Training with Alba

I am not an athlete. I am a person who despises exercise in any form or fashion.  I finally got to the point where I felt like a loser.  I saw myself spiraling further and further away from who I wanted to be.  I had thought at one point that I wanted to push for another Black Belt, but I let my mind get in my way, so I failed at that ambition.  I let myself fall into a trap of "I am not as good as X or Y."  That's a vicious cycle, believe me.  I found out the hard way.  I got increasingly more and more discouraged by my perceived failure to live up to the expectations I had in my own head. I also didn't ask my instructors for assistance with the language or my material.  I assumed that I knew what I needed to know. This was not the way to view that.
Now fast forward to May of 2010.  I started taking Tai Chi lessons, and while I enjoyed it, again,  I didn't practice and made excuse after excuse not to attend classes.  This was a shame because I did enjoy it.  I stopped attending those classes in February, after my surgery.  I was inconsistent in everything I did--intermittently walking, etc.  I talked a good talk, but that's all it was.


Then I got to talking to a former instructor, who happens to also be a friend.  I knew that she belly danced, so I asked her if she'd be willing to give me a lesson.  She was.  She came out to my house and talked to me.  She's also a personal fitness trainer, so I decided that if I was going to change my life, I may as well jump in with both feet.  I respect Alba and know that if anyone is going to kick my a$$, it'll be her.  I signed on for training.   I have now taken at least two weeks' worth of classes and have found it the best thing I've ever done for myself.   I will continue to work with her because it's the most fun I've ever had working out--Alba makes me work and makes me work hard!   She allows me a little bit of slack, but very little.  I feel each workout for days afterwards, which is good!  It means something good is happening.   I tell myself daily that I'm seeing benefits.  I am sure I am.  My slacks fit better, my tops aren't as snug and I've seen some other  changes.  I can see a little bit of definition in my sides.  
I have to say that Alba is definitely someone who knows what she's doing and she's absolutely wonderful!!  She gave me a bracelet that I wear daily as an inspiration.  It is a visible reminder of what I'm doing.

Working out

I am back in training.  Not martial arts training--YET.  I've gotten in touch with a lady who used to teach at the dojang I earned my Cho Dan in.  She's a certified trainer/dance instructor, so I've started training with her.  I just had my third class and loved it.  Class number one was last Thursday.  I was so sore after that class, my biceps were screaming "We hate you!  When do we go again?"  The second go-round was on Saturday.  We went to the park where she ran me through a good walk and some exercises using nothing more than the park benches and a rail overlooking one of the lakes.  It was a good day.
I haven't seen her since Saturday.  I called her today and left her a message asking if we could reschedule.  She didn't get my message until she was already here, so I told her, "you're here, let's do it!"  
I haven't worked out so hard in an hour in I don't know HOW long! I was literally dripping with sweat! It's a good feeling!  I like feeling like this.  I can't remember how long it's been since I felt this good about a workout! I'm working out individually because I'm a competitive person and compare myself to other people all the time.  If I work out on my own, I lose steam.  I have someone who is holding me accountable and that's the important thing!  We set a schedule for working out that I think will help.  I'll work out three times a week.  I'm already looking forward to next week!