Re: The MQ weightloss/marks gain Support Thread!
There are a number of muscle-related issues commonly found amongst dancers, these include muscles such as the trapezius and latissimus dorsi being constantly tensed, or as dancers say - "turned on". The former occurs because of the "shoulders back, shoulders down" technique taught during training, and whilst it causes perenially tight muscles is for the most part ignored. The latter is used on a daily basis for the maintanance of correct posture and when used regularly, can become quite strong over time.
Of course, if you don't work on it regularly for several months and then decide to gleefully throw yourself into a low/moderately hardcore dance workout, you do what I did. And that is to be almost unable to get yourself out of bed because you are in AGONY. Had to roll/hobble out of bed. I couldn't arch/contract/twist my back at all... (putting on my shoes was hard
) hot shower didn't help.
Can you say "dammit, dammit, dammit!" like the way I did this morning? (which was frequently
)
memo to anyone else planning on starting/increasing your stretching and/or strengthening routine: Take it in gradual steps, and for the love of chocolate know what your capabilities are!!!
But anyway. I left the house at 8:30 to feed my dance teacher's cats on my way to dance class. Had 2 crumpets, small piece of chocolate (gift, it was like 2 squares - you know, those snack size ones) and a glass of milk there. Then left for flamenco in Newtown.
Now, you'd think by now that my "cleverness meter" had gone up a bit since my stupidity last night. But oh no. We were talking about working on flamenco posture in class (that 'arms behind head, bust out!' thing) and also talking about exercises we could do to help achieve a better line. I suggested doing bridges, and when they didn't know what it was I very cleverly forgot I had a stuffed up back and went straight into one. Stupid girl. I thought the whole thing was going to cramp up when I got back up (at least, it felt that way). Stupid, stupid, stupid.
The next part of Lynn's Painful Adventures involved all that armwork that is part of flamenco ("brazio" I think, although my spanish is basically non-existent, so just nod and pretend you know what I'm talking about
). There's a certain amount of tension put into the arms in dance to achieve an "active" line, and after about 20 seconds you just want to let them drop because they are so sore! But of course, you can't do it. And so you end up with something like this: Strong arms! Extend the line! Shoulders back! Shoulders down! Suck the tummy in! Butt in! Turnout!
And if you think this sounds fun, it's even better with castanets (pi ta ria ria for all those wanting to try it at home - it's the sevillanas rhythm) where you have to keep in time, juggle footwork, and make it look like you're not concentrating too hard even though you really are
. Multitasking on a whole new level, I swear!
Class finished at 1pm. I skipped my usual afternoon snack of a chocolate croissant (because I know it's unhealthy! Go me!) but due to trains being blah at Newtown, only got to Hornsby around 3 something. Bought a mother's day pressie and 2 sushi rolls, but didn't eat them till about 4 something when I'd got home. And no, the whole 7-8 hours without eating isn't a regular thing, and it wasn't planned! I normally start feeling sick if I don't eat something every 4-5 hours.
Just came back from watching a musical, and just ate something
Yay!
EDIT: Sympathy is welcomed, I always feel really miserable whenever I'm injured because it means I can no longer randomly bounce around and do whatever energetic crazy things I want
Summary:
Breakfast: 2 crumpets, small piece of chocolate and glass of milk
Dinner: 2 tuna sushi rolls
err... second dinner? Some white rice noodle thing
Exercise: Two-hour flamenco class. Not going to do anything more because my neck and back are still screwed up.
Study: Read some engl218 on the train. I know it's not enough... and I'm going shopping tomorrow too! :O But I have to start up again tomorrow night - I have an assess for SOC due wed (easy) but an ugly, big fat BBA250 one (which I haven't even started yet because I feel so overwhelmed and scared because I'm not sure I understand and hence hesitant to start) due thursday.
