“This body of mine is not the same one that walked into the studio a year ago. No, I’m leaner, definitely stronger, and have far more flexibility than I ever thought I could regain at the age of 53. As I get closer to the halfway mark of my fifth decade, I am finally seeing the results I’ve always dreamed of having!
As a young adult, I always wanted that “perfect body” and strived for that unrealistic goal as a dancer. Like some goals, one reaches a point where the focus shifts and other things take precedence. I moved away from Austin, got married, began a teaching career, and had two children. The Jane Fonda era was going strong by then, and I was an avid aerobics addict and attendee.Power walks tied me over during dry periods of boredom, and I tried many organized classes of various types. I lifted weights, and at one point, even worked out with an amazing trainer, still hoping to see those muscular curves in my arms and legs. For about a 15 year period, although I was active, I didn’t develop a true passion for any of it. I was not on my best physical and mental game and I desperately needed a workout of which I was passionate for.
Two years ago, I began dancing again – it was challenging, definitely calorie burning, and loads of fun. I decided that as long as I was exercising regularly, and enjoying what I was doing, I was in a good place. I needed to finally get over trying to morph myself into something I was not, and just be a woman in her fifties! One day while driving on Burnet Road, I saw the sign “DANCERS SHAPE.” The name stuck in my head and was like a mantra. I couldn’t let it go and wanted to find the Dancers Shape in me; the power, grace, and dedication that the term encompasses. My biological clock was ticking. I was not getting any younger and gravity was beginning to work on my body. I decided I had nothing to lose and I’d be a fool not to at least check out the studio.
I was initially sold the minute I walked in, met Jennifer, the owner, and learned about her background as a dancer. A couple of days later in my very first Shape class, I was convinced that I had finally found what I had been searching for, for so long! This past year has taught me so much about myself and my body, and the limitations I had put on myself in the past. We should not define ourselves by the limits of age – that is just a number!
It is an amazing workout and calorie-burner, I get a fabulous workout, I meet women who, just like me, want to walk in, work out, and know that they are doing something GOOD for their body. I love the strong sense of community and the familiar faces I see each day. When you are in a happy environment with women of like mind, it IS good for the soul, the psyche, AND OF COURSE, the body.”
-Lydia Lowry, Dancers Shape Client
