Crash diets...never work!

This year has been a particular struggle for me in terms of maintaining a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. This past weekend was a wedding weekend for me...the 1st of 7 weddings I've been invited to/have some sort of role in this year. Albeit EXTREMELY FUN, I spent Friday - Monday volleying between bouts of drunkenness amidst friends and partying and being hungover at work (SO NOT FUN). I didn't track, but I'm pretty positive my caloric consumption each day consisted primarily of alcohol. What the heck am I doing?!

The beginning of the year and as I prepped for my Mexico/El Potrero Chico trip, I trained so hard, ate so well, and was able to control my alcohol intake to keep my training schedule. After my trip I've gone through crazy bouts of excessive drinking/eating and "crash dieting"/excessive working out for a particular event I want to look good for. This is NOT the way! I still struggle with the question of what's better: a) maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle at all times or b) eating whatever and working everything off. I'm pretty sure option a is the way to go, so I'm trying to get back on track =] The past two days have been completely alcohol-free, I've eaten pretty healthy, I've been working out (maybe a little too much? I think I pulled my hamstring..oops!), and I feel great (other than said hamstring...and serious soreness...everywhere)! Here we go! Who's with me?

"Just because someone stumbles and loses their way doesn't mean they're lost forever" - Professor X

Find what moves you // Kazaxe

All it takes to jump on the band wagon of working out/staying fit is finding what type of movement is right for you. You can't be a marathon runner if you hate running...or a swimmer if you hate swimming. I've seen and gone through so many phases of forcing workouts that ultimately end in demotivation, demoralization, and reverting back to couch potato status. So: find what moves you =]

For me I've found climbing and dance to be my FAVORITE workouts EVAR...so much so that they don't ever seem like work. It's really just me having fun while reaping the workout benefits those activities provide me. #winning!

Last night I tried out a Kazaxe (pronounced: kah-zah-SHAY) class for the first time with some good girlfriends of mine I used to dance hip hop with. I was warned not to think of it as a dance class, but to just be open to the idea of having a really good time and getting a great workout in. My prior research of the movement led me to their description: "This ain't no sissy dancin'. Kazaxe by Azuka-Bom is a high-intensity dance-party workout that will have you twerkin' and workin' to international urban beats." My personal description: "Kazaxe is a seriously fun and addicting twerking workout class on CRACK that can be enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels." 

The venue for Kazaxe classes is in an unassuming industrial area of Springfield, VA. You walk into the room, and it's just a big open space with a raised stage for the instructor and whoever is brave enough to jump on stage with her (I'm definitely going to do this next time =)). Here's a progression of how the 1 hour class went:

• A few minutes before class started, the lights go down, and some party lights/disco balls shoot on. My though: YESSS! This is going to be a serious party =] 
• Beginning of class: "This is FUN! Man I miss moving/dancing..."
• 8 minutes into the hour class, I broke a sweat. 
• Half way through I definitely thought to myself "I used to be a dancer, and I'm currently a climber and runner. How/why the heck is this so difficult?! (meaning: I'm getting a SERIOUS workout in!)" 
• 45 minutes in I thought "I think I'm dying...is it over?!" 
• End of class: "Man...I'm dripping sweat, and I'm DEFINITELY going to be sore tomorrow. WOOO that was fun! I wonder when I can come back."

For those looking to try it, head's up: 

• These classes HELLA fill up! I got there 20 minutes early, and there were already people waiting on the dance floor holding their space for the class. 
• First class is free (YAY!).
• BRING WATER!
• Bring a towel to wipe yourself off after.
• ENJOY IT! Booty pop to your heart's desire. No one is watching. Just have a great time =]

For visual learners, a taste of what I'm talking about: 

Get your groove on ;)