We joined. My son, who is also a
member, came along on our first foray to show us all the machines and how to
use them. (I had no desire to be “that woman” at the gym who was using a
machine backwards.) I will admit that it was a bit daunting but I figured I
could ooze into it and there were a few options that intrigued me, like an Ab Roller
thingy. I’d seen those commercials on tv for ab equipment where all you had to
do was spend a bunch of money and, viola, you had a six-pack! I had a chance to
use one for free!
That first day we just tried out
the different options. A couple of days later we went “for real” and worked out
for about 45 minutes. Warning: I’m about to use some technical gym jargon. There
is the “crunch-your-thighs-together-from-a-ridiculous-splits-position” machine,
the “leg-press-sled-that-will-crush-you-even-without-added-weight” monster and
the “reach-up-really-high-and-pull-yourself-up-hahahaha” contraption. And, of
course, free weights, treadmills, elliptical hell machines, kettle balls,
resistance bands… yadda, yadda. It’s not a bad little gym. I stress the “little”
part. We are a small community and the gym reflects that. That makes it much
less intimidating. Besides, we have seen some folks there who are our age or
older so that felt good… until that 70ish b…. showed up and proceeded to bench
press more than should be possible for someone her size. Impressive.
Here’s the most amazing part; I
like it. I don’t dread going to the gym, in fact I kinda look forward to it! So
totally weird. We have 24/7 access, although I doubt I will ever be rolling my
abs at 3 AM, but I could! This feels right. This feels good. I may not be a gym
rat, but maybe a gym white mouse.
I have some limitations and I’m
trying very hard to not overdo things. My left shoulder is “slushy” (not quite
frozen) and it gives me some pain so I can’t do a lot of the arm stuff. I’m
dealing with what may be fibromyalgia so I need to be gentle and not tax myself
too much or I might spend a day in the recliner later in the week. I am NOT
worrying about how much weight is on each machine, but focusing more on the
motion for now. The elliptical machine is amazingly difficult for me. I can’t
go more than 5 minutes before my legs are rubber (could be related to fibro) so
my goal is to make it to 5 minutes without stopping… and then 10… etc. I don’t
care that there are others there, in fact I like having others around. I don’t
compare myself to them and I don’t care what they might be thinking. I’m doing
this, dammit, and I’m proud. Yay me!
Strength/resistance training is
something you can do at home. You don’t have to have a gym membership.
Purchasing a few dumbbells of varying weights, resistance bands and a stability
ball. You can even use your own weight for free! Use Google or Youtube to find
exercises you can do at home. I really recommend trying this, without spending
too much money at first. I was amazingly surprised at how good it makes me
feel. If I can do it, you can at least try it. I don't love the gym, but I definitely like it.
