My friend JD added me to an FB page called "Team Bring It". Its a closed page and hosts fitness professionals, enthusiasts, and avid workout-holics. The basis of the page is for open forum topics, pat on the backs, encouragement, etc. So, I asked for recommendations for a monitor and was surprised with the information I received:
Thursday, March 14, 2013
March is Here - with a Bang & a FALL!!!!
Good morning...Hope all is well. New classes were add at TML and just when I had my schedule set and started off with a bang! I had a fall!!! Yep - I fell. I fell on my knee! I fell on my left knee!!!! No worries...my doctor has me on a very light walking regimen for about 2 weeks with ice & IBU. So, while I am "laid up", I decided to research some heart rate monitors with calorie burn counts.
My friend JD added me to an FB page called "Team Bring It". Its a closed page and hosts fitness professionals, enthusiasts, and avid workout-holics. The basis of the page is for open forum topics, pat on the backs, encouragement, etc. So, I asked for recommendations for a monitor and was surprised with the information I received:
My friend JD added me to an FB page called "Team Bring It". Its a closed page and hosts fitness professionals, enthusiasts, and avid workout-holics. The basis of the page is for open forum topics, pat on the backs, encouragement, etc. So, I asked for recommendations for a monitor and was surprised with the information I received:
Thursday, January 10, 2013
A New Year: A Different (and yet still the same) Me
Good morning,
It's been a not-so-smooth week at work but I'm not gonna let that get me down or stop me from working out. In fact, it has made me work out harder - trying to get rid of the negativity, stress, hurt & anger.
On the way into work this morning, I reaffirmed this journey back to me. This journey is not one of just physical awareness -- it's way more spiritual than physical. Yes, I am working out and getting rid of the access weight but I am also working out my mind, heart and soul...getting rid of the access baggage that hinders my growth and weight loss. I've come to realize that these two spectra work hand in hand. If my mind isn't right, my physical fitness will never be right. If I don't grow spiritually, how can I grow personally and get back to me (which is what this is all about, right)?
I had a long conversation with myself and God in the short 10 minute drive to work. I decided to go back to the basics. What does that mean? In order for me to make changes and accept certain things about myself and others, I need to understand me. What makes me tick? Why do I act and react to different stimuli? What the what is Sonya doing?
Few people know that when I lived in Charlotte, NC and attended University Park Baptist Church, I became a Lay Counselor. My reasons were few and I must admit, selfish. I felt that in order to be a better parent, there were some things I needed to deal with. I also needed to be able to communicate effectively with my child. I felt one way to achieve this was becoming a Lay Counselor. What I failed to realize was that this was God leading me down a path totally outside of the scope of my spiritual existence (or so I thought).
When I was in my Lay Counseling training, we were required to read many a books but one that made the biggest impression upon me is called Inside Out by Dr. Larry Crabb. Basically, change requires discipline and obedience - this should be no surprise as we learned it earlier in our course. It also requires the person to take a hard look in the mirror, looking beyond the image. The surface issues bring about an awareness that change must occur. One has to take a closer look and go deeper in order to see what needs to be changed; how change should take place then implement the necessary change(s).
Dr. Crabb takes you on a journey of self-discovery. After reading this book, you can't help but have changed. It's a step towards your own "journey back to me".
Sonya, what are you getting at? In order to change the physical, you also have to be ready to change the spiritual. Mind + Body + Soul = Me #journeyback2me
Thanks for letting me ramble....Have a great day....and remember: change starts on the Inside Out!
It's been a not-so-smooth week at work but I'm not gonna let that get me down or stop me from working out. In fact, it has made me work out harder - trying to get rid of the negativity, stress, hurt & anger.
On the way into work this morning, I reaffirmed this journey back to me. This journey is not one of just physical awareness -- it's way more spiritual than physical. Yes, I am working out and getting rid of the access weight but I am also working out my mind, heart and soul...getting rid of the access baggage that hinders my growth and weight loss. I've come to realize that these two spectra work hand in hand. If my mind isn't right, my physical fitness will never be right. If I don't grow spiritually, how can I grow personally and get back to me (which is what this is all about, right)?
I had a long conversation with myself and God in the short 10 minute drive to work. I decided to go back to the basics. What does that mean? In order for me to make changes and accept certain things about myself and others, I need to understand me. What makes me tick? Why do I act and react to different stimuli? What the what is Sonya doing?
Few people know that when I lived in Charlotte, NC and attended University Park Baptist Church, I became a Lay Counselor. My reasons were few and I must admit, selfish. I felt that in order to be a better parent, there were some things I needed to deal with. I also needed to be able to communicate effectively with my child. I felt one way to achieve this was becoming a Lay Counselor. What I failed to realize was that this was God leading me down a path totally outside of the scope of my spiritual existence (or so I thought).
When I was in my Lay Counseling training, we were required to read many a books but one that made the biggest impression upon me is called Inside Out by Dr. Larry Crabb. Basically, change requires discipline and obedience - this should be no surprise as we learned it earlier in our course. It also requires the person to take a hard look in the mirror, looking beyond the image. The surface issues bring about an awareness that change must occur. One has to take a closer look and go deeper in order to see what needs to be changed; how change should take place then implement the necessary change(s).
Dr. Crabb takes you on a journey of self-discovery. After reading this book, you can't help but have changed. It's a step towards your own "journey back to me".
Sonya, what are you getting at? In order to change the physical, you also have to be ready to change the spiritual. Mind + Body + Soul = Me #journeyback2me
Thanks for letting me ramble....Have a great day....and remember: change starts on the Inside Out!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
2012: In Retrospect
2012: In Retrospect
Year 2012 is almost at a close. This journey back to me has been AMAZING! I have experienced a few set-backs (so thankful that He is a forgiving God!) and many victories. This year started with a bang - a wonderful fellowship with friends on Jan 1 at Che's. The food was fantastic but the conversations were off the chain. It was a good start to a great year.
God always has a plan...In February, April and May, I experienced an abnormal pap smear with possible cancerous cells, chest pains, several breast cancer screenings ...They scared me into a healthier lifestyle. God always has a plan...
I began my journey back to me on April 16th by stepping through the open door at TML Turn Me Loose Fitness. With those few steps, I started, what I hope is lifelong, a friendship with Cassandra Wycko (owner/operator of TML) and Rosalind Wilson along with a host of others...these women are my inspiration. Each of us walked through those doors for various reasons and prayed for the same outcome - to be healthier and to drop the unwanted (inches, depression, emotions, etc). Well, we did it! We dropped the weight and a few unnecessary pieces bagage through a different kind of fellowship - exercise & dialogue.
I am proud to say that I have dropped approximately 26lbs and 30 inches since walking into that studio on April 16, 2012. #thestruggleisreal
(left: May 2012 right: November 2012)
To some its not much but for me, it may be small but a victory nonetheless!!!! Thanks to Cassandra, the TML staff, Ros, Wendy as well as Nina J, Che A, Kathy M, my FB fam and all those who are constantly encouraging me.
2012 Prayer of Thanks
As I look back over the last 12 months all I can say is Thank You Lord! Thank you Lord for seeing me through 2012. I pray that it is Your will that You will see me through 2013. Thank You for my family. Flaws and all - we are family! Thank You for my child. Thank You for her work ethics, her study ethics and her love which is 2nd to You. Thank You for opportunities granted and opportunities held. Thank You for allowing me to foster relationships with those from my past as well as new relationships. Lord, I pray that You will continue to allow me to shape this vessel into a living testimony of Your love, commitment, grace, and mercy. It is my hope that all who pass me by will be able to feel my faith in You and my fear of You.
I say a special prayer for all of those who work in EMS. It is truly a calling of commitment from You. I pray for their strength, health and safety - whether they are EMTs, Paramedics, Operations Staff, Mechanics or Front Office Support. God be with those who are volunteers or work for a service provider - county, city and theme park alike. All small victories come from You...the flow of blood; the next heartbeat; the next breath; the first cry of life...all come from You.
It is in Your magnificent name I pray...Amen
Watch out for new things in 2013 (including my return to an EMS agency). I stepped out of that box in 2012 - I'm gonna crush the box in 2013!!!!
Thanks for continuing to ride on this #journeyback2me....it ain't over!!!!
Year 2012 is almost at a close. This journey back to me has been AMAZING! I have experienced a few set-backs (so thankful that He is a forgiving God!) and many victories. This year started with a bang - a wonderful fellowship with friends on Jan 1 at Che's. The food was fantastic but the conversations were off the chain. It was a good start to a great year.
God always has a plan...In February, April and May, I experienced an abnormal pap smear with possible cancerous cells, chest pains, several breast cancer screenings ...They scared me into a healthier lifestyle. God always has a plan...
I began my journey back to me on April 16th by stepping through the open door at TML Turn Me Loose Fitness. With those few steps, I started, what I hope is lifelong, a friendship with Cassandra Wycko (owner/operator of TML) and Rosalind Wilson along with a host of others...these women are my inspiration. Each of us walked through those doors for various reasons and prayed for the same outcome - to be healthier and to drop the unwanted (inches, depression, emotions, etc). Well, we did it! We dropped the weight and a few unnecessary pieces bagage through a different kind of fellowship - exercise & dialogue.
I am proud to say that I have dropped approximately 26lbs and 30 inches since walking into that studio on April 16, 2012. #thestruggleisreal
(left: May 2012 right: November 2012)
To some its not much but for me, it may be small but a victory nonetheless!!!! Thanks to Cassandra, the TML staff, Ros, Wendy as well as Nina J, Che A, Kathy M, my FB fam and all those who are constantly encouraging me.
2012 Prayer of Thanks
As I look back over the last 12 months all I can say is Thank You Lord! Thank you Lord for seeing me through 2012. I pray that it is Your will that You will see me through 2013. Thank You for my family. Flaws and all - we are family! Thank You for my child. Thank You for her work ethics, her study ethics and her love which is 2nd to You. Thank You for opportunities granted and opportunities held. Thank You for allowing me to foster relationships with those from my past as well as new relationships. Lord, I pray that You will continue to allow me to shape this vessel into a living testimony of Your love, commitment, grace, and mercy. It is my hope that all who pass me by will be able to feel my faith in You and my fear of You.
I say a special prayer for all of those who work in EMS. It is truly a calling of commitment from You. I pray for their strength, health and safety - whether they are EMTs, Paramedics, Operations Staff, Mechanics or Front Office Support. God be with those who are volunteers or work for a service provider - county, city and theme park alike. All small victories come from You...the flow of blood; the next heartbeat; the next breath; the first cry of life...all come from You.
It is in Your magnificent name I pray...Amen
Watch out for new things in 2013 (including my return to an EMS agency). I stepped out of that box in 2012 - I'm gonna crush the box in 2013!!!!
Thanks for continuing to ride on this #journeyback2me....it ain't over!!!!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Why TML Fitness???
Yesterday, one of my co-workers asked me how much I paid for my TML Fitness membership. I replied with "$100 a month unlimited access with a 3-month commitment." He then said for $30 a month I could join one of the gyms he teaches at. I thought about it for only a second and this was my reply:
Do they have an array of class options that will keep my interest (I have a short attention span and when bored will move on)? (still waiting for an answer)
Do your gyms offer a specialized boot camp to prepare me for basic pole dancing? No.
Do they offer pole dancing? Don't think so...
Do they offer any cardio classes other than Zumba and Spinning such as Booty Beat? Nah.
Do they offer specific area classes like Glute Camp? Ahhhhh-NO!
Do they have a Bendy/Flexy class that helps my flexibility whether its on a pole or on the ground? Nope.
Well, do they at least have a class to help me feel good about the skin I'm in like TML Sexy Camp Pole Burlesque or Sexy Fundamentals Progressive Pole? I don't think so...They will never have Chair-to-Pole, Hip-Hop Pole, Twerk It or Pilates Pole Fusion (which I won't be taking anytime soon).
Do these gyms have owners who get to know their patrons and do they take that extra step to help them achieve their goals? Do the owners work out with their patrons, encouraging them daily; calling them when they are not there to make sure everything is all right? I'm thinking no...Do these owners take a personal interest in their patrons and staff alike? Is it a family atmosphere? Do they make the size 26 female feel as good about herself as they do the size 6 female? Do they gawk and stare at the BBW as she struggles to work out her body and mind or do they encourage her and offer different avenues for achieving her goals? Do these said owners/mgrs try to manipulate the weight-challenged individuals into buying personal training packages up front knowing the "trainer" will be devoting your paid time to you and her and her and her...?
So I go to TML Fitness because of the atmosphere, attitude and array of offerings. I may complain about the workouts but I do them to the best of my ability. I refuse to give up on myself especially when I have a group of women who won't give up on me. I will not disappoint them or myself. I like the all-women atmosphere. I am comfortable there - its not a competition. You don't have to worry about who is looking at you or whether I look ridiculous (we all look ridiculous)...its not a fashion show and you are not there to impress. We are all sweaty and funky and its OK! My paid PT time is mine even when I want her to help someone else and look the other way so I can continue with creative counting (1-2-3-6-9-15-20).
I don't mind paying for TML Fitness because I am reaping on the return tenfold. I have lost 23lbs and 16.5 inches since May. More importantly, I feel great. My self-esteem is better than ever. I have new life-long relationships with women of all races, ages and sizes (yeah, even skinny bitches...lol)...
In my "Journey Back To Me", TML Fitness allows me to encourage others while they encourage me...Thanks Cassandra, Chriss, Laura, Karen and Candice!!!
Oh so lovin' the skin I'm in....
Do they have an array of class options that will keep my interest (I have a short attention span and when bored will move on)? (still waiting for an answer)
Do your gyms offer a specialized boot camp to prepare me for basic pole dancing? No.
Do they offer pole dancing? Don't think so...
Do they offer any cardio classes other than Zumba and Spinning such as Booty Beat? Nah.
Do they offer specific area classes like Glute Camp? Ahhhhh-NO!
Do they have a Bendy/Flexy class that helps my flexibility whether its on a pole or on the ground? Nope.
Well, do they at least have a class to help me feel good about the skin I'm in like TML Sexy Camp Pole Burlesque or Sexy Fundamentals Progressive Pole? I don't think so...They will never have Chair-to-Pole, Hip-Hop Pole, Twerk It or Pilates Pole Fusion (which I won't be taking anytime soon).
Do these gyms have owners who get to know their patrons and do they take that extra step to help them achieve their goals? Do the owners work out with their patrons, encouraging them daily; calling them when they are not there to make sure everything is all right? I'm thinking no...Do these owners take a personal interest in their patrons and staff alike? Is it a family atmosphere? Do they make the size 26 female feel as good about herself as they do the size 6 female? Do they gawk and stare at the BBW as she struggles to work out her body and mind or do they encourage her and offer different avenues for achieving her goals? Do these said owners/mgrs try to manipulate the weight-challenged individuals into buying personal training packages up front knowing the "trainer" will be devoting your paid time to you and her and her and her...?
So I go to TML Fitness because of the atmosphere, attitude and array of offerings. I may complain about the workouts but I do them to the best of my ability. I refuse to give up on myself especially when I have a group of women who won't give up on me. I will not disappoint them or myself. I like the all-women atmosphere. I am comfortable there - its not a competition. You don't have to worry about who is looking at you or whether I look ridiculous (we all look ridiculous)...its not a fashion show and you are not there to impress. We are all sweaty and funky and its OK! My paid PT time is mine even when I want her to help someone else and look the other way so I can continue with creative counting (1-2-3-6-9-15-20).
I don't mind paying for TML Fitness because I am reaping on the return tenfold. I have lost 23lbs and 16.5 inches since May. More importantly, I feel great. My self-esteem is better than ever. I have new life-long relationships with women of all races, ages and sizes (yeah, even skinny bitches...lol)...
In my "Journey Back To Me", TML Fitness allows me to encourage others while they encourage me...Thanks Cassandra, Chriss, Laura, Karen and Candice!!!
Oh so lovin' the skin I'm in....
Friday, July 20, 2012
I've Been back - You Just Didn't Know It
So, its been a while (5 months & 10 days to be exact) since I last blogged...a lot has happened. The main thing is that I have lost almost 22 lbs and 11.5 inches. OK, so it was all accomplished in the last 8 weeks but the important thing is that it was done. YAY me!!!!
I found this great studio in Raleigh - TML Beauty and Fitness in Brier Creek. I love this place!!! Cassandro Wycko is the owner/operator and she has a great staff to work with. She offers pole dancing, Zumba, Hip Hop Cardio, a killer homegrown class called Twerk It, and a fabulous Pole Flex Fusion Boot Camp. Check out her website for class information, schedules and prices - http://www.tmlturnmeloose.com.
I also learned/figured out that you can find some really good deals on Groupon and Living Social. But beware - you can get some duds too...check the place out before you purchase...
Any-who! I started a weight-loss challenge at TML on May 15th and lost 11.5 inches...I am extremely proud of myself because during the challenge I injured my knee (from walking the track at Duke University- of all things). The TML staff worked with me with my workouts and I was still able to lose.
Today, I am 7lbs shy of my end of summer goal...this is why I feel no way guilty for eating this pizza!
Its boot camp at 7am in the morning...have a great evening...
I found this great studio in Raleigh - TML Beauty and Fitness in Brier Creek. I love this place!!! Cassandro Wycko is the owner/operator and she has a great staff to work with. She offers pole dancing, Zumba, Hip Hop Cardio, a killer homegrown class called Twerk It, and a fabulous Pole Flex Fusion Boot Camp. Check out her website for class information, schedules and prices - http://www.tmlturnmeloose.com.
I also learned/figured out that you can find some really good deals on Groupon and Living Social. But beware - you can get some duds too...check the place out before you purchase...
Any-who! I started a weight-loss challenge at TML on May 15th and lost 11.5 inches...I am extremely proud of myself because during the challenge I injured my knee (from walking the track at Duke University- of all things). The TML staff worked with me with my workouts and I was still able to lose.
Today, I am 7lbs shy of my end of summer goal...this is why I feel no way guilty for eating this pizza!
Its boot camp at 7am in the morning...have a great evening...
Friday, February 10, 2012
I can do this...
My trainer, Alo, is from LA and is awesome! He is an aerobics instructor at several gyms in the area and he works with me. When he is in LA he trains under Joseph Ojomoh...have you heard of him? No problem...I hadn't either until Alo showed us his FB profile and explained who he is. He ain't no joke! Hell, Alo ain't no joke.
Well, we had session 2 of PowerBox...all I can say is "OWWWWCH!!!! KJ was not feeling well so she was not there; TP3 talked shit but didn't show (he says he will be there next week - we'll see); my Motivation was there and did better than the last time. It was good after I got past the point of wanting an ambulance. I can do this. I can do this. I CAN DO THIS!!!
I'm feeling good. I'm trying to eat better - I even started eating tilapia. I even emailed Chef Jay (outta Charlotte) to get some different ways of cooking tilapia. Yes, I can do this!!!
If you want to see more of what Ojomoh is doing, check out this website: http://www.ojomohpowerbox.com He cray-cray (as my Motivation would say)...
1 step at a time...make it do what it do!
Well, we had session 2 of PowerBox...all I can say is "OWWWWCH!!!! KJ was not feeling well so she was not there; TP3 talked shit but didn't show (he says he will be there next week - we'll see); my Motivation was there and did better than the last time. It was good after I got past the point of wanting an ambulance. I can do this. I can do this. I CAN DO THIS!!!
I'm feeling good. I'm trying to eat better - I even started eating tilapia. I even emailed Chef Jay (outta Charlotte) to get some different ways of cooking tilapia. Yes, I can do this!!!
If you want to see more of what Ojomoh is doing, check out this website: http://www.ojomohpowerbox.com He cray-cray (as my Motivation would say)...
1 step at a time...make it do what it do!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Whoa!
Have you ever had one of those WHOA! moments - that moment that you see God's path for you unfolding right before your eyes? I just had one.
It goes back maybe a year or four - I'm not sure how long ago, but I had a vision...yes, a vision (it was not a dream because I was not sleep; visions appear when you are wide awake). In the vision I was working in an office area but not at TIAA-CREF (my old employer); I was scheduling (as I am doing now) but I was not in Charlotte. Everything I did 30 - 45 minutes ago was in that vision. Once I completed the tasks at hand, I remembered the vision - that was God slapping me - telling me to continue to believe and have faith; He's got this! One of HIS defining moment...
God was preparing me long time ago for this move - I just didn't know it. Well, I know it now. I thank Him for it all..the layoff, the depression, the kick in the butt from my sister, the EMT class, the EMT jobs, the relationships created from those experiences, the opportunities that have been presented to me, and now, the job not in Charlotte...God is too good to me! Even though I really want to move back to Charlotte, I realize that I am here for a reason. I will stay here as long as He tells me to.
I say all this b/c I want someone to realize that YOU might realize HE is there but HE is!!! It will all be revealed in HIS time not your time. Rev. Claude R. Alexander stated in one of his sermons "If I gotta wait a little longer, that just means I have to live a little longer.."
Trust & Believe...give it to God and be let HIM to what HE does...
P/L/B (Peace/Love/Blessings) sm2
It goes back maybe a year or four - I'm not sure how long ago, but I had a vision...yes, a vision (it was not a dream because I was not sleep; visions appear when you are wide awake). In the vision I was working in an office area but not at TIAA-CREF (my old employer); I was scheduling (as I am doing now) but I was not in Charlotte. Everything I did 30 - 45 minutes ago was in that vision. Once I completed the tasks at hand, I remembered the vision - that was God slapping me - telling me to continue to believe and have faith; He's got this! One of HIS defining moment...
God was preparing me long time ago for this move - I just didn't know it. Well, I know it now. I thank Him for it all..the layoff, the depression, the kick in the butt from my sister, the EMT class, the EMT jobs, the relationships created from those experiences, the opportunities that have been presented to me, and now, the job not in Charlotte...God is too good to me! Even though I really want to move back to Charlotte, I realize that I am here for a reason. I will stay here as long as He tells me to.
I say all this b/c I want someone to realize that YOU might realize HE is there but HE is!!! It will all be revealed in HIS time not your time. Rev. Claude R. Alexander stated in one of his sermons "If I gotta wait a little longer, that just means I have to live a little longer.."
Trust & Believe...give it to God and be let HIM to what HE does...
P/L/B (Peace/Love/Blessings) sm2
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