The Firm ...

just kicked my butt. First time I broke out in a sweat in a good minute. It's been three months since giving birth to my second son and I'm over the maternity wardrobe but apparently it's not over with me. So I've decided (again) to get in shape and be healthier. It doesn't help that DH goes to Mui Tai Boxing 3+ times a week. Or perhaps I should look at that differently and be inspired by him, if only to keep up. I found some photos of me from 2005 where I felt my most confident in my physical appearance. Incidentally, I got pregnant with my first son in 2005 and have yet to commit to working out since.

But I want Michelle Obama arms! And since I can't figure out how to get to the gym with a 3 month old, and I usually end up throwing away gangs of money on monthly fees and annual contracts anyway, I headed to Target a few days ago and plucked The Firm Ultimate Fat Burning Workout from the shelves. Allison's (the instructor) southern accent was cute and unexpected. She looks like a cheerleader. Foolish me. I underestimated her and her fat burning workout.

At about six minutes in, the first bead of sweat appeared. Fifteen minutes in and I was staring at the clock on the DVD willing it to be over. For a good portion I just marched in place - because I could not keep up with Allison and her multi-ethnic fitness posse and their insane routine combinations. I'll admit to sitting down at least once in exhaustion and exasperation but I got back up and finished the work out. I'll do it again tomorrow. I'm trying to get at the best part of me and trying to achieve that seeming elusive work/life/art/passion/family (not necessarily in that order) balance. Part of being a good mom and partner is to be healthy enough to handle whatever gets thrown at me. Plus it's cyclical. I feel good when I look good. Look good when I feel good. Don't we all?