One Small Step for Chunky...

Since I've been little, I don't remember a time that I was average sized. I've always been big, husky, chunky, fat. I grew up on bologna sandwiches and Twinkies, eating ALL of the food that was on your plate, and sitting in the dark for hours after dinner at the table because I still did not finish my vegetables. I was never encouraged to be active. I was enrolled in ballet with my sister for a while waaaaaay back in the single digit years, but that didn't last long. 

In middle school, my mom enrolled herself and me into a Curves program. I didn't like it, mainly because I was forced into it. As an adult, I would love to give it a go again because now I understand more about the program and the idea behind it. We lasted a couple years before the location we were at closed down. 

High school was a very different experience. I was always the big girl in the class in every class, but high school showed me that there was lots of different shapes and sizes. I felt a little bit more comfortable in my body, but still ... not quite. I still tugged at the bottom of my shirt to pull it down and out of my rolls. I still sat at my desk with my jacket in my lap to hide my bulge. 

Then I went to college and gained even more weight. Still did the same tricks to hide my ever growing stomach. My parents always made snide comments about my weight, and even poked and pinched my tummy to make their point.  Needless to say, that didn't stop when I went to college. I gained quite a bit of weight in school. (Don't worry, I'm getting closer to present day. :D) (OMG, I have to insert one of my most embarrassing "trying to better myself" moments. I don't mean to make my parents sound harsh by all means. But, I was doing a work out DVD and my mom sat behind me with a bowl of popcorn and made comments the ENTIRE time. I was mortified and pissed off. That was a year ago, and the last time I attempted to work out.)

I graduated in spring of 2011 and found myself in a kindergarten classroom for most of the school year. So, I hardly did much sitting. Lots of standing and moving around. That's when it hit me. Looking out at the sea of 5 and 6 year olds and their different shapes and sizes. I did my best to incorporate movement in my lessons, which always left me huffing and puffing. I got asked ALOT "What month are you in?", "When are you due?", "Is there a baby in your tummy?" (and you'd be surprised who did the asking, too! Not just the students!) The school year ended, well about a month ago and the summer started with my goal of trying to starting working out.

Okay. Almost there. Last week, I started house/dog sitting for a friend. So I figure "Sweet. Perfect! No one is around to watch me workout!" Yeah... that lasted for a day when I decided to go for a walk-jog-walk thing on probably one of the hottest days of the year (FYI, I live in Vegas.).

Two days ago, I started checking out the YMCA. I really read through the website and saw all sorts of different classes they had. So, I grew a pair and went down to the YMCA that's by my house. I signed up. I got like a four-month deal for $28 a month. The lady asked if I was gonna be back later to take a class. Yeah... No... I chickened out. I made excuses yesterday not to go. I saw on the schedule that there was a Zumba class at 9am on Saturday (today). I've heard of Zumba and seen bits and pieces of it. I did some research and started to get excited. THAT is going to be my first class I'm going to take! So, of course, being me, I googled "What to expect from your first Zumba class?" (Yeah... I know, I'm a dork. Shut it.) That really helped me a lot. I was to expect to sweat alot, to bring water and a towel, and to have fun. I set my alarm for 7 am and couldn't fall asleep out of nerves and excitement! :D

I woke up this morning at 7. I was SO excited that I got ready, took care of the dogs and cat I'm sitting, had breakfast in less than 30 mins. Haha! I honestly don't remember what I did for that hour to pass the time, but before I knew it, it was time to go!

The class was being instructed by a really nice lady named, Subrina. She asked if there were any new people and I proudly rose my hand and informed her that I have never taken a Zumba class before in my life. She called me a freshie. Haha! I didn't really feel intimated by the class, but everyone in the class knew somebody. I'm kinda socially awkward. Subrina told me not to be overwhelmed with the moves, just as long as I keep moving. I kicked Zumba's butt for like the first 30 minutes. It was awesome. I kinda kept up, but I just wanted to prove to myself that I can actually do this and moved and moved and moved. I had to take a drink after every dance, wipe the sweat off my face and I wanted to lay down on the floor in exhaustion and my feet hurt, but I seriously had an awesome time! I did the WHOLE entire hour, granted during the last half my energy was diminishing but I still managed to move. I really truly enjoyed it. I told Subrina that I will definitely be coming back. I'm honestly excited for the next class! Her next class is on Tuesday, so I gotta figure out which class to take on Monday.

Okay, so the reason why I'm writing this is to help hold me accountable for trying to lose weight. As you've seen in my history that I've totally sucked at working out. I'm not the greatest at blog (the evidence is in my other blogs haha), but I'm going to do my best to check in like once or twice a week. 

If you've stuck with me this whole time and read this whole outrageously long blog, I really appreciate it. I know you didn't have to, but the support means SO friggin' much. :)

'Til next time!