Ellefitness

The week leading up to Dec 17th was busy and hectic but well worth it.  As many of you are aware I headed to the Dominican Republic….I left with 20 of my family members to Punta Cana.  The plan was share 2 glorious weeks at Ocean Sand and Blue having downtime with my family and then spend an extra week teaching Zumba for 2 resorts.  After a few days of Sun, I started getting restless so I decided to approach the fitness/entertainment staff  about offering a few Zumba classes.  Well believe it or not they had no idea what Zumba was ???  I know I couldn’t believe it either…so I was directed to the Entertainment manager and although he was interested he said he couldn’t pay me…I told him I was just looking to share my class with those that were there.  It turned out that I taught Zumba at 5pm everyday from that day on right beside the pool bar so some days I had as many cheering from the water/pool bar…and they loved it staff and guest alike.   I got to meet some other instructors who were on vacation that took my class but the best of all I introduced some newbies to ZUMBA and  now some of them are at home looking up Zumba classes to participate others were staff looking into getting their license.  Often I had someone say to me…. “I have been watching your class all week but  I just had to try it before I go home”.  I was blessed with a true following ranging from 3 to 50,60,70 much much older as my Nanny 90 years old would come and watch my class everyday.   “Rain over me” became a resort favorite….a couple nights in the disco when the song came on the entire bar was doing my choreography….an incredible experience.  I met a bunch of people from Ottawa and they may be joining us in class in the  near future.  The energy, people the experience was unreal….I do hope to get back to the H10 Ocean Sand and Blue…big thanks to so many that made my trip special Jesus, Alexander,…and DJs.

Off to teach at Secrets Royal beach and Now Larimar.  The Now resort upon arriving is gorgeous…the rooms weren’t as nice as the previous place but every place is different. Teaching at Now was done pool side but the space was tight but lots of people joined as it was so visible…they had trouble hooking up my mic so I had to do without which was unfortunate as I had laryngitis so what better time to brush up on my visual cuing.  IT was a great class but must say teaching at 10 :30am in the sun is much more demanding than 5pm. OMG I looked I had just step out of a shower after teaching. At 4:30pm I taught at Secrets a beautiful resort, I taught in the sand a totally new experience in itself….definitely a much smaller crowd but as the week progressed so did the class size and energy.  Again many Zumba virgins but not for long…as they too were going to find a class at home.  Thanks to Isaiah & Henry and Akon (I got to dance a true Bachata with all the flavor…incredible), Blondie and Winnie (the dancing queens)….hope to come back again some day.

Zumba in the Dominican was an incredible experience….maybe one day you will join me in the Caribbean and we’ll do Zumba everyday under sun as we look out at the water.  It was great but I missed all of you and can’t wait to see you all soon.

Giselle

g.ellefitness@gmail.com

613-596-3183

Posted in Zumba
Tags: activity, balance, class, Ellefitness, energy, fitness, Fun, Giselle, nepean, Ottawa, Stittsville, Zumba

It’s the most magical time of the year…I know what you are all thinking “it will be a miracle if I get everything done on my to do list…that will be the magic”.  The first thing people tend to let slide when they get busy is their exercise…naughty naughty  and yet that is the first thing you need.   Here are a few tips to help manage

This is a time of the year where

• your social commitments are on the rise creating all kinds of opportunity for indulging on rich tasty calorie filled treats and extra social drinks

1. Never go on an empty stomach as you will find yourself overindulging and regretting it the next day
2. Alternate between drinks a tall glass of water also will keep you well hydrated
3. Don’t over commit yourself…if you really can’t afford to spend the whole evening go make an short visit say hello to the host and those that are there and get to the other things on your list.
4. Check weekly calendar to confirm exercise and if it’s in conflict reschedule it immediately  it will help you keep these little indulgences from  hijacking the great results you have accomplished this fall
   

• stress is elevated with all the extra things you have to accomplish  over and above all the other things in your weekly life

1. When stress rises we don’t accomplish near what we could have if we were more relaxed…so take a break go for a 20 min run/walk accomplishing more than just managing your stress levels you are getting much need change of pace and exercise
2. learn to say NO when requested to do something that isn’t crucial and you really don’t have time in your schedule to accomplish
3. Keep a balance to your day making sure you are eating healthy food, staying hydrated, getting activity

• your tired mentally, emotionally and physically

1. get your exercise in….there is one sure way to slow down the metabolism and that is to stop moving, it will not only help you manage your energy but will assist in clearing your head and the brief change of pace with give your mind a little break too
2. know your limits…quit trying to do the impossilbe so you like to get 3 Zumba and 2 TMC classes in every week change one to a power walk/run at lunch…no its not as much as you would usually do but it is what you can do and still manage your schedule
3. avoid if possible sugary foods(candies baked goods), fried foods, processed/white foods, caffeine and alcohol that will slow you down  mentally, sometimes  giving you sugar or caffeine high and lows, these will just slow you down\
4. migrate towards nutritionally dense foods like whole grains, water (8-12 glasses/day), legumes, fruits & vegetable(a whole rainbow of  colors)  and seeds & nuts.  Making sure to keep snacks readily available (in your bag or a tin of nuts on the desk with a bowl of fruit) Plan your week will make keep you better prepared and planning the things you need to accomplish while keeping it manageable.

So I got it your busy, stressed and tired so why would you stop doing the one thing that would increase your energy, decrease your stress and help you manage your weight???  So organize yourself, be flexible if changes have to be made but also know when to say NO!

Make sure to plan your exercise in so that it isn’t skipped…you will be happier, healthier and fitter.  Enjoy the holidays and I look forward to starting again in the NEW YEAR!!!

Posted in Zumba