That title was a doozy, right? Bear with me! I am a lot nicer now than I used to be growing up. For some reason, I think it’s the 50% paternal portion of me. I have a strong presence that is sometimes mistaken as mean.
I wasn’t blessed to know my paternal grandfather, but he is supposedly some type of disciplinarian legend in his family that consisted of 5 sons and 1 daughter. He passed it on to my Daddy who was the disciplinarian to my ENTIRE family! My Daddy says NO to EVERYTHING first. It took me years not to get all bent out of shape every time I ask him something. Now, I just wait a few minutes for the real answer. However weird that sounds, he passed some of this on to me.
I am what you would call a no nonsense loving Auntie/God Mommy and my babies know it. Sometimes they refer to me as mean, but they know how to act with me in public, so I will take it.
My friends will laugh forever reminiscing about our childhood and my little antics. I have always had a tendency to say what I feel and if I know it’s inappropriate, it usually reads across my face anyway.
I’ve been working on that. I even got scolded in pharmacy school because my teacher/preceptor said it was intimidating to teach me when I’m looking at them like they are crazy and stupid.
I have had to tame myself as an adult & anyone that has known me over the years can testify that all of these innate characteristics of mine are toned down…with the exception of the disciplining kids thing.
SOOOO….
Why in the world did I just say all that & what does it have to do with WEIGHT LOSS?
My primary choice of cardio exercise to lose weight and stay active & fit is BODYCOMBAT. It is the empowering group fitness cardio workout where you are totally unleashed.
So if you have a little mean streak, does this not sound like the class for you. I’m an athlete and a natural fighter. Does that make any sense to you?
Some people try as they might, will never look natural throwing punches and kicking at people, but they do it anyway and that’s perfectly fine.
COMBAT comes natural to me, and I LOVE IT! I teach with intensity every time. I often tell members to imagine their hater, job stressor, or boss as the target and immediately the intensity goes on fire! It’s the perfect place to release what would otherwise be tactless!
For you as an everyday human being just trying to stay healthy and fit, it’d be a good idea to play off of your natural strengths, qualities, and interests. I just broke down a personal testimony to help you think in terms of your natural self mixed with your level of fitness.
One universal consistency that you can’t argue is once we find an activity that we love, we are hooked. This means you are motivated to stay with your workout without feeling like it’s a source of gloom through out your week. You start to look forward to it.
For instance Kita guest posted here last week about how you will not catch her running to save her own life, however Robin over in Australia blogs all about running.
Josie’s blog digs in deep to sources of working out on your on at home. Nellie is more like me and loves group exercise but we have our favorites. Two of hers are Zumba and Spin.
Most people who take group fitness appreciate a variety but there will be one class that is just their M.O. You need to find your method of operation!
You’ll know you are there when; you look forward to going, you don’t make excuses to skip, you don’t let people talk you out of skipping, & you’re seeing results.
Most importantly, you should feel good about doing it, not like it’s punishment. There is something for EVERYONE if you do some trial and error! Don’t force it. If it’s not for you, find something else!
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT FOR CARDIO OTHER THAN THE MACHINES
*BODYCOMBAT/Kickboxing/Turbo Kick – mixed martial arts inspired*
BODYATTACK – high impact (with options aerobics)
Step Class
Zumba/Sha’bam/BODYJAM/HIP HOP ABS – (ANY kind of dance)
Water aerobics
Spin/RPM/Bicycling
Running
Walking/ Walk off the Pounds DVDs
Rollerblading/Ice Skating/ Roller Skating
Sweating in the Spirit (Host of Home DVD options)
Boxing
Karate
Jitsu
Crossfit
Boot camps
Belly dancing
Pole dancing
Cheerleading (lots of professionals cheer for semi pro and pro sports teams & stay in shape)
This is not an exhaustive list by far! I just wanted to spin your wheels if you aren’t currently enjoying your attempts at staying fit. What about a combination of the things mentioned above?
Tuesday morning 55-minute format BODYCOMBAT is by far my favorite workout of the week! I make that mean streak “do what it do” 😉 What about you???
Yours in Healthy, Active, & Prosperous Lifestyles,
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
- What method of cardio do you prefer when trying to shed some pounds?
- What is an innate characteristic about yourself that you could use to your advantage when it comes to choosing a physical activity you would love (i.e… Are you a sexy little vixen that can turn out a Pole dancing/Striptease/Belly dancing class or maybe super competitive, because trust me, those ladies in spin class will have you on your Ps and Qs?)
Rx Fitness Lady
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I am pretty competitive. I’ve been running most of my life so that is really my workout of choice, but I go to a bootcamp class once a week at a sports complex that I love and hate to miss because it’s a very different workout from my run!
Michelle recently posted…Shark sighting? Or Just a Panicky Mom?
I like to switch it up a bit as well. I’m teaching COMBAT 3 times a week now so not a lot of time left for other things. I do cherish the diversity…BODY ATTACK specifically is my other favorite. Salute to all you runners!
I just love everything about this post!! You are so right about finding what works for you. For example I hate hate hate boot camp it doesn’t feel natural to me, however there are some folks in the gym that would never miss a class. Another example is yoga, I love hot yoga but do I go out of my way to attend? Not so much. Body combat sounds so awesome however because it reminds me of a personal boxing class I took and boy did I get all my anger out there!! I love that you have a mean streak I think it’s required for most group fitness instructors!! I love all of your pictures!!!
Nellie recently posted…Friday Fitness Check In: Transitioning
Thanks Nellie! I love to unleash. I’m not a boot camper either but I have a friendgirl that LOVES it to pieces. I don’t fool with those flexibility classes at all. I know I need to do better. I need like a 30 min one weekly. That’s all I can handle. You love my mean streak? 😉
Love this post! It was nice to read a little about you on a personal level and see some family pics. What I would give to be in one of your classes. That’s the type of workout I enjoy…high intensity. I did tae kwon do for 3 years in college and was always complimented on how powerful, fast and high my kicks were…but boy did my mean streak come out..especially when sparring…loved it. I love running but my body has gotten used to it, so I need to take it to the next level. I also plan on doing more group fitness. I tried a few, but man…instructors make. the. difference.
Hope recently posted…Why Am I Still Fat?
Hey Hope! I remember you said les mills was coming to your Y. How’s that going? I do appreciate good instructors. You are right, they make or break a group fitness class!
This is cracking me up!! And is soooo WHY we were friends from the moment we met!! I have always been pegged as the ” brutal honest” type, and def show a lot on my “face!” And you know I love the opportunity to be “fierce” and “mean.” Thanks for all the inspiration to find what you love and see great results!!
Ha ha glad to make you laugh on your day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY my friend! I appreciate you stopping by today and you are correct…loved you from the jump!
Joi
I don’t exerise as much as I should or as much as I did as a child and young adult. I too am an athlete and have had to “massage” my personality a bit because I can be very short. My tolerance level is great with children…with adults I take no interjections! I ran junior olympics for years. I know that those days are over, but I do wish that I could motivate myself enough to start running or boxing again. Between you and all the other fitness bloggers I think my motivation my be returning. Maybe…
Andrea recently posted…My Choice Was to Die So that She Might Live
Andrea, I would have never pegged you for an athlete, you’re always jonesing us on these fitness posts, lol! I checked the maybe at the end of your comment….I will keep listening out for that day to come!
Hey Joi! I’m so proud of myself, as I’ve never had an exercise regime “per se”, BUT I did go out and purchase me an inflatable punching bag and resistance band! And yes Joi…I DO use them often, lol! SN…I must fix my name on this comment section. I have NO idea who MichellMicchelllMicchell is, but it’s not me, lol! My gravitar is gone as well. 🙁 Btw…love that picture of you and your dad! Are you a daddy’s girl too? 😀 Have a fantabulous weekend lady!
Michell recently posted…It’s my SITS Day…YAYY!!
I fixed your name, I think you email got typed incorrectly thus no gravitar. My sister is more of a Daddy’s girl I just picked up all his qualities. I do love that man to pieces though. He is a tru #BOSS!
I tend to practice body combat on the husband. He’s all for it. Kicked him the balls once by accident, though. Right now my cardio is outdoor sprint intervals. FINALLY warm enough for me to get outdoors in the morning. Love all the pics your shared. squeeeee!!!
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Hum, accident…I’m not convinced, lol! Oh and Thank you!
Interesting to think about how our personality traits translate into a workout preference. I’m usually geared towards free weights and the treadmill. {I workout at home.} I’ve never taken a workout class in my life, and you will neeeeever find me in a spin class. 😉 My personality is very humorous and friendly, but has a bit of an edge to it in terms of not being a pushover. Maybe that DOES fit my workout style, Joi!
P.S. Your arms are so sculpted in that picture!
XOXO,
Meredith
Meredith recently posted…Easter Photos & Why I’m Called “The Tourist”
Thanks Meredith! My arms my little drawing tool 🙂 I applaud you for doing free weights at home. Most women won’t do that consistently and don’t know how for that matter.
I am so guilty of being accused of having a mean streak. Admittedly, I do. I cannot say it has helped me when it comes to fitness. I’ve never considered channeling it there. I think a light bulb just clicked on. Competitiveness drives me.
I’m a fan of cross fit act. I made the mistake of jogging to it once (I live approx a mile away). The trainer’s response “ChiTown-my accent sticks out like a sore thumb in NJ), I hope you don’t think you’re gonna get a break cause you ran here!”
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LOL, they don’t play…HA! You should be able to channel some of that energy in cross fit…Yes? It looks like it doesn’t play!
Okay, I am going to have to think on this one for a little bit. I’m not sure any of my personality traits are helpful in the gym! I love running but it’s not what I would go to if I wanted to lose weight fast.
Kristiina recently posted…Cognitive Dissonance
I used to think running was the best for losing weight, but I’ve been reading a lot of articles contrary to that lately. I don’t blog about running because I’ve never developed a fondness for it.
Excellent title! I have a bit of a mean streak/attitude myself!! (and I ADORE that you could intimidate your professor with just a look.! HA!)
I need to focus my energies on weight loss and fitness. It’s not something I’ve focused on for far too long…always a reason or excuse to put every one and every thing else first.
I couldn’t do that class because it would probably kill me, but maybe when I get my feet under myself with respect to fitness I could. I have the appropriate mean streak in me for it!!
Great post!! –Lisa
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LISA!!!! WELCOME BACK! We missed you! I thought it rather comical that the professor actually stated that she was intimidated as well. You could hang, we have options..people get so excited they go back and forth between high and low options usually though. It’s just that much fun! Good to hear from you!
If that is not the truth, “You’ll know you are there when; you look forward to going, you don’t make excuses to skip, you don’t let people talk you out of skipping, & you’re seeing results”.
You are so right about that statement. You’ll know what you like when you’re hooked and make every effort to make it happen. I think it’s extremely important to really do what you love or a least enjoy when it comes to fitness. I’ve tried so many fitness programs and classes. But, no matter what I always come back around to what I’m most comfortable with and love, DANCE! If you know me, then you know I love to dance. I’ve been doing it sicne I was a little girl. I’m a Zumba fanatic, classic step aerobics lover and my all time favorite (which isn’t on the list above, 🙁 ) is West African dance. It’s absolutely amazing and worth every one of my pennies that I shell out for class. I can go on and on about it, but I won’t take up any more room in this comment box. Thanks for sharing this post.
Monica J recently posted…Fashion Friday: Spring Into Color with J.Crew’s Crewcuts for Kids
I’M SO SORRY MONICA! I am not a dancer. I cried every Thursday in second grade alluding to a stomach ache and my Pediatrician asked my Mother what happens on Thursdays? She told him dance class & he suggested letting me stop dance class. Guess what, the stomach aches went away, lol! I tried to make a diverse list, but I appreciate you so much for suggesting it in the comments. I’m sure I missed a few other popular ones too. I do take a dance class about every other week and have developed a fondness for “letting my hair hang”. It’s so important for people to enjoy the workout and that’s why Zumba and all the other dance classes are a MUST. People love to dance!!!
I’m not exercising right now – except chasing after my grandkids. BodyCombat looks like it would be a great stress reducer. I’ll keep that in mind.
Visiting from SITS.
Patty@homemakersdaily.com recently posted…Polenta With Fontina and Eggs
Hi Patty,
I’m sure those grand kids are a joy to run around with. I’d love some exercise from some kids of my own 🙂
Thx for visiting.
Joi
“I often tell members to imagine their hater, job stressor, or boss as the target and immediately the intensity goes on fire!” I need to find me a Mortal Combat class! What a great way to let your frustrations out on people 🙂
Catherine Gacad recently posted…Confessions of a Hoarder
Yes ma’am Catherine! It works every time!
Joi Jones! Group fitness is an excellent topic of discussion. This post points out a few things about group exercise and you that I think are important. 1- the stereotype that group fitness is easy. Sometimes former athletes feel like they won’t get a good workout from the type of exercise that is traditionally associated with group fitness. BodyCombat proves that theory wrong. 2- even those “girlie girls” can find an option in group fitness to accomplish a healthy life style. (Thanks for the tips on different opinions of levels and intensities!) 3- I love the love and support that you show to your fellow bloggers in your post. It helps to show your readers some other people providing tips on topics they are interested in …… See that did whole mean thing is out the door (most days).
LOL, great comment and thanks Sister! We do have something for former athletes in the way of group fitness. THank you so much for pointing that out.
I have my no nonsense ways too, especially with my personal life and my loved ones. I completely get it! That Bodycombat class sounds serious, lol! I’m loving the 737 calories burned though! I’m walking about 2 miles three times a week in the evenings to help with my weight loss. Continue to embrace that meanstreak when you need to girl! LOL
Sherelle recently posted…Mid-Season Catch Up Session
Yes ma’am, will do 😉 I’m happy to know you are regularly walking. Keep it up girl!
I think you have to have at least a little bit of a mean streak to really be into total fitness and training. Just checked my gym schedule and sadly, we don’t have Bodycombat. It really would be a great way to let out all the frustrations between family and work!
Leslie recently posted…{30 Things} 5 Thinks That Make Me Happy
Too bad Leslie! Usually there is some alternative form like kickboxing, turbo kick, etc. You can always do the Combat home DVD if you really wanted to exert some of that energy. I know you are so busy, a home DVD might be God sent for you on Some days.
I am soooooo happy! God is good. All things come to those who wait. You are doing so many great things my darling, first born. Keep up the great work in every phase of your life.
You are happy that I’ve gotten that mean streak under control, lol! I appreciate the love!
You know I am always a fan of group fitness. My favorite is Spin. I want to try combat, but the time slot they teach it isn’t good for my schedule. I also want to get back into Attack and Step. I may try those Monday and Tuesday of next week.
Britton recently posted…Motivational Monday: BLM Get Fit Wrap Up + Link Up!
I have been slacking on Step, I may go Monday as well. I’ve been going to a different location. I miss it and Attack! Spin is my least fav, lol!