I have a confession; I am part of the mafia… but not the bad kind where I shake people down for money… it is MORE of a healthy gang, led by our spirited fitness leader Cely. As I have been on the quest for wellness, a big part of my success has involved celyFIT studio where I have danced, lifted weights, stretched, Pilates and the occasional (as in very infrequent) yoga. A big component of staying in balance is exercise and as most of us know, motivation to get in the car and actually make it to a class tends to be the biggest struggle. 🚙However, I am so grateful that I have found this place as I look forward to giving it my all each time through shaking, shimming and hip thrusts. There is a bit of magic here that I have not experienced before and I have been a member of many many exercise clubs and feel confident on this matter. So let me pull back the curtain and share with you the power of celyFIT… and the best part of all is… you too can join if you are in the Metro Detroit area and want to experience it yourself (YES that was a shameless plug – celyfit.com – West Bloomfield, MI – Orchard Lake/Maple – now I am done 😊)
I have always liked music and dance. In the 80’s and 90’s I was very into the aerobic scene and the high spirit associated with this era. I loved leotards, leg warmers and all the bright colors that accompanied the vibe.🌈 Although I could not rock the obscenely high leg and tush exposure, I did my best to subtly put my own twist on that style. However, the aerobic fad changes as most do and it was hard to find a nice replacement in the 21st century (I guess Jazzercise was around – but seemed geared for a more senior crowd – just did not have enough punch for me). So, to my delight, I saw a Group-On to try out Zumba about five years ago, and I eagerly went for my first class. I remember being greeted by Cely who had an essence about her that was infectious and welcoming. I was confident that I would be decent since I had a long history of aerobics as stated above. The music started, Cely guided the class, counting in a hybrid of Portuguese/English and I did not understand a word she said but I got the general gist (still have that problem today). It was an hour of tremendous energy, samba-like dance moves to cool songs generally sung in another language and I would pick up a word here and there that sounded like English like Zumba, bitch, f-er etc.… 🙊 Needless to say, I sucked bad, guzzled a whole bottle of water, burnt 600+ calories and was absolutely hooked. I had come to realize that Cely had a long standing crew of students who had been with her for years so it was reassuring with a little time and practice… I too would fit in and I did and do now. Although I cannot quite get the moves to look like Cely, my head rolling and hip-hop stances sometimes look like I am stroking out and 911 should be called. 🚑 Yet… the beauty is that I see new people start with the same fear as I had, stepping into a well-choreographed machine, and watching them get better each day, feel more self-assured … like a baby bird getting its confidence to fly.
Although the classes are fun and you always walk away invigorated, the fairy dust of this place is the people and sense of belonging that is created in this environment.🧚 We have all types of folks – it is truly a melting pot of… young, old (I may be pushing this end ☹), one guy🕺, various backgrounds, ethnicities, fitness levels and it just works as everyone is part of a team. In this day and age with all the conflict in the world, it is unique to step into a space where everyone feels like they can be themselves and it is encouraged. All the instructors are part of this family atmosphere and bring their own personalities and spin to the classes, which mixes things up and keeps it spicy.
Ok… back to me, one of the uncomfortable truths about losing weight and wellness is that… 75% is what you put in your mouth.🤬 For a long time, I thought if I just worked out like a maniac, I could maintain a steady weight and it is just not effective (I hate this reality – but I have to be honest). However, exercise is the joy that is brought to you as it affects the chemistry in your body. It releases endorphins, makes you happy, determined and promotes a sense of strength. Exercise helps me solve problems and be more creative… my best ideas have come when I am out on a run … it is my fuel. I will also say, since I have lost weight – it is so doable now. I have more bounce, stamina, feel younger and yes … even a side plank is achievable by me (never could do that before). The thing is having an extra 75 pounds strapped on my back (that is the equivalent to a small annoying person🎒) really built up my endurance and made it more enjoyable as the weight dropped off. Now when I take a walk, I can easily carry my 20 pound pug around as a companion without a thought.
I guess my point to all of this is that exercise was key for my motivation and continues to keep me sane and balanced. I feel indebted to the celyFIT team who always makes me feel part of this community, encouraged, and praised me along this journey. I found a little bit of heaven, through curiosity and a coupon. I also know that there are no coincidences, and it was meant to be part of my story as it enfolds. I hope everyone can find a place as I have, to help you live your joy, become stronger and believe anything is possible… Thank you to my Mafiosa crew 😎and I will end with the only God Father Quote I remember – I thought I was out and they pull me back in. I hope that I was able to get you motivated to jump back into your workout routine and experience the power of movement as it makes a big difference.💯
Seeking Wellness 