I’ve always been pretty active and enjoyed exercise but now that I’m reaching the end of my 20′s I’m really starting to see a need to step it up. Evidently I can’t eat whatever I want and exercise a couple of days a week without gaining some unwanted weight. Lately I’ve noticed my jeans fitting tighter and I just don’t feel like my usual self... not to mention the higher number on the scale! It’s time for me to adjust my lifestyle so I can feel great. My plan is to complete the Dancers Shape challenges and watch what I eat for the next two months and see how I look and feel after that. This challenge is particularly hard over the holidays. I really like to cook, eat and explore Austin’s food scene. Trying new restaurants and recipes is one of my biggest passions. I don’t plan on giving up on that passion but I need to get it under control and learn some new healthier recipes. I am really motivated so I am hopeful that I can avoid the heavy appetizers & extra cocktails that usually tempt me this time for year.

Currently for exercise I run about twice a week and go to a Shape or Advanced Shape class once or twice a week. During this challenge I’ll step up the Dancers Shape classes and continue to run 2 or 3 times a week. Right now I eat basically whatever I want and on the challenge I will be aiming for clean eating with a daily calorie max.

Here are my goals:

• Complete at least 12 DS classes in December
• Complete at least 16 DS classes in January
• Eat lean, green & clean as much as possible and stick to my calorie goal. Limit alcohol to 3 drinks a week.
• Begin the process of losing some inches and weight (ultimately 2 inches from my waist and eventually 20 lbs). That is a lot in 2 months so we’ll see how far I can get!

I’m looking forward to this challenge and I am going to be chronicling my journey here on the blog and on their Facebook page. I encourage you to follow along with me! I’ll be using the hashtag #DancersShapeChallenge and encourage you to use it as well! Knowing the Dancers Shape community is supporting me will be an extra source of motivation when the Christmas cookies appear.

Note: I am not a doctor or a dietician and this is only a plan for me. If you’re thinking of beginning a new exercise or diet plan, check with a doctor first to get some guidelines on what will work best for you and your goals.