NSV!

Little information before I tell you my NSV.

I am 5'4'', 258 pounds, smoker who has lost 47 pounds since January 6th, 2013.

Today, I took my first Zumba class. It was 60 minutes long, and I managed to do all 60 minutes. I did have to modify some moves as I just couldn't move that fast yet without puking, but I kept my heart rate up, kept moving, and did not give up. After the class, I felt amazing. I was filled with this feeling I have not felt in a long time. Accomplishment. I accomplished something I set my mind to, and I didn't give up when it got hard. I looked sweaty, like really sweaty. Sweat dripping all over every part of my body. I smelled awful, like salt. My legs were a little shaky and my abs were on fire.

I drank a ton of water during class and after and still feel like I need more. This is good, I learned to bring two huge water bottles to class, and drink them! The instructor is a friend of mine who also is an actress in the show I am choreographing. She was so happy to see me at class and kept shouting at me I could do it all 60 minutes. She even tapped me on the shoulder to get water a few times. My very red sweaty face thanks her for that.

After class I spent some time stretching, and realized the brand new size 20 work out pants I were wearing were not staying on my waist when my tummy muscles were fired. This is motivation to continue to go to Zumba and get rid of my big ol belly forever. Zumba is going to replace smoking for me. One class at at a time, a new addiction that is healthy.

So to all the morbidly obese people who smoke out there who don't think they can take a group class, survive, and have a blast... You just need to keep trying to find something you love. For me, it's Zumba, for you it may be a lifting class, or pilates, or Yoga, or whatever. Just keep trying different things.