I hesitate to use the word ‘fitness’ in the title of this article since the more I exercise, the more aware I become of how out of shape I am, but then again I guess that is the point after all?
On my newfound travels into the world of the gym I recognize that there is a vast spectrum of individuals all striving to improve their health one half hour at a time and so fitness is truly a subjective term depending upon who is using it.
About a month ago after being threatened with the possibility of having to take some maintenance medication to control vital bodily functions, my husband and I determined that a good exercise plan could do wonders in improving our overall collective health. After much painstaking and exhaustive research we joined a network through our health insurance company that allows us to participate in multiple gyms for one monthly fee. This is a compelling deal and even though our habits have revolved mainly around one particular provider of these services, the concept cannot be beat.
Venturing into the world of those who are already skilled exercisers was a bit daunting for me, an avowed couch potato. Few things caused me to bristle with disgust as much as breaking a sweat or panting from exertion.
Add to this the public setting and I am nearly having convulsions. I have never enjoyed organized exercising and could not really remember when I had run last? Placid inactivity was my mantra and my commitment to it was unswerving. How quickly things change.
After four short weeks of somewhat consistent gym attendance, I am now an avid treadmill walker who occasionally bursts into short sprints just to keep it interesting. And trust me, I do mean short and occasionally.
Nonetheless, I have a certain sense of accomplishment after coming home from working out that I have never known before. It is not because I so much enjoy the experience. Perhaps that will yet materialize, who knows? Instead I simply feel a gratified contentment that I have beaten my will into submission and burned a few calories, perhaps eventually producing some powerful good in the invisible and unseen measures of cholesterol and blood pressure.
Along the way, I am enjoying the new experience of observing the folks who join me on this journey. Engaging in this quest for healthy living along with me include a diverse population of individuals. There could never be a stereotype of your typical exerciser for I have seen it all. From students presumably working out to improve their performance on some sports team to silver sneakered folks pumping iron and doing Zumba, I am one insignificant sweater blending in to the crowd.
A friend of mine gave me a little poster that I have hanging in my office with this inspirational thought for me to read every day: “Look in the mirror – that’s your competition!” And if that is the truth, then I am winning the contest, because compared to a month ago, I’m stronger, faster and yes even a smidgen fitter, than my competition!
