Unintended consequences...

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my hula class? I don't think I have. But I do. So much so that I'm now going twice a week (I had no idea this was an option until recently -- Kumu ((our teacher, hula master)) split the class in half, and some diehards go to both. I'm now one of them.).

Not only has this been a fabulous creative outlet for me, it's getting me into shape like nothing else I've done in years. As I've mentioned here before, hula's a lot more challenging than I ever expected -- physically AND artistically. The hula you think you know isn't the "traditional" (kahiko) hula we've been doing for the past year. Not only is it a completely different style of movement from all those jazz classes I took in my youth, it's much more physically demanding. I never thought that I'd end up drenched with sweat from hula. And it's not just my out-of-shape ass that's sweating, with calves on fire (fucking uehe -- the most physically challenging step for me); many of my hula brothers and sisters are also sweating like crazy and breathing as heavily as I am during class.

And that's what's finally prompted me to step up my workouts. I want to be a better dancer, so I'm making it a point -- for the first time in years -- to get consistent exercise throughout the week. No excuses. Because I know that if I don't, I'll curse my lazy bones every time I do a step ilalo (that's dipping down low) and struggle. I want to focus on the artistry, and not be so challenged by the physical. I am competitive, after all. I want to rank among the best dancers in my class (not that there's an actual competition; this is just how my psyche works).

And now, I'm starting to see the changes in myself. I knew I was getting stronger, but I've also dropped some weight. I thought I was just imagining it, but I can actually see it in my face in that picture I posted of myself a couple of weeks ago. And a couple of recent shopping trips have confirmed it (not to mention, the looser fit of the clothes I already own). It's not a lot of weight, but I can see the difference. And a few others have noticed it too; I've even gotten elevator eyes recently from several men I know.

I can even feel muscles in my ass I've never even noticed before. Why am I touching my own ass? Someone has to. Besides, it's higher and tighter than it's been in... oh, who the hell knows. Who knew there were muscles in MY glutes??

Funny that it took this little dance class to finally get me on the path to better fitness. I had no idea this is where hula would lead me.