Yes, I realize that somethings should be obvious but well what the heck… I guess that I always assumed that being warmed up really meant having engaged in some stretching exercises before beginning class. For some strange reason that I cannot put my finger on, I never really equated it to actual temperature. I’ve been discovering that warming up actually involves heat. Imagine that! My feet always cramp up in the first three to four exercises of ballet class. Now part of this is that  my feet are not as strong as I would like. I am working toward strengthening them so I do realize that some soreness is going to happen just like every other muscle in my body that is getting stronger but not terribly strong yet. Plus, I’m just prone to cold extremities and I consider it cold at the moment the temperature drops to 70 degrees. 71 and all is well, 70 and I need a heater or at least a blanket! But I also discovered that if I get my feet and lower legs warm, and I do mean as in raising the temperature, before class this really really helps! So I’ve taken to wearing these Capezio booties over my soft shoes while stretching before class.

I removed the ribbons – they were a bit too cutesy – but it really helps to raise the temp on my toes. I also layer on some heavier leg warmers, these Harmonies are my current faves…

because they are extra fluffy. I’ve come to prefer heavier tights as well, like Prima Soft, which provide me with a little more warmth even after I strip off the extra layers.  I lose the booties when class starts and the leg warmers half way through barre. Pre-class stretching also includes giving myself a foot massage, not only because it feels good but it also because gets the blood flowing.

So what are your favorite warmies or your favorite ways to get yourself warm for class?

It’s Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. which pretty much equates to a day off of work, enough food to feed a 3rd world country, and a parade & football on TV. Fortunately, I actually do have the day off from work – holidays are typically busy for people in my line of work – but I’m since it’s just me and Carboy it seems overkill to slaughter the fatted calf and go on the offensive at Trader Joe’s, plus neither of us like parades and we both agree that football is completely inane.

But not to lose the spirit of the whole thing, here’s a few things that I am truly grateful for…

I am grateful for Carboy who never fails to amaze me and make me laugh.

I am grateful for friends who understand my anti-social nature and put up with me anyway.

I am grateful for my little cat who’s psychotic fearlessness inspires me.

I am grateful for my dogs who are the perfect examples of how to love.

I am grateful for beauty. I am grateful for time. I am grateful for words. I am grateful for thoughts. I am grateful for movement.

And I’m really grateful for whoever invented Fat Free Cool Whip because, dude, you rock!