OUT OF SHAPE BODY AND SOUL
I'm not quite sure how it happened, but I've gained 17 pounds over a three-year period. Now on my third scale, I've accepted the fact that it's probably not a problem with the scale. Nor is it something I ate, water weight or just a temporary phase. Nope the weight has received permanent resident status. The result an out of shape body and soul.
Strive To Be - Stronger, Happier, Wiser Than You Were The Day BeforeAfter some in-depth soul searching, a Google search, I landed on Cardio Barre. An exercise program based upon the fundamentals of ballet dancing. I mistakenly thought my eleven years as a ballet dancer: 30 years ago would make this whole exercise thing relatively easy.
Two weeks ago I went to my first class. The ladies at the front desk asked if I had tried this style of exercise before. Feeling overly confidant, I said well, I was a ballet dancer years ago. The 20 something responded with "well it should come back to you no problem." I should have known I was in over my head when they suggested I have a towel and bottle of water for the class.
The class is 60 minutes long, hosted by very young and fit instructor. Feeling even more embolden with my previous ballet experience I mention it to the instructor. She says "oh great, we should have a fun time today!" The exercises started off simple enough, slowly increasing the burn level.
I was having a hard time keeping up and felt a little embarrassed when two ladies in their 70's were putting me to shame. So I upped my intensity level even though I felt like dying! My heart is pumping like a mad man. My mind says it must be like 40 minutes into the 60-minute class. To confirm my thought, I look over at the clock. OMG!!!! It's only been 11 minutes! 11 minutes? WTF???
Ten more minutes pass. The instructor says those three little words, which make me want to cry - "Time for Cardio!" Isn't that what we've been doing for the past 20 minutes? I pickup some weights and reluctantly start the Cardio exercises. Suddenly I'm extremely weak, overheated and ready to pass out. I know it would be a tad bit embarrassing if I faint in the middle of the studio floor.
I rush to the bathroom just outside the studio doors. Stripping off my clothes so I can feel the cool floor directly touch my body. Luckily this was the first class of the day and the floor didn't seem to dirty. I roll onto my stomach so my face can feel the coolness of the tile. Slowly, I start to calm down.
Then my mind goes into overtime, negotiating with myself - should I leave now or go back in? Dammit! My stuff is still in the gym, namely my car keys. Leaving them would mean walking home. I finally accept that my only choice is to go back in!
As I open the studio doors, I try not to make eye contact with anyone as I walk to my spot at the Barre. I feel as if everyone's eyes are fixated on me, the ballet dancer who couldn't hack the class. The instructor comes over with a concerned look, "Are you ok?" Sheepishly I say, yes, no breakfast, completely out of shape along with a nervous laugh. She says, "No worries, just take breaks as you need."
Despite my mind wanting to RUN and RUN fast! I stayed despite my embarrassment and felt very happy that I did so. Two weeks later I'm in better shape than when I started, but still a long way to get where I want to go. I still haven't caught up to the two 70 year olds, only now I don't care about that insignificant fact. Instead, I'm choosing to compete with myself to be stronger, last longer than I did the day before.
THE ONLY COMPETITION YOU NEED TO BE A BETTER YOU IS WITH YOURSELF!
Blended, Not Stirred!
