The Magnificent Duo MainTenanT

I recently saw this absolutely mesmerizing of Duo MainTenanT on America's Got Talent. The video is entitled AGT's SEXIEST Audition?! Acrobatic Dance Duo Excites The AGT Judges and after seeing it, I think the description is pretty fair. From the smooth and superb movements and acrobatics to the evocative music to the amazing expressions and passion of both performers (especially the woman, Ludivine Furnon), this routine had me, the judges, and the entire audience captivated from start to finish. I've watched this performance so many times and yet each time I see it, I am still blown away.


video uploaded in youtube by America's Got Talent

However, this actually wasn't the first time I first saw them. I'm not sure how they appeared in my youtube search around maybe 4 or 5 years ago but I did see this video of them performing on TV in 2010. When they appeared on AGT, I knew instantly who they were. While their routine on American's Got Talent is just over 2 minutes long, this one, at around 6 1/2 minutes, is a lot longer. Personally, I like this a bit better because the length allows the performance to develop more deliberately and it gives the audience more of an opportunity to get immersed in the routine. Even after many years of seeing this video, I am still in awe. The precision, the choreography, the drama, and the passion just make it so impactful and memorable that I keep going back to it.


video uploaded in youtube by DuoMainTenanT

Ludivine is a truly talented and powerful gymnast, an amazing dancer, and expressive performer, while her partner (who also happens to be her husband), Nicolas Besnard is so tremendously strong, steady, and so incredibly balanced and dependable. I think it would be a tremendous experience to see them perform live and in a much longer show.

Working Out

For the first time in a decade or maybe even more, I worked out at the gym. And by work out, I mean lifting (very light) weights and not just doing cardio exercises on the treadmill or the elliptical machine.

I had a follow-up check-up with my doctor recently and it seems I've gotten a lot healthier over the last few months. Not only have a I lost about 20 pounds, my lab tests are also pretty good. It looks like my new lifestyle has really helped me improve my overall health. However, since I did lose a lot of mass, I wanted to do weights to help tone my muscles. I asked my doctor if I could start working out and he said I could.

So last Monday, I decided to hit the gym since it was a holiday. I asked one of the trainers to teach me the proper way to use the gym equipment. Needless to say, I was extremely tired and sore after that. What makes me happy is that despite still being a bit sore yesterday, I hit the gym again and I worked out for about 45 minutes or so. I really hope that I can keep this up and hit the gym at least once or twice a week.

*****

The downside to becoming fitter is that many of my clothes don't fit properly now. Thankfully, I haven't thrown away many of my old shirts when I was still a lot thinner. As such, I've set aside my bigger clothes and started reusing my slimmer shirts. The problem though is with my pants and my belt, all of which are pretty loose now. I already bought a new black belt (I still have to get a brown one) and I've had four pairs of pants altered. Since I lost a few inches, the alteration cost is higher because they need to adjust both the waist and the hips. I still have a lot more pants that need altering and I probably need to buy new jeans as well. That said, I will take additional spending on clothes if it means my I am healthier and in better shape.