MJ 2I used to be over 200 pounds.  I took up walking and then running and then sampled a whole lot of other things as well.  The weight started coming off and the muscle started coming on.  It wasn’t until I started focusing on my nutrition that I finially lost the rest of the final 30 pounds though. Its so true what they say about body compisition being 20% gym and 80% nutrition. Now I notice my nutrition is off in my workouts too.  I have less energy during and recover less quickly.

I did Zumba breifly at Vamanos in Vancouver and knew right away it was for me.  Shortly after I became hooked, they closed their doors :(. I was crestfallen.  I loved the high intensity workout that Zumba gave me and that my brain was too preoccupied with the steps and arms and everything to think of anything except what was happening in that moment.  Zumba was, and is, so zen for me! It is impossible to be anywhere but in the moment!

I began complaining to everyone I knew about how much I missed it and asking them where I should go next.  The resounding answer was Pulse.  Three separate friends directed me there (and neither one new the others)  Ginny Kaufman, Brian Wartell, and Loral Sheldan all said you were the best!  When I went to my first class I was hopelessly lost, impressed, and couldn’t wait to come back.  I loved the darkened room, loud music and lack of mirrors.

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I take a lot of fitness classes and Pulse is, by far, the most fun I have working out.  All the workouts challenge me mentally. I do not have a dancer background (far from it) and so I am always losing my place and going the wrong way…. but I am also always smiling.  It is amazing to be working so hard and still feel so happy about it.  It also offers an opportunity to let go of any unpleasantness my day brought and start afresh with a new enthusiasm.  Nothing moves energy like moving to music and making vocalizations.  Its just incredible. MJ 1

It also adds a much needed dose of grace and femininity to balance all the more typically male activities I do.  I have been training almost 8 years as a boxer.  I recently started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I hope to compete in both someday soon. I also love lifting, hiking and running.  Zumba has taught me a lot about how to switch between masculine and feminine energies as a situation requires.

When I am not working out, I run a doggie daycare, dog walking and pet sitting business. I live on the bank of the Washougal river with my extremely handsome husband and our hillarious teenager.  Our oldest is moved out now but she brings my grandson over frequently to BBQ and float down the river on intertubes!   We surround ourselves with animals.  A beautiful dog, jerk of a cat, and 4 ducks.  Despite my husbands sensible protests, one day soon, I am hoping to add goats to the mix.

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