The signs

I didn't realise how important zumba (exercise) was until I noticed that my back pinches whenever I stray from exercise for too long. Like two days ago my back seized up randomly while I was having a shower. I worked out that it must have had something to do with working long hours for a deadline and not exercising. And this one was a mild one.

A few weeks ago... I REALLY hurt my back.

It was a nice sunny autumn day. I was walking to work, thinking about the day ahead until... Ouch! My back suddenly pinched. It came out of nowhere and it was in a spot that made it hard for me to take deep breaths. I spent the next week in agony, unable to bend forward, unable to lie down or sit up at will, even reaching forward and turning on the taps hurt. It got to a stage where I had to stay home for one day and I never do that! It made me realize how much I rely on my back for everything.

So not only am I trying to maintain my weight and become healthier, I NEED to strengthen my muscles.

Tonight, I'm gonna do a session, even though my deadline is this Friday. Sometimes health just takes priority.

Journal: Zumba Rush

I arrived home at 10.30. I had 3 things on my list to do; dinner, laundry and zumba. I had to have dinner, but laundry or zumba? I contemplated for a few minutes then threw up my hands and said, 'stuff it, I'm doing them all'.

Have you ever been so indecisive that you end up being efficient? Well it happened to me today.

I set the laundry going, asked my partner to make dinner ('for me?' starry eyes :p) and started my fast track session, Zumba Rush.

Dinner... Check
Laundry... Check
Zumba... Check

Perfect.

Ps: best way to stay warm... Dance! I would say it beats heaters, hot chocolate and warm clothes hands down (though I will never say no to those too hehe).

PPS: my weekend indulgence, my first ever gumbo (it was excellent). So, yeah, I had to do zumba today.

Journal: Zumba Activate

Today I did my favourite workout, the Zumba Activate dvd. This is the one I pull out when I feel like a nice cardio session. It's my 'feel good' workout. I've done it so many times this year and every time I feel great afterwards.

This workout is sneaky! Sneaky in that it seems to have been arranged in a way that responds to what you might be thinking. Ok so it starts off with a couple of simple and fun routines, then it gets really fast and high intensity. Just when I think I can't do it anymore (and start dreaming about snuggling down with a book and dinner), it goes back to simple and relaxing. By then I think, 'oh I've made it this far, might as well finish the whole thing'.

See what I mean? Sneaky.

What is more tricky is that my favorite routine is the second last one, Cumbia. It reminds me of an island holiday and relaxes my mind. I HAVE to do that one ;) so I gotta do all the ones before it. But... I don't mind.

Sometimes I find it hard to fit a 1 hour session in (plus warm up and cool down time) especially after a long day at work. I have tried seeing if doing half the workout will suffice, but it just doesn't feel quite enough. So I find it would be better to do the Rush or half a Ripped workout if I'm rushed for time.

I think the Zumba team is very clever to arrange the Activate routines in this way. I appreciate that they recognize the importance of keeping us engaged for the whole thing. Keeps me going even when I want to stop. I'll be doing this one for a loooooong time :)

Reward: Revlon Photoready Foundation review

Makeup, it didn't become a daily thing until I bought this foundation in March this year. I've been comfortable going au natural on my face for daily life, but I thought its time to pay attention and make it a habit. A little bit of touching up and emphasising features is good I say.

I chose Revlon photoready foundation based on my sister's recommendation (she works as a pharmacist, so she wears makeup daily as retail work requires). This foundation is cream based, good for drier skin. When I went up to the counter the lady picked 3 shades and brushed it on my face. I picked the shade I could not see.

In the past I kept choosing the colour I thought I was (for some odd reason) but I realise at the end of the day, foundation is to even out your natural skin colour. Maybe its an Asian thing but I have never managed to choose the right shade until now. The lady was suggesting a slightly lighter shade, but as much as I believe she knows what she's doing, at the end of the day I don't want to look like I have makeup on. I just want to look normal, but airbrushed haha. She was still a big help though as I wouldn't have known to pick a cream base, my super dry skin would not have responded well to a powder which I was thinking I was going to buy.

This foundation lasts about 5 hours, but if you apply a primer it would last longer. I only use a tiny bit (smaller than a pea) brushed on areas that needed a bit of help. For dance performances I use to cake it on, but for everyday makeup a tiny bit is good enough. It won't feel heavy this way.

My verdict, I like :) its great for dry skin, that's been moisturised really well. They have a lot of shades to match to your skin. Lasts a reasonable time. The bottle is decent size Im still using the same bottle 4months later (don't think I'm halfway yet). It cost me $48nzd which I think is midrange here. Im that happy with it I've even got a backup (though it was at a sale, free when I got the Revlon primer).

I haven't tried a wide range of makeup, but I feel like I have stumbled onto the perfect one to start off with. And the biggest lesson I learnt was to choose a shade that you can't see when brushed onto your face, that means it will blend really well and provide you with that lovely blank canvas.

Journal: Zumba Ripped

Last night I did the Ripped dvd workout. It's the toning one and I love it cos I can feel my muscles working. That makes me sound like some gym junkie, but Im definitely not! Anything to do with not sitting feels good to me, so there :p

Here is a pic of a few things I bought in March that I've been zumba-ing up for :)

Individual item reviews coming. How are you guys doing?

Back to it.

Funny how life can suddenly change a plan. Since my initial post, life (or rather, work) demanded all my attention and energy. So zumba sessions were put on hold.

Shopping however, did not. Haha.

Hey, don't judge, shopping just felt more rewarding at the time. So seeing as work has calmed down, and I have a few goodies to do zumba for, I'm back!

The workout

I thought I'd start blogging by explaining how I set up the exercise portion of this 'plan' and what you could consider if you'd like to join me. The key to this plan is an exercise routine that you are happy to do 3-6 times per week. Here is what I'd look for...

*An all rounded, all body workout.
*Around 30min to 1 hour in non stop movement.
*A routine that leaves you sweating but NOT gasping for breath.
*Pick one that you will love doing, being happy is what its all about.

Have you chosen yours? I have chosen.... Zumba!

Zumba Exhilarate is the latest ultimate collection with 7 DVD routines, a set of toning sticks and a guide book. I chose Zumba because I use to take dance classes and I love the idea of being so focused on getting steps right that I don't realise how much physical activity I was doing.

For those who have not seen the ads, Zumba is a dance fitness program where Latin American dance steps are combined into a fun filled routine. The DVD sets are sold everywhere these days and a few gyms do classes. Check out Zumba.com or your local target/similar store if you are interested.

Before starting, it helps to identify your current situation and where you want to improve. My current lifestyle is pretty... sedentary. I work in computer animation so I sit a lot in front of the computer. My diet is average, I eat what I like (but make sure I get greens in every meal). I also eat everything in moderation. I wear small to xs sized clothing, but I wish my butt was smaller (must be all that sitting :p). All in all I am happy with my physical appearance, so instead my goal is to be more active.

Ok so here we go. Let's embark on our journey to a more active life.

Tiffany

(Please note I am not a personal trainer or sports professional so check with those who are to see if your routine is ok for you. Also, I am in no way attached to the Zumba business. I just tried it, loved it and now want to blog about it :D)