& & Health Wellness Page ’m uncoordinated, inflexible and I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. Oth- er than one year when I was twenty-one years old, I’ve never had a workout routine or been able to commit myself to moving my body more than cleaning my house or chasing after two kids under the age of four. Last month however, I realized my kids were no longer under the age of four. They’re in school full time and I no longer have an ex- cuse for why my running shoes are still in the box and my yoga pants are only worn when I drive the kids to school in comfort. I turned thirty this year and as one amazing decade came to an end, I knew the next would re- quire a little more fitness and a lot less whin- ing about my jeans being a bit too tight. So, I decided to embark on a challenge. Let’s just call it 30 Days to Fit. I won’t lie. 30 Days to Fit didn’t mean thirty straight days of workouts. It meant experiencing as much exercise, in completely different arenas, within a thirty-day period, as I could. I took classes more than once, had to take unexpected breaks and realized I had muscles I never knew existed. I was sore, wanted to give up and even got terribly sick right in the middle of it. But I did it and it was truly life changing. Kalologie 360 Spa 6107 North Scottsdale Road #103 Scottsdale, AZ 85250 Having not used my muscles in quite some time I decided a massage would get me off to a great start. Maybe it was necessary, maybe I was just giving myself a bit of pampering before such a challenge. Or maybe I was stall- ing. Whatever it was, the women at Kalolo- gie 360 Spa in Scottsdale made me feel better than I could have ever expected. The shoul- ders that had been up to my ears in tension for years felt new again and I was ready. Private Training at The Village 4444 East Camelback Road Phoenix, Arizona 85018 A private training session was just what the doctor ordered. For someone who feels awkward lifting weights and even stretching, it’s nice to have a teacher leaning over your shoulder and correcting your form. Iris Gor- don at the Village showed me the ropes. After going through my health and fitness history, Iris planned my training session and explained a few things about my 30 Days to Fit experiment. “It’s good to have short and long term goals,” said Iris. “Also, make sure to drink plenty of water and take vitamin C. A work- out regime like this can be a bit of a shock to the system.” After warming up on the elliptical I was ready to rock. Iris set me up with numerous weight routines, a series of lunges and had me run the stairs to the facility. After an hour I was exhausted. But I also felt invigorated. Iris’ intricate attention to detail was terrific, making sure my knees and hips were aligned properly when doing lunges and my arms were in the correct form for lifting weights. I knew she’d set me up for success. The Bikram Yoga Institute 7620 East Indian School Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 I’ve been intrigued yet terrifi ed of Bikram Yoga for years. The ultra fit bodies leaving the building, plus rumors of an excessively hot room have scared this fitness newbie into hiding. But this time, I was doing it. Andrea L. Griego, has taught Phoenix and Scottsdale residents at the Bikram Yoga Insti- tute for over a decade. Her gym, tucked just outside Old Town Scottsdale, is a sanctuary. Within minutes of being in Andrea’s care, I was in love. The heat was no longer a prob- lem. The poses, not so odd. With an enthusi- astic voice and an encouraging tone, Andrea proved that my fears were absolutely unwar- ranted. The toxins were gone, my muscles were warm, my mind was clear. I had found comfort and serenity. Bikram ROCKS! Pure Barre 4219 East Indian School Road #101 Phoenix, AZ 85018 I was intimated from the start. Most of the women were dressed in specific gear and looked ready to compete. I sat in the room not at all prepared. As the class began full speed, I was wondering what I was doing. Quickly however, it became more fun than I expect- ed. The music, the fabulous teacher and the quick moments were enough to bring a smile to my face. The movements didn’t come easy but I knew if I came back a few times I’d soon be an old pro. Maybe I’d even become the ballerina I’d always wanted to be. If so, Pure Barre would get all the credit. Zumba at the Village 4444 East Camelback Road Phoenix, Arizona 85018 My two left feet had never been so obvi- ous and the room covered in mirrors showed off my ridiculousness for all to see. I learned quickly, however, that no one cared. No one was looking at me and absolutely no one was laughing. Plus I was working up quite a sweat just shaking my hips. Although my first class was more difficult than I’d imagined, I knew with a small com- mitment I’d feel more in tune with the moves and the music. It was tough, but the absolute joy every other student was experiencing en- couraged my soul. Yoga and BodyRolling at Metta Yoga 3742 East Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85018 Yoga and BodyRolling with Kat Myers is a unique and tranquil experience. Focused on a connection with your center and energy movement through the body, Kat works with therapeutic poses, tools and breathing to help soothe the mind and body. Her technique and tone take each participant to another realm of relaxation. Group Fitness Class at Results Only 3627 E Indian School Rd Suite 103 Phoenix, AZ 85010 Owner and trainer Bobby Kelly is in one word, exceptional. A genuine guy with a joyous smile, Bobby quickly becomes your buddy. His friendship however comes with a promise. Bobby will take care of you, watch out for you and will absolutely not let you take the easy way out. Results Only is a place you want to go, full of people you want to know and the workout is tailored to your needs, even in a group atmosphere. As Bobby said, “Bad moods stay outside. Culture is a huge part of this gym, you’re joining a family.” Results Only is stellar. Personal Class at The Pilates Body 4422 East Indian School, Suite 103 Phoenix, Arizona 85018 Lisa Bettini Moro, owner and instructor at The Pilates Body in Arcadia, walked me through a personal Pilates class with incredi- ble precision. The movements were tough and not always natural, but with Lisa’s instruction I soon found myself falling into comfortable 30 Days to Fit by Amanda Goossen 4

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