HI!

I’m back. For good. I even wrote my 10K Race Recap. It includes the best playlist ever, I suggest you check it out.

Last week, I alluded to a challenge. While initially the challenge was created for myself, I realized it would be much more fun and more motivating if you would all take part in it with me!

If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know how much I love Core Fusion classes at Exhale Spa. I love how Core Fusion is a full body strength workout, because I can’t seem to ever do any strength training on my own. I love how Core Fusion teaches you to stretch after working each muscle  group, because stretching creates long, lean muscles. I love the music; I love the teachers; I love the studio space, particularly at the Central Park South location. While I don’t love how much my muscles burn during the class, I do love how I feel as soon as it is finished —  like I did something really great for myself.

All this information brings me to the Core Fusion Challenge.

After discussing my goals with Core Fusion co-founder Fred DeVito, he came up with a challenge that will help me reach my goals.

What does my Core Fusion Challenge entail?

• 4 – 5 Core Fusion classes a week
• Documenting the challenge on Dori’s Shiny Blog about 3 times a week

This can include any Exhale class offerings. I will likely do a combination of the following (read about them in detail here):

• Core Fusion (this will be the bulk of what I do)
• Core Fusion Sport (focuses on combining cardio + strength)
• Core Energy Flow (a combination of yoga and core work)
• Yoga (I am new to this but enjoyed the beginner class I took at Exhale recently)

Core Fusion classes are HARD. During class, my muscles burn. Sometimes I want to cry. Sometimes I have to take a break from the moves. This is why I am glad there are other classes to try in addition to Core Fusion. That said, Core Fusion will be the majority of the classes I take. Every teacher teaches a little differently and no two classes are the same, so it will never get boring. I’m going to keep my NYSC membership during this time as well and try to get in some cardio sessions as well.

Here’s what I hope to improve:

• Knee Bursitis & Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome
• Shoulder AC Joint Osteolysis
• Recent weight gain
• Terrible flexibility
• Weak core
• No arm definition
• Soft abs

In addition, I will be working with Exhale Spa’s health counselor, Catherine. I had to fill out a comprehensive health history form for her that even asked for examples of what I ate as a child! Mmmmm, Velveeta. I’m going to meet with Catherine after the holidays to do a “before” session — measurements, weighing, photos — eek! We will also discuss food, although due to my unique GI illness, I don’t expect her to be able to advise much that (1) I don’t already know and (2) I can actually physically do. But, maybe I’ll be surprised and she will have tons of suggestions for me! At the very least, she will hold me accountable. While I do eat cleanly most of the time, it will be good to keep on track with her help.

So now I get to devote a whole lot of time to working on my specific strength & muscle issues while improving my overall health! You’re probably thinking this is great for me, and maybe you’re even a little jealous (I would be!). Here is where you come in.

I want you to participate in the Core Fusion Challenge with me.

It doesn’t matter where you live or if you have access to an Exhale Spa (locations here), because Core Fusion has  really wonderful DVDs. My favorite — and the one most like a Core Fusion class — is Core Fusion Body Sculpt. This DVD consists of five 10-minute workouts, divided into the following groups: upper body, glutes, thighs, abs and stretch.

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The other DVDs are Pilates Plus, Thighs & Glutes and Pure Abs & Arms. I don’t know where they found the models for these DVDs, but maybe all our butts can one day look like the one on the cover.

Core Fusion Body Sculpt DVD is only $12 on Amazon or $9.99 on Tower Video. It is eligible for free shipping if your order is above $25 on either site.  AND it comes with a free class at Exhale Spa. This is a really great deal, especially considering one regular class is $35.

I’d love for you to all get the DVD and participate with me. I have this DVD and I love it. It’s actually pretty funny because I would do this DVD in my apartment having absolutely no idea that the people I was following and cursing on the screen (Fred and his wife Elisabeth) were  just two floors above me in their own apartment. What a small world!

While Body Sculpt certainly is challenging (OMG THE ABS SECTION), Fred and Elisabeth give modifications for each exercise so you can work your way up. It works out so many parts of your body to exhaustion in such a short amount of time.

What does the DVD challenge entail?

Required: Four to five days a week – full length Core Fusion DVD (Body Sculpt will cover the most. If you use one of the more targeted DVDs, please allow rest days in between) – for one month

Recommended: Yoga (Polly’s videos are great & free, ExerciseTV has free yoga and YogaDownload has free options as well)

Recommended: 30 minutes cardio, three days a week

All I am requiring is your commitment to the Core Fusion DVD. I included my recommendations because I think you will greatly benefit from adding those, but even if you only do the minimum Core Fusion requirement, I am sure you will see amazing results. If you’d like to take before/after photos and measurements, go ahead! I’ll be doing that myself and documenting my improvements here.

If you have a blog and decide to participate, let me know and I will link to your posts about it! If you don’t have a blog, feel free to send me content to post here. If enough people decide to participate, I will create a Core Fusion page in the top navigation of my blog and will include information about Core Fusion classes, links to everyone’s blogs/posts and any valuable resources that might help.

Giveaway!

Want to participate in the challenge? Want to get started with a FREE Core Fusion Body Sculpt DVD?

Here’s how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post about why you want to strengthen your core.
2. Tweet this contest: RT @dysterious Take the Core Fusion Challenge: Enter to win a Core Fusion Body Sculpt DVD http://bit.ly/8rHHLt
3. Encourage people to take part — post a note about this contest in your own blog

You will get one entry for each. I will select the winner randomly on Tuesday, December 29.

The challenge will begin around January 2. I will confirm with you all next week. Please let me know if you plan to participate in this challenge — I’d love to hear from you.

I am excited and nervous to begin! This will be so hard — but so worth it.

Edited to add – You can start this challenge at any time, just keep me updated! I will put together a group email and send updates throughout the challenge. We will motivate each other and share our experiences.

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