Saturday, August 11, 2012

Why I Go to the Gym (Part 1)

Yeah...so, June 2011 (flashback, cue the fog and dreamy music).

My weight was at an all time high (no, I will NOT mention it, TYVM), my back and knees were killing me, I was constantly using a heating pad on my back, I had difficulty getting upstairs in my house/elsewhere.

A new gym opened in my ‘hood 02/11.  They sent me a card for a complimentary tour.  I went to an open house and the owner himself took me around and introduced me to the personal training staff (I expressed an interest in that, since all those machines and weights and and and were just intimidating).  I signed a contract that day for 3x/week training.  WTF did I get myself into?  I had never done anything like this in my life!

6/7/11 was my first session.  Weight and measurements and BMI were taken (no, I will NOT mention them, TYVM).  2 minutes on the treadmill at zero incline at 1.0 speed for 2 minutes – THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIE, PEOPLE!  3 pound smartbells were heavy as lead in my hands.  And those machines – OMFG!  1/2 hour of torture!  Again, WTF did I get myself into?

It helped that my trainer was 20 years old, studying exercise/physical therapy/kinesiology in college.  AND OMFG HAWT LOOKING (read: hairy bear type, although he is str8).

And it helped that I saw other people in the gym WHO LOOKED JUST LIKE ME!  This was no “skinny white people only” place; everyone was welcomed with the same kindness.  VERY important in my book!

Cripes, I could not MOVE the next day.  Every muscle/body part ached like a mofo, like I had been kicked by a mule.  The only one who knew why I was sore was spouse.  I told no one what I was doing because (1) I didn’t know whether I would drop out quickly and (2) I didn’t wanna be nagged (how’s it going?  are you still exercising?  etc.).  And spouse knows better to NOT nag me (wink wink nudge nudge).

6/9/11 was session #2.  I told hawt trainer that I hated him because he made me ouchie all over.  His response was, “Good, my evil plan is working, bwhahahahaha!”  I told him to fuck off; he pushed me to the treadmill.

(Fast forward to the present, drop the fog and dreamy music).

So today.  I actually look forward to my Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday gym time.  I signed up for another year.  I have a different trainer for each day; hawt trainer was promoted within the company, but I still get to see him.  My 3 trainers believe in me.  And I believe in myself.

I can lift heavier weights because I am stronger and more flexible.  135 pounds on the back extension machine is nothing; 50 pound standing ab crunches is routine.

And now I have an even more important reason to visit the gym.

(to be continued)

12 comments:

  1. You're inspirational, sweetie! It's been years since I set foot in a gym.

    If you were having such troubles walking up stairs etc. in your mid-50s, it was extremely important that you did something about it. What would you have been like at 70? Well done!

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    1. smooches, you sexy thing! at 70 I would probably be like "the blob", from the movie of the same name. no thanks, I got too much living to do! and as a cancer survivor, I have an even bigger reason to kick some ass!

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  2. Brava!!!


    Way to go, and nobody died.
    Win, win.

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  3. Go slow but steady. At first you may not see much change, but after you develop a routine you will notice that the weight will gradually drop off and you will have more energy. Don't, and this is important, try to be Cindy Crawford or any of those other ridiculously slim model types. Just get to the weight where you are comfortable and have the energy you feel you need. You can do it Anne Marie, once your mind is made up and you have resolved to do it you can do anything!

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    1. "Don't, and this is important, try to be Cindy Crawford or any of those other ridiculously slim model types."

      OH FUCK NO! those people are not for real. I'm for REAL, baybee; no silicone or botox for me! just some hair dye.

      :) smooches!

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  4. I have no doubt you can lift me. Want to give it a go?

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    1. unless you weigh 40-50 pounds, then NO (tee hee)! I ain't trying to look like ahhhhhnold musclehead!

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  5. This is awesome! Keep it going... Do this for YOURSELF!

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    1. I AM doing it for me, cause I am the only ME I have. and I ain't getting any younger, ya know; my 58th is coming up soon!

      smooches to my first follower! :)

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