{pump it up}

Have I discussed my latest obsession?  Let me share it with you... PUMP CLASS.  What is pump class you ask? 

First let me start with the disclaimer:  I am not a professional.  I do not use the correct weight lifting terminology.  And I do not assume any risk by anyone out there taking a Pump Class and not being able to move for days after.  I am not a professional.  I think that covers it.

Ok... back to:  What is a pump class?

Basically, it's a weight lifting class.  I never thought I would like this class.  But I do.  You have a bar where you change the weights depending on the type of exercise you are doing.  You also use hand weights and an elevated step.  For the first few classes - ok let's be honest for EVERY class until 2 days ago - I used the smallest weight possible.  Because I am a wimp.  I admit it.  Go ahead and judge me.  I'll wait...

Once you do a gazillion reps you seriously can't move at all.  In fact, after the first class I could barely walk.  Let's just say when my workout partner dropped me off, I fell out of her truck because my legs wouldn't work.  And while we are discussing my workout partner, she seriously rocks.  She gets my butt to every class.  And I love her for it.  After I hate her for it.  I have tried several times to talk her into going to breakfast instead of class.  I haven't won that argument. 

I guess they won't be paying me for an endorsement any time soon.  But after tearing all my muscles and taking the instructors name in vain for days, I have realized I have never felt stronger.  I have been doing it for a few weeks now and I actually have muscles.  About a week ago, I asked MH why my shoulders were "swollen".  He just laughed and said they were muscles.  He also reminded me about waking him up several weeks ago and telling him a felt a lump beneath my breast.  Which turned out to be a rib.  Who knew?  I am finding parts of my body I haven't seen in years.  It's a fun game.

So tomorrow is pump class and I am so excited.  Yes, I realize it's an obsession but really... I could be obsessed over worse things.  Feel free to name a few... 

{diet advice}

Now don't be scared.  I'm not going to give you any advice on how to lose weight.  I have just kept a running tab of  (horrible) advice I have received from family, friends, people I don't even know.  And I thought I would share... (You're welcome)  I can't list all of them - these are just some of my favorites.

Eat yourself skinny - according to this friend, if you just eat more of the "right foods" you will lose weight.  Maybe I need a list of those "right foods".

Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.  Um, really?  You obviously have never eaten a Krispy Kreme donut.

If you would just work out every day for a month, you could go down to a size 12.  Thank you Captain Obvious.  I am a size 12. 

Have you ever thought that maybe your stomach is depressed?  Huh?  Now I can't take any sort of credit for that one.  This was said to a friend of mine.  But it happens to be one of our favorites.  Wow, maybe my stomach needs therapy.

So here's a little tidbit for those that are giving advice.  And believe me, I am sure I have given advice that was unsolicited.  We all do it.  But here's the thing:  Fat/chubby/overweight people know that they are.  It is no surprise to them/us.  And while you think you have the best intentions, unless you are asked for dieting advice, please don't offer it.  It's kind of like when you see a chubby girl and you think she is pregnant and you pat her belly and say "when are you due".  It's just wrong. 

See?  Now I am giving YOU advice.  What a tangled web we weave...

What's the best/worst advice you have received?