Showing Off

I have discovered that I really enjoy showing off. Sometimes it is a good thing, other times it isn't. 

The photo shoot back in October for the gym's mail out advertisement was the first chance I got to really show off for my team. It was a lot of fun! At that point, Kevin was the only one that had really worked with me on a regular basis. Chance and Bria had worked with me once or twice, but even that has been a month back. Phil, on the other hand, had never seen me work at all. Kevin would tell me what form he wanted me to do, and as I would settle into the pose, I would hear one of them say to another, "Wow! She's flexible!" or "That's so cool!" It was VERY encouraging. I just this week got to do another photo shoot. This time for a local magazine, Hispanic Life. I discovered then that I get a kick out of shocking people. Due to my current size/weight, people sometimes make certain assumptions about what I can and can't do. It was the same kind of scenario, Kevin would tell me the form, I would make it happen. This time, I would hear the photographer gasp in shock. I would then have to hold the pose for a bit because he would be staring, forgetting to take the picture for a minute. It was very amusing.

Sometimes, showing off can cause me to push myself a little too far. BodyPump is a weight training class. They do not want you doing it everyday, because your muscles need to recover some after the class. On Fridays, I tend to do BodyPump twice a day, once before work and then again after. On the advice of one of the instructors, I usually do lower weight in the second class. Well, that is when I'm being smart and not showing off. The other day, some friends joined me in my afternoon BodyPump. I had set up with the lower weight when one asked me "It's my first time for this class. How much weight do YOU use?" Sigh...it was on then. I upped it back to my full weight, and even tried to add a little more during the bicep track. Yeah, about that....I strained my biceps and felt it for a couple of days afterward. 

I got another chance just this past Friday. As you know, I've been sick the past week. I am back to work and the gym, but have really been trying to listen to my body and take it easy. That went out the window on Friday when Kevin asked me if I wanted to play with him and Andrew. How could I pass that up??? I show up for the workout and discover that it is Andrew training Kevin, Holly, another guy, and me. So much for taking it easy. I was in a whole other league and had to push harder than I have up to this point. My lungs were burning by the end, and I am still a little sore two days later, but I HAD A BLAST!

Chance says we are going to work out together soon. (I think everyone is wanting to play with the new toy). I know I will probably kill myself that day too. Try as I might, I can't pass up the chance to show off. So if you ever want to see me work extra hard, come down to the health club and join me for a class. Tell me you are there to work out with me, and I will be sure to try my best to show off for you.