Toning sticks....more than your average maraca!

Today was my first time doing zumba toning with the toning sticks.  A little over a month ago I tried to do the class without the sticks but I wasn't far enough along in my recovery to keep up or do many of the steps. I was proud of myself for trying, but knew deep down that there was more work for me to do before I could go back and do it all out. Today I gave it my all. My leg is doing pretty well, and I feel ready to move past everything that happened this past year. I just had to wrap my brain around the idea that I really am ok now...and the things that aren't are moving in the right direction.

Now, back to the toning sticks. Toning sticks look like a hand weight (a very light hand weight) with two balls on the ends. That is not the only difference though. They have beads inside so they sound like  maracas! At first I wondered why they were so light? Half way through the class I was sure they would have to scrape me off of the floor in mere seconds. Those things got heavy fast! I wanted to stop. I wanted to shower and call it a day. But, I couldn't do that. I promised myself that I would push. I know that my body is stronger then I give it credit for. So, I pushed through it. I did all of steps, though some of them were sloppy (I would get confused and sort of flub my way though..practice makes perfect and all that jazz). I kept my sticks up over my head so much longer then I thought I could. Most of the time I was sure my upper back would explode along with my arms, butt and abs. My thighs were shaking and yet, we kept smiling. Everyone in the class was feeling beat up and we kept going. By the end we were all tired and happy that we had done it. I will definitely be doing it again, though not until Thursday because of my work schedule.

Just like so many people have told me and as I've experienced in the past, having my water bottle with me at all times helps me to remember to stay hydrated. I drank five 20 oz bottles of water today! So all in all today was a good one where I did positive things for my body. Yay me!