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:

Why the Butterfly?

Recently, I have been a little obsessed with butterflies.  In fact, I plan on getting a tattoo very soon with butterflies flying up my body.  Why the butterfly?

The butterfly is a symbol of transformation. 

In my journey back to health, I have 100% transformed into a better version of myself.  I am not the same person I saw in the mirror one year ago.  Not only do I look different, but I feel different--physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  Because of my experience, I strongly believe that taking care of your health, of your body, is the first step towards being the person you are meant to be.  It is the first step to being the best version of yourself.  I have not only shed weight, but I have shed negativity, anger, depression, compulsions, and low self-esteem.  What an amazing difference, to transform into something new, lighter, freer, more beautiful--much like a butterfly emerging from the cocoon.   

Anything feels possible now. I had lost faith in myself.  Because of my accomplishment losing 40 lbs. I was able to prove myself to...myself.  Re-learning how to live a healthy lifestyle and follow through with positive habits daily renewed my belief in myself.  Oftentimes, it is vanity that starts us on a journey to lose weight or look better in a bikini, but vanity is not what keeps us on this journey.  Healthy living is not always a popular road to follow and we can meet resistance from the people in our life and from society in general, but if we stand up and make a choice to live a healthy lifestyle, others will soon follow.  We can be the change our families and friends need just by making healthy choices everyday for ourselves.  You must continue to inspire yourself, to find others who inspire you, and to be an inspiration to others.  This is how we truly transform.