "friend" lists featured up top, that many stay the same, yet other friends make appearances and shuffle up the list at times too. 

In the center list ... Scrapjen? That is me too! Wearing my ChargeHR. While it does seem to have a lower step count than my One, I think the discrepancy is more from my bike rides (I move the One to my sock, so it still picks up steps, but the ChargeHR on my wrist doesn't pick up any), and the fact that I don't wear it all the time (I take the Charge off at night, and often leave it off on Sundays, as I'm not anticipating much exercise and it usually doesn't go with my outfit). 

On the third list ... I love it when my family breaks into my featured friends! GrayBlack is Hubs! ColtBolt is #5 (my nine-year old ... active little kid, he never "exercises" he just plays!) Speaking of Fitbit Family ... they generally haven't added a lot of friends, so their lists are all just us (and a friend or two).

I've mentioned my oldest just left for a Mexico Mission. I sent him with a pedometer (unfortunately not a Fitbit, as due to religious restrictions he can't have his iphone or wifi access). But each week as he writes, he includes his steps as Mommy requested.

I then take them and manually enter them into Fitbit. It's fun to see where he falls compared to the rest of us. This past week, his 7-day total of 117.812 was his high to date. Ironically, he'd almost always claimed the #2 spot in all the previous weeks. This past week though, the family at home has been extra active. Hubs spent the weekend biking (he hasn't even made it onto Landon's List in past weeks, not even in the top seven). My basketball boy Callahan had multiple games this weekend, which pushed him up the list.  Even #4 (the 11-year old, SuperCooper) was extra active.

I do love seeing the Fitbit Family list! I wish Fitbit was a little more user friendly in their friends list. I wish I could make different "lists" that I had control over. Oh well ...

I must admit, at this point ... I don't accept every friend request sent my way. Not that I've been the victim of any stalking or inappropriateness, but sometimes when I get a random request from an unknown guy, and I can see all his friends are women. I'll pass. I'm a bit picky too ... something as simple as not having a profile picture. I don't care, it doesn't have to be an actual picture of the person, but I hate the generic silhouette.  And ... if I get a request and I can see this person has a really high step average... is it bad that I don't know if I want to add another unknown person that is just going to push me lower on my list? I know some people probably don't want to be friends with me, if it means I'll take up their top spot. I understand *Ü*

Linking up with Workout Wednesday ... 

I really need to take a few more steps to hit my 22K step goal for today!

Best get off the computer ...

 

Recent Reads ... First in a Series

I've been getting a LOT of reading in recently! Most of it while on the stationary bike. Last week, I did 30minutes of reading/riding on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (in addition to my elliptical and Zumba).  I haven't been back on the bike since. I miss my reading/riding, I've just been filling my time with other stuff I guess.

As I read my books, I try to make sure I update my Goodreads account with a quick rating and review. This is more for me then for anyone else, but hopefully it might help others too. I know I appreciate all the ratings and reviews out there! I don't always get to my review immediate upon finishing my book, but I've tried to make it a habit to review any books I've finished during the week over the weekend. I've done well lately, and I've been reading so much, I was often reviewing 2-3 books a week!

I just looked back and several of my recent reads and realized many were all the first book in a series. Another common feature, I enjoyed them all (a nice change after the "blah books" from my last Recent Reads post). I plan on reading the next book in all my recent reads!  I thought I'd feature five of them here for my monthly book report. 

• Son of War. Daughter of Chaos: I picked this up for my April Kindle Prime borrowed book. While I want to continue on with the series, book 2 isn't written yet ...
• Mila 2.0: I quite liked this story, and the sequel was available immediately from the library ... but I did decide to deviate and pick up another book and come back to this one. I will in the very near future, but a couple of the other book sequels do have dibs.
• Bloodlines: I read the entire Vampire Academy series a couple years ago and really enjoyed them. This spin-off series was available back then (at least the first couple books) but I decided to wait. I've now started up again (and am currently reading book 2).
• Marked: This is available as a FREE Kindle download. Many authors (especially independent ones) will do this to introduce readers to a series and get them hooked. This one did that for me! Luckily I don't have to buy (I'm SO cheap!) as the sequels are available in the Kindle Lending Library. I'll grab book 2 as my borrowed book for May. **Parental perspective, this is an adult book (sexual content and language).
• Grasping at Eternity: I paid $.99 for this book, but I see as I'm writing this that it is also available as a free Kindle download (probably temporary though, grab it while you can). I quite liked it ... and its sequels are not available in the lending library, or my local library, so I may have to actually shell out some money to read them (they aren't very expensive at least, about $3 each). 

Back when I was reading growing up, there were several series out there. The Dragonriders of Pern, Anne of Green Gables, All Creatures Great and Small ... these were some of my favorites. I actually LOVED finding a series,  because then I KNEW what I'd be reading next. Now though ... it seems like there are so few stand alone books! Everything is a series. Sometimes I'm not sure I want to commit myself to reading several books back to back ... but waiting and reading others in-between often ends up with me forgetting storylines and characters.

With the exception of the first book I listed, I do believe the other series are complete (with three or more books to the series). I do want to read them, maybe in a future blog post I'll revisit and write about how it goes ... :)

You can check out my GoodReads account for full reviews/ratings of these five books.

Biking, Basketball and a Box of Childhood

This past weekend just flew by. Busy with basketball. 

Watching. Videotaping. Cheering. That's what I was doing. 

Hubs was gone, busy with biking (a weekend camp/bike trip). 

He just barely got home (left on Friday).

My 16-year old had EIGHT games this week. In addition to the time spent going and watching him play, the basketball continues when I get home. I man the video camera during his games, and so I need to go through the clips, discarding those where nothing memorable happened. I then take the remaining highlights and make a Muvee ... again going through the clips to highlight the important parts, adding a title/credits, and music. It can take a lot of time where I am just sitting at the computer. I was pretty happy when #2 and one of his friends did the first "going through the clips" portion. Saved me several hours, and I was able to get straight to the muvee making. I also updated the Basketball Blog, where I showcase the YouTube links (and I've been getting into Instagram and Twitter more too, as that's what the teenagers are using most these days.)

Here's #2 in action ...

... Wednesday's game against Riverton is up on YouTube. Here's a Cal clip...

A video posted by BlackhamBall (@blackhamball) on May 2, 2015 at 8:28pm PDT

Saturday, I also went to watch my nine year old play. I often jog the track during his games, if one of my other boys will come man the video camera. As they weren't willing, I was the videographer this week. I was glad I was, because the munchkin had an AMAZING game! Normally I only get one or two usable clips from these games, but on Saturday I had enough to make a muvee of just that game!

Between all the basketball ... I DID hit Zumba on Saturday. With Hubs gone, I stayed up late on Friday night. I really thought I'd sleep in ... but I was awake around 7:00, so off to Zumba I went. On Sunday, the boys and I went to my folks for a monthly celebration (all the current birthdays), and my brother brought "a box of childhood" in the form of records that he had somehow ended up with. I'm not sure why, because some of these records were MINE. 

I've been searching online for any updated digital editions of the "Animals" and had never had any luck. I had located "Music Machine" but not the Chip and Dale "Little Red Caboose" ... that one definitely did belong to my brother. He's apparently not as sentimental about it as I am though, as I ended up coming home with the box of records. Now ... I need a record player!

That was my weekend, it was marvelous. Weight actually stayed about this same Sat/Sun, but did bop up this morning, as it is wont to do. 158.9 for Monday morning ... back to the schedule, return to the routine!

April 2015 Zumba Stats

 Ah April ... lots of Zumba this month!
31 different classes!

Although I'm a little loath to stop dancing long enough to take a picture, I have been quickly grabbing  shots in some of my various classes. I need some illustrations for my blog post, right? And I'm an unofficial Zumba ambassador, trying to spread the word about these free Zumba classes (Free Zumba in Utah), so I'm also sharing them there. Above ... Dancing with Debbie in Daybreak!

** click on image to enlarge **

I'm a gadget girl. I have my Fitbit One, which counts steps(speed and impact) to calculate a calorie burn. Then I have a PolarFT4, which uses heart rate. It can be a little unreliable ... and uncomfortable (with it's chest strap), so when Fitbit came out with the ChargeHR, I picked it up too. I wear all three, and compare the different stats. My goals for class are a calorie burn of 400 or more, at least 6000 steps (but 7000 is really what I'm reaching for), and upping the average heart rate. At least in the 120s is the goal ... In the graph above, when two numbers are listed, they are the readings from the Polar/Charge respectively. If only one number is listed in the HRM columns ... it's the ChargeHR (my Polar must have been misbehaving!)

I hit a couple new classes, Nicole (I'd been before, but it was a long time ago) and then a class at USSD (a local karate studio)  ... I also threw in a jogging (track) workout, just to compare the numbers to a Zumba workout.  31 total Zumba classes for the month.

Looking back on the stats, the "winners" for the month are ...

• Highest Heart Rate ... goes to Southziders on Monday, April 20, with an average HR from the Polar at 149, and 138 from the Charge. Both had calorie estimates over 500 for the class. Charge HR snag shown above. 18 minutes in peak (often I don't have any). What was different about that day. Actually ... I lead SEVEN songs as Nina was out with a sick child. Being up on the stage does make a difference I guess!
• Highest Calorie Estimate Average: I take the three calorie estimates, then take the average. The day after my Heart Rate High, I went to support Marian as she subbed in Debbie's Daybreak class. I did help lead a few songs, and was "up front" even when I wasn't leading. This lead to an calorie burn average of 518! (The second class on April 21, in the evening). 
• Highest Steps: The highest steps award for April goes to MZL, on Wednesday April 29, with 7887 steps. Class did go a little over (68 minutes) so that does affect it. But MZL also always has their songs back to back, no waiting at all in between ... so that often helps them win the high step award :)

Here's a few snapshots from the past 30 days ...

 Marian's Tuesday Class on Leslie Dr.

 Marian/Mountain View Zumba ... 9000 S and 2900 W

 SouthZiders in Draper ... 12100 S 700 W

 Debbie in Daybreak

Heather Jones in Sandy

 MZL in West Jordan ... on this day, a youth group was gathered at the church for a different activity, but seeing Zumba going on, they joined in for a few minutes, even though they were dressed in their Sunday best. It was so fun to see them participate!

Check back to see who the "winners" are for May, 

and if I can top the highs from April!

April 2015

Ah April ... it was a pretty good month for exercise, but you can't out cardio your calories. Still struggling with the food (I think I always indulge in Easter eats!) and thus, not so good for the numbers on the scale.  Having some Fitbit troubles too. I couldn't log onto my profile page to get my 30-day graph. I had to make my own! I am enjoying the ChargeHR (did a review) though, and of course, still enjoying Zumba. Lots of Zumba in this month (April Zumba Stats) and got a new high on my heart rate! Basketball is back keeping us busy, lots of games (including the family going to a Jazz game) ... and the teenage boys invaded MY gym.  NUMBERS: Average weight for the month was UP ... 157.28. Not good. The high was 159.9, and the low was only 154.9. Hopefully I can improve in May. Maybe?

*** Jen's Journal ***

• 0401 (Wednesday) Weight 155.2. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2782. Exercise Burn 857/1069 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. No April Fools around here. Zumba was fine, my HRM didn't get up too much, but still got good stats/steps on the One. Wednesdays have been wimpy, only getting in 40min elliptical the rest of the day. It was early out at the elementary, now the kids are off for Spring Break. Hubs had a derby in the evening.
• 0402 (Thursday) Weight 156.5. Good Day. Total Burn 3179. Exercise Burn 1529/1458 (60minElliptical, Zumbax2). Calories in 2500. Slept in with the kids not in school and barely made it to Zumba on time. Good class. Stopped at Kmart and grabbed some Easter candy. The kids have been filling eggs, and we needed more stuff. Got in some elliptical during the day. The kids just played around and enjoyed their day off. Hubs had another derby in the evening. I went to Zumba, very small class tonight. 
• 0403 (Friday) Weight 155.5. Ok Day. Total Burn 2799. Exercise Burn 877/1084 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. Another sleep in. I went to MZL Zumba, staying close and early when I don't have middle school late start. #2 brought his girlfriend over and I put them to work filling eggs. We were still a little short (we have a LOT of eggs to fill) so the two little boys and I went to Dollar Tree, they had been wanting to hit the dollar store again anyway. It was a lovely, sunshiney day and the munchkins ended up putting on swimsuits and playing outside in the water.
• 0404 (Saturday) Weight 154.7. Bad Day. Total Burn 2383. Exercise Burn 420/672 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2650. Hubs went and picked up a Fitbit Surge! I actually was thrilled. I guess that is my Easter present to him? He tried it out jogging to my parents for the Easter party. It's about 10 miles, and we caught up to him around mile 6 and he said he was done and hitched a ride with us the rest of the way. It was a fun, family gathering. I was pretty pooped by evening though, and very ready for the kidlets to get to bed so the Easter Bunny could come ... and then go to bed! 
• 0405 (Sunday) Weight 157.2. Bad Day. Total Burn 1756. Exercise Burn 0/31 (no exercise). Calories in 2500. Easter Sunday! The boys are old enough that they aren't clamoring to get to their Easter baskets. Some years I go a little overboard, but it was pretty small this year. 
• 0406 (Monday) Weight 159.1. Good Day. Total Burn 3373. Exercise Burn 1422/1648 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 1mileIncline, 8.3milesBike). Calories in 1850. Kids were still out of school, so some sleeping in. Hit Zumba. Got in additional exercise at home and kept calories in check. We also went ahead and dyed some eggs ... I had neglected to get it done before Easter but the little boys still wanted to do it. Got the rest of the Easter stuff put away. Good day! 
• 0407 (Tuesday) Weight 157.2. Good Day. Total Burn 3175. Exercise Burn 1300/1453 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 1.5milesTreadmill, 40minWeights). Calories in 2500. Back to the routine, kids off to school, early Zumba today. Got in additional cardio and WEIGHTS! Had to get them in early, because teenage boys invaded after school. Dinner was a pot roast and some Brazilian cheese rolls. Started the day out eating good, keeping calories in check, but then caved toward the end of the day. Hubs had a derby, and the kids brought back cheese curds and shake for me to try. 
• 0408 (Wednesday) Weight 156.7. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2825. Exercise Burn 859/1099 (40minElliptical, Zumba) Calories in 2500. I really should be able to get in a little more on Wednesdays ... not sure why I'm so wimpy. Boys in the gym in the afternoon again. Hubs and the older boys had mutual. #5 had scouts in the afternoon, and then basketball practice in the evening. I just dropped him off, then picked him up again, as I didn't want to leave #4 home alone. He has been stressed, as his school class is going downtown tomorrow for "Biz Town" and he now doesn't want to go. Stressful for me too, as I'm not sure what to do. 
• 0409 (Thursday) Weight 157.2. Good Day. Total Burn 3311. Exercise Burn 1378/1588 (40minElliptical, Zumbax2). Calories in 2200. So, I tried to talk #4 into going without forcing him to, but there were tears and I caved and let him stay home. I dropped off #5, then brought #4 to Zumba with me and made him participate the whole time. We stopped at Smiths on the way home and I talked to him some about prices and money (that's what the field trip was) and we filled up with gas. We home schooled for the day, but I still got in some quick 10min sessions on the elliptical here and there. The teenagers came to my gym again in the afternoon. I had my second Zumba in the evening. I left before the Hubs got home, and he wasn't home when I got back either. He had come, taken the two little ones and gone to see cousins. I had stopped and picked up Crazy Bread at Little Caesars for the boys ... but luckily they like it leftover too.
• 0410 (Friday) Weight 156.9. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 3219. Exercise Burn 1250/1496 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 60minWeights, 8.1milesBike). Calories in 3200. I had one of those days where I weigh in, it's up, I remind myself I need to eat better and then BAM ... I eat bad, bad, bad! Croissant for breakfast, cold cereal for lunch. Ice cream out of the container, kids Easter candy ... I did exercise quite a bit, but still. My usual Friday Zumbas were taking the day off, so I hit the one on Grizzly Way. I dropped #3 off and he walked to school, getting there early, while I was still a few minutes late. Amanda and Charmel joined me there. The teen boys came and hit our gym again. Hubs had taken the day off to go to his mom's, as she was getting a shed put in and he wanted it done right. Hubs ran some additional errands and prepped the garage for the derby workshop tomorrow. I mowed the front lawn and did some gardening, pulling out the old plants and leaves from the flowerbeds.
• 0411 (Saturday) Weight 157.7 Hmmm Total Burn 2981. Exercise Burn 1190/1253 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 4milesTrack). Calories in 3700. Hubs with busy with derby stuff in the morning. I decided to try a local Zumba. I'll probably go back, buy a pass and see how long it lasts me. I don't feel up to Zumba every Saturday. The house was crazy with kids and parents making cars when I got back. I was soon gone again, Colton had a game. This one was quite close, and Colton made a basket to tie it up near the end. He was pretty excited. Keaton got it on video, as I was jogging. I look at the calorie intake today ... how did I do that? I overindulged in ice cream, that's for sure. Hubs made his popcorn, and we ate it and watched the last episode of House of Cards. Had some of the Twix minis I got for Easter too. Calories add up!
• 0412 (Sunday) Weight 159.5. Bad Day. Total Burn 1841. Exercise Burn 0/102 (no exercise). Calories in 3000. We actually went to church on time today. It was hard for me to sit through the whole meeting. I hate sitting. Back at home, we had our Sunday Circles. Hubs had been on duty for making the waffle mix from scratch. Got in a little nap, then we went out to Olive Garden for dinner... so of course I was over calories. 
• 0413 (Monday) Weight 159.9. Hmmm ... Total Burn 3165. Exercise Burn 1300/1426 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 3200. Got the kids off to school and made a quick run to Sam'sClub to grab a few things. I was rushing to make it to Zumba, still putting my hair in a ponytail in my hat, turning on my phone, getting my HRM settled ... all as the warm up was going on. Stopped at Kmart on the way home, grabbed some new joggers for #5, ordered some new shoes from the store kiosk (thus getting free shipping). The sun was out and it was beautiful, so I enjoyed the outdoors for a bit. The weather forecast isn't good for the next couple days. Got in some additional exercise ... knowing the boys are invading after school does make me use my time wisely. In the evening we headed downtown for a Jazz game. My brother had seats in his suite, the boys hadn't ever had that experience before. I don't enjoy the drive downtown, but it was much better than regular seats (even great ones) as I could stand and walk around, and there was a bathroom right there. Pulled pork was served for dinner, and it was good. The dessert bar was decadent! Obviously over calories!
• 0414 (Tuesday) Weight 159.0. Good Day. Total Burn 3305. Exercise Burn 1400/1570 (60minElliptical, Zumbax2, 40minWeights). Calories in 2050. #4 was stressing about school and wanted me to walk him in, but I made him go (I had just babied him last Thursday). I did send an email to the teacher asking about what he's stressing about (his SRI score improvement as a requirement for Free Time Friday). Went to Zumba, but I am struggling to get good numbers the past several classes. The weather then turned horrible! Windy, blowing up dust and turning the sky a strange color. I was almost expecting a call from the school from #4. Hopefully he wasn't too close to a window to be aware of what was going on. I ended up going early to pick the elementary kids up, so I'd be there waiting as soon as they got out (usually I come a little late, letting them play and allowing the traffic to clear out some). #4 really wasn't as stressed out by the weather as I expected ... at home he did retreat to the safety of the basement after a while. The teenagers didn't show up to use the gym today, of course #2 neglected to tell me that, so I had been holding off going and getting anything else done. I wasn't feeling great though. TOM, and really trying to keep calories in check. Hubs and #3 went and did a derby. I ended up hitting the Zumba in Daybreak. It doesn't start until 8:45 which is quite late. I was tired, but it was fun. Hubs was asleep when I got back though. I don't feel like I even saw him today. 
• 0415 (Wednesday) Weight 157.8. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2979. Exercise Burn 1170/1251 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 2700. Woke to snow today. Not really a surprise. It was in the forecast and it was obvious something was blowing in yesterday. #2 isn't used to having to scrape off his truck, in fact we couldn't even locate a scraper! We were trying to clear it off with a snow shovel, rag, and kitchen scraper. #3 had me drive him to school as it was so cold he didn't want to walk from where #2 usually drops him. I didn't blame him either. It does make me miss out on my morning elliptical though. When I took the little boys to school a bit later, it was an absolute blizzard! We could hardly see at all. I still went to Zumba, as it is nice and close, but it was obvious the weather was affecting others, it was a small showing and got started even later than usual. Back at home, I did get my elliptical and bike in, which I don't always do on wimpy Wednesdays. I did pull out the hot chocolate maker and indulged in some chocolate treats. Hubs took #3 to the Apple Store at the mall and tried on the Apple watch. They are both fascinated by it. I can't believe neither one took a picture while they tried it on. They stopped at Cheesecake Factory and bought some slices to bring home, as Hubs had a gift certificate to use up. I took #5 to basketball practice in the evening. It finally stopped snowing. 
• 0416 (Thursday) Weight 157.8. Good Day. Total Burn 3185. Exercise Burn 1404/1457 (50minElliptical, Zumbax2). Calories in 2500. Still snowy and cold, so I drove #3 to school again. #4 was stressing about a test in his school, so I walked him in and we talked to his teacher. It was a rough morning for him, I stayed a little later than I anticipated and missed the warmup at Zumba. It was a good class though, I finally felt like I was out of my funk. One of the other instructors came and brought a few of her followers, so it was a slightly larger group, which is great. Plenty of room there. The sun came out the the snow soon melted away. I still went early to pick up the kidlets from school, wanting to be there when #4 got out (I've done this the past few days, and it adds an extra 20 minutes of sitting, but what are you going to do?) We had a little friend of #5 over for the afternoon. I went to Zumba in the evening. Hubs came home and took the younger two to Macey's and got ice cream cones with friends ... they had let me know they were gone, so I didn't do my usual stop for Crazy Bread at Little Caesars. #4 was actually very disappointed I didn't still pick some up, but I was already over calories for the day. 
• 0417 (Friday) Weight 157.8. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2781. Exercise Burn 805/1053 (40minElliptical, Zumba) Calories in 2400. Little bit of a sleep in on Fridays. #4 was anxious and upset as I dropped him off, I hoped he'd make it through the day. I dropped #3 off at middle school then headed across town to Heather's class. It's been several weeks since I'd been there. I think I finally remember the choreography for one of my favorite numbers (one I have the music for so I can do it at home). I'd picked up a Flex charger as I'd noticed Heather not wearing hers (she said she had misplaced the charger). I had found a cheap replacement ... good to know, as I'd had to buy a $20 replacement back when #1 misplaced ours originally. #3 has been wearing the Flex, which makes me happy. I ordered some additional bands for him, but they haven't come yet. Hubs decided the Surge wasn't exact enough for him, so he returned it. He HAD been using the Flex, but as #3 was wearing it now, I set him up with an extra One we had around. He's even wearing it in the case (he always just wore the small piece in his pocket before). I got in a little elliptical during the day ... I practiced the song from Zumba and think I do have it down. Maybe I'll do it in one of the classes next week. Early out at the elementary ... I ended up dropping #3 at a friend's, and they went to play basketball at Kearn's Rec (by the Olympic Oval). I then took the two little ones in for much needed haircuts. We picked up pizza and crazy bread, then I had to go pick up #3 and his friend. I really prefer dropping off, as it usually goes quicker. I ended up waiting for a while, and the whole trip took almost an hour. 
• 0418 (Saturday) Weight 158.2. Ok Day. Total Burn 2785. Exercise Burn 800/1280 (60minElliptical, 30minBike) Calories in 2300. Didn't have Zumba on the schedule. #5 had his basketball game in the afternoon, but #3 was not coming to video, so I decided not to jog the track so I could man the video camera. I hadn't watched a game this season from the floor. I still did get elliptical in, and bike a little later on. #3 ended up having several friends over (pretty rare for him) and they stayed almost all afternoon. They started a movie, and #4 was distraught as he wanted to watch the NBA playoffs (and the boys were watching on the only TV that actually gets cable). I figured out that we could access the ESPN channel on our Roku, so luckily technology solved the problem today (not until after tears had been shed though). Hubs went out to his mom's house, and I had him pick up some pizza on the way home. I actually didn't do horrible on calories today. Not under 2000, but not too far over. A bit of a down evening ...
• 0419 (Sunday) Weight 158.4. Bad Day. Total Burn 1721. Exercise Burn 0. Calories in 3000. Totally slept in this morning ... like still in bed at 9:00 when church starts sleeping in. Hubs had gone into work. I still had to hit the third hour to play the piano in primary. I made breakfast for the boys and then went. I should have walked, as the weather was absolutely gorgeous, but I was running a little late. After church I took a little nap. Love Sunday naps. Made toasted cheese for dinner and homemade oreos for dessert. We played some Scattergories and hubs and I watched the latest Game of Thrones. 
• 0420 (Monday) Weight 159.5. Good Day. Total Burn 3449. Exercise Burn 1553/1711 (80minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike) Calories in 2550. Back to the routine. Nina wasn't able to make it to Southziders as she had a sick child, so the rest of us had to fill in the time. I ended up doing seven numbers and got my highest HRM stats yet! I stopped at Kmart on the way home, grabbing some cat food and TP with my points. It was a nice sunny day, so I spent a little time outside in it. Got in more elliptical and bike. The teenagers didn't end up coming after school, but I just never know. Made spaghetti for dinner. I had kept calories fairly in check, but then ended up over. 
• 0421 (Tuesday) Weight 157.1. Good Day. Total Burn 3566. Exercise Burn 1800/1842 (60minElliptical, Zumba x2, 30minBike). Calories in 2350. Big day for #5, he had his field trip at school and pinewood derby in the evening. He wanted to make sure he was on time (not that we're ever actually late) but that was good, it got me to my early Zumba on time. After Zumba I got in some elliptical and bike. I should have done weights, but Hubs said the window repair guy was coming, and that throws me off. I feel like I have to stay upstairs and wait. Our front window had broken a bit ago (kids!) and we had two others that were cracked. The window guy had come out to measure and stuff a a bit ago and they were ready to be put in. I am glad to get that front one taken care of! I don't feel like I can go hit the gym when someone is over working in the house, so I worked on the blog a bit (my missionary son's one). #2 had a basketball game at 6:00. It's been a while since I've seen him play. #3 came along to watch too. Hubs and the two little ones went over to the church to set up the pinewood derby. As soon as the basketball game was over, #3 and I headed over. Got there just as they were ready to start. #2 won his game, and #5 won the derby! I then went to Zumba. I might not have after such a busy day, but I had helped arrange for Marian to sub in Debbie's class. I like to go support Marian, and help out. Amanda was there too, so we both were pretty much up front. I got really good stats in that class too. Hubs was asleep when I got back ... it did take me a while to wind down. 
• 0422 (Wednesday) Weight 155.8. Good Day. Total Burn 2920. Exercise Burn 1040/1203 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2000. When I got to Zumba I realized I'd forgotten the watch part of my Polar HRM. Duh! Oh well, at least I do have the ChargeHR to get a heart rate reading. I do like the Polar, as it's display is on and readable (I have to push a couple buttons to see the HR on the Charge). Class was pretty crowded today. Sometimes I'm not quite comfortable without enough personal space. After class I stopped off at Sears and picked up a couple items I had waiting for me there. I was dragging, so I did take a little nap. Kitty came and snuggled. It started to look a little stormy, and #4 called from school just wanting to make sure I was there right when school got out (sometimes I like to come five minutes later so some of the traffic has cleared). I left immediately to make sure I was there, I really didn't think I'd get a spot as I hadn't left as early as I usually do, but I had no trouble getting a spot. #2 and buddies ended up coming over to use the weight room, so I didn't get in any after school exercise. I worked on making a muvee of yesterday's basketball game during that time. Still need to make a derby video too. Then the teenagers went to scrimmage another team, Hubs and #3 went to mutual over at the church, and I took #5 to basketball. I came back home (finished up my 10minutes on my show) and then went back to pick him up. I tried to read a little before bed, but couldn't keep my eyes open! So tired. Did keep calories in check today though. 
• 0423 (Thursday) Weight 156.1. Good Day. Total Burn 3359. Exercise Burn 1473/1640 (60minElliptical, Zumba X2). Calories in 1900. Zumba in the morning. Got in some elliptical at home. #2 had a game (but too far for me to attend), Hubs and #3 had a derby. I invited my mom to attend the evening Zumba with me and she said yes! She and my dad came out, Grandpa stayed and played games with the little boys. Another day keeping calories in check! 
• 0424 (Friday) Weight 155.6. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2612. Exercise Burn 840/896 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2000. Grey's Anatomy was on last night ... I was not able to avoid spoilers, so even though I hadn't seen the episode yet, I was very sad. It seriously affected my morning, getting the kids off, and Zumba. A little hard to get the heart rate up. When I got back home, I did watch the episode while on the elliptical. Yes ... I cried. I've been a Grey's follower for years. I tried to keep calories low, as Hubs and I were joining my folks and my brother and his wife for dinner. It was Chinese, which isn't as bad as some places for me. No rolls to overdose on, no dessert other than a fortune cookie. It was a nice evening out. 
• 0425 (Saturday) Weight 156.5. Bad Day. Total Burn 2325. Exercise Burn 450/604 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2850. Slow step day, only a couple sessions on the elliptical. I had #5's basketball game, but instead of jogging the track, I manned the video camera. In the evening, we went out to the cemetery ... it was the 23rd anniversary of Hub's dad's passing this past Thursday. We did the annual visit to the grave, picture ... then out to eat. Just to Crown Burger, basically fast food. I had fish and chips (fries) and a big shake (my fry sauce) then we stopped at Nelson's Frozen Custard for dessert ... but I was already full from my shake. It was a lot of sitting in the car (the cemetery is on the other side of town) ... I really should have hit the elliptical again when we got back home, but I was feeling lazy!
• 0426 (Sunday) Weight 157.4. Bad Day. Total Burn 2177. Exercise Burn 400/451 (40minElliptical). Calories in 3100. I actually got in a little exercise, but also ate bad. Croissants in the morning, Sunday Circles after lunch ... snacks and popcorn in the evening. Gotta get back at it tomorrow!
• 0427 (Monday) Weight 159.6. Good Day. Total Burn 3004. Exercise Burn 1200/1266 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 2200. Kids off to school and I hit Zumba. At one point, the music just stopped. Usually that means a child has gotten into the chapel and is playing with the speaker buttons, but today, it took some time to get things back up ... my heart rate drops with any break. So not the usual stats today. Back at home I got in elliptical and bike. Love reading and riding! Hubs had planned to help out a friend build a derby car, but they cancelled, so it was a quiet evening at home.
• 0428 (Tuesday) Weight 157.5. Good Day. Total Burn 3694. Exercise Burn 1800/1968 (60minElliptical, Zumba x2, 30minBike, 40minWEIGHTS). Calories in 1700. I kind of had a crazy controlled day today. Oodles of exercise, and kept the calories low. Started with Zumba, and I had time to hit weights, bike and elliptical during the day and after picking up kids from school. Hubs and #3 went to do a derby. #2 had a game at 6:00 over at the high school ... then, even though I was almost at 30k, I went ahead and went to Zumba. My visiting teacher has been trying to get with me, and she finally just came to Zumba with me! I did "Chocolate" in Debbie's class ... and then forgot to pick up my phone after. Debbie looked on the phone and could tell which was a family member (as #2 has input his contact info as "Callahan Your Favorite Son") so that is who she called. She was actually heading out to the airport to pick up her hubs, and I was on the way, so I met her just off Bangerter to get it. So nice of her to do that though! My sweet hubs was out cold when I got back, he does get up so early that it's not surprising.
• 0429 (Wednesday) Weight 155.8. Good Day. Total Burn 3149. Exercise Burn 1300/1432 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 1700. MZL Zumba in the morning, got really goo numbers. Got in elliptical and bike during the day. #2 had two games in the evening, at 6:00 and 8:00 (lost the first, won the second). Hubs and #3 were gone to a derby. Busy day ... but maybe that's why I was able to keep calories in check.
• 0430 (Thursday) Weight 154.9. Good Day. Total Burn 3307. Exercise Burn 1430/1595 (50minElliptical, Zumba x2). Calories in 2400. Zumba in the morning ... Marian had to leave a little early, so I took over and did three high intensity songs in a row (because I've realized high intensity ones are really the only ones I have on my iphone). Silvia came back in and I turned the time over to her. Whew. Sweaty! Stopped at Kmart again, as I had some more points to spend. Got in some elliptical during the day, and then #2 had a game at 4:00. It wasn't on the original schedule, but luckily there were no conflicts for me being able to go watch. They won, but it was a close one! I went to Zumba in the evening, but I was feeling a bit off. Tummy cramps. Pushed through and still got decent numbers though. Had to take a back way to the church because of road construction my usual route. I stopped and grabbed some crazy bread, and Hubs, who'd been off doing a derby, stopped and grabbed some Popeyes. Even if I'm not that hungry, I can't seem to resist Popeye's chicken ... so I ended up over eating.

WWI #93 - Fluctuations and Staying the Same

Generally, Friday is my lowest weigh-in of the week. I do badly over the weekend, and I recommit with the return to routine on Monday, working the weight down over the next few days. This week, Thursday morning was a little lower, and Friday came in exactly where I weighed in at last week. Here's my weekly recap ...

• Friday: Zumba in the morning, and 40minutes of elliptical a little later in the day. I watched Grey's Anatomy ... I am sad. Seriously, I think it impacted my day! I really tried to control calories as we were going out in the evening with my family. 
• Saturday: I had planned on getting in some jogging while watching #5 play basketball, but my videographers (sons #2 or #3) backed out, so I manned the camera during the game instead. Got in 40 min on the elliptical, but a slow step day. Not a low calorie day, as we met up with Hub's side of the family and it included eating out.
• Sunday: I actually got in some exercise ... 40min on the elliptical. But there was also a LOT of laying around, and lots of calories consumed. Bad eating day!
• Monday: Back at it ... Zumba in the morning, not quite the usual stats as there were some technical problems. Got in 60 min of elliptical, and 30min on the bike, reading and riding. Calories were over 2000, but not out of control.
• Tuesday: Zumba in the morning, 60 minutes of elliptical during the day. Also got in weights and bike. #2 had a basketball game at 6:00. Hubs had a derby. I went ahead and hit evening Zumba too, taking one of my neighbors with me. In addition to the oodles of exercise, I actually kept calories in check!
• Wednesday: Zumba in the morning. An hour of elliptical during the day. 30min reading and riding on the stationary bike ... three days in a row, I finished my book. #2 had two basketball games today, at 6:00 and 8:00 (lost the first, won the second). Hubs had a derby. Another day keeping calories in check.
• Thursday: Zumba in the morning. Only 50 minutes of elliptical. #2 had a 4:00 basketball game.  I went to Zumba at 7:00, but was feeling just a tad off, but pushed through. Hubs had a derby, and stopped and picked up Popeyes on the way home. I have a hard time resisting their fried chicken ... and I did eat. A little over on calories.

NUMBERS: Weight fluctuated during the week, hitting a high of 159.6.  No weight change for the official weigh-in, but my average went down slightly. -.8 to 156.76.  I did have a deficit of 1970 for the week. Average intake 2279. Average daily burn 2895. 

And that was my week ...

Polar Problems, Weigh-inWednesday and a 35K Day

I'm a little tired today. I had a 35k day yesterday ... and that included a 40 min weight session that barely registered any actual steps. I started the day early, as #2 had to get to school early. I got the other kids off, then hit Zumba. Tuesdays, Zumba starts at 8:45, and it's right in my neighborhood. So I'm home by 10:00, often with 10K already. Then I hit the elliptical a few times, mowed the front lawn, did weights. After collecting kids after school, there was a 6:00 basketball game. No sitting for me ... I walk around a bit during the game while I catch video highlights. Then I still went to an evening Zumba class ... not because I felt like I needed any more activity, but because I just enjoy it!  I actually got some housework and laundry done during the day, as well as a couple blog posts up (alas, this isn't my only blog). 

I must admit ... I'm feeling it a bit today. Whether it was all the activity, or simply the weight workout (and DOMS), there is some stiffness and soreness in the body. Not that it stopped me from hitting my Zumba class this morning (and some elliptical and bike, gotta get it in as there are TWO basketball games to video this evening). 

As I headed out the door to Zumba, I happened to look down and realize, I didn't have the watch part of my PolarFT4 on. Duh! I did that last week. A heart rate monitor generally has three pieces ... the watch, the strap, and the transmitter, which attaches to the strap, which you wrap around your chest. You need all three parts for a HRM to work.

Not that my HRM has been working lately! I've been having POLAR PROBLEMS! The issue above is user-error, but the other stuff ... Polar, I'm not particularly pleased! My HRM seems to work almost flawlessly for about six months, but then, even with washing the strap, replacing the batteries, even using an electrode gel, I'm getting skewed readings. A big fact ZERO. Then suddenly a heart rate of 200, when I know I'm nowhere near there.

I mean, at this point, I do have my ChargeHR. 

I bought it because of the problems I was having with the Polar ... but even with it, I'd still use the Polar, because I wanted to see how close the readings were. They have been pretty close. Ironically, after buying the ChargeHR the Polar started working better than it had been in a bit. I wondered if somehow the Polar KNEW it was going to be replaced and was making a last ditch effort to show it's worth! ;)  Because electronics are alive ... (sometimes it seems that way though, doesn't it?)

I do like that the Polar display is ON during a workout. To see my heart rate on the ChargeHR, I have to press a couple of buttons. That isn't that easy as I'm bouncing around in Zumba class. My HRM readings aren't only something I'm interested in after, seeing how I did ... it's motivating to see the stats during class, so see that I'm getting it up there, or not, and knowing I need to push it some more.

But the issues mentioned above aren't the only Polar problems I had. It supposedly has a "comfort strap" ... and a little portion that flips to cover the connection to protect your skin. Still, I would have discomfort with the strap, and downright pain at one point. I finally checked it out a little closer, and it had actually broken the skin. Ouch!

I was able to cover up this traumatic injury with a band-aid, and also switch the strap so the connection was on the other side (of course then this just started happening over there).  Fitness struggles are SO hard, aren't they?

One other "problem" ... which is a good problem, and also a fixable problem (I just have to look at the instructions and see how to change some things) is that in some of my recent Zumba exercise, my "in zone" numbers have been low. It's because my heart rate has actually been TOO high. Now users can adjust this range to their own specifications, so I just need to figure out how to do that. Rather than a specific "in zone" reading, with a high limit, I'd rather move the upper end, so I can get a better accounting of all my minutes above a certain range, no upper limit (as I really don't ever have to worry that I'm dangerously high, I just don't do that! I struggle enough getting my heart rate up!)

I've had a couple wardrobe malfunctions as well, when the strap would suddenly come undone while dancing ... a couple times while I was up front leading of course too! But even with all these issues, I continue to plug along with my Polar.

Have you had any Polar Problems? 

Linking up with Workout Wednesday. 

I also thought I'd do a quick Weigh-In Wednesday mention. I usually don't actually do it on Wednesday, as Friday is my official weigh in. But as I mentioned in my Monday post, I was up FOUR pounds over the weekend. 155.6 to 159.6. Well, after being good on Monday, and my big day yesterday, I am down to 155.8 anyway. Hopefully I can lose a little big more so I can log a loss for Friday. Check back then!

Yea Monday!

 

I love Mondays. One of my Zumba instructors posted the picture above. I'm not a Zumba instructor, just a rabid follower, but I say that pretty much every weekend! Zumba does have a lot to do with it. But it's more the return to routine. I can do SO much better with exercise and eating on the weekdays. The weekends totally throw me off.  I mean ... I weighed in at 155.6 on Friday morning. This morning? 159.6. Up four pounds over the weekend. Now, I know much is probably water weight (hubs and I did indulge in popcorn last night while we watched several shows) but still ...

For a while there, I was pretty regular with my "Marvelous in my Monday" weekend recap. Then I started doing a weekly recap in my weekly weigh-in on Fridays, and felt it was a little repetitive, and my Monday posts kind of disappeared.  This past weekend was pretty busy though, so I thought I'd come back and post all about it :)

Friday night we went out to dinner with my folks and my brother and his wife. It was Chinese, which isn't too bad calorie wise. There's no bread/rolls for me to overdose on, we don't do dessert. I get the sweet and sour chicken without the sauce (not for calorie control, just because of my eating issues).

Saturday I went shopping. I cleaned out the fridge on Friday and the poor little fruit drawer was empty. We went to Sam's Club, and while I usually leave the kidlets home, today I invited them along. I gave them $10 and they went to the food court while I did the shopping.

They were pretty happy and full after ... and our fruit was restocked. Apples, bananas, grapes, clementines and the first watermelon of the season (I picked it out myself, and it was a good one!) I  don't like strawberries myself, but even I had to admit they looked awesome. They were huge! But the last package I had purchased had gone uneaten, so I passed them up.

Then, my youngest had a basketball game. He is playing at the gym with a track above the court. Often, I'll jog the track while watching the game. I can usually get in four miles or so. The problem is, I also like to get video of the games. One of my other boys had been helpful in coming and handling the video camera, so I could jog. But not this week (or last week). I really DO want to have the camera on though, I just love catching clips like this ...

Colton shoots and scores in today's basketball game. Follow @blackhamball for more Blackham boy basketball clips!

A video posted by JenB (@jenblackham) on Apr 25, 2015 at 2:32pm PDT

Saturday afternoon, we went with Hub's side of the family to the cemetery. On Thursday, it has been 23 years since my husband's father passed away. It's been an annual April tradition for our family. It was a little overcast and rainy, so we didn't stay too long.

After, we went out to eat, and this time there was most definitely dessert. 

High calories!

Sunday there was sleeping in. I'd laid out some frozen croissants for breakfast. They rise overnight, then you bake them up fresh and warm. Delicious! NOT low calorie. Then there was church, then a nice nap. I did make Sunday Circles (Belgian Waffles) for the boys ... and myself. Then Hubs and I watched several episodes of American Crime and the latest Game of Thrones ... while munching on popcorn.  Not a low calorie day. I did elliptical 40 minutes both Saturday and Sunday, but that was not even close to competing with the calorie intake. 

So back to Monday morning ... when I am uber active, and can usually make better food choices, when we aren't going out to eat and such. How was your weekend?

WWI#92 - Finally a Down

Finally, the number on the scale went down. After several weeks in a row of a slow but steady increase, there was a reverse (I did update my Weekly Weigh-Ins page to get a clear view of the stats recently). I still almost hit 160 there on Monday morning, but then managed to have several days of good exercise and eating, and the scale reflected my work this week.  Here's the quick recap of my life these past seven days ...

• Friday: I went back to my usual Zumba class, and got in 40min of elliptical. The day was busy with the late start/early out, dropping #3 off to hang with friends, taking the little ones in for a haircut. Couldn't quite keep calories in check.
• Saturday: I got in some elliptical, but during #5's game I chose to videotape rather than jogging the track. #3 has been manning the video camera for me but he was home with several friends over. That did impact the afternoon some (as I feel I need to supervise) but I did get in 30minutes on the bike. Calories were not too bad, but a little over.
• Sunday: Lazy day! Slept in (and had a little nap later). No exercise. Over on calories with the usual Sunday Circles breakfast, toasted cheese dinner and homemade oreos for dessert. Some fun with family games (Scattergories).
• Monday: Return to the routine and ready to be back at it. The main instructor at Zumba was home with a sick child, so those of us who knew songs needed to step up and fill in the time. I ended up doing seven songs and it got me by best HRM stats to date! Got in some additional exercise at home. Was doing ok until Hubs expected me to make dinner ... I mean really, is that MY job? Ha ha ... the kids keep expecting me to make breakfast too!
• Tuesday: Busy day! Zumba in the morning, some additional exercise at home, but also had to wait around for the window guy (replacing some broken panes). #2 had a basketball game after school. I love to watch him play. Then straight to the church for #5's pinewood derby (he took 1st place!) then off to Zumba. I probably would have skipped, except that MY main instructor was subbing and I wanted to support her. I got great stats! Calories were ok ... I just couldn't keep away from the ice cream.
• Wednesday: Zumba in the morning, and an hour of elliptical. The teenagers did come invade the gym after school, or I might have done some reading/riding too. I made a highlight's video of yesterday's game. #5 had basketball practice in the evening. Actually kept calories in check today.
• Thursday: Zumba in the morning. Got in some elliptical at home. #2 had a game (but too far for me to attend), Hubs and #3 had a derby. I invited my mom to attend the evening Zumba with me and she said yes! She and my dad came out, Grandpa stayed and played games with the little boys. Another day keeping calories in check!

 It felt like a really good week, and with the loss on the scale ... the numbers didn't quite show it as good as I would have thought off the top of my head. That's why I do like to keep track of all the numbers and everything. 

NUMBERS: Weight was down 2.2 since weigh-in last week. The average weight was 157.56, which was down .81. My average intake was 2357. Average burn was 2940 ... I thought I'd get over 3000, and I had a couple big days, but my rest day Sunday brought it down I guess. It equaled out to a weekly deficit of -1471.  That's not enough to account for the 2+ pound loss, but I'll take it. Both the loss, and just having a decent deficit at least. The goal is a deficit of 3500 though. Gotta keep the calories, quantity and quality, in better control to do that.  I saw this quote this week ... that IS my struggle!

Zumba Center Stage

I love Zumba. I go five days a week to different classes with different instructors. A wide variety of songs and steps. At some of the classes, I'll step up front and lead a song or two if the instructor asks me to. Some routines I've just picked up after doing them many times. The instructor could do it, but maybe she would like a quick break, or likes to showcase students to push them a little out of their comfort zone. As I do frequent various classes, sometimes there will be a song I adore in one class that is never done in one of the others, so maybe I'll learn it and lead it at the other class. I've also found a few online that I've brought to class. I actually have quite a few songs/routines in my repertoire at this point. I still have no plans to become an instructor, but I don't mind helping out, in fact I like it. I also don't mind if I go through a class completely as a follower. It's all win/win for me. 

A couple of days ago, when I went to my free Monday class, our main instructor was out with a sick child. One of our backup instructors couldn't make it, and another was there but not feeling great. Rather than cancelling the class, they turned to those of us who knew routines to step up and help out. I ended up doing seven songs that day. And do you know what? I got my highest heart rate monitor numbers yet!

 I've noticed that when I am up front, I usually do get a higher reading on the heart rate monitor(s ... yes, plural, I wear two because I'm kind of silly like that. A PolarFT4 and ChargeHR).  I was never sure exactly why. Just the pressure of being up front, center stage, with everyone looking at YOU can be enough to up the heart rate.  Then of course, the songs I know the moves to, I get a better heart rate reading on, as I can make all the moves, modify them with a little more bounce.

Then ... just because I'm me, most of the songs I choose to do are already high intensity songs. Those are just the ones I'm drawn to myself.  Regardless of why, MY songs usually get my heart rate up the most, so I guess it wasn't surprising that I got such good stats when I was leading more songs. 

Here's a few of "MY" songs ...

Shake ... this was the first song that drove me up on the stage.  I loved this song, but only one instructor ever did it. Then she got pregnant and stopped teaching. I'd do this myself at home to the YouTube video until I felt comfortable enough that I thought I could lead it. I mentioned to one of my instructors if she wanted me to do it, I could. I still love this one, but another gal (who reminds me SO much of myself on this Zumba journey) loves it and I've "passed it on" to her ... her first song she's stepped up to lead.

Chocolate ... I found this group online, they have a ton of cute stuff. This song was so catchy and cute, I was a little surprised it wasn't already in the repertoire of some of my instructors. I tweaked it just a bit, as the leg wiggle thing didn't work for me (I do an "out in out in" jumping jack move with the legs) ... but it has been very well received by several of my classes. But I mean come on, who doesn't like chocolate?

Terrible ... I found this one online and really liked it. Such energy. So fast paced, yet repetitive enough I felt like I could master the memorization. As with "Chocolate" I tweaked a couple moves. I have to admit ... sometimes when this song comes on and the instructor indicates it's my turn ... I hate this song! It really requires SO much energy, and sometimes I'm not sure if I have it during a class. But then again, it's good to be pushed, right?

Those are the main three songs I think of as "mine" ... songs that I brought to class, that probably wouldn't have been done otherwise. I also picked up Cha-Cha swing (video links in my Cha-Cha Challenge post) and do it regularly too.

This is my late Workout Wednesday post. I've already been to Zumba this morning, but it's a double Zumba day (as most Thursdays are). I've invited my mom out ... it will be her first time attending a class. I just figured she should get a taste of what I'm talking about all the time.