Cardio Ballroom Today!

Hey guys,

Today I did Julianne Hough's Cardio Ballroom.  I always look forward to this workout!  This is the DVD that jumpstarted my weight-loss journey.  On days when I didn't feel like working out because it was soooooo haaaard, this workout actually helped me get my butt into my workout clothes and get in front of the TV, simply because it is so much fun!  I have always loved to dance, so if you love to go to the club or just dance in your bedroom, then this one is for you!

When I first started this DVD, 40 lbs. ago, I would place a mirror in front of the TV and watch myself dance.  I looked at all of the fat hanging over my pants.  I looked at all of the places that were pudgy and dimply.  I examined my body everyday in that mirror, because I wanted to notice even the slightest changes in my body.  Pretty soon I saw a difference.  Then I felt the difference.  At first, I couldn't make it through this entire video.  I would stop all the time.  Pause was my favorite button on the remote!  But pretty soon I could get through the first segment without stopping, then the second, and one day I could get through the entire DVD without stopping!  And NOW, this is my "easy" workout, reserved for days when I want a moderate workout that will loosen up my back.

I tell you this to let you know that, no matter where you are in your fitness journey, if you stick with it and practice consistency, then pretty soon the movements that are sooooo challenging to you will feel effortless...I promise!  You just have to move.  Move everyday.  Remember, if you don't move it, you lose it!  And be patient with yourself if you don't look how you want to look right now, or if you don't feel how you want to feel.  Practice your daily discipline and soon the results will follow.

Let this workout empower you today!  Be focused!

Monica

Check out the trailer:

Today's Workout: Sexy Dance Off + Zuzana's 4 Minutes from Hell

Hi guys!

Well, my back is still a little iffy, so I'm not going to push TOO hard.  Today, I did Julianne Hough's Cardio Ballroom Workout followed by Zuzana's 4 Minute Workout (from Hell).  The Cardio Ballroom is great for my back with all of the twisting and backbending.  It always makes my back feel healthy and pain-free afterwards. 

This workout is what helped me lose my first 30 pounds.  On those days I was lacking motivation, I would want to do this workout because it is so fun!  I have always loved to dance though, so for those of you who like to move your hips, this workout is for you!  And speaking of moving my hips, this workout is what loosened my hips up.  Forty pounds ago, my hips were stiff.  I hadn't really moved them in a while, hadn't been active, so it was awkward for me at first, even though I had always danced in my past. 

If you don't use it, you lose it....so move it!

If it feels awkward, THAT'S OK!  Keep doing it and I promise you it will start to feel good.  When I first started, I could only get through the first two segments of the video.  Now the entire DVD is a breeze.  Just push through, do your best, stop if you really need to, and try to do better tomorrow. 

All you can do is your best!

I followed Cardio Ballroom with Zuzana's 4 Minute Workout.  For only being four minutes long, this workout was so much harder than Cardio Ballroom.  I fell on the ground when I was done!  Focus on your form, even though it is easy to neglect when you are moving so fast. 

Make form a priority!

My scores for the 4 Minute Workout were:

Blaster Push Up: 5-4-4-4-3-4

Jumper: 4-3-4-4-4-3

See if you can beat me!  Some of you probably can, but I pushed myself to my own limit and my legs were killing me by the end!  Let me know how you do!

Take care everyone and

Be Strong~Be Powerful~Be Focused!

Monica



My Workout Tonight

I have made a deal with myself.  If I follow the workout plan I've made up for the next two weeks, then I get to go shopping and fill up my closet a little!  But only if I follow the plan.  So tonight I did Julianne Hough's Cardio Ballroom DVD.  I love this video, not just because it is a lot of fun and has some good moves, but because all the twisting in the dances if amazing for a back that has been in 5 car accidents.  I always feel really limber after the Cardio Ballroom! 

I also did a bunch of ab work:
-50 crunches and reverse leg lift combo

-30 windmills

-50 reverse crunches

-10 side planks on each side

-held plank pose for as long as I possibly could

I followed up this workout with a lot of stretching.  I was in a car accident last month, and even though I wasn't badly hurt, my back has definitely felt it.  Thanks to my chiropractor and all of the stretching I've been doing, I'm healing faster than I ever have before.  I just wanted to let you know this in case you are following my workouts and doing them with me.  So if you are, expect a lot of back and core work, which is good for you whether you have a good or bad back!

Focus, focus, focus and you will succeed!

"Failure finds success in adjustment." -Unknown