Under African Skies

(song: Under African Skies/artist: Paul Simon)

A few months ago, I finally joined Crunch, my local gym. Now that I hold myself to a higher standard, I realize that my best workouts happen in a class environment, with other people around, so that I wont half-ass my way through the workout. I still do Brazil Butt Lift moves at home, at least three days a week. I remain a devout Leandro loyalist...

My new favorite class is Tabura. The Crunch website says, "Tabura is a Swahili name for training used in improving military endurance and strength in Africa. This intensely fun class uses kickboxing combinations and basic West African dance moves set to hot Tribal House music and a live drummer. Get ready to burn massive calories and become a true powerhouse warrior." I describe Taubra as Tae Bo, meets Insanity, meets Alvin Ailey. 

The creator and instructor is Reign Hudson. She is equal parts drill sergeant and sassy best girlfriend. (Also, she's a mom, so that makes me love her even more.) She'll engage you in fun chat before class, but once that drumming starts, she is all business, and you better be ready to sweat! Reign will literally sit on you (me) if she knows that you (I) can squat lower, but you (I) are just being lazy. She gets right in your face and counts - loudly - while she spots your jabs. I love her energy! She makes you want to kick higher, jump longer, go harder. 

That's Miss Reign. She don't play...

The first time I did Tabura, I felt like I did on the f irst day of the Brazil Butt Lift test group, because of the intense cardio workout, and the "choreography". I have never felt whiter in my life! I was a total spazz, but I loved the workout! By the end of class, I was dripping with sweat. I love the powerful grace of the West African dance steps, combined with the straight-forward workout. If it was exclusively dance, I'd feel so awkward, but the blend of dance, kickboxing and high-intensity drills, somehow help me forget that I have no rhythm.


Here's a little taste of Tabura.

Reign has been profiled on the Today Show, on New York 1 and The New York Times. (Click the links to her footage.) I think the stars are aligning, and 2013 is her year to explode. Tabura would be an excellent addition to a fitness company that wants to target the African American females aged 25-50+ market.  If there's a fitness company or a business-savvy celebrity (P. Diddy, I'm talking to you!) looking for an investment in the next big fitness craze, look no further than Reign. I'd buy her DVD faster than you can say TABURA! 

Getting my Tabura on in Central Park.

This s the Taburo demo at the Self Magazine Workout in Central Park. I was on the stage, but too far to the right to be seen...thankfully.

I can't wait to say, "I knew her when..."

Say, Do You Remember September

(song: September/artist: Earth Wind & Fire)

Where did the time go y'all!? I promised I'd write at least one post per month, and I'm keeping that promise. Even if it means writing a fluff piece like this one.

On the home-front, my son just started pre-K which means he now goes to school for a full day! It's like a reward for putting in 4.9 years of hard labor! I am officially NOT one of those moms that laments the start of school. Yeah sure, it's been challenging getting him back on an early morning routine, but we're getting there. And now, he seems to actually enjoy seeing me at the end of the day, whereas, with his 12:30 dismissal in nursery school, he always had that, "Oh crap, you again", look on his face. And now I have tons of "free time"! I can clean AND do laundry...to completion. Lucky me!

On the exercise front, I registered for the Rock 'n' Roll 10K again this year, so I'm running at least four days-a-week, and trying like hell to beat my time from last year -- 57:11. Last year's goal was to beat my husband. I didn't achieve that goal.  This year, the best I can hope for is at least being able to see him running ahead of me for the entire race. I'm not, by nature, a runner, and right now, I'm not in great running shape. I've been "training" for three weeks, and only last week was able to run the entire 3.5 mile loop without walking. I'll have to settle for beating myself. The race is October 13. I've got 16 days to shave five minutes off my time. No problem...

Slow and steady, wins the race...against myself.

 The good news is, all the cardio is revealing a lot of the definition I gained during a summer of only doing strength-training DVDs. Which is great because...I'm going back to QVC! I'm so excited to make my triumphant return to West Chester, PA with Leandro! April, the uber-chiseled fitness model is also on board, as are several other women of varying ages and body types -- a smart marketing move on the part of The Butt Master. We'll be squatting our way into the hearts and homes of America on October 11. Our 15-minute segment will be on between 7:00 - 9:00 AM (EST) on the "Mornings Made Easy" show. And again between 3:00 - 4:00 PM (EST) on the "Problems Solved" show. DOUBLE-HEADER! In case I'm stuck behind the pricing info, I'll wear jaunty sneakers. Just look for the bony ankles in the red New Balance. 

Wardrobe for 10/11 QVC appearance. Note the ankles.

So, I've got 14 training days till QVC, and 16 training days till the race. And THREE weddings in-between. Talk about bad timing! It's not so much the booze I'm concerned with, it's the food...and the sweets. I love sweets. (I'm drooling right now at the thought of cake.) Cocktail hour buffets are the kiss of death for a former fatty who loves to graze. But, I know I possess the willpower to enjoy myself in moderation. Question is: Will I use it? In my on-going pursuit of healthy physical and mental balance, this will be the ultimate test.

(I'll post my wedding trifecta successes and/or failures on my Facebook Page and Twitter)