Interview with a Jammer : Raelene Houck

Thanks to the wonderful Raelene for being Kamate Fitness’s second interviewee!

1. How long have you been taking Kamate Fitness classes?

I have been taking classes since Lisa Smith talked me into trying it last July.

2. Did you have reservations before signing up?

Yes, coordination isn’t my forte.  Nancy had done a class for my daughter’s Girl Scout troop a few years before and I had been terrible when I tried that with the girls.  Sure enough, I was terrible at the first class, as expected.  But there is such an air about Nancy and the class that it doesn’t matter if you are awful, as long as you have fun, so I tried it again.

Two Kamate lovelies: Raelene (l) and Lisa!

3. What is your favorite aspect of BodyJam?

The fun and the people.  I was able to come out of the closet and dance.  I’ve always been a fan of musical theatre and big dance numbers and after seeing a show, I always want to have been one of the ones up there dancing on stage.  I was the geek mom trying to learn the dance moves with my kids from the High School Musical DVDs.  I’m not saying that Nancy’s classes are like a musical, but it is everyone dancing together in coordinated dance moves and having fun.  The people are so encouraging too.  I know I am one of several people who have trouble with some of Nancy’s sexy hip moves and there is still a little part of me that worries that I look really lame trying to do them, but everyone is laughing and having so much fun trying to do these crazy moves that Nancy makes look so good that it doesn’t matter.   On the occasions that I am stuck in front of a mirror, I realize that I am not doing nearly as well as I feel like I am, but that is ok.  I have no Latin blood in me, no hip-hop blood in me, and not really any graceful aspects at all, but the more classes I do, I realize that is OK!  If you are having fun, it is OK, there is no one judging you.  Oh, and I am getting a workout!! 

4. What advice would you give to new Jammers?

Everyone tells you that when you start you need to do 3 classes before you really get it and it is soooooo true.  When Nancy teaches a new routine, I always leave feeling like I have 2 left feet and zero coordination – sometimes I am surprised I haven’t injured someone or myself.  But after the 3^rd time through, there are major parts where I think “I got this one down!”  Sometimes it takes a little longer.  The last class in December, one of the moves for the previous month or so had been a head wrap with one hand while your other hand moves the opposite direction in front of you.  Every time I had tried this move, it felt like trying to pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time, but finally the last class, I GOT IT RIGHT!!  I was so pleased with myself!  So, I guess my advice would be “don’t give up, you may surprise yourself.”

5. What do you like most about BodyPump and its instructors?

Body Pump is great!  I tried that once over the summer as a make-up class for a Jam class I missed.  OMG, I was sore for like 4 days – trying to sit down was awful.  After the next class it was better.  Over the course of the fall, I have added more weight and pushed it a little more.  Now, there is a part of me that is ok with being sore, especially in the places I want to improve because then I know it is working!  Jam feels like fun, Pump feels like a workout and I mean that in a good way.  Jam is going to get the cardio going for you, but if you want to really work specific muscles (legs, butt, stomach, arms), Pump is the way to go.  I am usually unable to go during the day during the week, so I have only been to Carolyn’s and Ayla's classes once – they were both great.  I usually go to Barbara’s class on Thursday nights and she is awesome!  She is a machine up there, but she is so encouraging that she makes you want to do well.  The class is hard, but totally worth it!  I feel great when I leave.

6. Have any fun “get-fit” tips you’d be willing to share?

Taking these classes makes me want to eat better and take better care of myself.  I try to drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit & vegetables, but the food we eat at home is very much kid friendly-fare (lots of pasta at my house), so I try to keep my portion size down and eat out of smaller bowls.

7. What part of your fitness journey are you most proud of?

I am proud that I usually get out to exercise 3 times a week.  Honestly, I’ve only lost a few pounds, but I have dropped a size in my pants which makes me very happy.  Since I had kids, I haven’t been very comfortable wearing tight clothes.  A couple of months ago, I wore a shirt tucked in with a belt!  It may not sound like much, but it was a big deal to me since it was the first time in 13 years.  Funny thing was that women’s pants have changed in the last 13 years and the belt goes a lot lower than it used to, so none of the ones I dusted off fit and I had to wear one of my husband’s on the smallest notch.  I have bought a couple of new belts, but now I need some new sweaters.  Everything I have is big and baggy, and Nancy and her classes make me more comfortable about my body and more willing to show a little more of it.  I have 2 New Year’s Resolutions (fitness-wise): 1) I don’t think I’ll ever want to wear a bikini again, but my goal is to be comfortable wearing a cool new tankini this summer and 2) my husband and I take a trip in May with our college friends and I want to show up and have someone say “ooooooh, you look GOOOOOD!!!”  Resolutions don’t always pan out, but with Nancy, Barbara and their classes, I have high hopes that I’ll be able to check these 2 off my list!

Come hang out with Raelene at the next Kamate Fitness class. If you ask very nicely, I bet she’d show you that “head wrap” she’s now mastered!