This past Sunday, I spent some time marking off something on my Health Bucket List: becoming a licensed Zumba instructor. In order to do that, first I needed the certification. So I did that.
The class was a blast – Vicky (the training specialist) has been involved in Zumba since the beginning and she was amazing, and I had some great conversations with people in the class, as well as dancing (and sweating) my butt off!
That’s pretty much Zumba in a nutshell.
Before you get confused, let me clarify: Read more…
I believe I can fly: Box Jumps at CrossFit basics course
First I posted about being nervous when heading to an intro CrossFit lesson & it being like the first day of school, then I talked about how I’m not a CrossFit convert but I could be. And I thought that would be the end of the story…for a while at least.
Then I noticed my local Reebok Crossfit box was offering a full day’s course of CrossFit basics on a Saturday. I signed up. My reasoning is so wherever I go in the world, I should be able to walk into any box and try that day’s lesson. Ideally. I know each box has its own requirements, but me having completed this course raises those chances. I think I’ll even be able to join my colleagues at our all-company meetup when they go to a box (I couldn’t go last year).
Stay behind the yellow line. #metro #milan #italy Headed to #Crossfit all-day. I will survive! instagr.am/p/WWTdTGHrk6/—
Sara Rosso (@rosso) March 02, 2013
The course was really good, and a good next step to understanding CrossFit. This box has a rule that if anyone’s late, the entire class does burpees (I hate burpees). Spoiler alert: Italians are not the most punctual people. So that’s how class started out. Read more…
My 5 Tips for Someone Wanting to Lose Weight
I’ve had some people come up to me who have noticed my progress, and want to talk about losing weight, or in the middle of their diets, and say things like, “I want to do what you did“, “I’m so hungry all the time“, or “I bet you don’t eat anything good [read: bad for you / delicious].“
I can first assure them that I do eat delicious food, and sometimes it’s not good for me (sweet potato fries? chocolate? pizza? gelato? yes, please), but it’s the consistency in which I’m approaching this which makes a difference. I can’t assure them they’ll have the same results as I did, especially when their approach and everyone’s journey is completely different, but I think hearing it from someone who has done it helps!
Here are 5 tips I would like to say to anyone who’s ready to make a lifestyle change towards the healthier:
Breaking the cycle of “deserving” or “earning” food
As often as I can, I try to spend some quality time with some of my favorite people in Rome. Even though Milan and Rome are only 3 hours apart on the fast train, I don’t get to Rome as often as I’d like. On a trip there during the fall, many hadn’t seen me since the summer prior, and I was happy they noticed a difference.
We stopped by a Sicilian pastry place I like; they have a delicious cassatina, a ricotta, sugar and almond paste cake from Sicily. I like them a lot (see exhibit A to the right).
A friend, probably trying to encourage me despite my weight loss progress to order one, said, “Get one. You’ve earned it!”
While she meant well, inside I was saying, No. No. I haven’t earned anything, and that’s not why I’ll get one. (spoiler: I did order one, and it was delicious). Read more…
Lady Lifter Spotlight: Me!
Since the half-marathon I completed this summer, I’ve taken a decent break from running. At the moment I don’t miss it, and I know when it’s time to go back, I will. I haven’t been avoiding running, but I’m really enjoying the 20-minute or so WOD that gets my heart-rate up without any fancy equipment, and doing my weight lifting/cardio classes. Read more…
I’m not a CrossFit convert…but I could be.
So I left you hanging, didn’t I? Sorry about that. So I was pretty nervous, and when I showed up to Reebok CrossFit Bicocca. There were only 6 of us there for the free trial class, and here’s what we did:
- Mobility stretching
- Warm-up: Jumping Jacks, High Knees, Air Squats (don’t remember how many)
- WOD: 5 rounds for time: 5 Burpees, 7 Box Jumps, 9 Air Squats
Here’s what I liked: Read more…
The first day of school…
Today I’m going to try a free lesson at one of the only Reebok Crossfit gyms here in Italy.
The box only opened a week ago, so I’m going to take advantage of their “open week” when they offer free lessons for those interested.
It will take me close to an hour to get there with public transportation, and another hour back, so it’s not really a viable option for regular workouts as my current gym is only 200m from my house.
But I’m excited. And nervous. And a little scared, as even though I think I’m in pretty good shape, I think I’ll get my a** handed to me.
I’ll report back after.
Have no idea what I’m talking about with this Crossfit thing? Check out this Beginner’s Guide to Crossfit from NerdFitness – it has a lot of great info.
