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30-DAY CHALLENGE: Core Fusion®  DIARY ARCHIVES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

After last week’s Core Fusion® class with Erin, I was excited to take her class again on Saturday. We did a similar crazy planks sequence, without any stopping between a forearm plank, two sets of pushups and a straight arm plank. By the time we finished my heart was pounding! Planks always get my heart rate up!

For the last set of thighs we did something I had never done before – we did the small repetitive movements in a lunge position. I actually really liked this because this is a stretch that helps my leg muscles loosen up for running, so doing thigh work with the stretch felt really good. And it burned like the other thigh exercises, so I felt like it got 2 jobs done.

Erin was so helpful with my position when we did glutes moves at the bar. I love being corrected and knowing I’m getting what I should be getting from the workout. Abs were abs. Painful. Brutal. But when I stick through it I feel so much better after than when I let myself take breaks. I used to give up when it became too hard but lately I’ve really been sticking it through. I think my abs have gotten stronger so it is slightly easier to not give up.

And then class was over. I loved being done on Saturday morning before noon with the rest of my day open!

I had the day off work on Monday for Presidents Day, so I was able to take a daytime class. Marnie was teaching and I’d had her once before, but wasn’t able to give her class a fair review. That’s because it was during the first or second week of the challenge and it was the day after I took Fred’s class. Needless to say, I was extremely sore and wasn’t able to get the most out of class.

Let me just say I am glad I went back! I loved Marnie’s class. Now that I can hold myself up during the entire plank, I’ve been focusing much more on my form. As a result, I have been getting stronger in my core! Amazing how all the little victories add up and turn into a big one.

Arms were especially hard! We did something I had never done with the arm weights and I had a tough time keeping up. I love being challenged, although I kinda wish I had lighter weights for that part! For the last set of thighs, we did the LUNGES again. I had never done them before Saturday, and then I have them two classes in a row? Is there a theme?

I’ve actually noticed themes before. I don’t know if this is on purpose or coincidence, but let me give you a few examples.

• Before the challenge started, I took class for the first time in a long time and did the pretzel pose for glutes for the first time in my life. Two days later, I took class again, and we did it again!
• We usually we use a red ball as a prop during class, or no prop at all. We rarely use the block. But for one week, almost every class used the yoga block!
• On a different week, we always did glutes work on our hands and knees. That is usually rare, and I have only done it once since that week!
• Is it just me, or has every teacher been using the song “Hey Soul Sister” during leg stretches after thigh work?

And it’s not just me – others have noticed themes as well. I wonder if this is planned or if it is random!

Also – how do the teachers get the music timed so perfectly?! That continues to astound me.

Moving on. I really did enjoy the lunges for thigh exercises because I ran 8 miles the day before, and this was a much needed stretch. For glutes we did pretzel under the bar, holding onto the bar. I hadn’t done pretzel in awhile so I really enjoyed the painful burn as much as I could. I did notice that because my right side is so much tighter, I had a hard time getting that leg off the floor to do the movements as well as I did on my left. Have to keep stretching and working on that.

Abs was very challenging but I like the variation of moves we did. And then class was over and I felt so pleased with my decision to not spend my day off in bed as I had originally planned and instead to do something productive and take Core Fusion. I never regret taking class.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Since my friend who’s visiting from Florida got stuck in NYC a for few extra days because of the snowstorm and was staying at the Gansevoort, it was a perfect opportunity to bring her to Core Fusion® with me this morning! There is an exhale spa location in the Gansevoort, so all she had to do was come downstairs.
Of course, that meant I had to travel to the opposite corner of the city in the wee hours of the morning. I felt great since I gave myself time to get ready in the morning. Enough time to make coffee and order leggings online. Oops.

I have discovered the coffee is they key to 7 am Core Fusion®.
I brought my extra pair of Core Fusion® grippy socks so my friend could have the full experience, although I was considerate and I warned her they haven’t been washed recently. What can I say? I’m going to Queens to do laundry at my mom’s on Saturday. City living, kids!

We went into the studio and I helped my friend get set up with 3 lb weights and a strap. I showed her how to hang from the stall bar, which is important to use before and after Core Fusion® class for a nice back and full body stretch. Since this class was recently added to the schedule, there was only one other person there. It’s funny – if my friend wasn’t in NYC, I would have gone to Central Park South and that person would have had a private lesson!

Diana introduced herself to us and I told her about my foot tendonitis. She asked what I’ve been doing during thighs and I told her the teachers have been having me do chair pose and wide V (second position for all you dancers) so I can keep my feet flat on the floor, since I can’t go up on my toes right now.
Class started and the plank was very good. I was very conscious of my form and Diana complimented the entire class on listening to her instructions on having the proper form. Pushups were good, reverse pushups were good. I can’t believe how much easier reverse pushups have become for me over the last month and a half. I used to barely be able to bend my elbows at all and now I can do it!

We did arms and I felt strong again with my 3 and 4 lb weights. It burned but I was able to keep up and do it all.
When we did thighs, Diana had us only do exercises I could participate in! In my other classes since being injured, if the class was doing something I couldn’t, like small V (first position) on their toes, the teacher would come to me and have me do something different. But Diana set the exercises today based on what I could do. I thought that was so nice of her. Of course, no teacher should ever have to do that or feel like they have to. The needs of the class are most important and I will be fine doing anything I can. That said, I thought it was a very nice thing of Diana to do.

We did chair pose, wide V and thigh dancing (there are usually three sets in thighs). During the first two sets, I felt like I’ve really gotten a better grasp on the correct positioning. I tried hard to keep my stomach pulled in and my back flat and straight. It’s not easy, but I’m hoping to make this second nature, or at the very least, as close to second nature as I can get it! Thigh dancing is pretty rare during Core Fusion® classes (look for it on the Thighs & Glutes DVD if you want to give it a try!) because it is considered one of the most challenging moves. The last time I did it was a few weeks ago. But I was able to hold my own today! Diana even complimented my moves, as I got really into the “dancing” idea of this. Not that it didn’t burn, because it did. But I didn’t collapse out of the position, which is great.
Then we did pushups and after a couple I felt so strong I decided to try for straight legs. And I did it! It was very hard and I couldn’t get myself as low down, but I was able to do real pushups! About 7 in a row. It felt great.

For glutes we did the moves on all fours on the mat. I hadn’t done that in awhile so it was a nice change of pace. The core work we do sitting under the bar was great too, I really felt it in my abs with the way Diana had us move our legs. We did an alternating legs straight in and out and then bent in and out and back to straight. I’m able to lift my legs during bent legs so that really helps me feel the burn.
Instead of another plank at this point we did a movement I haven’t done before, keeping our feet together in front of us and lifting our butt off the floor and back on in a sitting position. Very nice change!

During the C curve (also called the Curl if I haven’t mentioned it) I also felt pretty able to keep up and take my hands off my legs at certain times. I’m definitely improving here. It was very hard though! I glanced over at my friend to see how she was doing and I could tell it was tough for her as well. As it should be!
We did different leg stretches at the end which was also a nice change of pace. I enjoyed this.

And at the very end of class, the very last song was . . . the theme song from House. Again! Erin played it on Tuesday as the first Music Yoga Flow song and now Diana was playing it as the last song in Core Fusion® when we rest in savasana and stretch. I loved hearing it! It felt like a big screen was going to emerge from the ceiling and an episode of House would play. Which, really, would be the perfect end to a Core Fusion® class. One hour of class followed by one hour of House. Fred, what do you think?? ;)
Since there was no big screen, class ended and we went up to Diana to chat a little. In my first post about class in this challenge, I wrote that I like taking Diana’s class because she reminds me of my friend who is a professional dancer. Diana’s hair and body both remind me of her. I told Diana about that and it turns out she knew exactly who I was talking about -- she knows my friend! They just danced together recently. What a small world!

When class was over I felt so amazing! I feel like I overuse that word here but really, it is the most accurate term to describe how I feel after class. I was in such a great mood and I came to work happy (Maaaaaybe the upcoming 3 day weekend played a part as well). My friend loved the class too.
I just love how a wonderful Core Fusion® class sets the tone for the entire day.

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Sunday, February 14

On Tuesday, I finally had the chance to try Music Yoga Flow at exhale spa. I wanted to try this class for weeks but always had scheduling conflicts. I was going to go only to that class, but the weather forecast was predicting 12 inches of snow for Wednesday. Knowing I wouldn’t make my Wednesday class in the snow, I decided to squeeze in a Core Fusion® class as well to get my classes in for the week. I left work a few minutes early, which I never do, and made it to the SoHo location (my first time there!) for 5:30 Core Fusion® to be followed by 6:45 Music Yoga Flow.

Both classes were with Erin J. I took her class once back in June and I remembered thinking it was insanely hard! Confession: that might be why I haven’t been back since then. Before class I introduced myself to Erin and told her about my foot injury (I’ve got tendonitis from running – I know, I am so injury prone) and she had had the same injury and understood. She knew exactly how to help me throughout the class. Perfect!

Core Fusion® always begins with a quick warmup, and then the first things we do are planks and pushups. That is to be expected. What is not expected, however, is the way Erin teaches these moves! Whoa.

So we started in a forearm plank and alternated lowering each knee. Then we stayed still, and then we lowered both knees (burning abs!). But here’s where it got crazy. We went right into slow pushups without stopping. I thought to myself, “OK cool. After slow pushups we will do faster pushups and then be done.”

Um, no. After slow pushups, we went right into a straight arm plank. Again, no stopping! Once in straight arm plank we did even more movements and some side planks too. When we went back into a still straight arm plank I thought we were done.

Again, no. We went right into fast pushups. NO BREAK. This was so hard! I’d never done it this way before and it was such a great challenge. Just what I needed, actually. When we finally finished, my heart was racing!

Arms were especially good at this class. I think it is because I took a few days off from class and my arms felt refreshed. I felt very strong with my 3 pound weights, when just a few days before on Saturday I had to go back to 2 lbs because my arms were so tired.

During thighs is where I need to do different movements because I can’t go up on my toes with my foot tendonitis. Erin was on top of it, telling me what to do and making sure I kept up with everyone else. Butt was great too, and we did another straight arm plank before abs.

And then it was time for abs. I couldn’t believe it, the class sped by so quickly! The hour usually goes by fast in Core Fusion, but this was unlike any I’d been in before. I couldn’t understand how time was moving so quickly. The music was fantastic, which probably helped, but I don’t know! It just went by fast.

And I might have signed up for Erin’s class again on Saturday! ?

We did my favorite abs movement, with the strap wrapped around the bar. Love that! And during the C curve I really held my own! I was able to do most of it and I am getting better at staying lower down.

When class ended two of my friends arrived to take Music Yoga Flow with me. The class was completely packed! Erin put the music on and I could not believe it – the very first song was the House theme song! Anyone who knows me (or sees my Twitter homepage) knows that I LOVE House. It is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. And I had no idea the theme song was a real song.

So right away I was happy with the music in this class.

Music Yoga Flow class was a serious workout. I was sweating and working hard to keep up. It was a flow yoga class, which means we move from pose to pose without stopping. There were a lot of very challenging planks and some pushups too. One of my friends told me she finds the class relaxing, but I didn’t feel that way at all. It felt like a hard cardio workout! The music was phenomenal. I want to listen to all the songs Erin played. She has excellent taste in music.

I’m not really a yoga person, although I love Core Fusion® Yoga because it is a perfect mixture of yoga, cardio and Core Fusion. I have also been enjoying Yoga Level 1 – which I actually do find very relaxing, and it teaches me the poses in a nice, slow way. I love the stretch I get from that class as well and find it helps my muscles when I run. I would probably choose those classes over Music Yoga Flow, but that’s just me. Music Yoga Flow felt a little too yoga-y for me if you know what I mean. That said, I’d try it again but I won’t skip a regular Core Fusion® class for it unless I had extra time that week to take more classes. I definitely recommend trying out Music Yoga Flow and seeing if you love it – because I am sure many of you will.

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Sunday, February 7

It’s funny, before starting the Core Fusion® Challenge, I always had a gym membership. I’ve been a member of a few different gyms over the years. I went religiously and never noticed any change at all. No changes in my body, in my strength, in my flexibility or my overall outlook.

I also did a lot of cardio. I mean, a LOT. At the height of this craze, I remember going to spin class 4 or 5 days a week. I thought I needed to burn a lot of calories so I “wouldn’t get fat.” I would wear my heart rate monitor and wouldn’t be happy until I hit the 400 calorie mark during a spin session. I would think about which food I’d eaten that day that I was “canceling.”

It was unhealthy and it was obsessive. And my weight was at its highest. Spin did not change anything about my body, yet I still thought I had to keep doing it. I didn’t know any better.

I suffered an overuse injury in my knee and had to stop spinning. In fact, I quit the gym altogether. While I healed, I wasn’t exercising much at all. I thought I’d gain more weight, but I ended up losing. Shows how much I needed that crazy cardio, huh?

My attitude toward food improved as well, and my thoughts became much healthier. I started to take up running, which ended up being amazing for me. I loved being outside, I loved falling into a groove, I loved running at my own pace and not having ain instructor there to force me to sprint or raise my resistance on the bike.

Even though I improved immensely, I still wasn’t totally healthy. I was lacking one very important thing, and that is strength. I still had some knee pain when I ran because my muscles in my thighs and glutes were too weak, and all the weight of my body was being forced onto my knees. I was in physical therapy for my knees for a few months, and one of the exercises we did was exactly like the glute exercises in Core Fusion. In fact, my homework was to do more butt exercises like that!

We also did thigh and core work during PT. Having a strong core is essential to preventing injuries all over the body.

However, I had no way to really structure myself to do the right types of exercises on my own. Physical therapy ended when my insurance wouldn’t pay for it, and I neglected my exercises. I was scared to do Core Fusion® because I thought it would get in the way of my running, and I ran 5 races last fall.

Of course, I was wrong.

When I got the opportunity to do this challenge, I figured it was as good a time as any. It was winter and I hadn’t yet decided to run the NYC Half Marathon. I also felt soft all around and just wanted to tone up a bit, improve my horrid flexibility and get stronger. And I wanted definition in my arms.

The changes were almost immediate. Nothing like spinning where I worked and worked and never saw any improvements. With Core Fusion, I saw improvements in the first week. In the second week, other people noticed improvements as well.

I started running again to train for my half marathon and my bad knee did NOT hurt at all. My “good” knee started hurting, but that is because my right calf felt exceptionally tight and just needed to be stretched more. That knee no longer hurts.

I did tighten up – all over. My pants fit much better. I know I look better and I feel a thousand times better. I’m more positive about everything and I just feel strong. I work so hard in Core Fusion® and as much as I don’t always love it, I never regret going when it is over. As this challenge goes on, my body continues to get even better.

A Core Fusion® class will not burn as many calories in a one hour session as something like spinning, but it will give you the lean muscle mass needed to burn more calories overall – even when you’re sitting around doing nothing. And take it from me, you do not need to torch 500 calories a day doing cardio to see the changes. You will see the changes from Core Fusion® and you’ll feel them too.

That said, I went to Kate’s class on Friday morning in a good mood. The good mood might have been because the train came early and I had time to drink coffee first. Ah, what a big difference that made before a 7 am class! Kate’s classes always kick my butt. I always feel like I got the workout of my life after.

When I got to class I told Kate about some pain I was having in my foot. She sat with me and looked at my foot and gave me advice and tips on how to avoid foot pain during class, modifications of exercises and suggestions on how to get better. This is something else amazing about Core Fusion: the teachers really want to help you. I never got such attention in a spin class, and I don’t know anyone who has. My knee was blatantly bending inwards during spin and not a single instructor ever corrected me.

At exhale, from Kate who gave me special modifications during class for my foot to Tammy who sat with me after class to help me with my C curve to Barbara who suffers an injury herself and is always so accommodating, the teachers at Core Fusion® are nothing short of amazing.

At the end of Kate’s class on Friday, she alerted me to something I never knew. I was doing the butt lifts at the very end of class all wrong! I was going up way too high and putting unnecessary pressure on my neck. Once she fixed me and I did it right, I felt the burn so much more. Wow! Glad she noticed that.

On Saturday I went to Catherine’s class – another wonderful teacher. I told her about my foot and she was so concerned for me and wanted to make sure I took care of it. During thighs she came over to me and gave me different movements to do than the rest of the class to make sure I was not hurting myself but still getting the most effective workout possible.

Right before we started butt, this woman at the bar next to me reached over to my side of the bar, took my strap, and put it on her side. WHAT! I couldn’t believe it. And then I was so distracted about it that I don’t think I got the best glutes workout I could have. I need to learn to not let catty things like that get to me. I just couldn’t believe it.

After, I walked over to the strap bin to get myself another strap.

Oh, well! The best part of this class was actually C curve. I am improving! With Catherine’s great instructions, I was able to hold myself in a position pretty close to the correct one and even lift an arm off for extra challenge every now and then. Catherine’s encouragement and nods throughout the entire abs portion really pushed me through. I wanted her to see how hard I was trying to make this work and it was the best C curve experience I’ve had in class since this challenge started!

I can never go back to having a regular gym membership again. When this challenge is over, I’ll have to stick with Core Fusion® because the results are just so . . . real. And should you need extra help, the teachers are there to help you. As I said, I look better and feel better. My outlook is more positive. I don’t think about calories the same or about “canceling” food. Core Fusion® helps body and attitude. I don’t see how I could ever replicate the workout or the feeling I get from it at a gym.

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Thursday, February 4

Last week I went to Core Fusion® on Monday morning to take Erin C’s class for the first time. Monday mornings at 7 am are hard. I was so tired and kept yawning, but it was still a great class.

It’s funny, it seems like there are trends in Core Fusion® that determine what exercises we do. Until the week before I’d never done butt exercises at a 90 degree angle. This is when we stand with our arms straight ahead of us gripping the bar, bent over at, well, a 90 degree angle. We then lift our leg and do the glute work that way. And here I was, just three days later, doing it again. Is this, like, in style right now or something? Not my favorite glute move because I am too concerned with being in the right position and making my sure my arms are straight, and not concerned enough with making sure I’m working my butt enough. I feel pretty uncomfortable in this position, but maybe people like it!

The music was especially great in this class. When I heard Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” I was so happy! I also heard a bunch of fun hip hop songs that I recognize from my limited knowledge – I guess the more “pop” ones. The music definitely helped motivate me.

I could have gone to class Wednesday but I thought I had a 7 am call at work. Turns out I didn’t, my Outlook calendar was just screwed up. Ugh! I missed Tammy’s class, one of my favorites.

I wasn’t able to get back to class again until Thursday evening, when I took Jamie’s class for the second time. I remembered really enjoying her class the last time, and once again it was fantastic. The music was also exceptionally good!

So, you all know by now that the thighs section is my least favorite part of the class. To narrow that down more, chair pose is especially the hardest. OW!!! That hurts. But I guess that means it works, so I can’t complain too much. Can I?

I really liked abs because Jamie had us wrap the strap around the bar twice and lay down on the mats. We held the strap with our hands and did abs movements this way, by lifting up off the floor using our core. I really love when we do this in class. I feel such a good burn. And the fact that it is rare makes me appreciate it that much more when we do it.

I love how each class is a little different and I never know what to expect. Some people might think taking the same class all the time gets boring, but there are so many variations it really never does.

Monday, February 1

Hey hey! I am so behind on blogging. As in, I went to 4 Core Fusion® classes and 1 yoga class and have yet to recap. And I will. Tomorrow.

ALSO it has been a whole month of Core Fusion! I got photos and measurements taken today and let me just tell you -- WOW. Core Fusion® works. I can't wait to share this with you!

Today, I want to get an announcement out because there isn't much time left to take advantage of this amazing deal at exhale spa. If you already take Core Fusion® classes or feel like starting, you should do it now because they are offering something really great from February 1 to March 31 called Buddha Camp.

Throughout this 8 week period, exhale spa will keep track of the average number of Core Fusion® and Yoga classes you attend each week and reward your hard work with great incentives. Here's the deal:

3 classes:
• Core Fusion® Cardio class pass
• Exhale Mind Body Lounge Music CD
• Choice of Core Fusion® DVD
• Gift bag of exhale products

4 classes:
• Core Fusion® Cardio class pass
• Exhale Mind Body Lounge Music CD
• Choice of GRN manicure or pedicure
• Gift bag of exhale products

5 classes:
• Core Fusion® Cardio class pass
• Exhale Mind Body Lounge Music CD
• 30 minute True Facial or Fusion Massage
• Gift bag of exhale products

To participate, you must sign up at exhale spa by February 3. That said . . . anyone interested in extending their challenge to take advantage of this?? Because, although I am not eligible for Buddha Camp, I WILL be EXTENDING MY Core Fusion® CHALLENGE!!!

One more month of taking Core Fusion® and writing all about it! My amazing results might have something to do with it . . . will discuss in more detail soon! Anyway, please let me know if you're interested and go sign up! Those are really great prizes.

And if you do sign up . . . I really want to hear about your experience. And maybe you'd be interested in guest blogging here and writing a little about it? I'm excited to find out who is participating in Buddha Camp!

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Thursday, January 28

I love Core Fusion® Yoga. I just love it. I look forward to Sundays because that is the only day I can take it with my schedule. Which works out really well because I am training for the NYC Half Marathon and Sundays are my long run days. So I run for over an hour in the morning, go home to shower, rest and ice my knees and then go to Core Fusion® Yoga in the afternoon.

I just want to explain quickly that I have had knee issues for years. An MRI showed patella femoral pain syndrome and bursitis. My physical therapist, upon examination, explained that I have valgus, which means my knees each bend inwards. This poor alignment is likely part of the reason my knees hurt. The other reason? Weak muscles! The muscles around my knee were never strong and therefore not able to support my body. This, in turn, put all the weight of my body on my knees. Not good!

Part of the reason I was so excited for this Core Fusion® Challenge was because I knew if anything can strengthen up the muscles around my knees and build stability around my joints, it is Core Fusion. The thighs section is tough and you WILL build muscle from doing it.

That said, I need to stick with Core Fusion® longer. My left knee, which I consider my "bad" knee, does not hurt at all. But now I have the same pain in my right knee only after long runs. It gets better each week, though.

So Core Fusion® Yoga is the perfect post-run stretch (which I probably wouldn't do very well on my own) and it is also easier on my knees than Core Fusion. There are some movements in the class that hurt my knees on a long run day, particularly when we are on our hands and knees and stretch one leg behind us, then bend it, stretch it, bend it again. During this, I just can’t bend my leg because the knee hurts, so instead I keep my leg straight and lift it when the class bends. Still a great movement for my butt!

Barbara is just so awesome. She makes me feel very comfortable and gives words of encouragement throughout the class. The hour goes by quickly and I really can’t believe how much I sweat during Core Fusion® Yoga. It is crazy! Such a great workout.

When we got to the C Curve, though, I had a very tough time. Even more so than usual. Part of the problem is that we hold the heavy cork yoga block, but even after I decided to abandon it, I still struggled. A lot. I knew I wasn’t in the right position and when I got myself lower, I couldn’t hold myself up. I need more help with this.

And then class was over and of course I felt amazing. Other than my struggles with the abs section, I really enjoyed this class and loved every second of it. Sometimes before class I feel like I’d rather just stay home and be lazy on a Sunday, but as soon as it is over I am just so happy I went.

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Monday, January 25

On Friday, I tried to sign up online for the Saturday morning 9:30 Core Fusion® class. I had brunch at 11 with my friends from middle school and thought it would be perfect to get my workout out of the way! But when I tried to sign up, I was shocked to see the class was already full. I’ve encountered full classes before, but usually not an entire day in advance. I called up, hoping they reserve some spots for phone sign ups, but they told me the class was overbooked and I could try calling in the morning. I decided to just keep trying on the website in case someone cancels – and it worked. I got in!

Bergen was teaching, and I had heard wonderful things about her. I had assumed she was the reason class was so full, but it turns out she just started teaching at Central Park South on Saturday mornings. Guess it’s just a popular time?

I had a lot of props in my little spot this day. I’m one of the only people, if not the only person, who keeps yoga blocks during class. I need them for standing splits because my arms can’t reach the floor. And people usually take one or two sets of weights. I took three. I wanted to use 4 lbs for biceps and 3 for most else, but in case the 3 was too much I also wanted 2 lbs with me. And of course I had my strap, my towel, my key and my water bottle. Lots of stuff!

These ladies next to me already took mats though, which we generally get towards the end of class. They introduced themselves to Bergen as “regulars” and told her they heard nice things about her.

Class began and once again I was able to hold myself up during the entire plank! Bergen mixed in side planks, and I usually collapse down in the move from side back to regular plank. But today I held myself up! It wasn’t a fluke the other day, I really am getting better at planks.

Arms seemed to go on forever. And in more improvement news, I did not pick up my 2 lb weights at all! After using the 4 lbs, the 3 felt nice and light and I didn’t need to use the 2 lbs. I might continue to keep them with me a little longer just in case, but I think that soon I won’t need them, even for security. I can see more muscle definition in my arms.

Thighs was hard, as per usual, but I have to say the music was really great. I don’t often notice the music because I have too much else to focus on, but I caught a couple songs and really liked them. I did have to stand up a few times during thighs. Even though I can tell I am improving, sometimes it just hurts too much.

I knew glutes would be different when Bergen announced we were doing the “Elisabeth Halfpapp special.” (Elisabeth is one of the founders of Core Fusion.) I had no idea what I was in for! We rested our elbows on a little wooden ledge above the bar, which seemed nice until we started doing the butt exercises. This was SO HARD. Like, really, really hard. I’ve never done this before in class so I love learning all the new exercises, but it was not at all easy. I dread the moment we are instructed to turn our leg out because that is what really makes the side of my butt with my standing leg burn!

For abs, we looped the strap around the bar twice, curled down and did a series of exercises that way. I’ve been in class where we’ve done this a few times before, though it is rare. I like it because it is a very tough abs workout that I feel like I can actually do better than holding myself up in a C Curve. We still did the C Curve too, but spent less time on it. It was a nice change of pace for me, especially since I still struggle with the C Curve.

After class, the self proclaimed “regulars” approached Bergen to thank her for the class and tell her they were testing her, and that she passed their test. I was relieved to hear she passed their test, because if that wasn’t a great class, then what is?

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Saturday, January 23

This has been a really tough week for me; a good friend of mine passed away unexpectedly. I was riding high from Tuesday night's wonderful Core Fusion® class when a friend called me with the news. Even though I got practically no sleep that night and worked a long day Wednesday, I decided to go to another class. I figured it would help take my mind off things and really, I had no reason not to.

I wasn't sure how class would go, how I would handle it. I felt sad thinking about my friend Robin yet I was still able to find something that made me smile. The first plank we do in the beginning of class is a plank we have to hold for a very, very long time. For the first time, on this day, I was able to hold the plank the entire time and not collapse. When the plank was over I let out a small laugh. Despite how stressful the day was, how overbearingly sad, I was still able to find joy in something small like holding a plank. That is because it meant so much more than just holding a plank -- it was proof that my hard work is paying off. It was proof that we can all accomplish what we want if we work hard and want it badly enough. It was proof that life does go on and we should live it as our best possible selves -- as healthy, as strong, as accomplished as we can be. Yes, part of it was physical -- I am physically stronger now than I was before this challenge. But it was also mental -- I wanted to hold this plank more on Wednesday than I ever have before. I didn't let myself collapse. I pushed and forced myself to stay in a position longer than it was comfortable (really though, is a plank ever comfortable?). And because of my commitment over the last 3 weeks, it simply was not as difficult anymore.

The rest of the class was just as good. I was able to up my weights for the bicep curls and use 4 pounds instead of 3. Another improvement; another minor victory. Thighs seemed to be getting better. My abs are have not yet improved the way my other muscles have been due to my struggles with the C Curve, but even that I can feel getting better. These small victories push me to work harder the next time, to keep going, to take an extra class. The more my body improves, the more my mind seems to improve along with it.

I know it is hard to stick with exercises that hurt. And Core Fusion® hurts. But how great do you all feel when it is finished? And if you've been doing it, do you see any improvements in your body, in your strength? For me, I see major improvements in my body and strength, yes, but also in my outlook. I feel like I am a more positive person and while I am distraught over my friend's death, and tempted to feel guilty for the times I didn't see her, I feel like I am handling this much better than I would have been just 4 weeks ago. Those last few minutes at the end of class after we finished the hard part and lie in savasana really makes me appreciate how lucky I am. I'm not usually "one of those people" who talks like this, but I really think it adds so much to the Core Fusion® experience.

I hope you all have a great week. And please call a friend or family member and tell them you love them.

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Thursday, January 21

It is very easy to forget the pain of this class when I’m not in it.

Why is that?! I suppose because I leave class feeling beyond happy -- truly ecstatic at times. Last night, I walked home smiling and texting people to tell them I don’t think they could make it through this class. Of course I was being facetious. Kind of.

And seeing results has just been that much more motivating!

Last night’s class was especially great. Tammy was teaching, and it was my second time taking her class. I thought she was great last week and this week I thought she was even better! She made a few funny comments throughout class which was nice. The music was good, too, although she hadn’t heard the playlist herself before. We used playground balls in class, which I normally wouldn’t be excited about but since I haven’t used them yet in this challenge (how is that!) I was actually pretty happy about it. I never would have thought I’d be happy to see that evil red playground ball, but the equation explains it: Red ball = different movements = happy muscles.

We did planks while squeezing the ball between our legs and I actually held my own here. I see and feel definite improvements in how long I can hold my beginning-of-class planks, although they aren’t any less painful. I think I held myself in the position longer than ever last night. I felt a great sense of accomplishment after that.

Last time I had Tammy I mentioned we didn’t do bicep curls. Well, guess what? We didn’t do bicep curls again! I miss my favorite exercise. I think tonight I will try a 4 lb weight for that exercise to make up for it! Think I’ll be able to do it??

We did lots of very difficult arm exercises though and I loved it. And then we did thighs and I WASN’T MISERABLE! First time since starting this challenge that I didn’t pray for a fire alarm to go off during thighs. I’m not sure what was different, maybe just the combination of exercises? I was able to do almost all of it; I think I only stood up to straighten my legs out once! In fact, thighs went so well that I didn’t push myself as hard as I could have during the last set because I didn’t expect it to BE the last set. I was holding out a tiny bit to make sure I’d be ready for one more. The entire section of class went so quickly I thought there had to be more. But don’t think that means I didn’t get a good enough workout – my legs were SHAKING just like always. Especially when I had to hold the playground ball in front of me and above me while doing the second position plies. I think the combination of exercises we did was just perfect for me.

First time that happened! Hopefully not the last . . .

For glutes we sat on the floor in a pretzel position with the playground ball under our ankles. Very hard and very good butt workout. I liked this because we don’t do pretzel very often. In a fluke a few weeks ago I ended up doing pretzel twice in two days, with two different teachers, but that truly was a fluke! So it is a nice change of pace when we do this move. My left side is still hurting from last week!
I’m especially happy to say that my C Curve is getting better! I really felt like I was almost low enough for it to be correct. I was able to hold myself in that position much longer too. The only time I really struggled was when we put our legs straight up/out in front of us with the playground ball between our legs. I couldn’t find a good position and because straightening my legs is so difficult for me (tight muscles!) I ended up missing out on the exercises as they should be. Tammy noticed though, and after class told me she didn’t have time to fix me but that next time I should keep my legs higher or keep my knees bent at a 90 degree angle. Sounds good to me. I will try that!

I also want to add that on Sunday I went back to Core Fusion® Yoga with Barbara. For some reason (ahem, 4 days straight of Core Fusion) I had a very tough time doing something that usually isn’t too hard for me – side planks. Side planks are typically easier than regular planks, but on this day for some reason I really just couldn’t hold myself up on the left side. Barbara noticed my frustration and asked if I was OK. I was fine, just frustrated. We all have off days.

I ran 4.5 miles that morning and my right knee was killing me, so I had to modify my movements throughout the class as well. Class was still wonderful and I loved every second of it. The hour goes by so quickly! The class was much more crowded this time, despite the torrential rains – I think because the name changed to Core Fusion®  Yoga and more people are interested. I love that more people are interested since I want them to add more classes to the schedule.

Off to class tonight. Hope it’s another great one . . . they usually are.

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Monday, January 18


I've got 4 classes to update you on!

On Thursday at 7:30 pm, I took Jamie's Core Fusion®  class for the first time. The class was PACKED. A packed class is usually a sign of a great teacher, and that certainly was the case! We did this series of side planks unlike anything I have ever done before, with all different movements and really staying in the side planks for a long time. It was a nice change of pace!

Thighs was also different, with a series of leg lifts that felt great but was still hard. Of course, the rest of the thigh series burned like usual. I do like when we do some thigh work in second position, which we did last night (with our legs a bit wider).

Butt was harder than ever (until the next day -- getting to that soon). We did butt moves with our hands and knees on the floor. While we worked on our right side, my left was BURNING. Even more so when we turned out right leg out. OMG THE BURN. I've never felt burn in my butt like that. The other side was tough too, but my left side still hurt much more than my right side of my butt. I think that Wednesday's standing pretzel really did a number on me!

Abs went pretty well, I think I am getting better in my C Curve. A great class! I felt so fresh and rejuvenated after, and it was such a gorgeous night in NYC (a scorching 40 degrees!) that I walked home! I felt so great walking home after class.

I also felt extra great because I was still riding on the high of my friend noticing that I was more muscular. The classes, while still just as hard, all seem a little . . . better now that I know there are results!

Those words made me more motivated to do my best in class. So Friday morning I went at 7 am (after just having gone at 7:30 the night before!) to take Kate's class. There was a pregnant woman in the class -- due in a few weeks. Good for her!

I told Kate before class about my knee injury. She took one look down at me standing there and said, "I see why your knee bothers you." She noticed the same thing my physical therapist noticed last year -- valgus. My left knee bends inward when I stand, walk, run, spin, etc. I thought Kate was wonderful for being able to see it right away -- to see the same thing it took physical therapy to diagnose me with. As a result, she helped me with my form during thighs which was perfect.

I am getting better at planks. Even better, my arms are getting stronger. I was able to use 3 lb weights for so much more of the arm section today! Usually, I use 3 lb for biceps and 2 for all else. But today I held on to the 3s much longer and felt strong! I love how this is an improvement I can easily see. I am getting stronger!

Thighs were brutal. I struggled and had to stand a few times. I just don't enjoy this section at all.

And then butt. As I said above, my left butt muscle was killing me. Today we did butt with our hands and knees on the floor again but the movements were different. Kate said she was trying out something that another Core Fusion®  teacher just taught her. My left side was hurting so much from yesterday, and I kept pushing through, and it got harder and harder and my face crumpled up and then I was crying. Yes. I CRIED during glute work today. Only for a second but WOW. It hurt so bad. Yet so good.

The right side was slightly easier since I didn't strain it as much last night, and luckily no tears were shed. It was still hard though!

Abs were also challenging. I decided on this day to forgo trying too hard to get into the low C Curve and instead focus on getting some ab work done regardless. My abs felt like they got a tough workout.

And that was that. Class ended and I felt awesome for the rest of the day. I felt strong!

On Saturday I went to two classes at exhale! My first was with Catherine, the health counselor who is working with me throughout this challenge. She is so motivating to be in class with! I pushed through and did my best. My left butt muscles wer still hurting but I took it a bit easier on that side. Abs were especially hard, and Catherine got behind me to get me in the proper C Curve. I did my best but wow it burned. Then I went right to a Yoga Level 1 class and I really enjoyed it! It was my first time having Diana (yoga Diana, not CF Diana) as a teacher and she was absolutely wonderful. Yoga was such a wonderful stretch immediately after Core Fusion® . I didn't feel out of place at all and the time actually flew by. I was not bored during yoga!

Today I'm off to Core Fusion® Yoga!

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

I’m happy to say I have already completed 4 classes in my Core Fusion®  Challenge! As you know, I took both Core Fusion®  and Core Fusion®  Yoga over the weekend. I found out that the Fred, the co-creator of Core Fusion® , was teaching on Monday night and I knew I had to take his class.

On Monday, I rushed home from work to change and hightail it up to the Upper East Side exhale studio. This was my second time at this location and like my first time, I was in awe of the lobby area with lots of gorgeous jewelry, yoga clothing, skin care, yoga mats, weights and more for sale. I touched a few things but had to stop myself from touching everything. It was all just so soft and pretty.

I must have arrived at the perfect time because I managed to get the very last locker left. There were two classes going on at the time, so all the lockers were being used. I turned around, feeling lucky that I snagged the last locker (for the time being, until the other classes let out) and was faced with a group of the most tightly toned women who were less than pleased that there were no lockers left.

Then I realized that these were the people Fred was tweeting about last month when he said “Teaching at Upper East Side. Some of these women take class 4-5 times a week and it shows!”

Yes, Fred, it does show.

The class started harmlessly enough, with a nice long plank. But since it was Fred’s class, I actually held the plank the entire time. I sometimes let myself collapse once or twice during it, but since it was Fred teaching and I feel like I have to impress, I didn’t do that. This set the stage for the entire class.

Pair the fact that I was trying to show Fred how great I am at Core Fusion®  (ha!) with the fact that he corrected my alignment numerous times throughout the class (had I been doing them wrong this entire time?!) and you can pretty much understand why this was, without a doubt, the most challenging Core Fusion®  class I had ever taken. As hard as class generally is, the proper alignment makes all the difference.

The moves are so much harder when you are actual in the correct position! Don’t get me wrong – the teachers do come around and correct your form during class – but it is only natural that the guy who INVENTED the class would be able to do this best. Fred is also very inspiring throughout class in everything he says and the way in which he teaches, so everyone really just wants to do their best. People work HARD in that class. And, of course, it was packed.

I found out that when the class does plies and we raise our toes off the floor, I was never actually raising my toes high enough off the floor. What a big different when you just get a little higher. It was really, really hard. And then, out of nowhere – HOLY LEG SPASM. My entire right leg was cramping. I often get foot cramps in class, but this was the first time it was my entire leg. I think I pushed myself a little too hard my first time in this position. And the next day my right calf was hurting badly. I emailed Fred and he said I probably pointed my foot a little too hard and strained my calf muscles. He gave me some great advice: massage Capzasin or Tiger Balm into the calf muscles and gently stretch by flexing my foot. I had never even heard of Capzasin but I went right to Rite Aid, bought a little bottle and did what Fred said. WOW. That thing is a miracle. The pain practically disappeared. Lesson learned – take it slow, kids. Good thing I had two days off from class to rest up.

When the class holds their legs straight up while sitting against the wall, I cannot do this. My legs just don't go straight. Instead, I have to take a strap and stretch my legs while everyone else is going the movements. I tend to get very frustrated because I always feel like everyone can do this thing and I can't -- and why can't I? Why is this something so many people, all shapes and sizes, can do. And I can't. Sometimes I get upset.

Fred came up to me and told me to look around. "See," he told me. "You aren't the only one stretching during this part. Look at all these other people." And it was true. There were a few other people in the same situation as me. It did make me feel better, but it still feels like a weakness on my part -- even though it is obviously not my fault. I can't even bend down and touch my toes. I took dance from kindergarten grade through senior year of high school and I have never been able to touch my toes. Or put my legs straight up un front of me as I sit low down against a wall.

It gives me something to work on.

As tough as thighs were, as difficult as butt was, nothing in the world can compare to abs on this day. In abs, we sit in a C curve. I always do it, hold myself up, hold my arms up when we are instructed to, trudge along. But on this day, Fred repositioned me and I found myself inches lower than I usually am. And suddenly the exercise was a zillion times more difficult. When the class started raising their arms and all that, I just had to grip my legs as tight as I could to maintain that position. I have never felt a burn in my abs like that. Wow. When I got up, the mat was soaked in my sweat. I almost never sweat in Core Fusion® , and especially not like that.

The next day, I went to another Core Fusion®  class. I couldn’t decide between Core Fusion®  and Core Fusion®  Yoga, but I thought I would only get to go once more this week so I went with Core Fusion® . My triceps were so sore, I could barely bend my arms during reverse pushups. My quads were so sore, I was pretty much unable to stay in the plies during thighs. It was actually pretty frustrating, as I had to stop and stand a few times. During the butt section, my right leg with the bad calf was spasming and I couldn't hold it. Even though Fred's class the night before was the most challenging, this class was physically the toughest I have ever taken. I figured the teacher either thought I was there for my first time or a major slacker. And since it was clear it wasn’t my first time (I know to keep yoga blocks next to me and to stretch with a strap while everyone else raises their legs under the bar) I was worried she thought I was an awful student. While I admit to slacking sometimes, it is never that blatant. So after abs were over (I wasn’t able to get myself that low again like Fred got me – how do I get back there??) and class ended, I went up to the teacher and explained myself. “I took Fred’s class last night,” I said.

She understood.

And now you all do, too. I took the next two days off from class to give my body a much needed rest after four straight days of class. And I am feeling great and ready to get back into it. I’ve got two more classes this week (turns out I was wrong about only being able to go to one more!) and I am ready. This is my first week of taking so many classes, so it is natural that my body is reacting. I do feel ready for more now. However, if Friday's class bothers my calf, I will take it easy and definitely cancel Saturday. Always listen to your body! I am only going to class on Friday because I genuinely feel better.

I will report back next week!

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 5

On Sunday, the second day of my Core Fusion®  Challenge, I decided to try the Core Energy Flow® class. Actually, it appears on the website that the rumor I heard is true and the class has been renamed Core Fusion®  Yoga. I like that name even better!

Here is a description of Core Fusion®  Yoga:

Developed by Elisabeth Halfpapp, one of the innovators of Core Fusion® , Core Fusion®  Yoga is yet another transformational experience efficiently programmed into a 60-minute class that is fueled by music.

Designed to shift your energy and improve overall wellbeing, Core Fusion®  Yoga inspires guests with a combination of yoga asanas that raise the body's heat and increase cardio endurance, intense core functional training to strengthen and tone the core, Qi Gong circular movements, and stretching to move energy and produce a state of inner calm and balance.

I was very nervous going in to this class. I have taken a few yoga classes in the past few years and never liked them. I felt bored and I felt like I struggled and was unable to do many of the poses. I forgot about yoga for a couple years, but lately I had been feeling a strong urge to try again. I took a Yoga – Level 1 class at exhale and actually enjoyed it for the most part. I did a few 20 minute DVD yoga workouts at home. I decided to try and like yoga.

But still, I was nervous for this class. I wasn’t worried that I wouldn’t enjoy it so much as I was worried it would be too hard to me and I would feel lost and embarrassed.

So I made my friend come with me.

I specifically wanted to go on Sunday for my first Core Fusion® Yoga class. This is because one of my favorite Core Fusion®  teachers, Barbara, was teaching. I knew that she would be perfect for my first time because Barbara is so friendly and understanding of any limitations or anything people are unable to do. I love her teaching style in Core Fusion®  as well, and she explains the exercises and the reasoning behind doing them in really interesting ways. I always come out of her class having learned something in addition to having gotten an incredible workout!

In fact, when I took a writing class from September through December, I was really disappointed that the class was on Wednesdays, the evening that Barbara teaches Core Fusion®. Her Wednesday classes are always packed, so if you decide to take one sign up in advance! I was really happy to be taking Core Fusion®  Yoga with her because she already knows my strengths and weaknesses during Core Fusion® (particularly my poor flexibility and knee injury).

I got to exhale early. I used to always say I would never join a gym I had to take a subway to, but going by subway to Central Park South has been so quick and easy. I don’t mind it at all, even on these freezing winter days. Since I was early, I was sitting on a bench in the locker room reading my BlackBerry when Barbara walked in. She came right up to me and started talking to me! She asked if I had my yoga mat (I did – a brand new lilac Aurorae mat!) and I told her this was my first time taking this class. She was so sweet and started explaining things to me, and she asked me if I was there alone and I told her my friend would be there too for her first time.

My friend arrived and we both went to the yoga room. I love the Core Fusion® room because of the openness and the skylight in the ceiling and I love the yoga room because it is warm and dark and has a fireplace! Barbara told us to lay our mats in the front near her and then she sat with us (it was still pretty early) and went over the way the class works and some of the poses we do during it. After she walked away, I turned to my friend and said, “And this why I wanted to take the first class with Barbara.”

Class began and I enjoyed it from the beginning. I felt flowy and stretchy and strong. Barbara was very clear in her instructions and I never felt lost. Of course, there were a couple of moments, particularly when we had to balance on one leg with no hands, that I was unable to do it, so when I put my hands back down on the yoga block Barbara would say “Good, Dori. That’s right.” I loved the positive reinforcement. That’s not to say I didn’t keep trying to balance; I did my best!

But for the most part I was able to do every movement! Remember in my last post I said I despise pushups? Well, let me tell you something. We definitely did more pushups in Core Fusion®  Yoga than we do in a Core Fusion®  Open class, but I didn’t mind them at all – in fact, I enjoyed them. Not only did I not mind them and enjoy them, I actually did them full out. In Core Fusion® , I do “girl” pushups, with my knees on the ground. That is because we do so many in a row that I just can’t support myself with my legs extended.

The reason I was able to do the pushups full out in Core Fusion®  Yoga is because we only did FOUR at a time before moving on to something else. We came back to the four pushups many times throughout the workout, but because we only did four at once, I was able to do them without putting my knees on the ground.

I LOVED THIS. Four pushups is not a big deal, and thirty pushups are not a big deal if they’re not all done in a row (for me). I felt so accomplished and happy about this! Maybe I will improve by the end of this challenge and do the pushups full out in Core Fusion®  as well? That wasn’t a goal for initially since I don’t usually like pushups and didn’t care one way or the other if I got better at them, but maybe it is something I should rethink.

We went through lots of different poses in a flowy way, repeated the same sequences a number of times. Lots of downward facing dogs, some upward facing dogs, some warrior and warrior two. I loved all of it. I really need to stretch like this more. The music was perfect as well, it really kept me going.

I was SWEATING. This class is cardio! We were moving the entire time without stopping. I’d love to incorporate this class into my routine to get a mix of strength and cardio in one.

We did some poses that made my thighs burn and was reminiscent of Core Fusion® , such as holding a chair pose, only this time with our hands in prayer. We did some strengthening moves in our seat as well that I was all too familiar with – in fact, Barbara even said to me during the class “See, you already know this!” since she has taught many of my classes. Further encouragement. Love.

And, like any good Core Fusion®  class, we ended with abs. Abs were SO HARD. We used a heavy yoga block and held it on front of us while maintaining a boat pose and C curve and doing other movements while in this position. We raised and lowered the block. We moved it around. We put it between our thighs. The block made it so challenging. But before I knew it, we were done! Time to rest in savasana. I earned it.

I truly loved this class. The time went by quickly and I felt confident in my yoga abilities, something I have never experienced before. I was able to follow the class easily and so many of the movements felt so great, stretches I really needed.

After class, Barbara complimented me on my new yoga mat!

I want to take Barbara’s Core Fusion®  Yoga class every Sunday, but unfortunately this coming Sunday I won’t be able to make it. Every Sunday after that, though, I will be there! Since I can’t make Barbara’s next week, I scheduled the class with another teacher for a different day, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it. I can’t believe I actually love a yoga class – I feel so excited about this.

I have three more Core Fusion®  classes this week. Wish me luck!

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4

Hi everyone.

My name is Dori and I've accepted a little challenge. I'm going to be taking four to five Core Fusion®  classes a week! I've taken Core Fusion® a bunch of times and I love it, but I take class sporadically. While I have noticed improvements in my body and my strength, it is nothing compared to the changes that come from taking class regularly. They say it transforms your body -- I'd like to see that for myself!

So I will be taking class all the time and documenting it here for you. While the bulk of the classes I take will be Core Fusion® Open (maybe by the end of this I can try an Advanced class? Only time will tell), I will also be incorporating exhale's other class offerings into my routine as well, namely Core Energy Flow®, Core Fusion®  Sport and Yoga. This will give me more variety and work even more muscle groups.

I'm meeting with Catherine, exhale's nutrition counselor as well as Core Fusion®  teacher, on Tuesday to discuss my eating habits and goals, and take photos and measurements -- eek! I do want to say ahead of time that I am not looking to lose a lot of weight. I'm on the small side as it is, but I did gain a few pounds in the last few months and just want to get back to my comfortable weight. Or stay the same weight as now but lose a couple inches so my jeans can actually close. Either would be fine for me!

And more importantly, I want to improve my core strength and flexibility. Both are awful right now. I also have knee and shoulder injuries that I hope will be gone for good when I get stronger in my legs and shoulders.

My first class of the challenge was coincidentally with the first Core Fusion®  teacher I ever had at exhale, back when I took a Core Fusion® Beginner class. How full circle. Her name is Diana and I liked her immediately because she reminded me of my dancer friend, and is very nice and a great teacher.

The class was really, really great. It was tough but it was mostly do-able. Every class does exercises using hand weights, but yesterday we did some movements I had never done before. I loved it!

During thighs, my legs were shaking like crazy. One thing I noticed though is that when my legs are all shaky from the thighs portion, I have a very hard time when we move on to the seat (butt) moves. My legs feel too unstable to do the exercises the way I know they should be done for maximum results. I hope this gets easier as I do more classes.

I was very observant yesterday since I knew I would be documenting the class here. And I figured out why my Core Fusion®  socks are all beat up in the heel!

So let me first say that when you take a Core Fusion®  class (if you're new to this), you need to have socks on. You can wear your regular socks, or you can buy exhale branded Core Fusion®  grippy socks.

I recommend taking a class first in your own socks and if you decide you want to take more (they are addicting!), buy the socks. The socks are important because they prevent your feet from slipping and sliding during planks and other moves on the carpeted floor. They cost $10 and are worth every penny.

So anyway, I figured out why my socks are all scuffed up in the heels. When we start on abs work, we sit against the wall and stretch our legs out in front of us. Then we are supposed to raise our legs and tap our feet together, using our core to stabilize our bodies and hold ourselves up. It is HARD! While I can get my legs a little bit off the floor now, I used to not be able to at all. When you can't get your legs up, you just do the exercise with your feet touching the ground. And I realized that the friction between my heels and the carpet caused the socks to get all weird!

Not a big deal at all, just an interesting observation. I ended up buying a second pair for this challenge so I can keep one pair at work in case I forget to pack them.

I also realized during the class as I was thinking many observations -- most of which I forgot now, as it is a day later -- that I should bring a small notebook with me and write down my thoughts as soon as class is over so I don't forget what I want to say.

Another observation I had during day 1 was that although I despise the pushups we do in the beginning of the class (nothing to do with Core Fusion® , I just hate pushups), I welcome the ones we do after thigh work. I realized this is because I am so happy NOT be doing thighs anymore (thighs BURN) that anything else is appealing!

I particularly enjoyed the seat section of the class. We did what I consider more standard moves, facing the bar and extending one leg behind us. I noticed that I feel the burn more on the side of my butt on my standing leg than on the side that is doing the movements. Every class is different, and sometimes we do seat work with our hands on the floor. Sometimes we do it in a pretzel position, which is killer! Core Fusion®  is great because no two classes, no two teachers, are ever the same.

Abs was great as well. We did a couple movements there I had not done before either. I love the variety!

I am so happy to be doing this challenge. The class was very tough at times I just wanted it to end, but when it was over I felt so amazing, so relaxed, so alive, that I had no doubt it was worth it.

Until next time!