Stepping out of the box

Tonight I trekked about 50 minutes south to a studio I've never been to. This was for two reasons.

1. I wanted a studio workout
2. It is owned by a woman I've known for 28 years and haven't seen in 17

The studio is great! It is 'Pole Fitness' facility...yes think Strippers meets Cirque du Soleil. Seriously I watched part of the previous advanced class and these women are IMPRESSIVE.

Someday I'm gonna try this stuff full on! The class tonight focused on abs and butt...and OWWWW! But it felt good! I'm excited to try more classes later this summer.

Check em out:
www.studiosfitness.com

Staying active...

I've worked really hard at staying active while on vacation.

Yesterday, after we boot-camped in the driveway (in the rain no less) we headed to Mackinac.

If you want to be active, Mackinac is the place to do it. If you've never heard of it, it is an island in Michigan where the only way on or off is by boat or plane...well you can ride a snowmobile across Lakes Michigan and Superior and Huron in the winter when they freeze.

There are no automobiles on the island. The only transportation options are horse, bike and walking.

We always rent bikes an ride the 'Highway' around the island (8-9 miles). Yes it is a highway! But again only horses, bikes and pedestrians.

Here are some pics from yesterday. Please note the pic of me standing with the bike is one of the first full body pictures I've shared on Facebook an it got great 'reviews'.

Rain rain go away!!!

The downside to vacation is that where I am all workouts are outside. Therefore I am at the mercy of Mother Nature.....and man is she annoying today.

We got a workout in this morning and then after breakfast went to play golf. Sadly we only got three holes in before the rain made us call it I'm looking outside at this nastiness and thinking its time to say F&&& it and go running in the cold rain.

No excuses...

Summer has started. And for me, that means treking my ass to the great north woods an our summer home in Northern Michigan. I'm vacationing in my most favorite place.

But, just cause I'm relaxing doesn't mean I'm not working hard. I designed daily bootcamp inspired workouts for me and my cousin.

I have burned a crazy amount of calories in the last couple days. While I have enjoyed some treats, I've also been crazy active. So here are some images from the last couple days to prove it.

And...exhale...

Coming close but not quite there..

I'm headed on the first of many vacations this summer. My goal was to be down 50lbs by now. I missed that by just a few pounds (like less than 5). I almost started beating myself up over it, but guess what....I got over it.

Holy S**t! Can you believe it? I've been doing this for 18 weeks (well plus 1 week in between bootcamps)

The amount of weight I have lost is the kind of number I always thought...man if I could just lose 40 lbs...

Well, 40 lbs isn't enough for me. Now that I know I can do this (in fact I've lost more than that) I know I can go much further in this journey!

I feel like a confessor...

There is a look that I am reveling in. It is the look I get when I see someone I haven't seen in a while. It is the look of surprise and astonishment at the changes.

If I didn't see this look, I might not recognize the changes in myself. I LOVE seeing people I haven't seen in a while. And I love telling them about program when they ask. But, then begins the part that always makes me giggle inside. People start confessing that they need to change, or that they wish they could or even better they start telling me everything they eat.

I want to say, this is not a competition. Nor is my progress a reflection on you. I want to champion healthy choices people make and not make them feel bad about choices when they aren't so healthy. Hell, I was not the picture of health and I have a long way to go before I am a role model. I want to stop these folks mid-sentence and tell them 'It's ok! The choices you made today good or bad are your choices and you have the power to make better choices tomorrow. You don't have to look for absolution from anyone but yourself.'