June 2007 Archives
I started working out at our Community Center gym. I've always been the type of person to scoff at gyms because I would think: Treadmill? Why not just go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air?
Right now I weigh the most I've weighed since right after I had Josie. At least then I had an excuse. Now, I'm just lazy and still trying to lose holiday and slacker weight. This God-awful heat isn't helping either. It's actually difficult to breathe. The air is so hot and humid that it makes it seem like you're drowning.
I decided I would try going to a gym. I've been trying to do yoga at home, but there are too many distractions and I'm usually too tired by the time those distractions have gone to bed (I say it all lovingly). I went for the first time on Tuesday night. The center closes at 10pm, so I took off around 8:30 once the girls were settled and Bill putting them to bed.
You have no idea just how nervous I was going to the gym. Seriously. I almost cried trying to find something to wear. Not that I wanted to impress anyone, but I only own about two pairs of gym shorts - one pair was super short and dirty from doing yard work the day before; the other pair was clean, but they're way too big. I went for the big pair. Then I couldn't find a t-shirt to wear with them. I don't really own any t-shirts that aren't baby tees. I decided I'd wear one of Bill's, but I put it on and it looked HUGE on me. Huge shirt plus huge shorts and I looked like I was either a bag lady or wearing my pajamas. I wasn't dressing up, but I didn't want to be a slob either. In the end I settled on the shorts and one of Bill's smaller tees.
I know I sound completely neurotic, but you're talking to the clumsiest, most un-athletic person in the universe. I played softball one season when I was little, but pretty much sat on the bench the whole summer. I was ALWAYS picked last for dodgeball. There's a reason I stick to yoga most of the time. Going to the gym was a big deal for me, but I was determined.
I entered the center to find, literally, Malibu Barbie and Ken walking in behind me, in very tight, very skimpy workout wear. I almost cried and had to will myself not to turn around and jump in the car and head home. They must have been heading somewhere else because they did not follow me up to the gym area. And you know what I found when I got there? OLD PEOPLE. It was awesome. I don't mean any disrespect by I was the youngest person working out, by at least 20 years. My fears melted away because I knew they wouldn't be judging me or watching me totally goof up on the machines.
I had the greatest time and realized just why people go to gyms. I was able to workout on the machines and target some of my problem areas -- and no one paid attention or laughed as I stood there trying to figure out each machine and exactly where(?) by arms and legs should go. I could run (ok, walk) on the treadmill and not have to worry about passing out from the heat outside. Yesterday and today I've been a little sore and it's feels great! I'm gong to try to go at least twice a week, if I can fit it in. It was so nice to have that time to myself in the evening, while the community center was quiet, while the girls were in bed. And I don't have any regrets about the cost because it's all free.
**I did learn a few things from my first workout experience: 1) bring a water bottle and 2) don't wear lime green undies underneath shorts that are too big while you're on the rowing machine.
We had an amazing time in Iceland and, though I already miss it, I'm glad to be back home with the girls and our annoying animals. I've got lots of stories to share, but it's late so I'll let you look at pics instead.
Below is the link to our pictures from Iceland. Enjoy!
