This is a sponsored post as part of the “Fit for Summer” Challenge, presented by Dancers Shape and Her Campus Texas.
It’s amazing how fast four weeks can fly by. After my first shape class, I wasn’t exactly sure how I would survive a month of intense workouts at least three times a week. But here we are, at the end, and I made it!
The number one thing I am taking away from this whole experience is a new appreciation for a healthy, active lifestyle. I always dreaded any kind of routine exercise, and eating healthy was not at the top of my priority list. I don’t want to sound like an infomercial, but little changes really can make a big difference. I now find myself wanting to be more active, craving healthier foods, standing up straighter, sleeping better, and even my skin is clearer. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Apart from this big realization, I gained a lot of other helpful knowledge from my month at Dancers Shape, and I would love to share some tidbits with you:
- Find a friend to exercise with who will send you almost annoyingly positive texts encouraging you to get yourself to class when you’re feeling tired and lazy.
- Packing your schedule to the brim is exhausting and should be avoided. (Although constantly being in a rush can help avoid the tempting Sonic stop on the way home… seriously, bad location!)
- Diet Coke is not a sufficient pre- or post-workout hydration substance.
- You may never look exactly like a model, your skinny friends, or the super-fit instructors at Dancers Shape… and that’s okay. Just keep working to make yourself feel healthier and stronger without all the comparisons.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions and talk to the instructors, who are always more than happy to help you get the most out of your classes.
- Keep it up. It’s hard, but it’s totally worth it.
Now as we wrap up school and head off to summer vacation, the real challenge begins – staying fit and active at home. Being away from the school routine and Gregory Gym may make exercising seem extra difficult, but summer is full of fun things to do that are good for your body as well.
For example, I plan on riding my bike this summer to visit friends or to challenge myself and attack the hills in my neighborhood. Grab a group of friends for a game of soccer, basketball, or softball at the park, or go on a weekend expedition to one of Texas’s many gorgeous campsites and go on a hike. And of course, take advantage the fact that it will basically be pool weather for three months straight and jump in for a fun afternoon and a great workout.
Have any other fun summer exercise ideas? Share them with me and other readers by commenting below!
It’s been quite a journey over the past four weeks, and I can honestly say that I’m really glad I did it. Thanks for sticking with me as I whined and ranted, and thank you so much to Jennifer and everyone at Dancers Shape for this awesome experience. Have a fantastic summer!