Missed Weeks

I haven't been to Aerial or the YMCA in a while.  Our whole family took turns getting sick with a stomach bug the week of Christmas.  The baby was throwing up all night Christmas Eve.  Two days later Joe got sick.  Two days after that I was throwing up and sick for two days.  As expected Aerial classes were cancelled around the Holidays either due to low sign up or the studio being closed.  It's always tough the weeks of Christmas and New Years.  We're all over being sick now and the new year is starting so what better motivation is there to get back to it.

YMCA Cardio

I meant to go to Cycling class this morning but didn't wake up in time.  Instead I just went and used the cardio machines.  I did 20 minutes of on the exercise bike, 10 minutes on the elliptical machine and 20 minutes on the treadmill walking fast.  Still not as good as taking the actual class but better than nothing and I did sweat a little.

Aerial Classroom Trapeze

Inconsistent Month

It's been the most inconsistent work out month yet.  There's just been a lot going on.  Trapeze class kept getting cancelled due to various reasons.  The holidays always have low sign up so it was cancelled after Thanksgiving and then there was the Sylmar fire and then there was the Cirque show.  Tomorrow is the last Trapeze class of the year as it's going to be cancelled for Christmas and New Years.  The YMCA classes were all cancelled from the 7th to the 11th.  And this past week the baby's been sick with a cold (that's seemed to last forever) so I couldn't take him to the daycare center at the YMCA.  On top of that, my regular babysitter has been unavailable most nights and on the nights my husband has been home he's been super busy working from home with pretty tight deadlines.  I honestly feel like I've gained weight.  It's so hard to work out consistently.  But I'm going to keep trying.  I keep telling myself I'll do better next week.

Aerial Classroom Open Gym

I'm still having trouble with that one move.  I might have to take it out of the routine.  If I can't get it down by next practice session I'm going to remove it and replace it with a different transition.

Aerial Classroom Lyra

Class Cancelled for Luzia

The owner of the studio got free tickets to Cirque du Soleil Luzia at Dodger Stadium and invited me to go with her.  How could I pass on that?!  The show was awesome.  It had a little bit of everything, acrobats, a dance trapeze and cyr wheel duo, hand balancing, ball balancing, pole and Chinese pole performers, a contortionist, a straps performance, and Russian swing acrobats.  I loved it.  Plus they were handing out free cupcakes and wine in the lobby.  Doesn't get any better than that!  I missed the past Cirque du Soleil shows that have come through LA.  They had Iris at the Kodak Theater but it closed before I got to see it and both Totem and Kurious came through LA but I missed those as well.  Tickets are always so expensive, even for the cheap seats.  I'm so glad I got to see Luzia.

Aerial Classroom Open Gym

I'm going to keep coming to Open Gym on Saturdays instead of Strength Training at the YMCA to work on my routine for the Grand Opening Student Showcase in January.  I really need the extra practice. 

YMCA Cardio

I was planning on going to Cycling class today but all classes at the YMCA are cancelled through Monday due to 'poor air quality' because of the fire.  Instead I just used the cardio machines.  I did 20 minutes on the exercise bike, 15 minutes on the elliptical machine and 15 minutes on the treadmill (walking briskly, I didn't feel like running).  It wasn't ideal but at least it was something.  I'm really not good at motivating myself when it comes to working out.  I need someone instructing me on what to do.  I'll come back to the YMCA when classes are back on.

Aerial Classroom Lyra

Class Cancelled due to Fire

There's a crazy amount of fires going on in Los Angeles right now.  There's one in Sylmar that's actually by the studio so classes are cancelled.  The freeway is probably a nightmare traffic-wise and I'm sure the air quality isn't so great.  There's also a Skirball fire near Bel-Air.  Someone posted a video of it online which shows all the hills on fire while driving down the 405.  It's pretty insane.  And there's a fire in Ventura which is huge but pretty far from where I am.  My husband had to drive to work down the 405 and pass by the Skirball fire.  There's been high winds which I'm sure have severely escalated the problem.  The winds were so strong they were knocking tree branches down and even some power lines from what I've heard.  It's best just to stay home anyway and avoid traffic and the smoke.

Aerial Classroom Lyra

YMCA Cycling

I had bit of a rough time today.  Maybe it's because I haven't been to Cycling in a week but it was hard to push those peddles.  I found that the highest gear I could go up to was gear 15.  It's not terrible but not nearly as high as we were supposed to go today. 

Aerial Classroom Lyra

Inconsistent Week

It's been a bit unorganized this past week.  Aerial classes kept getting cancelled due to low sign up because of the Thanksgiving Holiday.  I would have gone to the YMCA on the days I couldn't to go to aerial class, but I only find out if class is going to get cancelled three hours prior to class start time.  Aerial classes are at night and the classes at the YMCA that I take are in the morning so I can't really plan to go to the YMCA instead since I don't know if aerial class will get cancelled until the end of the day.

On top of that, we had some home issues that needed to be sorted out over the weekend.  I turned on the heater in the morning and it set off the fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm.  It smelled like something was burning so I turned the heater off.  The fire alarm kept going off every 20 minutes or so after we reset it so we had the fire department come out and investigate what was going on.  They think some lint probably got into the heater and burned up and suggested we clean out the unit and the filter.  Joe had to take the batteries out of all the smoke detectors and do a reset on all of them because they just wouldn't turn off.  We also called the gas company to come out to check for carbon monoxide (better safe than sorry with a baby in the house).  They didn't come until the end of the day.  The good news was that there was no leak but the bad news was he found a problem with our hot water tank.  The seal was not properly installed so he had to turn it off because it was a hazard.  He told us a plummer could turn it back on after fixing the seal.  Joe spent the entire next day trying to find a plummer who could come out.  It turned out that he had to order the proper part needed from the manufacturer before the plummer could do anything.  Thankfully they did overnight shipping but we had to wait another day without any hot water.  The day the part came, the plummer wasn't sure if he could make it that day because he was backed up all day at another job.  We ended up going to Joe's parents house to bathe the baby and take showers.  Finally the plummer came at the very end of the day.  It took him an hour to install the seal properly and said we'd have hot water again after about an hour.

So I really didn't meet my goal of working out four days a week this month but there were a lot of random things that came up that I couldn't really control (the aerial studio moving, the holiday, the house issues).  Joe mostly handled the stuff with the fire alarm and water heater but I had to be around to help out with the baby and wait for all the people to come by.  It's okay.  Next month is another month and I'll just keep trying my goals.  There's always set backs but you just do what you can.

Aerial Classroom Open Gym

I went to open gym today to practice my trapeze routine for the student showcase.  This move is giving me the most trouble so it's the one I really have to work on.

Aerial Classroom Trapeze

YMCA Core Conditioning

I missed Cycling class because I overslept yesterday.  I was so tired that once my husband got up to watch the baby I fell back asleep until noon.  I think I feel a cold coming on which would be awful.  I hate getting sick and it's hard enough to deal with Joe and the baby having colds.  I almost miss class today.  I woke up at 8:30 and had to hustle to eat, get ready and get there by 9:15 but I really wanted to in case I get sick and have to miss another week of work outs.  For some reason I thought it would be an easy going class but I was drenched in sweat by the end.  Today we used the stability ball for oblique crunches.  I did surprisingly well.  My right side was easier than my left.  We didn't use free weights this time.  Just a medium plate and bands.

YMCA Strength Training

I missed nearly a week of classes.  The Aerial Classroom was moving locations to the new studio so classes were cancelled and Draven was sick with a cold so I couldn't take him to the YMCA daycare center.  My husband is home this weekend so I'm trying to catch up on my work outs.  Hopefully Draven's cold will be gone in the next couple of days.  I went to Strength Training today and I made it through only using the XS weights once, to add more weight to the M size.  I think soon I won't even need the XS weight at all.  I did go easier on the arm weights though.  Last week I was sore on Sunday and Monday.  I didn't go to Core Conditioning last week because I was still feeling sore.  I'd like to go this Monday if I can so I don't want to overdo it.  I'm pacing myself a bit but definitely getting the hang of what weight factor is working best for me.

Aerial Classroom Lyra

YMCA Cycling

My arms and shoulders are pretty sore from Strength Training yesterday but my legs felt fine so I went to Cycling.  And I made it all the way through class today!  Though I couldn't really follow the instructors directions.  She's pretty tough.  She wanted us to do 90 RPMs at gear 16.  That's a bit much for me.  I'm usually two gears below what the instructor calls.

YMCA Strength Training

I decided to up my weight factor today.  I definitely noticed the difference.  It was really hard toward the end.  I could barely lift the bar.  I think I found a good balance of weights to use now.

Class Cancelled

The Aerial Classroom has moved locations.  Their lease was up on the old studio so they were moving yesterday and today.  Classes at the new place begin this weekend.  I've been going to the old studio on and off for the past 5 years so I'm a little sad to see it go.  The new place is 10-15 minutes farther from me so it's a little more of a drive but I'm excited for the new adventures in Aerial that await!

YMCA Cycling

Draven had his sing and sign class today again so I had to leave Cycling class early but I got in what I could.  This is his last class and I'm not yet sure if I'm going to sign him up for next session so we'll see.

Aerial Classroom Lyra

Aerial Classroom Trapeze

Aerial Classroom Lyra

Missed Week

I missed a week of working out.  There was just a bunch of stuff going on.  My husband was out of town at a film shoot so I was home alone with the baby.  I had planned to at least go to Lyra class on Friday but the babysitter cancelled last minute.  I had company over both weekend days so I couldn't go to the YMCA.  When my husband got back it was Halloween that Tuesday.  We had originally planned to take our son out for a little trick or treating but he fell asleep at 5pm so we didn't go.  We did however, get him out to a pumpkin patch earlier in the day so at least we got some pictures in his costume there.  His favorite show is Bob the Builder so I dressed him up like a little construction worker (they didn't actually sell Bob the Builder costumes for babies).  He wouldn't wear the construction hat though so it really just ended up being a vest and toy hammer.  I skipped Wednesday to watch the baby so my husband could go work out at the YMCA.  I think he needed it.  I've been trying to encourage him to go more because I think it's good for his health.  We have the membership, might as well use it.

Aerial Classroom Trapeze

YMCA Cycling

I had to leave Cycling class early today because Draven pooped and the daycare center called me to go get him to change his diaper.  Class was nearly over anyway so I just called it a day.  I was kind of hasty in taking a picture before heading out.  I meant to have my calorie counter visible but instead I got the watts.

YMCA Strength Training

I'm still trying to sort out what the correct weight factor is for myself.  This class I went easier on the weights and didn't feel as much of a workout.  It's hard to guess because we're supposed to start out lighter and then increase weight as the class goes on.  Plus, it gets significantly harder each set and it's an hour long class.  I want to start out a bit lighter so I have somewhere to go when we have increase the weight factor.  I think next week I'll go a little heavier.

YMCA Cycling

I had signed Draven up for the baby sing and sign language class.  It starts at 10am and Cycling goes from 9:15 to 10:15 so they overlap.  I knew I'd have to leave Cycling early to get Draven to his class but I figured some workout is better than no workout.  I also realized I could just take a picture of my meter to show how far I cycled, how long and how many calories I burned so I'm probably just going to take a picture of that for my Cycling classes. 

Aerial Classroom Lyra

YMCA Core Conditioning

I've only tried this class out once before.  There was a sub teacher from another YMCA and she worked us crazy hard.  My entire body, except my abs oddly enough, was sore the next day.  This time the regular teacher was back.  There were lots of planks, squats and lifting and lowering weights though I don't think she worked us nearly as hard as the sub did the previous week.

  

YMCA Cycling

I keep forgetting my sweat towel and have to end up using my shirt.  By the end of class I'm pretty sweaty but it works.  Usually class has about ten people in it which is a pretty good size.  I still don't feel like class is getting any easier for me.  It's still a struggle to get through the whole hour and I have to be gears lower than what the instructor calls out but hopefully I'll work up to it.

Aerial Classroom Lyra

YMCA Cycling

I've been to the Cycling studio a few times already.  They have a few different teachers and all of them have different teaching styles.  Some are more challenging than others.  I find that for the most part I have to be one or two gears below what they call out.  There's one teacher that I find impossible to reach the RPMs she calls out.  She calling out 90s and 100s.  I figure it's just best to do what I can.  Challenge myself but also pace myself.  She even said to listen to your body and do what's reasonable for you.  I'm just starting to aim for going consistently so we'll see how I do.

Aerial Classroom Lyra

Aerial Classroom Trapeze

The Aerial Classroom

Special thanks to The Aerial Classroom for the life changing experience of aerial fitness.  It helped get me in the best shape of my life pre-pregnancy and helped me get back post-pregnancy.  I'm glad I went back after having my baby and am thankful that I've been able to keep up with it.  I started aerial a year after pole and didn't have the best experience at other studios.  If not for The Aerial Classroom I probably wouldn't have continued.  I don't really do pole so much anymore because I'm focusing on aerial and working on being the best aerialist that I can be.  I was fortunate enough to perform in two student showcases and I'm excited to do more.  I was also able to do a studio photo shoot.  I can't believe how far I've come and can't wait to see how far I'm going to go. 

PinkPoleParty

Special thanks to PinkPoleParty for the fun times and getting me into cycling.  I started going to PinkPoleParty because originally I wanted to take pole classes twice a week and PoleMoves only had a Thursday class.  PinkPoleParty was the studio closest to where I lived and they gave out a free 3 class trial.  I tried it out and really liked the Tuesday night advanced pole instructor.  They had a Thursday night one too but she was more stretch/yoga than pole tricks and combos.  The Tuesday night instructor was great (they eventually moved her to Monday) and I really liked her a lot but she stopped teaching there and I didn't find any other classes I wanted to take.  PinkPoleParty had a really nice studio (the nicest pole studio I'd ever been to).  It was big, they had 17 poles so there was no sharing which I really appreciated.  I tried out a lyra class there but it wasn't anywhere near the same level as The Aerial Classroom and I just don't see a point in taking aerial classes anywhere else.  They did have a spin room that was new.  They were giving out free trial classes so I took it.  It was the first spin class I ever took and I really liked it.  It was way harder than I thought it would be.  They had really great instructors.  I take cycling at the YMCA now but their instructors aren't as good as the ones PinkPoleParty had.  I would have kept going but the class was usually empty except for me and maybe one other person so eventually they just got rid of it altogether.  They also had an Abs and Assets class that was really great.  I loved the instructor and the work out but it was on Wednesday nights which is when I have lyra class at The Aerial Classroom.  I stopped going but they had a really fun open house party night and I did a charity photoshoot there.  I wasn't super impressed with the photos but it was for a good cause and practically free since I got 5 free classes for doing it.  Eventually that studio location closed and I moved so I don't think I'll be going back.

PoleMoves

Special thanks to PoleMoves for starting it all.  Pole was the very first thing I ever did involving fitness and it literally changed my life.  I just tried it out with a Living Social deal and it was much more physical and challenging than I ever imagined.  Every class I got just a little bit stronger and more fit until I reached goals that I never thought possible.  I did amazing things I never realized I was capable of.  I stuck with it for 3 years until the old studio closed at the end of 2014.  The new one opened in Downtown LA right before I had my son so I went back as soon as I felt ready.  Unfortunately it only lasted a couple of months before it closed again (this time for good).  But lucky for me, I was able to do a free promotional photo shoot at the studio right before it closed so I got some amazing shots for my return to pole.