Have you ever wondered?

Since my anxiety has been so terrible lately, I have stopped taking my group exercise classes that I love so much at my local YMCA.  DON'T FRET, I know that exercise is a key to curing my over-whelming anxiety, so I have been focusing more on running, which is like mediation for me and can connect to my breathing in such a way that it calms me.

As most people know, when one exercises at the gym they often listen to music. Everyone is walking around with their MP3 doing their thing.  This brings me to my question, have you ever wondered what other gym-goers are listening to?  My iPod is quite the eclectic collection; I know, most people say that, but it is the truth.  There is so much going on on my iPod I don't really know where to start.

I know that when I am at the gym I like it hard & fast, my music that is.  The faster the tempo, the more focus I have; with that in mind, I also like dance music/hip hop.  Fast moving music is what I need to get moving.  OBVIOUSLY!!

I did a little bit of research on the topic and here are my results:

Quite a few of my friends listen to same kind of music I do (birds of a feather...), whether it be rock, metal or punk; fast beats seem to be popular and they also like their hip hop.
Another popular thing to listen to is Pandora radio.  I love that idea!  I am going to have to try that route.  

I also found out that no one listens to pod casts, & some don't listen to music at all, they prefer the quiet (not sure what gym they go to, but mine is hardly quiet).  Some people at my gym even plug their head phones into the TV an just listen to that.

Music therapy has become more popular then ever, it is helping people get through work-outs each and everyday, but it also can be soothing after a break up, or death or bring you to a place you haven't been for years.  My iPod may be eclectic, but most of the songs come with a memory or story, so if you see me smiling while I am at the gym, I may be thinking of that time when that happened & this song was on...

Tell me what you love to listen to at the gym or while you work out!!

Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger - FOR REAL!

I have said before that I love my YMCA!!  It is so important to my well being; my mental, my spiritual & of course, physical well being.  BUT...this week it is kicking my @ss.  I spend most of my time in group exercise classes.  My YMCA provides Les Mills fitness classes to it's members.  These classes are all choreographed to music and taught by Les Mills certified instructors.  SO, these classes are no joke.

This past weekend there were a couple of new releases.  Les Mills does this every few months.  Holy moley!!  These have been the toughest releases I can remember for a while.  Every ounce of me is sore & they haven't even launched the new Body Flow & Body Combat yet.  UGH!! 

I am not going to let these new releases kick my butt for long!!  I have my Y Crew.  We cheer each other on all the time.  We notice when each other go above & beyond; & we are elated when each of us bust through our personal goals, almost like we did it ourselves.  It's a pretty cool feeling to have so many people have your back.  The Crew will all be kicking butt in no time!!  Every time we get through another class, we are stronger in EVERY sense of the word. 

For now, Advil is my best friend.

I love my YMCA!!

I love my YMCA!  Yes, it's true.

I have been a member for 2 1/2 years or so.  I go 4 or 5 days a week and most of the time you can find me in a group exercise class.  A couple of weeks ago, it was announced that one of our beloved group exercise instructor would be leaving.  She would be moving back to Florida to accept another position.  She and her family are more then happy to move back to the place that they spent so many years.

All of the members at the YMCA are so saddened by this news.  This woman who is admired by men & women alike.  The YMCA's is about strengthening spirit, mind and body, all of which Cindy represents.  She has warmth and compassion, a positive energy that is through the roof and accompanied by a smile on any given day.  A true roll model for the all members.  Don't let that sweet disposition fool you though!  She will kick your butt in class and makes you want to work for it. Cindy is sweating along with you, wanting you to reach your personal best.

She has brought us together for game nights and fund-raisers; through all these different events she has brought all of her "students" closer.  We all are friends and care about the well being of each other.  We push each other and have this amazing fellowship.  Cindy has done her job and now has to touch other lives the way she has touched all of ours.

Tonight we will be getting together to say bye to her.  To wish her happiness and blessings in the place she loves and calls home.  We are thanking God tonight that she came into our lives and that she has family in the area to come back and visit.

Comfy Clothes

I love when I come home from work and get into my comfy clothes.  There is nothing better!!!  I cannot be the only one who looks forward to sweat pants after 5 pm.  These days I hardly ever get to experience that. 

After work, I now change into my gym clothes, eat a quick snack and head out the door to the local YMCA.  I am addicted to the group exercise classes and am probably make an appearance 4 or 5 days a week.  I was spending too much time in sweat pants and started to not be able to fit into my normal pants.  That is bad business!!  In this economy I cannot afford a bigger (literally) wardrobe, so the YMCA it is. 

Don't fear, I still treat myself to comfy clothes, now it is just on Friday nights after a combat class or flow.  I visit the liquor store pick of a couple bottles of my favorite red wines and a tomato pie, pop in a selection from Netflix and ahhhhhh!!!  Comfy clothes, the perfect end of the week treat for the working, athletic woman.  After all, we deserve to be comfortable!  We have worked hard all week.  Time to relax.