An Oldie but a REAL Goodie

I've mentioned how much I've been working out lately. I've also mentioned how much fun I'm having. As I see it, when it stops being fun, Lisa stops doing it. So I work hard to make my hard work enjoyable. This week finds me wanting to mix things up a bit. I've been torturing myself (yeah, I consider torture fun) on the treadmill, pumping significant amounts of iron, spinning up a sweat, and punching my way through a few high energy kick-boxing, dance inspired videos. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite workout but if I was strong-armed into doing so, I would have to pick kick-boxing. If done properly, it has incredible cardio benefits and gives you abs to be envied. I would be stretching the truth more than a little to say I have developed envied abs, but the changes to my mid-section are more than noticeable. And I'm liking the results. I'm even considering the fact I might be able to trade in the muumuu for a bona-fide bikini this year when pool season rolls around.

The past few weeks I've focused on running. While running is great for the lungs and legs, your abs aren't exactly targeted. Last night as I was contemplating how I would spend my hour+ workout time, I stumbled across some old workout videos in my enormous video library. As a side note, I should share I am a workout video junkie. If they made it, I think I've owned it. From Richard Simmons Sweatin' To The Oldies (*cringe* and *double cringe*) to Jane Fonda's leg-warmer required videos, to the latest Beach Body Power 90 craze. I have them all and they are neatly lining the shelves of a storage unit in my mini workout room at home. It was here that I found my new source of fun.

Who out there remembers this?:



That's right, baby! Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo! Back in the day when this was the latest and greatest, I struggled to get through the basic video. I always thought I was in decent shape and could prove it by doing any video thrown at me. But this one was my Achilles heel. It kicked my butt every single time! I finally moved onto the next craze and gave up. Mr. Blanks had gotten the best of me.

When I came upon these videos last night, I was feeling rather strong and adventurous. Having forgotten just how bad of an ass-kickin' I got from the basic level, I decided to head straight for the advanced version. I slipped the video out of it's box and fired up the VCR. Yes, I still own one. For all you young readers, a VCR is the predecessor to the DVD player. We dinosaurs own dinosaur equipment.

It started out well, but half way through I began to have flash-backs of my former attempts to hang with the big boy. My cocky little self had been certain I could master the Tae-Bo king's advanced routine. I even wondered if I might be wasting my time for fear it wouldn't be challenging enough. Bah! Did I ever get knocked down a notch or two! It was a sweat session unlike any I've ever experienced. With each punch I threw and each kick I kicked, sweat was slung across the room. Kinda gross to be telling you this, but I know you guys want all the gory little details. LOL! I suppose my recent efforts have paid off. I was able to complete the workout. It wasn't easy but I did it.

Today? Well, today, I am feelin' it. My bum is seriously talking to this ol' girl tellin' me I've tapped long dormant muscles that really didn't want to be awakened. And each time I have to go tinkle, my cheeks let out a nice little scream. Sore buns and porcelain don't exactly get along. I must say, it feels so good to hurt so bad! I am such a freak! I think I will continue to go retro with my workouts. Maybe tonight I will pull my hair back with a scrunchy, add a head band and pop Jane Fonda into the VCR. I would don my leotard, leg warmers and tights but I was smart enough to dispose of those several years ago. Just the other day I came across an old photo of me in such a get-up.

I laughed until I cried.

And then I burned it!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! Peace out! -L

P.S. For those who are wondering about my date...it went really well. He seems to be a nice guy and a cute one to boot. Is he Prince Charming? It's too soon to tell, but I'm not ready to toss him back into the frog pond just yet! I'll keep you posted.