The Zone

At the start of cycling class, the instructor -- Salina, announced the ride would be a consistent climb in zone three/four. Zone three/four is a nice pace. Your legs burn, your heart is pumping, you feel exhilarated, but you never really become taxed. In cycling, some rides are about intensity, some about hill climbing. If you enter zone eight with the tension cranked -- you are riding hard.

Some days the goal is to really max yourself out and ride hard. Other days it's about going the distance. The instructor sets the tone, however, everyone has different goals and are at different levels. Each day your body feels different which can alter your performance. Each day you want something more or less from the experience.  So, today, about midway through class Salina asked, "What do you want today?" How fitting...I thought. When I got to class my mindset was to ride hard. I had even wrote a Facebook post saying "Ride hard or don't ride at all." In that moment I cranked another gear and brought it to another level. Instructors, trainers, they guide you, but it's up to YOU to find the zone. Today, for me cycling class wasn't about going the distance -- it was about riding hard. My legs are heavy and burning and I feel good!
 

Something NEW!

I've been in a workout slump for weeks. Honestly, it's probably been a few months now.
I like working out it makes me feel good. Eating healthy and working out combined helps my waist line -- bonus! But, truthfully I've become tired of the same ol' same. I need a fresh workout routine, new workout music, and even a new workout facility. Y'all know by now I don't sit on the sidelines long complaining  -- that's a waste of time and energy. Y'all also know I'm not afraid to step outside of my comfort zone and seek what I need.

So,this afternoon I went to an awesome studio -- Northwest Personal Training. I took a kick-butt Bike/Row class led by an enthusiastic certified personal trainer, Ted, alongside five other folks rowing and riding to the beat of Bob Marley's "Jammin." During class I admit I became winded a couple of times and took a breather, but otherwise I rode and rowed right with the others. When Ted instructed us to crank our bikes to another gear, I cranked. When he told us to find another rowing level, I did. 

Today, I tried something new and I liked it. I believe this class and the new workout environment is the very spark I needed to get myself back moving in the right direction. It's time I take my fitness and weight loss to the next level.