Zumbafitmom to Black Belt

It's no secret to most that we have had trouble for a long time with our older son, Ryan.  He's been a challenge from the day he was born, but regardless I love him.  Fourth grade got off to a rocky start courtesy of some other kids with whom he had a past (1st grade year).  By the 3rd week he had already been suspended for hitting a child (who actually hit him first).  Anyway, I felt like Ryan was searching for something.  He NEEDED something where he could channel his energy into something positive.  He really dislikes sports or anything that has to do with a team (unlike Alex who loves soccer).  I had heard that martial arts was good for children with ADD,  so I thought we would give it a try.

He was hesitant at first.  Almost refusing to go.  But I bargained 15 minutes on his kindle if he went, acted appropriately, and actually participated.  Luckily the place we went http://www.martialartslexington.com/  was opening a brand new facility on our side of town so we got a uniform and 2 classes for $20 ($40 actually because Alex wanted to do it as well).  I knew after the first night it would be a good thing.  Ryan's demeanor changes from the moment we enter the door and yell "MUDO" to Master Jeon.  He likes to kick and yell.  And oddly enough, he doesn't mind when they correct his form or try to teach him a move.  He does exactly what they say and really enjoys it.

A week ago today (the Tuesday following my 41st birthday) I was watching the boys with their instructors and tried to learn their kick sequence.  With my background in kickboxing (thanks to Melissa, Vanessa, Wendy and Allison) I was able to count out what they did and sort of "practice" in the lobby.  There are mats on which you can stand/practice with your bare feet.  I wanted to be able to help my boys succeed in getting to the orange belt (beginning stage).  Well....on Thursday when we went back, Master Jeon got a uniform for me.  Evidently he had seen me practicing and got me to join in that evening.

For the next 45 minutes or so I screamed, yelled, punched, and kicked with all my might......enough so I had a sore throat later that evening.  I learned what different kicks are in Taekwondo vs. kickboxing.  The hardest part for me is not so much the kicking as is holding my hands in place.  I am so accustomed to "framing the face" in kickboxing, one hand under the chin with another down is a little challenging for me.  And so is the balance.  Oh my word.  I seriously have to work on my abdominal muscles so that I can balance better on my roundhouse.  Straightening my supporting leg and making sure I look at my target on my spin around.

He is also teaching me basic blocks for self defense as well as what to do if someone were to come at me with a knife (this part is only for ages 13 and up).  Tonight he had me doing rolls and then jumping up and yelling.  After the first one my head was spinning.  But I got used to it and really enjoyed it.

So in working to be better as a mom to have my children involved in something new, I have chosen to give it a go as well.  It's a good thing for my kids to see me train and work on some of the same things they are doing.  It's something we can do TOGETHER, which I fell is lacking in a lot of families these days.  Parents do their things and kids do their things, but rarely is anything done as a family anymore.

Well, things have changed a little here.

Yes, the little man still has soccer, and I still have my gym classes.

The hubs still has his running and biking.

But now this Zumbafitmom is headed for a black belt (eventually) along with her boys.  In a few years I don't think you'll want to meet any of us in a dark alley.

happy dancing (and kicking, blocking, and rolling),

Renee

P.S.  I have also started Hip Hop Abs (a beachbody program) in an effort to lose some of this crap around my waist.  I took before pictures today and wanted to burn the camera.  But, it is what it is, and I'm working to be better....right?

Food

You know, trying to be healthy is a challenge for me.  I grew up in a home with a vat of bacon grease in the cabinet.  We had fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.  My favorite were the skillet potatoes my mom would fix.  Oh my, I can seriously taste them right now.   I didn't grow up eating broccoli and cauliflower.  Nor did I eat carrots and tomatoes (my parents did, but me not so much).  I loved to eat corn, peas, potatoes, butter beans mmmmm.  And my mom's cornbread, made of course with the bacon grease :)  And believe me, I am not upset about the food I ate as a child (other than the beets I was forced to eat), it's just the way it was.

Flash forward 20+ years.  I am getting ready to turn 41 in a week.  Over the last few years I have progressively gotten better about eating.

Now, is it easy? Not always.

Do I still like those foods I grew up with? Of course!

Those are my comfort foods.  When I am sick, those are my go to.  Should it be that way?  Probably not, but that's the honest truth.

I have faults and that is one of them.  But 90% of the time, I do make better choices.  I still eat french fries, but in moderation.  I will get a kids' size vs. the large the people want me to buy.  But here's the kicker.....I feel better when I eat right.  It's just that alone that makes it worth while.  Eating the grease and all may taste good for the moment, but you have to think what it's doing to your insides.  And the next time you eat a really heavy meal loaded with fat, butter, grease, whatever.....evaluate how you feel afterwards.  Are you tired and sluggish?  Or do you feel energetic like you could take on the world.  These are just a few of my observations I have come to notice over the past few years.

And you know what happens when you fuel your body well?

You have ENERGY to do things.

YES!  AMAZING THINGS!

Five years ago you couldn't have told me I would be eating healthier and teaching group fitness classes.  But now I have the energy to do so because I FEED my body the good stuff!  I can go take/teach two classes and not be completely drained. Does my body feel it at my age? Yes, but that's okay.

The key for me has been Shakeology.  I love it.  Granted it's pricey, but you can't really put a price on your health.  It tastes good and is sooo good for you.  If you want to give it a try, you can always look on my link for more information www.myshakeology.com/momtotwoboys (yeah mom to two boys...makes sense right?)

And I workout a lot.  At least 5 days a week, sometimes twice in one day.  This leads to body changes that I never thought I could have.

YES!

I am stronger and more fit! I feel good! And oddly enough I post pictures of myself looking strong.  Crazy I know, but it's nice to see definition forming.  

And I also take pictures of myself doing turbo fire (another Beachbody product you can get through my other site www.beachbodycoach.com/momtotwoboys)

Shoulder definition during burpees

And yes, that's Ryan in the background watching.  I don't look for him to do any burpees any time soon....  Although they're hard on my weak right wrist, I still enjoy them :)

So here's what to take away from this post.  

ANY PERSON can change.  I am living PROOF! 

Don't be too hard on yourself.  It takes time.  Fad diets and pills won't work.  It takes persistence and patience to get to where you want to be.  One day at a time.

Best of luck,

Renee