Fitness/Rehearsal Challenge revisited

The costume designer wrapped the skirt around my waist, as I feel her tug it tighter than before and re-pin it.  I look at her apologetically, “I’m still going down, it will probably be an inch by Opening Night,” I say.

I’ve made a rather delightful discovery about musical theatre rehearsals that are different from the classical/choral rehearsals that I’d been doing.  I’m up, I’m constantly moving around, and I’m even breaking a sweat.  This, plus keeping up with my normal exercise routine has resulted in losing another couple of pounds.  Some other changes I’ve been able to make to date have been peppering my normal running routine with the 30-Day Shred (I’m doing Level 2 and 3 back to back.  Thank you, Jillian, for handing me my butt twice a week.).  Since beginning the challenge, documented here, along with Maren over on her site, I’ve lost a total of almost 20 pounds.  The challenge was/is a way for us to commit to eating healthy and keeping up an exercise routine in the face of demanding rehearsal schedules.  Singers/performers know how challenging this can be.  Maren has been varying her exercise routines over the last few months to include several different things (keep the body guessing) and is now doing a squat and sit-up challenge that looks sort of scary.  You can follow her tweets about that here.

On another note, Carousel tickets have gone on sale!  The last of the memorization deadlines arrives on Valentines Day and then we are off-book!  Exciting!

Kick off!

Penn State Tailgating

Like Penn State tailgating, which started last weekend, the rehearsal season has begun!  I wanted to give you an update on the diet challenge that I talked about in this post.  I’ve found out that planning is everything.  If I literally plan every meal for the entire day, and make it ahead of time (sometimes several days ahead of time) I find that I can do this.  I’m down 9 pounds with a good 15 to go (but would be happy with 10).  But more so, I feel better.  I really do.  I think better.  I’m not cranky.  Even though I’m still tired (because sleep is sleep and I simply don’t get as much as I should during rehearsal season), I can deal with it better.  I don’t get cranky or bitey.  Yay!  Check back for updates – so far, so good.

Let’s check in on Maren to see how she’s doing on her Challenge.  Nice website makeover!  It looks like she’s started herself!

Weekend Wind Down – Instrument within the Instrument

As all singers know, whatever the body goes through, your voice is sure to be affected.  Dry air, allergies, sickness and, not to mention, everyday stress can take your voice down a notch or two.  The best thing, especially during the cold and flu season, is to stay as healthy as possible.  This includes eating plenty of the good foods that give us energy and build our immune systems, drink plenty of water, and exercise.   A fit, strong and flexible body is absolutely essential to overall well being.  Singing is demanding.  Try singing Carmina Burana without breaking a sweat!  I’m learning to find a balance with my exercise with cardio, strength, and flexibility.  This weekend, I started the New York City Ballet Workout DVD’s.  Through the workout, you not only gain flexibility, but incredible posture and relaxation.