Day 31- Body Bodega

It was chilly this morning but I thought I would be a trooper and brave the weather to go to pilates. It would be worth it just to see Monika's smiling face. I really thought I might be the only one who would brave the cold so early in the morning but I guess I shouldn't have been so suprised that everyone wanted to see Monika's smiling face. When class started the studio was filled with like 20 people. All of us are addicted to Joschi I guess. What was great about today was we really focused on posture and alignment. Even on the way home I found myself going through a body checklist. Abby, sit up straight! Even sitting here now I can hear Joschi's voice telling me to pull my shoulders back. The class today was really informative and I think every body needs this information. The best place in New York to pick up that info is the Body Bodega! I didn't realize till I started taking pilates and yoga how out of touch with my body I was till I tried to get in touch with it. It is much harder than it sounds to be in touch with your body. The greatest part about working out as I have been is I see results. I feel more in touch with my body, I see myself getting stronger, I feel better about myself and I can tell when I don't exercise.

I ate awful this weekend. Deserts and wine are just so delicious. This week I'll detox with more pears.

Day 30-Saturday Sun

Another cold day here in New York, but the sun was shining so I was feeling positive. I was mighty sore from Joschi's kiss ass class last night but almost there. I can see my 40 day finish line. Sarah's class was a wonderful experience. She gave us space to breath and move. It felt really nice to just allow my breath to move me. It was still really tough for me and I think I spent most of class in child's pose but I am glad I made it to class. I left feeling extremely in touch with my body. This was another savasana I was upset I had to wake up from.

I am still eating pretty healthy. Yesterday before class I heard Angela giving health tips so I listened in. A girl's roommate was trying to argue that pita chips are just as healthy as a banana calorie-wise. Pita chips versus the banana?... Banana sounds better anyway. Snacking on fruit I never feel guilty about so I always keep them in my house. My new fruit of choice... pears. Rather delicious, clementines are out. If I don't see another one for a month or so, I'll be fine.

Day 29- Savasana

Today was cold wasn't it!! I was fine until that wind gust slapped me in the face! I made it to class. I was a little sore from the athletic class last night and Joschi pushed us. I expect no less from him on fridays anyway but I found I pushed myself. I finally see results and I am excited to explore my body. Granted, about half way through I was ready for savasana but I kept going. I was dead after the class, I was actually a little upset that I had to wake up out of savasana. I went home feeling like I accomplished something and that made me feel really good about myself... and I'm sure I'm going to sleep really well!

Day 28- Crazy Weather, Hot Class

The weather was pretty wild today wasn't it. I was so excited to see the beautiful snow flakes this morning but by noon it was just wet outside. And then to top it off, when I went to class it was cold outside. It wasn't a problem though because I took the athletic yoga class and was hot in 2 seconds of starting. I have to be honest, it was a hard class for me but I did my best. I did what I could do. The best part though is this class really gives me something to work for. I want to be able to do all those planks and pushups. I think by the end I am going to rock all those lunges too.

Day 27- Almost There

I was feeling good today. Sometimes there is always something that tries to bring you down but I fought it and decided to take out my frustration by working out. Class was just what I needed. I couldn't get my friend to come with me today but I do think she is hooked because she was sad she had made plans for the evening already.

I am already over half way there. I have put all this pressure on myself to finish this challenge but I really think I have made it a lifestyle choice to include yoga and pilates. When this is all over, I still may come every day, which means I really have made health an important part of my life.

Day 26- Coolest Place To Be In NYC

For some reason I was exhausted today. I didn't do anything different than I usually do but I noticed that some of my colleagues also complained of the same lack of energy. I tried to get all my friends at work to come with me but I could only convince my best girl friend at work to come. "I'll try it, but I have never done yoga or pilates before," she tried to talk her way out of coming with that line, like she thought it would work. When i started I had never done pilates or yoga before either, "you've got to start somewhere" I told her. I gave her the listen to your body speech as we walked in and rode up the elevator. If I had been alone I probably would have taken Angela's athletic yoga class... I guess I wouldn't have because for fun I poked my head in to see who was going to take it and not only was the lobby filled with people, the cozy studio was filled with people as well. I don't know if i could have kept up with them anyway, they looked buff and beautiful just like the video. Once sarah's class was over, the 50 people there filed into the studio and then Joschi put us to work.

My friend loved it! As we walked out she kept saying how she felt muscles she didn't even know she had. I hope to get her to do the 40 day challenge but I think she has commitment issues. Of course tons of excuses tumbled out of her mouth, but I can tell she is really thinking hard about changing her life. For the first time ever I think she really made a connection to her body. I'll give her a day and ask her again tomorrow how she feels. You never know we may have another Joschi-ite on the 40 day challenge team...

Day 25- Fired up

I was fired up to go to class today! I felt really good. I went to Sarah's class and it was packed from wall to wall with people. Before going in the people coming out of Angela's class were fired up so the energy in the studio again was energizing. Sarah centered me and through the class I felt really connected to my body and my breath. I feel really good and tomorrow if I am feeling especially spunky I'll take an athletic class.

Day 24- Sick but Excited!

I am still down for the count. That means my day off for this week is today. I feel fat! Sitting around feeling like crap makes me feel a little useless. I feel better but I feel like I needed the day so I could make it through the week.

I finally saw the the new video and it is really awesome! I think I've seen it atleast 20 times now. I wish I could have been there. It looked really fun. Take a look at the making of video. These people work and take classes at the studio! These aren't just models and dancers they are real people who just love the studio too. Watching the video really makes me excited to be a member of the studio. I want to breath, sweat and move. The only place in New York to do that is at Joschi and that makes me excited for Monday to come.

Day 23-Down for the Count

Today I was so sick I couldn't really get out of bed. My day didn't start that way. I was feeling really good but then half way through the day, right before I was going to go to class, I felt like a hammer smashed into my skull. Needless to say I didn't go to class, I didn't even leave the house today. I hope I feel better tomorrow! For now though I am going to go back to my nest of comfy pillows and warm blankets.

Day 22

For some reason, last night I didn't sleep very well but I was in a good mood. The sun was shining and work was light. I was looking forward to going to Athletic yoga. Apparently another student named David made the sound track for our class. The music was really good. The class was hard so good music helped me rock through it. We started with 6 minutes of abs!! Whew! Silver thong with pink stars here I come.

I didn't eat much today which isn't very good, but hey, I didn't eat any sugar. Fruit of choice today.. orange juice. Does that count?

Day 21- Feeling Adventurous

I had a good day. After yesterday I still feel like very happy in my own skin. I wanted to come to the noon but work needed me today. I did end up going in the evening and I really enjoyed how each time I go to the studio its a new adventure.

I feel really good about my body today too. It isn't about how much weight I have lost (even though I have lost some!!) it is more about how I feel! I feel good to be in my skin today. I am proud of my accomplishments. Fruit of choice today... bananas! Is it bad I covered them in peanut butter?

Day 20-Transformation

I had another really... really... really long day at work. Every time I looked at the clock only 5 minutes had passed. Sometimes I looked at the clock time and time seemed to have gone backwards! So needless to say, I was miserable today. On a day like today, who the heck wants to exercise?! But, I dragged myself to the studio. I promised myself I could do this. I made a commitment and I will see it through... But I won't be happy about it!

Monika greeted me with a smile by name and that softened my rotten mood a bit. James class was packed but people scooted a little to make space for me. Something about the energy of so many people made me feel not so alone. I was sure someone else here didn't want to come either and that gave me a strange comfort. At first I wasn't in the mood for all the flowery yoga stuff but after one minute I began to feel what he was talking about. My whole rotten mood was replaced by his expansive blue sky. As the practice progressed, something he said struck me to the core. He talked about letting go of the competition in tree pose and taking that practice off the mat. Being at peace with who you are inside regardless of others around you. It made me a little emotional because I spent my whole day in a rotten mood because of things that don't even really matter. I am something special inside my skin no matter what others try to sling at me.

PS: My stomach can't handle any more clementines!!!

Day 19-UGGG

So, today I couldn't sleep, I had a long day at work, I ate like a pig and I did not want to work out. I didn't want to make that extra step to get on the train and go to the studio. I was cranky as hell today but I did it! I went and worked out. I started out the class in my mini temper tantrum mood but I softened by the end. I was glad I went to class but man was I glad to leave too. I am going to bed and I'll have to drag myself out of bed in the morning kicking and screaming.

Day 18- Fat Suit!

I got the day off from work which was great. I slept in and had a wonderful morning. I felt refreshed from a day off and I was ready to move my body. I went to Athletic flow class and I apparently wasn't the only one with that idea! The class was packed. I enjoy full classes because the energy is just so different than when I used to do videos at home. I was drenched by the end and I am pretty sure I am going to sleep good tonight.

My diet has gone out the window tonight though. After such a hard class I am starving for food. I am falling into the same trap again. How do I workout and not be so hungry all the time? I was feeling really good about myself and my progress but now I just feel like I am wearing a fat suit over my hot yoga body. Joschi help me! What do I do?

Day 17- Another Week Down

I debated over and over if i should go to the studio today. I was tired but I was feeling spunky. I decided not to go and just take the day off. I found my body missed moving but I respect that I also need time to recuperate.

My day was over all very good. Towards the end of the night my will power was going down though. Bananas can only take my sweet tooth so far. I didn't really cheat either but I spent more money than I should have on a pineapple. That held me over. I also found that when I was feeling 'hungry' I really was just thirsty. I really need to learn to drink more water. Taking classes at the studio really help me in that area because I sweat so much I really have no choice.

I am looking forward to another really great week at the studio. I can already feel my body getting stronger. I really feel fantastic!

Day 16- Anger Defused

I had an interesting day today. Before I continue, I have to confess that I cheated on my diet. I had lots of sugar today. I may have had the day off from work but home was stressful for me. That is no excuse but at the time it made me feel better. Anyway, I left the house frazzled and happy that I could remove myself from my stressful situation. I came into the studio and just like it usually does, it was a breath of fresh air for me to see the beautiful black floors, the comfy lounge and Monika's beautiful smile. Sarah's class was awesome! The energy was so invigorating. After class, everyone was feeling great after the challenging poses and creative flow. I began to think about how grateful I am that I can move my body and come to class. Then I began to ponder why my morning was so stressful... instead of focusing on the things I was angry about, I began to concentrate on all the things I am thankful for. When I got home I wasn't upset. As a matter of fact I was completely at peace and the rest of my day at home was fantastic. What would I do without the studio?

Day 15-TGIF

Its friday! The week was just exhausting for me. I was looking forward to going to class all day long. Every two minutes I looked at my clock wishing for my work week to end and my weekend to begin. My mini vacation started with seeing Monika's beautiful face. I took Joschi's class. Joschi really makes us move on Fridays and as promised I got a serious kick of energy as I got my butt kicked. I was drenched in sweat and I loved every moment of it because I really felt in like I was in contact with my body. I was so yoga blissed out that I fell asleep during savasana. Is that bad? I was actually upset that he woke me up....

Day 14- Positive Energy

Yesterday was a rough day for me but today I was feeling pretty good. The studio seems like it is the coolest place in Chelsea because it was filled with people the last few days. That kind of energy is really empowering. I was motivated to eat well today too which is making me feel really good as I get ready for bed. I am looking forward to returning to the studio tomorrow to get some more empowering vibes from the energy of the studio. I am hoping no matter how tiring work will be for me, Joschi will make it all better by kicking my behind!

Day 13- Losing Count

I was feeling a little sick. As a matter of fact I am concerned that I am getting the flu that is being passed around my office. I had heard that exercise makes it better and makes it worse so I don't know if I am hurting my body at this point or not. I haven't mentioned it to Joschi but I am really fighting myself now! I don't even want to go to work let alone go to class. The funny part is I really do feel amazing afterward but before class begins it is hard to convince myself of that. Man, what do I do? I really not in the mood to go tomorrow!!

Day 12- Exhaustion Sets In

It is getting so hard to get myself out the door. I was so tired today and it was cold out, I found a million excuses why I shouldn't have gone to class. I dragged myself out of the house kicking and screaming and I found I was even a little cranky. I entered the studio and again it was hopping. There was a ton of people and Joschi's noon pilates class was packed. I didn't feel like moving and at first every move seemed so hard for me, but Being in such a big group of guys and gals working their body fueled me to actually work out. I felt great that I pushed myself to go. I made a commitment to myself and I wanted to see it through. I've been eating ok too but even that is starting to drain me. Has it been 40 days yet?...

Day 11-Vibrant Studio Made My Day

My day started early. By the time it was time to do yoga I had to drag myself there. I wasn't looking forward to moving. I really just wanted to go home and lay down, but as I walked in the studio I felt my energy start to grow. The studio was so filled with such vibrancy I couldn't help but be engulfed in it. Everyone was talking and laughing, and when class started there was such a discipline in the air I felt like I couldn't slack off. Angela's class kicked my butt! It was great but I am defiantly gonna feel that tomorrow. Today I didn't eat much so I was seduced by the candy jar in work. I let myself down. Tomorrow is a new day though, right?

Day 10-I'm Easy Like Sunday Mornin'

Today luckily wasn't quite as cold as it has been. I got out of bed a bit reluctant but once I got moving I was ready to go. I love moving my body and Meg's class got me going. I was completely relaxed, worked out and comfortable in savasana then it only got better with the most beautiful song. At first you think a cd is playing but it turns out Meg was singing! She has the most beautiful voice.

After class I did my sunday errands and found that at the end of the night I was craving sugar like mad! I am sorry to admit it, but I cheated. I had a Hershey Kiss,... just one! I felt really guilty about it because I had been fighting the urge all day with pineapple. After a while my mouth couldn't take any more pineapple and I fell into temptation. Forgive me? Does that mean I failed at my sugar addiction? Do I have to start all over again?

Day 9- Happy to be Back

I woke up a little stiff but ready to go. I sure did miss seeing Monika's beautiful face at the desk. I looked forward to Joschi's pilates class and it turned out it was the perfect way to start my weekend. He worked us with the foam roller in a way that really brought me back to life today. It wasn't easy by any stretch of the imagination but it prepared me for the rest of the day. Its just what I needed to go into Week 2 of my personal challenge.

What I found awesome and suprising about my day was I didn't crave any sweet today. I realize I still get sugar in subtle ways because it is hidden in everything, but I even turned down chocolate and sweets today with out any hesitation. Does that mean I am getting over my sugar addiction? Who knew the Mean Spirited German Teacher wasn't lying that the cravings would go away. I find that fruits and veggies have been more satisfying to me now more than I thought they could. We'll see what happens tomorrow, but for now I am very pleased with how I have grown this year...

Day 8- Recovery and Reflection

I had a great day. It was long but work was productive and my body enjoyed a rest. As I began to relax for the evening I reflected on the week and how fast this year is already going and it's only the first week! I feel wonderful that I have begun my year with such a bang. Each day is an accomplishment and I feel grateful for every moment I have. I also decided that this challenge is more for my mind than my body. Yes, I want to feel good and be in shape, but finding the discipline in my mind to press on is where true strength comes in. I know its only been 8 days but this journey is bigger than just showing up to 6 classes a week. It is about making a commitment to myself. I look forward to continuing my personal commitment through the up coming weeks.

Day 7-Oh, My Darling Clementine...

I am so thankful for all the support! It is nice to have a team of such wonderful people supporting my 40 day journey. I walked into the studio tonight for class and Joschi slipped me a clementine. With these in my fridge I can beat the sugar monkey! They are so yummy. It's also nice to know I am not the only one who has to give up sweets,... actually I shouldn't think of it as giving up anything, instead I am finding better, healthier alternatives like Joschi's new favorite fruit.

I really enjoy going to class but tonight's class was really very difficult for me. Monika is right, I need to listen to my body whisper because it is starting to raise the volume. I don't want my body to scream at me so, I have decided that my day off is going to be tomorrow. I really want to go into the studio. I really want to push my body, I want to see results and I want to move with Joschi tomorrow, but I don't want to push myself so hard that I stop making progress and I hurt myself. I will come back renewed and ready for more action this weekend. Maybe tomorrow night I'll get funky with a new recipe using apple sauce as a sweetener instead of sugar. Healthy can still be tasty right?...

Day 6-Does This Get Easier?

I have had an interesting schedule this week so I only had the opportunity to take Angela's class at noon which I knew would be fun but hard. My legs were complete noodles and my arms felt like they were made of lead after Joschi's class yesterday. So not only do I feel like a weakling, I am feeling fat because I still want sugar. I took Joschi's advice and I haven't had straight sugar but I really, really, really want some!!! Instead of eating a sugary muffin or a chocolate bar like I want to, I'll buy a sandwich or a cliff bar. Is that a better alternative? When do these cravings go away? Its driving me nuts! When does this muscle soreness go away? Am I even on the right track?? Help me!!

Day 5- Super Sore

Today my body did not cooperate. I took Joschi's noon pilates and good grief, those side leg lifts kill me every time! I think soon I am going to need a day to recoup but I really want to meet this challenge head on. I have begun to see my body change. I feel amazing compared to how I looked and felt before.

Still hungry for bread and chocolate. So, I did talk to Joschi about it and he told me I was addicted to sugar. He said for the rest of the challenge I need to cut out the sugar or my body will start all over again with the addiction. That is hard to do considering all my roommates love having cake and ice cream around all the time. How do I beat that kind of peer pressure at home?

Day 4- Athletic Yoga

By the time I got home tonight I was exhausted and starving. I only had time today to take the new 5:15pm Athletic flow with Angela. I love being sore like this but when I take a class tomorrow I am not sure my body is going to cooperate. I am also a little concerned because I am hungry all the time because I am working out. How am I supposed to lose weight if I am hungry all the time? I have tried getting healthy snacks like clementines like Joschi suggested but I want a cookie... and some chocolate!

Day 3- Braving the Cold

The high today was 26 degrees! That was the HIGH! Those of us who trekked through the arctic air enjoyed another great experience with Angela. She went nuts with the candles, (maybe to help us keep warm) but after 5 minutes the room was fogged up with our body heat. She kept our bodies moving, challenged our muscles and again I left the studio feeling like a million dollars. For savasana she gave us massages and covered us with a blanket. I didn't want to move after class was over because I was so warm, comfortable and at ease in my body, but I am totally ready for what the week has in store for me. Bring on day 4!! Iam really sore at this point, I sure hope this goes away! I also have this ridiculous craving for bread and cookies. I don't know why! I hope that goes away too cause I don't want to get as fat as Joschi!! =-)

My First Pilates Class of the Year

The class was packed! I tried to hide in the back row because I was a little sore from yesturday's yoga class but my plan didn't work. Joschi called me out anyway. "I'm watching you!" How does he know all our names? Anyway, there was quite a few people who hadn't been to class before, but that didn't stop Joschi from kicking our butts. We worked the whole body in a systematic way that was challenging, but left me feeling fantastic for the rest of the day. Even the studio owner pushed herself with us. Even though Joschi had great music and funny jokes, towards the end of the class he got serious and helped us get in touch with our bodies. He explained how our bodies worked and how our practice was improving our posture and alignment in a way we could all understand. I am definitely going to be there tomorrow for Angela's class... if I can walk! I guess i could crawl if need be...

Day 2

I am looking forward to another day at Joschi Body Bodega. I already feel stronger from yesterday's class with Angela. Today Joschi is going to whip me into shape with 360 Pilates. Every time I take one of his classes he mixes fun music, crazy German jokes and a kick ass workout into the fastest hour of my day. It sucks having to go back to work after his class. Luckily for me it is saturday!

Welcome to 2010- 40 day challenge begins!

The first day of my 40 day challenge began with a bang at Joschi Body Bodega. The first holiday flow was 90 full minutes of butt kicking yoga. The atmosphere was awesome as I walked in. Everyone was feeling so fresh and happy about the new year. Joschi was even dancing with another yogi. The room smelled nice, the teacher lit candles. It was an outstanding way to start the new year.

What you are looking at is my holiday cookie belly. This has to go! And if I keep doing workouts like the one I just had it will be gone in no time.