sit & spin

I have a friend who is my exercise hero, if only I could live through him and receive all the health benefits as a result of his effort. If only. But I can't. It isn't that I haven't ever exercised before. I just don't like it. It makes me hot and I hate to sweat. In any other situation if I started to sweat, have an increase in my heart rate and became overheated I would be taken to the hospital, but I digress. So a couple of weeks ago I started going to spin class after work with my exercise hero/friend. As far as exercise goes, spinning is the closest that I will ever come to liking anything intensely active.

The women that attend the classes have really great bodies and vary greatly in age. They are slender but don't have that gaunt, hungry antelope look that yoga girls have. They are toned but aren't bulky or overly "cut". The classes are around an hour long and although challenging I can usually distract myself from most of the discomfort, power through the class and feel good afterward.

The place that we go to is "The Burn" in Burbank. They have about 18 bikes at each class (reservations can be made online), the bikes are set on 3 different levels (think amphitheater), they keep the room dark (which somehow makes it seem cooler) and have very entertaining and motivated instructors. The other thing that I like about "The Burn" is if I sit on a bike in the back row (right in front of the black curtains) and wear an all black outfit I can't see myself in the mirror at the front of the class. I am just a floating head. Awesome. If I couldn't be the "Nearly Invisible Woman" I would compare myself to all the spinning sprites on the other bikes for the whole class. I have also discovered that a spin class cannot be complete without a music selection from Justin Timberlake or Madonna. (I think this is a rule for all group cardio classes everywhere.) The only thing that I wasn't expecting and that was different from my previous spin experience is that from time to time they turn on red lights while we spin, which makes me feel like a rotisserie chicken at Costco. But, all in all a great time. (I missed all last week but it is my goal to go twice a week. It is even a never-ending, recurring event on my computer calendar program. If only life wouldn't get in the way.)

A few spinning benefits:

Burn 500 + calories per class
Tones Muscles
Body Shaping
Lose Inches
Decrease Body Fat
Stress Relief
Year Round Activity
Increase Energy
Improve Overall Strength
Increase Cardio Endurance

1. cycling shirt
2. cycloskort (helps to cover the "cookies", in every sense of the word)
3. cycling shoe

let's chat in the hat

I am not a bar or club person and never have been. I really don't like to dance; I truly believe that people are watching (as well as, capturing all my awkwardness on their iPhones ready to upload to youtube) and giggling at my lead-foot, lumbering dance"moves".

I like tasty food (fancy isn't required) and a fun dining environment. I prefer a place where occasional loud laughter doesn't cause anyone to turn around and stare. Not at me, of course, I am talking completely hypothetically and about my "friend". It is better that I stay seated, eat and try to contain my "friend's" laughter.

Henry's Hat might be my dream come true, yummy, affordable food and a "game menu" that I can order board games to play at my table. (there is a bar with numerous televisions for people who wish to partake) The only thing I can see might be a problem, in looking at the pictures, is that there doesn't look to be to a lot of comfortable seating. I am willing to sacrifice myself to find out.

(photo credit)

ain't no mountain high enough, well.......

I have yet to meet my friends at the base of their dumb, old mountain for their Saturday morning hike. My latest (yet valid) excuse of a hurt knee is heeling and unless something else happens I will have to meet them bright and early. (But, why so bright and early?)

Since summer has finally arrived I will need to bring water along with me and, I think, a pair of walking poles. They are supposed to reduce stress on major joints, making me faster and less fatigued. As an added bonus, I will be able to lightly whack a smart mouthed companion, if necessary.

The "waist pack" (this isn't a fanny pack because it is far more attractive) can hold my keys, pepper spray (for wild animals, as well as, my smart mouthed companions) and cell phone (so I can easily call for helicopter pick up). I think if I wear it to the side, in a carefree and whimsical fashion I won't look so tacky.

friends through thick & thin, corners & centers

My best friend and I went to a get-together last week and as soon as we walked in the house we were overtaken by the scent of brownies baking in the oven. I don't care how old you are brownies are always exciting. Although I know my best friend better than about anyone else, except her husband, I didn't know that she is a "corner" and not a "center" person. But there she was with crusty little brownie corners on her plate. It is like I hardly know her at all. Who is this stranger? (I am a center person, mainly because I don't like to eat scratchy things.) I have seen this pan before and always wondered who would ever want a whole pan of those........corners. Now I know.