Pregnant Yoga

I’ve been to a handful of yoga classes throughout the past couple years, but in December of 2014 I started to get serious about my yoga practice. I attended classes several times a week and practiced at home on my own time. I saw my body and mind change. I enjoyed connecting with others in the yoga community and bouncing from studio to studio in my city. It became an obsession, so I was shocked when my practice came to a complete stop when I got pregnant.

The first trimester of my pregnancy was not fun. I suffered from constant nausea that seemed to only subside when I was indulging in carbs, sugar, and fatty foods. This, in combination with complete exhaustion and therefore a dramatic change in my usual workout routine, caused me to throw on weight much faster than I expected.

Pre-pregnancy

Today

By the end of my first trimester, and after feeling my baby move for the first time, I accepted my changing body and started to rebuild my self-acceptance. My energy level picked up and I was able to get back into the gym. I jumped right back into spinning and boxing several times a week. Two things that make me feel strong and healthy. But for some reason I couldn’t bring myself into a yoga class.

I told myself it was because I was unsure of proper modifications, and I didn’t want to injure myself or my growing baby—two fears that rarely cross my mind when I’m throwing punches or racing on the stationary bike. It wasn’t until a little over a week ago I asked myself, “What am I really afraid of?”

Yoga is an intimate experience. It’s a time to reflect and connect with who you are. To really let your fears and insecurities rise to the surface. There have been many times during a yoga session that I’ve actually been brought to tears. When I practice yoga I can feel my own strengths and limitations. The truth is, I was afraid to feel the changes happening to my body. I can power through a spin class and I can punch just as hard now as I could five months ago but to fold forward and touch my toes? I would really feel that. There’s a lot more “stuff” in the way when it comes to doing certain poses. I used to enjoy the rewards of completing a new pose like reaching a little further or holding a forearm stand longer than the last time, but now, how am I supposed to accomplish any “fancy” poses? I struggle now and it’s going to get harder as my belly continues to grow.

Pre-pregnancy

Today

As I started analyzing my real fears I had an epiphany. I was making yoga everything it’s not: Judgmental. Challenging. Stressful. Scary. Yoga is not about being able to do the toughest move. It’s not about how you look when you do a pose. It’s not about everyone in the room staring at the “fat girl in the corner” (how narcissistic of me). I had completely forgotten the real purpose of yoga.

Yoga can mean different things to different people, but I really enjoy this simple explanation from David Surrenda, the founding dean of the Graduate School of Holistic Studies at John F. Kennedy University of California, “The original context of yoga was spiritual development practices to train the body and mind to self observe and become aware of their own nature. The purposes of yoga were to cultivate discernment, awareness, self-regulation and higher consciousness in the individual.”

I let myself slip into my own totally inaccurate view of yoga and why I need it in my life.

Today I went to my first yoga class in five months. Yes, certain poses were more challenging and I was well aware of the extra fat on my body that changed the way I was doing things but I felt something else too… a familiar comfort. In the dimly lit room I was able to be with myself. I was able to address these fears and let them go. It was a wonderful experience. I left class feeling lighter. Not so much in physical weight but emotional. I was able to rediscover the real power of yoga.

I’m so excited this door has reopened for me and I look forward to continuing to practice yoga throughout the remainder of my pregnancy.

Pre-Pregnancy

Today

I wanted to include pictures from before I got pregnant and where I’m at today. My body has gone through a dramatic change and it’s intimidating and scary to bring these differences light but I cannot be ashamed. A beautiful thing is happening to my body. I’m growing a baby. Creating life. It doesn’t get much better than that. 

 

10 or so reasons to LOGIK!

I remember the first time Logik (Cycle Logik then) popped up in my Facebook news feed. An acquaintance of mine had liked their page. The picture showed a room with spin bikes, fun lighting, and big colorful screens. It looked very futuristic! I immediately figured it was a gym in a big city… Maybe LA or Dallas, or maybe even Columbus but definitely not in Dayton. However upon investigation, and much to my surprise, it was in fact in Dayton! Centerville to be exact AND they were offering ONE WEEK FREE! Sold! I mean, it’s free, it’s colorful, I’m going. I’ve never really done spin. A couple classes here and there, never consistently; but, the pictures alone were enough to spark my curiosity.

I grabbed this photo from the Logik Facebook Page. View more here.

I’ve been to and belonged to many different gyms … Recreation Centers, LA Fitness, Gold’s, Premier Fitness, Snap Fitness, etc. While all these other gyms have great benefits, to this day not one can hold a candle to Logik.

I could bore you with the love story of how this place stole my heart, the way they’ve grown, and every tiny detail that makes it so special, but instead, I’m just going to bullet point my top 10 reasons this place ROCKS.

In no particular order:

1. Staff (friendly, approachable, and always ready to help)
2. Cleanliness (you don’t even have to wipe down your bike or yoga mat!)
3. Heart Rate Training
4. Flashing Lights and Loud Music
5. Wide selection of classes (boot camp, yoga, spin, boxing, TRX, and more!)
6. Knowledgeable trainers and instructors
7. Prizes (that’s right – book bags, water bottles, food, gym credit $$$)
8. Yoga Room (as nice as a yoga studio)
9. Logik’s Secret Scent Cold Towels
10. Bathrooms Fully Stocked (shampoo, conditioner, Q-tips, towels, hairspray, etc.)
11. Person Locker
12. Free coffee
13. Non-intimidating (zero gym d-bags… literally zero)
14. Logik Merchandise
15. Men in bike shorts

OK OK I’m getting carried away… but seriously, have you seen a guy walk by in bike shorts? HELLO!!!

This place is amazing. I do pay a bit more per month to attend, but we all have our financial priorities. I don’t carry a Michel Kors purse or purchase makeup from Mac, or wear Lululemon. We all choose how to spend our money and this place is worth every penny.

Friends always ask me, “When are you going next? I want to try it.” I always give the same response, “I’m there just about every day. Come anytime.”

Sign up and get a week free HERE!

Map it!

www.logikpower.com

#BoycottCrossfit

Crossfit sucks.

I’ve never tried it… I’ve considered trying it but their recent attack at diabetics has me feeling complete disgust. Here is how my fire has been fueled:

Post #1:

This post caused an immediate outburst from type one diabetics. Many people don’t know the difference between type one and type two diabetes. Here’s a quickie on the difference:

Differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes	Type 2 diabetes
Symptoms usually start in childhood or young adulthood. People often seek medical help, because they are seriously ill from sudden symptoms of high blood sugar.	The person may not have symptoms before diagnosis. Usually the disease is discovered in adulthood, but an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with the disease.
Episodes of low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) are common.	There are no episodes of low blood sugar level, unless the person is taking insulin or certain diabetes medicines.
It cannot be prevented.	It can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating sensibly, and exercising regularly.

Source: WebMD

As a type one diabetic, I spend so much time explaining to people the difference, “No. It’s not the same kind your grandma has. No. Exercising won’t make it go away. No. I did not eat too much sugar as a child. No. Eating vegetables won’t get rid of it.” Blah blah blah….

So thank you Crossfit for placing ALL diabetics into ONE category with your initial ignorant post. I can’t wait until the next time my blood sugar is low and I reach for a Coca-Cola and get to explain why it’s OK that I drink that Coke.

A couple weeks ago my blood sugar was 42. (It should be around 100) I was sweating, dizzy, and close to face-planting. I went to purchase jelly beans at the gift shop at work and the sales clerk said, “Should you be eating those with your diabetes.”

So again, thank you Crossfit for adding to the confusion.

Post #2:

So now Crossfit (after the extreme backlash they received from the public and celebrities like Nick Jonas) decides to re-direct their insult directly to type two diabetics.

First of all, this meme is just stupid.

Second, as a type one diabetic, I do struggle with understanding how someone could let themselves get type two diabetes. I certainly don’t eat the best all the time, but I do work out a lot; and, if I could get rid of my diabetes or prevent it, I certainly would. I would give up sugar for the rest of my life if I didn’t have to take one more shot or have to think twice about high or low blood sugar. I would never wish this disease on anyone; and, if someone has a choice, to change their lifestyle to avoid getting it, I cannot understand why they wouldn’t. That said, for a gym or fitness program to take direct, insulting stabs at people is just wrong.

In my eyes, being healthy is so much more than how many deadlifts you can do or how big your muscles are. It’s about being well-rounded in life. It’s about staying positive and having a good self-esteem in addition to the physical fitness.

The Webster Dictionary defines health as this:

“ the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially :  freedom from physical disease or pain”

Yes, obesity can cause health issues, a lot of health issues…more than just diabetes; but, why wouldn’t a gym that is promoting health and wellness want to promote in a positive way? Crossfit missed out on the health of the mind and spirit when they chose to insult people. Why not post genuine facts about the health risks associated with diabetes and ways to avoid them instead of posting satirical memes? Leave that for the trolls.

Post #3

Ok, really? Just shut the F*$# up already.

They just won’t drop it.

I know fellow T1Ds that are embarrassed to tell people about their disease and it’s because of the picture painted by companies like this.

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Three weeks ago I was considering trying Crossfit but here are the facts (that may or may not be true but to play fair I’m just going to throw it out there and not do any research):

1. The company is pathetic and places themselves on a pedestal above others.
2. They’d rather argue with the public than promote their company in a positive light.
3. Doing Crossfit causes injuries because people push themselves too hard, too fast.
4. Only people who don’t eat sugar are allowed to do Crossfit.
5. The Crossfit phase will pass. 

There are so many amazing fitness programs out there that make people feel welcome and can help people change their lives through positive health promotion. Friends, why settle for a company like this? #boycottcrossfit

Dear Insulin Pump

Dear Insulin Pump,

First off, please know this is not goodbye, only see you later. You and I have had a great relationship. We’ve been together for ten years! You are insanely smart and have always done a great job taking care of me. I remember the first day we met, my life changed for the better. Ten years is a long time. It’s nothing I regret and I will give you glowing reviews to my friends; but, I need a change.

You see…you’re “clingy.” You do not embarrass me but you are ALWAYS there. When we get tangled up you can really be a pain. I’m sick of sharing the bed with you. You get in the way and it can be uncomfortable to sleep. Sometimes you whine in the middle of the night for no reason. No matter how much attention I give you, you just won’t shut up. And to be completely honest, you’re not always right. You can really weigh me down. There are many days that there’s just not enough room for you. You’ve never been supportive of fitted dresses, swimsuits, or pants without pockets. You never let me swim for more than 20 minutes at a time, and this is a problem because it’s been a HOT summer so far. I’m headed to Cancun soon and I think it would just be better that you don’t come.

Now that I’ve put that out there, it will not all be rainbows and butterflies without you. My new relationship is going to require some work…and some math. However, I don’t mind math, and I need to keep my options open right now. You’ve always been supportive of my workouts and cater very well to my needs. I don’t know how this will all work in my new relationship but I want to try. The beautiful thing about this break up is I know you’ll still be there when I need you. I promise to tuck you away in a safe spot and I know you’ll be ready for me when I return. This is not forever and most importantly remember, it’s not you… it’s me.

Farewell for now,

Samantha

PS – You kind of look like a pager.

… a final kiss goodbye. I’m excited to be going back on multiple daily injections and am working to get a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor to manage my diabetes without a pump. 🙂

My Husband’s Bromance

My husband is in a bromance. A multi-men bromance actually.

I chose this definition of bromance from Urban Dictionary to describe his relationships:

The intense complicated love shared between two heterosexual males that consists of but not limited to – wrestling, numerous man-dates, and tons of stories that will only remain between the two.

Also a form of male bonding to such a point where they start to seem like a couple.

This bond is normally only shared between two males that have a deeper understanding of each other, in a way no woman could ever realize.

  

In the first couple years of our relationship, I had a really hard time understanding their friendship. There’s a group of seven of them that call themselves the Wet Bandits. They speak a language that is hard to understand. Most of it stems from inside jokes that take time to pick up on. There’s lots of teasing that goes on and there seems to be fluctuations with who’s close to who at different times but at the end of the day it’s a seriously SERIOUSLY tight group of friends.

 

As a female attempting to enter this group, or at least trying to maintain a relationship with one of them, it’s extremely intimidating. (Imagine a cat trying to hang out with a group of dogs… no pun intended). I struggled for a while with trying to figure out my place in the group. Every time one of them would start to date a girl it was a huge relief as I looked forward to having someone to share my confusion with. The guys are nice, they just like to tease and it’s important to maintain thick skin when you’re around them. There haven’t been too many times that I’ve felt like things were said or done with malicious intent but it all can be tough to decipher.

If the teasing isn’t enough to put up with, there are the constant stories of their pastimes: when Luke wore a robe and slippers and brought a pillow to summer school, or when Chris saved a kid from drowning in a wave pool, and then there’s the story of Jimmy Hot Cock, and the countless memories from parties at the lake house. I think I’ve heard them all a hundred times but yet somehow their laughs are contagious and I too can’t help but smile when they tell them.

  

My husband and I have been together for four years now and there were many times I seriously questioned if I could deal with this group for the rest of my life but over time I’ve noticed their affection toward me. Like when Dan helped me get an interview for a job, Josh saved my life on a cruise, or when Chris confided in me with his relationship drama. I’m not sure if it’s because my husband has such a close bond with them or if I do genuinely like them, but I know they have worked their way into my heart. Maybe I just feel obligated to see them all succeed so they can find decent women and I don’t have to deal with them alone.

The whole thing continues to amaze me. A bond like that is hard for me to comprehend. Maybe it’s because I’m used to having friends come and go, maybe it’s because no matter where their lives have taken them they always end up together. I enjoy seeing them together because they enjoy it.

One thing I am sure of: When I said “I do” on October 18, 2014 I signed an eternal contract with my husband and his six bromances… and I’m OK with that.  🙂

Photos by JP Ball Photography

Special shout out to the bromance group from my graduating class at Waynesville High School! ❤ Miss you guys!

  

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Check it out:

Self Magazine: Why His ‘Bromance’ is Healthy for Him (and You!)

BuzzFeed: Top 20 Most Bromantic Celeb Bromances Of All Time

Interested in starting a Bromance?: How to Start a Bromance

This is Burlesque

As I walked into my Intermediate Burlesque class at Femme Fatale Fitness in Kettering, Ohio, I expected to do some sort of warm-up to get my heart rate going and learn a dance that used feathers and boas. It sounded fun. I figured we’d practice the dance over the next five weeks, and then the session would be over and I’d pick a new class to take. Boy was I wrong!

We sat down in a small circle and things started to unfold… the art of burlesque!

Learn more about burlesque here.

By the end of the hour, I’d found out that I’d be choreographing a dance, making a costume, performing solo in front of a crowd, oh – and ending up in pasties! (Cue car braking screech….) I’m sure there are many women who would have walked out at that point, and although there was a little voice in the back of my head saying, “what will people think,” I was too consumed in the idea of creating something—a performance—that was completely mine. Obviously I was going to do a lion theme… and OH THE SPARKLES! The ideas were pouring into my head.

This whole burlesque thing was very new to me. I am not into musicals or show tunes, and didn’t know much about the art of burlesque. As I did some research, I started to become more comfortable with the idea and my creative juices started flowing. I was very nervous to share the news with my husband, my very conservative husband. It was one of those conversations that I started with all the positives: costumes, creativity, all me, so fun, exciting, perform, yay, and then… with my head down to the side very quietly I said, “annnnd I’ll end up in pasties.” It turned into an emotional conversation, but the conclusion was: I’ll do the performance and we won’t talk about it… ever. Oh, and he would NOT be at the show (per his decision).

Joe was not the only one who was less than thrilled. I had a friend tell me I was a terrible person for putting my husband through this. That is was unfaithful… But, all I wanted to do was be covered in sparkles and perform. Nothing more, nothing less. I felt like I was born for this kind of thing, and at that time, there was nothing I wanted more.

I spent five weeks building my costume. With the support of the other women in my class, my mom and many of my friends, I managed to still gain excitement through the process even though not everyone was onboard. I glued and sewed pieces to my costume. I also learned how to pronounce Swarovski (swore off ski, like you swore off skiing – you’re welcome). After all was said and done – my costume was GORGEOUS!

The night of the big show all of the ladies in the class arrived at the bar and piled into a very tiny room. There was no privacy and that was fine. Part of our training was to change in a small room with six other girls. Butts and boobs all over the place. (Just making sure you’re still with me).

My excitement and anxiety was at a 9.5, sure to reach a 10 by the time I hit the stage. Let me explain the layers to my costume: nude thong, nude fishnet hose (makes your legs and ass look amazing), bedazzled and fringed thong –very very bedazzled, ball room shoes, pasties, the best bra you’ve ever seen, a corset, a tutu, and a head piece that would make a queen go gaga! As you may imagine, by the time you get all these layers on you feel FAR from naked. Layers that come off: tutu, corset and, bra. Leaving me with still a decent amount of “stuff” on.

That performance was probably one of the biggest rushes I’ve had in my adult life. I felt beautiful and I had a blast. I had a huge group of friends that came to support me, and guess who sat in the front row…my conservative husband. 🙂

Would I do it again? You know the phrase, “Quit while you’re ahead.” I came, I saw, I conquered… Time to move onto the next adventure.

What’s an Aerial Leo?

Aerial Adjective

1. existing or living or growing or operating in the air.

2. characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; as impalpable or intangible as air

Leo Noun

1. (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Leo

2. a zodiacal constellation in northern hemisphere between Cancer and Virgo

3. the fifth sign on the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about July 23 to August 22

The words I’d use to describe myself. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Busy. Energized. Happy. Impatient. Curious. Positive. Vain. Competitive. Joyful. Friendly. Witty. Creative. Messy. Emotional. Fierce. Sedulous. Dreamer. Leo. 

I have always wanted to start a blog. In the last year, my life has changed in so many ways and it finally feels right to start sharing some stories. I’ve lost friends, gained new ones, got married, had surgery, traveled, and the most noteworthy change: I’ve gained a new appreciation for fitness. I’m a 27-year-old, type one diabetic (although that’s not how I identify myself), and I’m trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

So, join me on my attempt to entertain, educate, vent, and share my thoughts on life.