New Plan − 28 December, 2007
So, now with the New Year, everyone is starting something – quitting smoking, dieting – I am planning a new exercise routine. I want to get toned and graceful like a dancer, so I invested in a set of DVDs (the New York City Ballet Work Out Vols 1 & 2) and a pair of split sneakers which should arrive shortly.I figured that the strengthening and lengthening exercises – using only my own body and perhaps the back of a chair to serve as a barre – would sculpt things exactly as I had planned. No over-sized (for me) equipment or high-impact exercises to strain already delicate joints. I know my body’s unique limitations, so I can also modify or tailor the exercises to fit my needs. I think the biggest disadvantage is not actually having an instructor to approach when I have questions about position or technique. I will have to make sure I can watch myself in the mirror, too.As of yet, I don’t know how advanced the DVDs are, but I used to do ballet way back in the day as a youngster and perhaps it’s like riding a bike – some of it will come back? I have always longed for the grace of a dancer. With my limp and my more muscular gymnast-type body, I have always felt a little frumpy. I would like to capitalize on my petite frame with added delicacy of graceful movement. I am hoping the videos will help with that. Right now, my body movements tend to be more quick and birdlike. Sort of matching my enthusiastic personality.I would also like to minimize my limp and maximize my physical assets. I have a nice flat tummy and a J. Lo behind – making the most of these would definitely be a plus. I like looking my best!Another advantage is strengthening what muscles I have to help keep my joints in the best working order. I can’t do a lot of walking or high-impact things, so I need to focus on the physical improvement activities I can do. I need to keep my hips functional as long as possible.The great thing about exercise videos is being able to make time to do it whenever you want totally at your convenience (or not!). I am hoping to get my husband more involved in taking care of himself, too, and perhaps he will be inspired by my routine and start his own self-improvement plan. We have a treadmill I originally purchased to exercise my dogs. There is no reason he can’t use it while I am ballet training. What a good “couples” thing to do. Plus, there is the added advantage of his eyeballing my assets while working out, too… JI have already started working out to the “Island Girl” Tahitian Cardio DVD. I was inspired after watching the Polynesian dance show at the Mai Kai here in Fort Lauderdale. I think the hip movements of Tahitian dance are SO sexy. So I decided I was going to learn how to do them. I am not terribly good at it just yet – I have the rhythm, I just need to get down the movements a little better. It’s actually pretty challenging – moving your pelvis all around while keeping everything above your waist absolutely still. I find my calves and knees really get the workout, but it looks really sexy. There’s just something about hips… Must be a biologically hard-wired thing.So I will let you know how it all goes… I would love to hear any unique New Year’s Resolutions – fire away!
