This post is syndicated from Sydney Durso’s Blog and used with her permission. For more from Sydney, visit sydneyblaine.com.
By Sydney Durso
If you saw my post the other day, then you already know that I am “working on my fitness.” Although I am no pro when it comes to the best workouts around, I am confident in the fitness moves and exercises I choose for my body type. I try different things out, and if I see results, I add them to my routine. Genetically, I am a small girl. I have a fast metabolism (for now at least), and I do some form of cardio every day. Staying in shape is not difficult for me, however my goal is to stay lean and toned while still keeping a healthy and womanly figure. Working out and eating healthy is not easy, but I truly love the way that I feel when I spend a little extra time taking care of my body.
I grew up dancing classical ballet, starting at age three. After graduating high school a year early, I began taking other forms of dance and eventually moved to Dallas where I became a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and cheered on the sidelines of Texas Stadium (and then AT&T Stadium) for seven amazing seasons, 2008-2015. From there I went on to perform with the Dallas Mavericks Dancers, 2015-2016. Dancing has always kept me in shape, especially classical ballet. I feel that it really works the body in ways other workouts just can’t. I always notice when I take a few good ballet classes that the muscles in my back and legs become extra tight and toned. When I don’t take a class, I see the difference. To me, dancing is the best form of exercise. In Dallas, I take adult ballet classes at Contemporary Ballet Dallas, and sometimes I jump in with the younger crowd at Ballet Academy of Texas. Find a studio in your area that offers adult ballet classes, and try one out. Even if you feel a little silly or don’t know what you are doing, really squeeze your abs and booty….you will see results over time!
Today I am not necessarily going to go into detail about what my exact workouts are, I will make sure I do that in another post. I try to be realistic with myself. I don’t do any crazy diets or tell myself that I can’t have ANY sugar, because I know that will just leave me stressed…and hungry! When I am craving something sweet, I substitute it for something not quite as unhealthy. For example, if you freeze Power Crunch Original Protein Bars, they taste like an ice cream sandwich, the perfect sweet treat! My favorite snacks right now are almonds, fruit bowls (fresh coconut, mango, cucumber, pineapple, watermelon and strawberries with chile powder…yes I know I am a little crazy, but I am from the Rio Grande Valley, so chile powder is a must-have), celery sticks, organic part skim cheese strings and chocolate protein shakes with almond butter, chocolate almond milk and a dash of cinnamon. For dinner I make sure to have a protein and two veggies on my plate. Whatever you do, be realistic, and do not stress yourself out. My weakness is iced coffee with hazelnut and vanilla syrup…and half n’ half. What is your weakness? Let me know below in the comments. I would love to hear from you all!
I know this is a long post, but I just wanted to give you all an idea of what I do to stay healthy, in shape and motivated. Hope this helps! I will continue to do other posts with the exact exercises I do at the gym and meals I eat each day.
Oh yeah, and one more thing. If you are in the Dallas area (or plan to be this summer), come dance with your Dallas Mavericks Dancers! Even if you do not plan on auditioning, classes are held at Trophy Fitness Downtown from Monday, May 16, 2016 through Thursday, July 7, 2016. Classes are held from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as select Fridays.
Click here for class dates.
Photos above are by Dan Frievalt.
To finish my first post up, I hope everyone had a great weekend, and cheers to a wonderful (and healthy) week ahead. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments. Love y’all!
Fans can follow Sydney on social media on Twitter @SydneyDurso and Instagram @SydneyBDurso
