ZIN

There are no words that can justify the excitement I felt after receiving my Zumba license. The experience was similar to the emotions I endured when I completed my first half marathon. At first I was pumped up and counting down the days, as I got closer to the class I became more and more nervous, and then the day of I was running on pure adrenaline. I expected lots of dancing obviously but I really did not expect 6 hours of it straight! Truth is it went by so fast. Time flies when you are having fun. At the end of the day I looked at my watch and was shocked to find that I burned 2040 calories with 6+hours of dancing. We learned the four basic steps that are taught in the B1 license class (Reggaeton, Cumbia, Salsa, and Merengue) these are steps I have been doing for the past year, I just did not know it. We learned about the history of Zumba, the community of Zumba, and the formula that will help us to be successful Zumba teachers. The resources and support that I have with joining the ZIN- Zumba Instructor Network are amazing and help me feel reassured. I am excited to play around with the choreography and hopefully in the next month or two, I will start teaching part time.

This is just the start to a very exciting journey!

U fancy huh?

 

I started my blog in January of 2013 with the emphasis on sharing my running journey. I choose running in circles because I felt like the circles represented the horrible cycle that so many of us endure when starting a “get fit” journey. My journey however has evolved and I find myself doing much more these days! Running is still present but Zumba has stolen the spot light. I also love yoga, have taken on a body works class, am trying out spin class (my ass is not happy with that one) and I am open to trying more. I feel like it is just time for a name change.

Ufancy is already part of my social media presence and it really represents my attitude! I put Ufancy fitness into Google and there is nothing under that name in Arizona. There are a few fancyfitness names in different states but nothing with the “U”. So I have decided to take the plunge and change the blog’s name from running in circles to Ufancy Fitness. 

The mission of the blog remains the same: Spread motivation, provide honest reviews, and share my overall journey!

You can still follow me on my fitness pal: Username: U_fancy

Pinterest username is still ufancy: http://www.pinterest.com/ufancy/

I am changing my twitter username to match the blog: @UfancyFitness

 

Create a workout from home

I have been wanting to post about things you can do at home and I figured today was the day! I was awfully busy earlier and by the time I was done running errands I had missed the gym classes I normally enjoy. I was faced with a decision, run outside, hit the gym and just do machines, or do something fun at home. I chose to do a few things at home to mix it up a bit. At home workouts are great for those that can’t afford a gym membership, have kids at home that can’t be left unattended, or for those that don’t like to workout in the company of others. I know I have friends that fit into all three of these categories so this post is for you! Today I rolled out my Yoga Mat and took in 30 minutes of yoga practice. I followed that up with 15 minutes of my Brazillian butt lift DVD, and finished with 30 minutes of zumba videos I found on YouTube. I completed 102 minutes of exercise and burned 437 calories. My Dog however tried to take over my yoga mat, she was working on her downward facing dog. Lol

There are so many workout you can do at home! Here are some ideas
* Roll out a yoga mat and take in some practice. Not sure where to start with Yoga? You can check out a book or DVD from the library, watch a YouTube video or buy a DVD (walmart and target usually have a good selection)
* DVDs and YouTube are also great for following other workouts as well: kickboxing, crossfit, zumba
* buy workout equipment that you can use at home. If you are on a tight budge check garage sales, craigslist, or second hand stores. Just always make sure you are cautious when dealing with people you don’t know.
* Jump rope, hula hoop, or trampoline! These are all great ways to work out at home and get the kids involved.
* Wii or Xbox? Plug in those fun fitness games and get your ass moving.
* Pump up the radio and just dance!!!
* If you like to cycle & have the money you can get a trainer. My boyfriend loves his and uses it when the weather does not permit for an outdoor ride.

I hope these tips help some of you! Don’t let anything stand in your way. If there’s a will than there’s a way. Last but not least there are a ton of print outs like the one listed below on Pinterest . Namaste

HOT WHITE ZUMBA

Okay followers you know I love some zumba!!! I love it so much that I have started researching and toying with the idea of getting certified to be a zumba instructor. I have not made up my mind yet but have decided that it is time to take it up a notch. I know that if I do decide to go that route I have some major work to do. Step one for me is to network and explore new instructors styles. I did a facebook search and came across 2 instructors that seem to be highly recommended in their areas. The first Instructor is Sara Woolsey from Cottonwood, Arizona and the other is Diane Amezcua from Chandler, AZ. These two ladies were an absolute inspiration. They both were high energy, incorporated some hip hop (my favorite), and motivated their class. The class was what is called a “Master class” which basically means anyone can purchase a ticket and it’s longer than a typical class. This class was a hard core 90 minutes of ass shaking. I loved every minute of it. I dragged my sister along for the ride. She has only attempted Zumba once before and that was at my main instructors Master party. Shout out to Tasha Marie Love you lady! My sister Tamsyn did great in the class and told me she really wants to find a class that she can attend on a regular basis. This brings me to my tip of the day! If you are wanting to try zumba for the first time but don’t know where to start, check the zumba website. You can search for instructors in your area. You can also download the free zumba fitness app for smart phones and then use the find a class option. Here is a quick shot of me and my sister in action.

Man that was so much fun! I found out that Sara Woosley actually teaches in Glendale, once a month and that is not too far from me! So I dropped in on her class for $5 and plan on adding it to my calendar each month. She is so much fun and I know I can learn so much from her. Diane also holds many “Masters classes” and I plan on doing more with her in the future as well. I am thinking I may sign up to become certified in the summer of next year, until than I will be working on my dance form and building endurance. Party on party rockers!!! ZZZZZZUUUUUMMMMBBBBAAAA

 

 

Infrared Body Wrap

The decision to get a body wrap was not solely my decision. A friend of mine actually bought a Groupon but then found out she was unable to use it so gifted it to me. I’ve always wanted to try a body wrap! When I think body wraps I usually think of herbal treatments or mineral wraps. I though I would need to strip down to my birthday suit and then get wrapped up like a mummy. That was not the case at all. The infrared body wrap was something different all together. I called to schedule my appointment and the consultant prepared me as follows. She first made sure I was eligible (not pregnant, no body piercing that can’t be removed, no metal implants, no heart issues, not on medications that may be effected by excessive heat) and then she told me what type of clothes to wear ( cotton is good, no spandex, nothing with wire, snaps, or metal buttons, make sure skin is fully covered) and lastly she told me to drink as much water as possible leading up to my appointment. The groupon was good for 2 wraps so I scheduled them a week apart. I arrived at Luna Fitness a little early. I was surprised to see the No Men allowed signs on the doors.

Luna fitness is a cute little gym that caters to women. They offer lots of great services (tanning, full gym, classes, massages, and the infrared wrap) and a private environment where ladies can let their hair down so to speak. I live pretty far from this place but would recommend it to those that may be looking for something different and in the Chandler/ Tempe area.
So my consultant showed me to the scale, took my measurements, and then took me to my room to get situated. I basically climbed into a hospital bed and was strapped into something like this….

but this place didn’t have the arm cuffs. The consultant offered to let me watch a movie, I could play on my cellphone, or I can take a nap until the time passes. 1 hour would be the duration of the wrap. I opted to hang on to my cellphone and play on Pinterest lol. The consultant came back 3 times to check on me to make sure I was not getting any hot spots. I got super hot but nothing I couldn’t bare. She said if I did encounter something uncomfortable she would simply unwrap me and use towels to add padding but I was okay. The last 15 minutes were the hottest and my entire body was sweating, my hair was wet, and my clothes were drenched. After my hour was up I went into the locker room to towel off and change clothes. I then met up with the consultant to weight in and get measured again. Here were my results:

After my first wrap

🔹I lost 2 pounds
🔹I lost 2 inches off my hips
🔹I lost one inch off each thigh
🔹My waist & bust stayed the same

Before my second Wrap

🔹All measurements were the same
🔹 I was down 2 more pounds

After Second Wrap

🔹Down one more pound
🔹Lost one inch off my waiste
🔹All other measurements were the same.

I can’t give all the credit to the wraps. I also tracked my calories really good the past two weeks in my fitness pal, I worked out really hard, and I drank lots of water. I would say the wraps might be beneficial if you are rich and plan on getting a monthly package but for me it was more of a detox and not something I can afford on a regular basis.The heat also really helped my back pain and sore muscles. So here are my pros and cons:
Pros
🔹Sweat equals detox
🔹Inches and pounds lost
🔹Helps sore muscles
🔹 Relaxing
🔹Not Messy
🔹No clothing removal needed
🔹Can burn up to 1400 calories supposedly
Cons
🔹Does not improve body tone or cellulite
🔹 Expensive unless you land upon a special
🔹Could achieve the same results by sitting in a sauna at the gym in one of those baked potato outfits or at least Im guessing.

P.s. I still want to try a herbal or mineral wrap at least once so stay tuned!

Random Thursday Thoughts

I grew up with the mind set that I had to eat three meals a day and I had to clean my plate. To this day it feels weird skipping meals, taking home a doggie bag, or leaving food on my plate. It feels good but it’s definitely something I am not use to. I had a large lunch yesterday with coworkers so I skipped dinner, went for a run, and stayed within my calories. Looking back at what I was eating and how I was eating, it’s no surprise that I was so fat. Key word “was”. I am still far from where I want to be but I know I am making the right changes and that includes my mind set.

I still have one more week of my works weight loss, biggest loser competition. I Am looking forward to April in terms of running ( 3 5ks scheduled) and am starting to do some interval / speed work. My newest & biggest concern right now is my blood pressure. It is still running high so I am going to see my Doctor next week. It sucks because I was hoping with weight loss & running it would get better but it seems to be higher. I know in time it will come down but it is still a sensitive issue with me. I just want a healthy happy heart.

Have a big hike planned this weekend and plan on breaking in my new shoes!!!! Stay tuned.

Gear

I have the best boyfriend ever! Most girls would be pissed if they received running gear for Christmas but not me. I see it as supportive and it was something I wanted and needed. I’ve been having issues with my right knee and needed more support in general so we went to Runners Den in Scottsdale, AZ for a proper fitting. The lady watched me walk, examined my old shoes and sized me. She said my feet tend to roll in and I have high arches so recommended the Brooks, adrenaline. She had me do a light jog in them and I tried a few different pairs, brands to compare. I can’t wait to go running this weekend in them. I think I’m pretty much set now with the shoes, running pack, and arm band for my music. I am still looking for some good pants since its getting colder out and I want to try some new socks soon as well. 21 more days until my Disney 5k 🙂