Country Time Acres Blog

Dancing is a way one expresses themselves. It’s a  a way to release tension, let yourself go and a great way to exercise.  It’s not just for kids. Unfortunately, many adults stop dancing as they get older. They are intimidated by others who feel they need to “act their age”. There are so many different ways to enjoy dancing and I encourage you to try as many as you like.  A few years ago I took up hoop dancing. I am sure my husband thought I was crazy. I even tried swinging poi. I love to dance with my horses using all sorts of things such as hoops, ribbons and scarves. This year I tried belly dancing. It turns out, I really like it. It’s a fantastic total body  workout and helped build the muscles in my legs. Making those coins jingle was lots of fun! I enjoy line dancing because I don’t need a partner. I recently performed with some friends as the Village People to the song YMCA and some other friends to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy at a party. Last week I started teaching dance-movement to kids again. I have decided that no matter what others think, I am going to dance my way through life!

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain. “Unknown”.

Healthy body, healthy mind, happy me!

I am sorry if I have neglected this blog for a few weeks. With all the snow little has been going on but, I have stayed focused on my new year’s resolutions. I joined Snap Fitness Center and have been working on the weights a few times a week. I am attending several fitness classes which include, Zumba, pilates and step areobics. I love them all and the instructor’s are great. I have discovered the pilates has had the biggest impact on me. For years I have suffered with neck and shoulder pain. I go to the chirapractor and the massage therapist at least once a month costing me an average of $70.00 a month. The day after my first pilates class I noticed a change in my body. Most of the pain is gone and  because of that I sleep better. I normally wake up between 6 and 8 times a night, now I wake up to go to the bathroom( from all that water I drink) but, I go right back to sleep. I haven’t been to the chiropractor or the massage therapist in over two months! I also take line dancing and Zumba at the Harrington Moose making for about 28 classes a month. Some mornings I work out in my home gym for a total of about 12-14 hours a week of working out. I have made  major diet changes as well,  cutting out bread, meat, soda and sweets. I treat myself to each of those items about twice a week but, eat lots of fruits and vegetables. I know that sounds like a lot and it is! To date I have lost 13 pounds, mostly belly fat and although I have about 5 or so pounds to go, I feel great. No more tight cloths. I also have taken a few enrichment classes, Stamping, How to get Published and have signed up for a tole-painting class. Now that spring weather is on it’s way I plan to get working with the horses and preparing for summer camps. Did you visit?  Leave a comment!

Jenna leads the class in an hour of hooping.

The family that hoops together, stays together!

     No, it’s not a typo, I really said hoop into shape. What was once thought of as child’s play is now making a comeback in a major way. People everywhere are grabbing a hoop and finding out that not only is it fun, but a great work out. These hoops aren’t like the ones you buy in the store. They are hand made and wrapped in colorful tape. They come in different sizes and weights and can be used to perform some pretty cool tricks. The hoop can be used to work out the arms, upper body and most of all the abdomen. If your like me and hate the boreing gym workout, try something more creative. I did this and bounced on a rebounder and lost eight pounds. Forget the crunches! Grab some girlfriends and a couple of hoops, it’s endless fun for all ages. Even guys can do it.

Jenna, hoops on Chimney Rock, NC

While most hikers choose to walk with a stick, my adventurous daughter, Jenna takes along a hoop!  It’s a great way to stay in shape. Hope you enjoy the pictures. I did.

This is my favorite!

     To see more of Jenna’s never-ending road trip visit http://Jennah2o.blogspot.com 

Check out her video http://www.youtube.com/user/Jennah2o