It’s my first day in a bona fide health club. I have made it through the first door. I have been intimidated by cardio-machines that have control panels that look like you need an instruction manual to operate them but I am determined to get some kind of work out today at this gym.

I scurry past the menacing cardio-machines and enter the weight training area – more machines – but at least I understand how free weights and weight machines work. Plus the weight machines have pictures that instruct you how to use them and which muscle groups they target. Cool! Then I discover a series of machines called Kinesis which works on a cable and pulley system – quite like my antique Bowflex at home. Aha! I start there. I begin my work-out and I really enjoy this Kinesis machine. I start sweating as I work on my abs, back and lateral muscle groups using this machine.

Suddenly, Spa Membership Director Caroline shows up to check on me. I am a bit embarrassed but proud that I have some sweat going. At least I look like I know what I’m doing! Caroline is darling. She has a lovely British accent and always seems overjoyed to see me. So, of course I adore her and so I don’t feel too embarrassed to ask her how to work the cardio machines in the next room. She gladly accepts the role of instructor and leads me to the cardio room where she talks me through the machines and demonstrates how they work – while in heels I might add! It seems that the complicated controls on the touch screens on each machine are mostly for choosing entertainment. The controls are for picking the TV or Ipod!!! Getting started on these machines is really quite simple once you bypass the entertainment screens. Who knew? I’m bringing my Ipod tomorrow.

I resume my work-out in the weight room and begin to remember some of my old routines that utilize the exercise ball, resistance straps and weighted ball. I find an exercise mat and start stretching and doing core work. It’s coming back to me but I make a note to myself to drag out my old work-out notebook and bring it tomorrow when I return. Yep, I am making plans for the next day’s work-out. This may take after all… I go to the cardio machines and do about 18 minutes of rigorous cycling. Then I head back to the locker room for a quick shower before I head to the pool for a swim, followed by a steam in the sauna and then a lovely private soak in the deep hydratherapy infinity tub (water comes up over my shoulders)… I can not begin to describe how wonderful that hot water feels on my tired old body and when I turn on the jets – Lord have Mercy! I have died and gone to heaven. Worked out and pampered at the same time.
To be continued…

Tags: bowflex, diet & exercise, exercise, gyms, health clubs, Kinesis, Lynne Jordan, lynne jordan & the shivers, lynne jordan and the shivers, personal growth, The Spa at Trump Chicago, weight control, weight loss, women's body image
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva