Ain't No Gym Rat

I am not a Gym Rat. Not even close. In fact, it might be more accurate to call me a Gym Chicken. But, today was my first official workout at the gym. Technically, it was the YMCA, but it’s pretty much the same thing. All by myself. No one to hold my hand and pat my head and tell me what a good girl I am for doing this. Just me, doing my best not to look like a ridiculous out-of-shape middle-aged woman who really ought to be home with the kids right now. I did my strength training workout as prescribed by my Coach, and even remembered to log out on the FitLinxx Kiosk before I left. On my way out, my Coach greeted me with a big, pat-on-the-head smile.

It really wasn’t that bad. I had decided going in that this would be my “orientation” work out. No goals, no profuse sweating (thank goodness), just getting familiar with the machines and my routine. I started out (very slowly) on the treadmill. No, it’s not as easy as it looks in the movies, and yes it is as easy to hurt yourself as it looks in the movies. It certainly is not walking on my paved trail through the park, but after a ten minute warm up, I felt like I could get used to it. Then, off to the Cybex room, logged on at the Kiosk, and started my circuit. Went to the wrong machine at first (oops) which told me I was at the wrong machine. Got the right machine on the second try. Figured out all my settings, did my reps (the machine only honked at me four or five times to tell me to slow down or not let the weights touch between reps), and progressed in a similar manner through all five machines. I was awkward, and self conscious, and I really wish they would get rid of those damn mirrors. But, I didn’t hurt myself, and I did not suffer complete humiliation at the mechanical hands of those Terminator machines. I’m sure the next workout will be a little smoother and a little more comfortable.

And, how did I reward myself for going to the gym? I went for a walk in the park across the street from the Y. A nice, brisk, head-clearing cardio walk in the light mist (at one point it qualified as rain). It was awesome, the fresh air, the cooling mist, and droplets of rain dripping from my eyebrows and nose into my cleavage. Very refreshing, and just what I needed after the foreign environment of the gym. I even remembered to log my walk when I got home. I’ll have to remember to pack a cap in my gym bag for those days when it’s a little damp for walking. And my heartrate monitor, water bottle and a hand towel. Oh, I guess I need to find a gym bag first. I’m starting to sound like one of those exercise-obsessed people I’ve always been mildly puzzled by. Go figure. I wonder if I can sneak out for another walk this afternoon.