Monday, May 04, 2009

I am Woman. Hear me groan.

More and more, lately, I've thought about how out of shape, not to mention unshapely, I have become. When Willow and Leslie started their walking regimen to combat blogger's bum, I was all for it. Somehow, though, despite the fact that I have always loved to walk, it just wasn't happening for me this time. Today, I forced myself up off the sofa (which, by the way, wasn't easy. I was reading Tender Graces, and I really didn't want to stop) and I drove to the gym.

Actually, I drove to the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, the same place where we go swimming with the grandbabies when they come for a visit. The Aquatic Centre has a fairly well-equipped gym, as well as the two pools, hot tub, steam room, sauna, and water slides. There was a time in my life when I belonged to a gym, and I worked out four times a week. I felt like at least a million dollars in those days - but those days were close to twenty years ago, and it's all been downhill since then.

When I walked into the gym today, I felt slightly panicky. The disadvantage to using this particular gym is that it doesn't come with instructors. You're on your own. I spent the first fifteen minutes on the treadmill, working my way up to a respectable pace and keeping it up for ten minutes. Then I went to a piece of equipment that you use to pull yourself up and down, with assistance from an adjustable set of weights. I had forgotten even which way to face on the silly thing. Eventually I figured it out, and I got the weights adjusted. I did a couple of sets there, then made my way around the gym, finding the equipment I used to enjoy using. The leg press. A-a-a-h-h-h. I could lie there all day and push 105 pounds of iron with my legs. I have a sinking feeling that that means I don't really need the workout for my legs. I should be spending more time on the pec deck and all those other things that aren't nearly as much fun.

Nonetheless, I did it. I went to the gym. In a few days, I'll do it again, while I've still got a muscle or two left to tone. Then, we'll see.

After my workout, I spent a few minutes in the pool. That wasn't such a great idea. It was Sunday, and the pool was just a bit crowded - with children - all of whom were throwing things around and screaming each other's names. Constantly.

So, back home, and I set about mowing the lawn, which I figured would be dry enough now. I got about twenty percent of it done before it started raining in earnest. I'm back inside now, listening to the thunder, thinking I maybe should have mowed the lawn before I went to the gym. Of course, if I'd done that, I would have convinced myself that mowing the lawn was plenty of exercise for one day.

I've scheduled this post for 4:00 a.m., about twelve hours from now, because something tells me I won't be staying up late tonight. I am noticing that I do in fact have some muscles. I don't hurt, but I am aware of my innards. Heh.

Oh - and one more thing. Here in Canada, today (Monday) is National Star Wars Day.
We don't do a whole lot of celebrating. Mostly, we just greet each other with "May the Fourth be with you."

What? Was that you groaning? ;>)

4 comments:

Reya Mellicker said...

National Star Wars Day? Wow.

Bravo for getting up and out to the gym. I'm very grateful that I live in a city where I don't need a car - because that means I walk because I have no choice, even if I think it's too hot or too cold, too rainy or whatever. Also grateful that my job is so physical.

If not for the built in exercise, I'm certain I could settle down on the couch here and slowly but surely plump up.

You are mighty!! You go girl.

Sandra Leigh said...

I bought my first car when I was twenty-five. That's also when I stopped being able to eat whatever I liked, without gaining weight. What a co-incidence, eh?

And May the Fourth be with you, Reya.

Unknown said...

You mean mowing the lawn isn't enough exercise for one day?!?

Good job on the gym visit.

& what can you add about National Star Wars day? Wow, indeed....

Sandra Leigh said...

Well, John, that depends. My lawn is likely a lot smaller than yours. ;>)

Blog Archive