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…
So that’s where you’ve been…hanging in the gym. Nice work Lynne…I’m happy that you’re making an effort to better your health. Damn, with all the pampering perks at Trump I’d keep my eye on the prize and kick my ass to earn them too.
I joined a gym once before…that was the easy part. Getting my ass over there was a drag and I let it go. One of the other things that I was hung up on was feeling out of place with the gals who looked great already…giving me the ‘eye’ of disdain, especially in the locker room.
What I’ve come to realize is that many of them had unhealthy emotions about their own bodies and what they thought of mine became seriously insignificant. You know the expression, ‘they put their pants on one leg at a time, just like me’. Well, my version became ‘picture them on the toilet…they poop too, just like me’.
Keep at it Lynne…be proud of every bead of sweat that falls. You’re inspiring me to actually use the Zoomba CD’s I bought instead of just the percussion shakers. Thanks!
I totally get that. I am about to post an entry about the naked locker room thing… Oy!
Thanks for the support. I am taking it day by day, urge to eat by urge!
Yeah, I see those young PYT’s in the gym and I ignore them. I am working out for me, my heart and my bones. I ain’t gotta impress no body. So glad you are still with it. Stay strong, reward yourself with shoes, facials and massages….
They don’t make me feel bad cause I ain’t never looked like them even when I was a PYT!!! Still hanging in there.