Today was not a great day for health & fitness, but not a horrible day either. 
I was forced to take a rest day due to stressful preexisting conditions, but hopefully I'll be back in the game tomorrow. 

When stressed, it's common to turn to a source of distraction which many do in many ways. Overindulgence is a common outlet (like, if I overindulge in these kittens, all I will feel is kittens & nothing else- not even stress will get through all. these. damn. kittens.). 
My indulgence of choice usually comes in the edible form (I'm not even a cat person. I don't know why I was overloading on kittens earlier), but I was pretty proud of myself today- even though I did go over my caloric allowance.

I treated myself to a larger than necessary greek yogurt-honey-peanut butter- banana medley, but I did resist the HARD craving for an entire pizza onto myself (extra cheese & bread sticks, please). I don't even like pizza all that much- that's retarded. Of course I like pizza. What I'm saying is that it's not my usual craving when seeking escape through gluttony. But there I was- looking up the nearest Papa John's, just-a-daydreamin' about the greasy, cheesiness. 

But something rare happened. I stopped to think. And ya know what? I thought about my upcoming weigh in on Friday. 
This is huge. 
This is kind of a breakthrough. 
As anyone with the tendency to seek escape through over-anything-ing you know it's rare that the little angel on your shoulder gets through to you. 
And that was a good moment. 

So, I had my treat. It was great & all that peanut butter is now sitting heavy in my stomach. Then I watched really fucking gross videos on youtube until the cravings were nothing but a distant disgusting, "oh my god how could anyone ever eat anything after seeing what I just saw" style memory 
(DO NOT CLICK HERE) (or here!) (unless your trying not to eat a whole pizza) 


So, tomorrow is another day. And then the day after that is my weekend- in which I have several fitness excursions planned. Including Zumba, Yoga & maybe even a spin class. Hopefully I'll have some time to sit down and remember to treat myself right, as I hope you all do every day. 


Remember: Your demons are just like the demons you see in scary movies or books. They are built from a combination of fear & imagination & can only hurt you & drive you crazy once you create them & let them run wild. You are flawed & that makes you you & I think you are beautiful. 

That's right. This morning was leg day! Somehow, I've made it through the day with no discomfort, but I have a feeling that it's going to be hard getting up stairs tomorrow. Here's what I was up to: 

First, I did a quick warm up run followed by a minute plank. Then, I started off with this sequence. 

I decided that instead of those 20 squats, I'd go ahead & get my 85 squats out of the way as per the 30 day squat challenge. I really wish I would have thought about this as I had a long way to go. 

This sequence was great & I can see myself doing it again. 
After this was done I ran another couple of minutes & lunged (see what I did there?) right into the next one

Look at these legs in this picture. Damn, who wouldn't be inspired! ---->
Ok, can we talk about wall sits for a minute & how awkward they are at the gym?
Those guys are not easy, but what's even less-easy is finding a wall in the gym that isn't a) covered in mirrors b) covered in equipment c) directly facing people working out. 

I managed to find an empty wall right by the spin room. There was a class going on that had just started on my first wall sit (see above), but about 20 seconds into my third wall sit, the class ended so I got to awkwardly lean there (in worlds of hurt by this point) as the class came out- trying my hardest not to accidentally make eye contact with any of the sweaty spinners. 

Sooo... just staring at the ceiling. Until it was time to stop & then I got to just stand there awkwardly & let them all go by. 

Then ran another lap. Did my stretches & bitch was out of there. This whole sequence was (laps & stretches included) about 45 minutes. I don't trust the watch/heart rate monitor I have to count my calories. I feel it way over shoots it & My Fitness Pal doesn't have a "OMG LEG DAY" activity. So, I booked it as 45 minutes of calisthenics & it was 278 calories & that felt about right.

On a totally unrelated to anything note: WTF is the song "Werewolves of London" about? Seriously. It was on in the car when I went to leave the gym. Let's take a look at some lyrics: 

Werewolves clearly love Chinese food, but haven't quite grasped the umbrella?: 
"I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand
Walking through the streets of Soho in the rain
He was looking for a place called Lee Ho Fook's
Gonna get a big dish of beef chow mein" 
(why? wouldn't he just eat.. people? Is that they eat? Cats? No, that's Alf? I guess they like Chinese...)

Werewolves are sharply suited: 
"Better stay away from him
He'll rip your lungs out, Jim
I'd like to meet his tailor"
(Who has tailors anymore? This damn werewolf, that's who)

Werewolves... are ... metrosexual?
"I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's
And his hair was perfect"
(I like to think this werewolf flat ironed his hair) 

I'm reading the suggestions on Song Meanings. There are several theories that the werewolves are the gay community, or the people in the up & coming punk scene, but here's the obvious answer- I can't believe I didn't see it before: 


General Comment:
It's advice to everyone. Please, people, spay your werewolves.FlagLetmeinon December 18, 2010   Link

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 Oh, one more thing! It's Teddy's Birthday todaaaaay! (We think. We have no real way of knowing, but we think it's today-ish)

Look at that little guy! Look. At. That. Little. Guy! Doesn't it make you want to go do chin ups? I mean, look how excited! He's all like "fuck yeah, I'm gonna get ripped!"
On an unrelated note: I'm going to have to look into if Red Pandas make good pets & get a long with special needs dogs (editor's note: according to Yahoo! Answers, they would not make good pets as they are wild animals, but I've seen people with tigers as pets, so I'm calling bullshit. Also, Teddy is pretty wild, so I think we could make it work)
Anyway, in the spirit of happy-athletic red panda: yesterday was arm day. Steve & I were planning to hike the green belt that afternoon, so I was  at the gym pretty early (for a Sunday) to get my upper body blast while I could. 

At the gym I did this routine until I hit 30 minutes (which was about one & 1/2 times including 5 minutes total of warm up/cool down jogging)

Damn! I just realized I didn't do my squat day challenge yesterday, but I did hike for 3 hours... so... substitutes? 

Anyway,I got back from the gym & started getting ready for our long hike of the green belt. I had been searching Pinterest for cute hiking outfits & guess what. I don' think that totally exists. I mean, not functionally. 

Sure, you see people on the trails in cute gladiator sandals & dainty little tops, but guess what- your feet are screwed & your shirts getting sweaty. Deal with it. 

So, this is the outfit that I eventually went with. Just simple running pants with a little pocket, a plain shirt & somewhat matchy simple sweater (so stylishly tied around my hips) in case it got coldish (the weather has been a little schizophrenia in ATX lately) 

BUT! I did find the perfect hiking hair-do for the day (I just learned to French braid like a month ago, so I've been french braiding all things french braid-able.)

Off we were to the greenbelt. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, the Austin greenbelt is just a series of hiking trails, rock climbing, natural pools & other various nature things. It's about a 7 mile hike & we were at it for just under 4 hours. Luckily, it was a gorgeous day & it hasn't gotten too-too hot just yet. 

Oh, here's funny picture. See, there has been some pretty crazy ass weather in Austin (Ok, it rained twice in one week, which is pretty much the effing apocalypse) & part of the green belt was partially blocked off. We decided to just throw caution to the wind & I told Steve to let me take a picture. When he asked how he should pose I said "I don't know. Do you want to look scared of the falling rock or defiant of the warning of the apocalypse?" & this is what I got....

While we were hiking, I was planning on keeping count of the calories, but this proved a little more confusing than expected. MFP says 3 3/4 hours of hiking is like 1150 calories & walking is more like 400. And ya know, most of the trail was just... just kinda walking. So, I booked it as walking & said that's that because I'd rather undershoot the calorie. 

When we got home I was about ready to eat a house. Cooking was damn right out of the question. So, I brought my haggard brain & body down to Central Market & made a delicious salad from their salad bar. Ooops! I got a little out of control & ended up buying a $12 salad. 
Ate my giant salad. Wasn't stuffed. Ate some greek yogurt & peanut butter. Fuller. Had an apple... then I kind of blacked out & quit keeping track. I was just so famished that I never got totally full  (all healthy food, but still... everything in moderation, Katy- said no one to me) & then I finally passed out. 

The moral of the story is this: get your ass out to the greenbelt before it gets a billion degrees hot outside. It's an easy workout & es muy bonito

After note: Steve (in the comments) has brought to my attention that I forgot to mention all the OMG SO FREAKING CUTE dogs we saw while hiking (I have a pretty serious case of puppy fever). I would need a whole separate post to discuss all the sweet little (and big) doggies we saw, so instead I'm going to post a picture I got of Teddy last time we took him hiking.

I had been curious about Synergy Fitness for about 2 years. Their North Austin HIIT center is like right by right by my work. (Disclaimer: my place of employment is on Parmer & MoPac. So, yeah it's pretty much in Canada, BUT they have outdoor boot camps all over the city that are also freaking fantastic.) 

So, when the Groupon for Synergy came through my inbox, I jumped right on it as fast as I could- even dragging my coworker, Allison,  into it with me. 
My experience from the get-go was great. After I bought it I had a few questions. When I called the number on their website I spoke with the owner- Tim. Dude, he was so freaking nice & helpful. He genuinely seemed excited that I was going to be going to their boot camp even though I wasn't paying full price.

So, Allison & I get to our first boot camp at the Parmer location. We get off work at 6, so the 6:30 time slot was perfect for our schedule. We get in & our trainer, Kristina greeted us & was way nicer than people that pretty really need to be. Like, I could not quit looking at her muscles. What's that muscle on your back leg below your butt? Well, whatever that is- hers are crazy awesome. I was kind of nervous she was going to notice me checking her out! (Glutes. The internet says those are your glutes. Glutes for days, she had)

Allison noted, "Check out the Michelle Obamas* on that one!". I hadn't even noticed her Michelle Obamas* yet. We were in the hands of someone who clearly knew what she was doing

*Side story: when I'm going to have an upper body/ arm day at the gym I always say that I'm going to "work on my Michelle Obamas" because, daaaamn, Gina. Have you noticed Michelle Obama's guns? Bicep role model! 

Anyway, enough creeping on Kristina the trainer. Back to the workouts:
They. Were. Awesome. 
I love a work out that pushes me to the limit, but at some points also makes you feel like your kind of a fuckin' badass too. This is exactly the kind of workout these 60 minute circuits are. 
Typically, there are 4 stations, each with 2 different work outs that you do for 30 second intervals 4 times. Then the whole class will all do burpees or something & then you move to the next station. We used the TRX ropes(I still don't know what those are. I'm gonna call them ropes until someone corrects me) for all different core & upper body workouts, we used those huge ass floor ropes that you have to use your whole body to maneuver, we used dumbbells & kettle-bells, jump ropes, other equipment that I have no idea what to call them & all kinds of planks & burpees. Seriously, one time I counted & I'm sure we did more than 100 burpees in that class. No joke. Absolutely no joke. 

She was the trainer that I went to the most & I really, really enjoyed her classes every time. Under Kristina I learned the real meaning of leg day. (getting in & out of my low to the ground Nissan Friday- Sunday following her Thursday classes were pretty much the hardest thing anyone in the first world has ever been faced with)
I did, in the 6 weeks of training with Synergy, get to go to one other trainer's class. 

One weekday afternoon, I got to go to Ty's class out at Zilker park. I think it was Tuesday at noon. Am I allowed to take pictures of the trainers off their sites & post it on here? I want to but is that... is that weird? 
Ok, so I don't know if that's allowed but just go here & look at Ty. He.is.Adorable.(he reminded me of Edward Norton, kind of) & nice. Oh my god, he was so nice. He noticed that I wasn't a regular to that class & came over & talked to me & asked how I was enjoying my Groupon, etc.. 
Now, I was just recovering from a hellish sinus infection (ok, it's the only sinus infection I've ever had in my life so I really don't have a frame of reference) & was feeling a little sluggish & gross. So throughout the entire hour he kept making sure I was feeling Ok.
The only awkwardness was with like only 15 minutes left I was starting to feel nauseous due to my antibiotics. Ty came by & when I told him I couldn't do the jump squats anymore, he gave me the modification of doing a weighted squat. On the next circuit when I got to the squats I did like 2/15 & then just had to take a break. So, I was slumped over in a sweaty/queezy mess when Ty- behind me not realizing that I was not in perfect form- say to the class "remember, if the jump squats are getting too much, you can modify them like Katy is" . I don't think I've ever popped back into action so fast in my life. 

Money, Money, Money. *Sigh*
I would love, love to continue with Synergy, but my budget currently isn't letting me. I know! It would totally be worth the price, but it's just not in the monies right now. Here are some of their plans: 

• If you want to give it a try & don't mind getting out of bed early on Saturdays, they have a class that is free with a donation of a canned good (how awesome is that for your body & your conscience?) 
  
• If you are considering giving it a try, they do have a 10 day trial pass for $19-- which is a goddamn steal. 
  
• If you have the funds to spare, their 6 month package is $450/ which is only $75 a month (but I just can't see myself parting with that kind of cash right now. Even though it's a deal.) 
  
• I do think next time I have a decent bonus check at work I'm going to buy their 20 class package for $199 & just knock myself the fuck out! 
  
• Also, I believe it's only $15 for a drop in class- which I have a feeling I will be doing at some point. 

IN CONCLUSION
I am a fan & I would suggest Synergy to anyone looking for an awesome work out. (I am nervous about doing a drop in class in the summer outside, but I guess I'll save that for another blog.)

I dreamed all night last night about my weigh in today. I was so nervous, but deep in my heart was feeling pretty confident because I worked out every day this weekend & ate pretty clean. 
I had a nightmare that I weighed in at 140 lbs & then I was supposed to go to some party. I tried to get out of the party, but then the little red headed kid from the Partridge family coaxed me into going anyway 
(editors note: I am not saying 140 pounds is overweight, I don't want to give anyone a complex. This would just be a devastating number for me at this point in my life. you're beautiful & I love you)

However, this was a pretty hard number to take in this morning too. 126. Anything over 125 is kind of panic for me. And I honestly don't understand why the number is so high today. Last time I weighed myself, 2 weeks ago, I was at 124. Anyway, I'm going to try not to get too boggled down by this number, but I am taking a look at my food log for this last week. I am going to cut out processed carbs (the only carbs I ever eat pretty much are from veg, fruit, rolled oats & lentils. Which aren't processed) which means protein bars. I do eat a lot of those on the go or when I'm rushed on my lunch break. So, challenge this week: no protein bars for 7 days & see how the number looks next week! 

OK! So, since this is the first pic, I guess this is my "before"! Please excuse the look on my face. I am not angry at you (or trying to seduce you?)- this was at like 6 am & my scale had just given me some frustrating news. 
This was hard for me to do, but I look forward to, as the weeks go on, having documented picture evidence that my hard work is paying off. Obvious problem spots being my obliques & thighs. 
On the upside, my boobs look pretty great & my hair is pretty sexy for just rolling out of bed. 

So, my first week of this journey wasn't as results based as I was hoping. I have to try to remind myself that setbacks are part of the process & this is a life long journey of being healthy & feeling good (and if looking good eventually accompanies the former... well, then that's just a perk)

So, after my morning weigh in & picture I got my 126 lb ass to the gym. 

I had been wanting to try some kettlebell exercise routines so, I pinned a few on Pintrest & did the following work outs this morning: 
- ran a lap on the inside track (the trainer told me 18 laps=1 mile, so it's not far at all)
Then did the following routine once: 

- Ran another lap
Followed by this routine: 

I skipped #4 because IDK. WTF. the figure 8 is supposed to mean? Is she passing the kettle bell under her legs? 
I don't think I have enough coordination for that at 6 am-ish, 
So, I just did a swing. 

There's this comedian on twitter who once compared his love making style to a guy swinging a kettle bell. And it made laugh while drinking coffee. It was intense. 

... Anyway... 

After this last sequence I ran another lap. This put me at 25 minutes, so I sort of just fucked around on the rowing machine- having no idea if I was doing anything at all right- for a few minutes, then walked a final cool down lap.
30 minutes. Done. 

I didn't know how to log that on my work out journal because I don't really trust my watch/heart rate monitor (you get what you pay for), so I logged it as 30 minutes of vigorous calesthenics and MFP told me 225 calories. And that felt about right with how sweaty & sore I was. 

When I got home, my boyfriend & dog were both up & moving around. I told my boyfriend, Steve, about my disappointing weigh in & how frustrating it can all be. 
"I don't have anything to say about your weight, but I think you're beautiful & I wouldn't change a thing about your body"- is what he said. Because he's perfect & I love him. It's so important to have supportive people around you! Hey, here's a picture of us: 

This morning I went to my new gym with full intent on doing the elliptical machine for about 45 minutes to an hour. The thing is... sometimes change really sucks. & eventhough I've upgraded- I liked my old elliptical so much better! 

I couldn't tell you what it is exactly about the Cybex Arc trainer, but it just always made me feel at home. We did have a two year, very close relationship. I reached some of my ultimate cardio highs on it & I guess the change is just going to take some getting used to (Also, it's the brand they use on The Biggest Loser & I like to think that using it makes me & Jillian kind of friends)

Anyway, try as I did, I just could not find my groove in the gym this morning. I did about 13 minutes on the elliptical, hopped over to the rowing machine & lost interest after 5 minutes, looked at the stair machine... it was no hope. 
While going free for all at the gym is a great way to experiment with new workouts, going on your own with no plan & no trainer can lead to this. Exactly this. I was out of there. 

BUT! I did end up running around the neighborhood for 30 minutes. The beauty of  running on the terrain is that if you run two miles from your house... you still gotta get back to your house! 

Something about me- music makes or breaks a work out. If I am in a dance or otherwise cardio class & the music sucks, I hate my life in that class. 
I need a beat. I need some serious vocals. I don't mind a synthesizer or two.  
Let me tell you, my shuffle was kind of killing it this morning, but I need some new music like whoa. 
So, if I had to make a playlist for a 30 minute run based on what I'm into right now, it would go something like this: 

1) "I love it" - Icona Pop. 
2) "Let it Out" - Girl Talk *
3) "Can't Hold Us" - Macklemore, Ryan Lewis (I usually listen to this one twice. I'm surprised by how much it gets me going)
4)"Otis"- Jay Z & Kanye 
5) "Deceptacon" - Le Tigre
6)"Die Young" -Ke$ha (I'm sure I'll explore my embarrassed love for Ke$ha & how uncomfortable it makes me at some point in this blog)
7) "Triple Double" - Girl Talk **
8) "Sleephead"- Passion Pit 

Yeah, and if you have any suggestions for me, based  on this list above, please please leave them in the comments. I am always looking for something new to get me moving! 

* Yeah, dude. If you are NOT working out to girl talk, you are doing it WRONG. Here's an example of one of my very favorites:

**Seriously. 

Today was an Okay day for health & fitness. 
Made it to the gym this morning. Only slight awkwardness. 
It's a new gym & I haven't quite gotten used to it yet, so I may have stalked a woman getting a personal training session & done whatever they just finished doing. (and in this hypothetical situations I may have gotten some really annoyed looks from said trainer)
I got in my 55 squats. I did them on the TRX... ropes? Would we call those ropes? I don't know. They look like this: 

Boyfriend, Steve, is joining in in the challenge. Maybe? Well, he did his 50 squats last night.. while I just stared at him. 

According to MyFitnessPal.com, I probably burnt around 220 calories today & estimated about 1280 calories eaten. 
So, yeah- it was OK. 
I'm nervous about Friday. Oh, have I mentioned? Every Friday I'm going to weigh in & post my measurements. So, that's vulnerable-making & scary. BUT, that's kind of what this is all about. 

Wish me luck! 

Sports bras have always been a troubled spot for me. Home girl needs loads of support. As a top-heavy lady who does a lot of cardio, I am always on the hunt for a good & sturdy sports bra that will keep the girls in place while doing any number of activities- especially running.
So, after an extensive search of the world wide web & more than a few message boards on the topic- I decided on a daunting task: setting foot in the lululemon near 6th street. 
It's not that I have anything personally against lulu herself, it's just I am a budget savy lady & that place be 'spensive y'all. But I had read so many great things about the sports bra called The TaTa Tamer that I just had to try it for myself. (also, what damn cute li'l name). 

So, I am not 100% what happened. I remember putting it on in the store & jumping around a bit & the associates assuring me that yes, of course this would be a great bra for running, so I left the store, $60 or so poorer, but pleased in the thought that I had made an investment that would be lasting me for years. 
DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!!!!
No. No. Just... not. The next morning I get up to go for my morning run, tame my tata's, put on my shoes & go! Once I start running... oh no! Something is horribly wrong. Nothing is tamed! Not a damn thing is tamed! 

Sigh. This was nearly a year ago & I am still so apprehensive on ever buying a anything besides my cheap-o Target brand bras ever again (I have like a dozen of those. I just pull them on OVER the my investment bra). At $10-$15 a pop for these at anywhere from Target to WalMart to my love, Marshalls... I feel silly paying the big bucks. 


Now, let me say this- the TaTa Tamer (god, I feel silly saying that so much now.) is great for yoga! Which is LuLulemon's main market. Also, I can wear it solo to strength train or to a class where there isn't much jumping around, but for the high impact cardio--- I gotta "double bag" my boobies (god, I'm classy)

Any suggestion on how to tame your beasts? (boobs. your boobs are the beasts here)

So, when I was kind of sending out feelers to see who would be interested in reading my new blog (everyone, of course) (what does delusional mean?) my cousin asked me if I was doing the "squat challenge that everyone is doing" (though she probably isn't doing it because she's skinny but never works out) (I know, I hate her too) (parentheses) . Apparently I'm widely out of the loop & asked her to send over said challenge. What in the world could it hurt to give it a try? 

The thing I love about squats is that you can do them pretty much anywhere. Take a bathroom break at work? Do a few squats before you head back to your desk! Wake up in the morning & haven't put a bra on yet? Do a few squats. Nothing jiggles. Super long line at H.E.B  & want to get some really weird looks? Do some squats while you wait for the line to go down! 

So, today's work outs have been: 
* 30 minute jog this morning
*Suuuuper boring hour long yoga class at Gold's gym (nothing like the awesome classes at Black Swan. See my links for more. *love*)
* 50 squats (day 1 of challenge)= 
---------------------------
roughly 300 calories burnt today. 

I consider 300 calories burnt a day a good day. 
200 an Okay day. 
less than 200 is not great
500 + calories burnt a day = FUCK YEAH! 

So, today was a good day. 
What about you?
Whatcha doin' for dinner?

Upon an extensive search of the internet (okay, like 5 minutes of searching) it has come to my attention that there is a lack of videos or candid pictures of white girls trying to do Zumba. 
Zumba is a high-intensity cardio exercise. It's pretty much just an aerobics dance class, but with a Latino feel. 
And it is the funnest! 
Oh, my god. It's just ridiculous amounts of fun. Like, I'm pretty sure I smile the whole time- especially if the teacher is really getting into it to. But though I'm having a blast- there are certain things that these painfully Caucasian hips just cannot do. 

So, yesterday morning I stopped by a Zumba studio on the East Side- Corazon Latino Dance Studio. And I feel that it would be safe to say that this place is authentically Latino- which is great! But certainly added some unnecessary awkwardness to my experience. 

I had purchased an online deal through Living Social. $19 for 6 classes  I know! Very excited. The poor woman working the desk had no fucking clue what the print out I was handing her was. 

Me: Hi! I'm here for the 9am class. 
Lady: Ok, you have card?
Me: Oh, no I bought the Living Social deal 
hands print out
blank stare from across the desk
Lady: You buy 6 class?
Me: Oh, I've already bought 6 class-classes. I've already paid online.
Lady: You buy card?
Me: I... I what?
Lady: You have the card?
Me: I... paid with a debit card... online?
Lady: que?
Me: What?


So, after some time of this exchange I make it into the class just as it's starting. This studio offers several different styles of class, but I had decided just to attend the typical Zumba with the teacher Marispy . Marispy is gorgeous & I hated her immediately for it (oh, here's a picture of her from the website. I feel you're with me on this one now). The initial hate started to ware off once we got moving. 
And this is where we make our way back into needing some hidden camera style video of white girls trying to do some of the shit that Marispy was trying to get me to do. The best I can find is this: 

But I feel like maybe that doesn't even completely embody the weirdness of it. Now, I've been to other Zumba classes & there's always some sort of move that I can't do, so I usually find the other pigmently challenged person in the room & see what they're doing, or -if worst just comes to the very worst- jog in place for a little bit. 
Goddamnit, Marispy. She had me damn near jogging in place for the whole 60 minutes. Now, I am always one for a challenge when it comes to exercising, so I was like "yeah, fuck it. I'll give it a real go"... until I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. 
I don't know if it was a mixture of it being the first class of the morning, I wasn't getting into the music she was playing (some of it was pretty mellow), and the sheer frustration of my genetic rhythm limitations, but I was feeling done! D.O.N.E by about 40 minutes in. 

I really don't feel that's fair on the folks at Corazon. Corazon is not too far from my neighborhood, is way afordable (even without the the Living Social deal, it's only $8 a class, which is a good deal) & offers a good schedule for people that have the ocassional week day off or that go to work late, get off early or students that live or don't mind commuting to the east side (side note: I would not recommend trying to get to their 6 pm class on a week day unless you already in that part of town. Traffic is balls in that area from about 4:30-6:30). Their staff is friendly & it's not the front desk lady's fault that she had no idea what was going on. 
So, while I do look forward to using up the rest of my classes, I'm not sure if I can handle all this awkwardness in my life as a long time patron.