Ok. So, I work with a trainer, 3 days a week. This is a big deal for me, as I recently decided to change my entire life around, and embark on a journey to becoming as healthy and fit as I can become. Diabetes runs in my family, and a few years ago, I lost my Mom to complications of Diabetes.

So, now that I've quit smoking for sure (4 years!!!), and am sick of the weight I gained, and the shape I have been in, I have taken some HUGE steps. Over a month I've been at it now, and so far, the changes, have been drastic, but wonderfully inspiring. I work VERY hard ... more than I even want to say. But believe me, it's been worth it.

What does this have to do with Fatchance Bellydance?

I'm getting to that.

My trainer, works with me on several levels. And to keep it interesting, we incorporate exercises specifically designed to help me with my love for tribal dance. I've showed her things I want to accomplish .... and she's done well with me so far. Boy has she ever.

Now, I want to work my way to being able to pull off a full floor layback. I used to be able to... so I know it can happen. But, what I want to know is, what should I be working on to make that happen? Where does the POWER of this move, lie?

In the quadriceps? Yes? But not all there...

... what else do I need to strengthen.

I'm stretching, but what stretches do you recommend I do FOR SURE?

Any and all help appreciated. I'm going to make this happen... and it's one of my 'rewards' for taking this journey. It's been a bit hellish, but worth every minute. So... can any of you ladies help me out here? Give me something to take back to my trainer? She's with me every step of the way... and wants to see me pull this off almost more than I do ;)

*Peace*
posted by:
Viva la Boo
Buffalo
  • I will let the FC ladies answer in their ever eloquent ways, but I just wanted to say
    *HUGH FREAKIN' FIVE GIRL*!

    Congrats on making big changes. You are inspiring!
    • Thanks.... it's flattering to hear that because it's a LOT OF (a FUCK load) of hard work.

      I train 3 times a week with my trainer.

      Then on "off" days, I do an hour of cardio in interval training.

      Then on Tuesday nights, I teach dance.

      I only get one day off... sometimes.

      But boy has it changed my health. I can control my heart rate on a dime. I can do things I never thought possible. I'm stronger, and my core.... wow. Just... WOW.

      Look out world ;)
      • Dude, that is awesome. You are inspiring me to kick my own ass into gear.
        • Thalia...

          Believe me... I have to re-inspire myself every couple days, or I stop kicking my own ass to go to my trainer who then kicks my ass. But it's worth it. Latest blood work follow-up has shown changes already, I've dropped some poundage, some inches, and am doing things I didn't think I'd be able to do at this point.

          As for the laybacks... truthfully, those are something I work on slowly. I'm there, but I have to do a LOT of stretching, and a lot of strengthening work, and more than anything else, I need to be aware of my OWN body and how it's built. But my over-all goal with changing my life and getting fit, was for my health... cause, I'm young, and things needed to change. Life if too short, ya know??? I want to spend what I have left, feeling great and not worrying about diabetes or worse.
  • I know you have your answer, but I just want to say congrats on your journey to getting well.
    • So. I wanted to post a little update on this (in case anyone cared) ...

      12 weeks ago... I made MAJOR changes.

      I changed my entire diet. I started working out *and* training. I started thinking about food more as fuel and "information", then something to shove in my mouth. I started drinking more water. I stopped eating a lot of processed foods. I cut out the junk carbs. I started drinking more water. I stopped binging on salty stuff. I laid off the butter, the dairy, and the artificial sweeteners. I stopped thinking it was ok to load my coffee up in sugary flavored creamers, just because it was coffee, and I only drank it once a day. 12 weeks ago... I thought this was all going to be a giant waste of my time, because having a thyroid disease, meant there was no way I was going to be able to lose weight, or get fit.

      i156.photobucket.com/albums/...back.jpg

      I am now 20 pounds lighter than I was 12 weeks ago.

      Many inches smaller than I was 12 weeks ago.

      2 (almost 3) sizes smaller than I was 12 weeks ago.

      And when I get frustrated, and depressed, and annoyed with all the hard work and sacrifice I have to constantly put into this journey of mine, I will look at this picture and be reminded that it's all been worth it. I still have a long way to go... but I know now, more than ever, that I can do it. Yes, I really can. Without surgery or pills, or diet scams. Just with good ol' fashioned blood, sweat and tears.

      I can't wait to see my blood work. That's the number one reason I decided it was time to make changes.
      • wow, congratulations!
        it's so amazing how eating more natural foods and cutting out the processed stuff can change your body and your health...all without "dieting."

        you go girl!
        • Agreed with regards to removing the salt, sugar, and the junk carbs and to slow down on the consumption of premade food. I did all that back in 2003 and lost 100 lbs. so far. I belly dance, do all the Turbo Jam DVDs, and hoola-hoop when it's nice outside! I started taking some Cardio Kickbox classes just recently. I can't say I will ever be tiny, but being able to maintain my weight loss is one of the biggest hurdles in the whole "taking care of yourself" ritual.

          I can't seem to give up my coffee in the morning, though. But I am probably the only person who lives near Seattle and doesn't drink Starbucks coffee. I actually just make normal boring coffee myself and only shake a little bit of nondairy creamer into it. ;-) A girl has to have at least ONE bad habit, right? ;D

          You go! It's such an accomplishment, isn't it???

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