Why Clay?

I'm often asked "Why Clay?".  If you've read past posts you can probably decipher that much of has to do with Hyam herself. I doubt she even realizes the ways she inspires me sometimes with the things she says and does.  It comes naturally to her - that's a pretty unique quality.

There are, of course, many other aspects of Clay that I love. I've found it hard, however, to put it into words.  Therefore I've decided to do a series of posts that feature photographss of exactly we do at Clay and why I keep coming back for more.  

I need to be clear that this is NOT an advertisement for Clay. Hyam had nothing to do with this.  It's much more self-centered than that.  This is my way of bragging about all the kick-ass things I do there so you know I'm not just talking smack (even if I am sometimes).  And, if you happen to realize how awesome Clay is along the way... that's a bonus.

To help me tell my story I've enlisted the help of local photographer extraordinaire Beth Daane of Daane Studios.  Beth will assist in chronicling my journey by attending my classes and personal training sessions and snapping live action shots of what I'm up to.  

I'm going to warn you.  I am NOT pretty when I exercise.  I make crazy, ugly faces (a common one has even been termed the "beaver face" by Hyam - see photos below from Clay a few years ago). My skin turns a very unnatural combination of red and purple that even Crayola couldn't create.  Seriously. I'm not fishing for compliments here - it's not pretty.  However, I feel it's necessary to truly show what we do and why I love it.  Yes, I'm taking one for the blog here.  You'll thank me later.  Or maybe not.

If you look closely here you will see the "Beaver Face".

(Photo courtesy of JMK Photography)

Some people are truly beautiful while working out.

I'm not one of them.

(Photo courtney of JMK Photography)