First Time on a Spinner

When visiting the gym, I try to blend in without notice. Of course, in this particular visit, that didn't happen.

via spinning.com

The gym added a few spinners with the other cardio machines. I've been intimidated to try it out more because of its complexity. But today was the day I would face that intimidation and ride that machine.

The Spinner stationary bike has a couple of adjustable pop-pins. I realized this when I first got on and found that my feet couldn't reach the pedals. I jumped off and looked around and found the pop-pin to adjust the height of the seat. This particular pop-pin requires unscrewing and pulling to adjust the seat.

After adjusting the height of the seat, I got back on to the bike and started pedaling. Then I felt my seat drop with a "clank, clank, clank, clank" until I was at it's lowest setting. I forgot to screw the pop-pin in place.

People around me, especially the cute brunette girl on the treadmill next to me, turned towards the clanking sound.

What made it more embarrassing is that when I jumped off the bike to adjust the seat, my wired earphones, which fit around the ear, got caught on the resistance knob and yanked them from my ears.

Eventually, after adjusting the pop-pins and resistance knob, I was on my way pedaling confidently nowhere.

Thank You

In previous entries HERE and HERE, I've written about the redhead at the gym. She's been going to the gym as long as I have and usually around the same time.

Like me, she has changed her routine. When I first noticed her, she was doing a lot of cardio and aerobics. She's added free weights into her routine.

During the five years or so of working out next to each other, we've never exchanged words. Why would we? I go to the gym to get fit and not talk to people. Yes, I do notice people around me, especially girls, but I don't approach them; although, I have been approached by an abdominal snow-woman, which I've blogged about HERE.

Finally, we exchanged words. We arrived to the gym at the same time, and I opened the door for her.

"Allow me," I said.

"Thank you," she said with a genuine smile.

I smiled back and said, "Sure."

Now if we see each other, we exchange a smile, a nod, or a hand gesture.

A New Crop

I've noticed that there is usually a influx of new gym members before the first of the year and the first of the school year.

After the holidays, you usually see the older crowd and the much-out-of-shape guys and girls joining the gym.

The weeks before school starts, you usually see a new crowd of young students joining the gym. Perhaps many have the idea of meeting someone special during the first few weeks of the school year. And many usually disappear by mid-November.

Of course, this is a hypothesis and I have no data to support it.

Nonetheless, I do enjoy this time of year because we see a new crop of young ladies. Many of which are quite attractive and probably the least who need the gym. Yet, you see them with their tight spandex shorts running on the treadmill.

Yes, I notice. Of course I notice as I stumble a few times as my eyes independently decides to fixate themselves on a particular sight, eager to describe the scenery: shorts hugging every inch of the gluteus maximus butt as it contracts and expands with the biceps femoris easily keeping up with the rotating conveyor belt.

To be honest, I do not ogle at the girls. I notice, but not to the point where I actually do make it apparent. Although, there is a new red head that has caught my attention, recently.

Numb

I should listen to the dentist more closely. I had gone to the dentist a few weeks ago for my biannual cleaning. She inspected my teeth after the hygienist cleaned them and informed me that I should get the fillers on my molars redone. She explained that they were coming undone in some areas and that this needed to be redone in order to avoid cavities.

It seems as if I understood what she said; however, for some reason or another all I heard was "fillers on your back molars to avoid cavities."

Not a problem, I thought. I scheduled my appointment a month later.

A month later, I strolled back into the dentist office and waited for my dentist to come and put fillers on my back molars.

"Today, you'll be getting your fillers on your back molars replaced," she explained.

"Wait," I stopped her, "I'll be getting fillers?"

"Yes, I'll check my notes but that's why you are here, dear."

She looked at her notes and confirmed the appointment. She returned with two large syringes and placed them on my chest.

She injected the first syringe of anesthesia along the back inner cheek. She did the same with the other syringe.

I hate syringes. HATE IT.

After the thirty minute procedure, I left the dentist's office with the right side of my face numb.

Since I left work early to go to my dentist appointment, I thought it would be good to run a few errands.

I decided to go to the store to by our weekly supply of dinner wine. Still feeling numb, I noticed my son's classmate and his mom shopping. I walked up to them and said hello.

Of course, the hello that came out was more like a drunkard saying hello. So, here I am, walking up to them at three in the afternoon, with a case of six wines saying hello.

His mom gave me a look of concern as I wiped drool that I felt drip along my chin.

"Sorry," I explained, "I just came from the dentist."

"Oh... okay. I hope you feel better," the mom replied.

You'd think I'd call it a wrap and go home after that. Think again.

I wanted to make it to the gym--at least for thirty minutes.

Well, thirty minutes was all I can do. The weights were more than what I could handle; although, it's the same amount I usually do. My energy on the treadmill was limited. I quickly got tired after three quarters of mile.

It wasn't until I tried to drink water from the fountain when I then realized that perhaps I should just go home. Since I couldn't feel the right side of my face, water just ran out of my mouth. Sadly, a few others waiting behind me to have a drink, saw me spill water out of my mouth over the fountain and onto the floor.

I went home.

  

"I forgot my headphones"

I was driving to the gym, when I realized that I had forgotten to pack my headphones.

This is a big deal, since I do have a selection of workout music.

Driving along I-35, I had a choice to either forego the gym and go home or go to the gym and suffer through my workout without my tunes.

While stuck in traffic I debated with myself as to why I should skip one more day.

I argued with myself, "I did lift boxes and mowed the yard this weekend, and I did drive between Austin and Midland through torrential rain and wind. That was a workout."

It's hard to avoid the gym, since the exit I take also leads home.

Good sense won the debate. I couldn't let headphones be the only reason to skip the gym. Plus, that only gave me one day this week I know I'll be able to workout since my son has a dentist appointment on Thursday and god-forbid I work out on Friday--it's fun-day.

I found a decent parking spot at the gym. "Perhaps my gym experience won't be that bad," I thought to myself.

As I walked into the building, Brandy by Looking Glass was playing over the intercom.

"God, I wish I had my headphones."

Looking too good in a Green Lantern tee

I wear Green Lantern tees to the gym. I'm not the only one either. There are also others to where we can actually create an unofficial Green Lantern Corps.

The cool thing is that us geeks don't have to look good wearing the insignia on our chest. We are comfortable in our own body form (bony, beer-belly, pear shaped, etc.) and still feel as if we are some kind of superhero.

Then a body-builder had to ruin it for us geeks.

via moviepilot

This well muscled guy, who could be the the John Stewart Green Lantern, wore a two-sizes-too-small Green Lantern tee that exposed his chiseled upper body with precision.

While us geeks who could only dream of being in the Green Lantern Corps, this muscly man could easily be chosen by the Power Ring.

Him wearing the Green Lantern tee made me more self-conscious a feel more like a dweeb.

The next day, instead of my Green Lantern tee, I choose to wear my Sacramento Kings tee. "No one wears Sac Kings tees in Austin, I should be safe," I thought.

But why should I care what others wear at the gym. I had to remind myself that a shirt is only a shirt. Then I realized that body-builders can be sci-fi and comic book geeks too.

The following week, I returned to my rotation of wearing my Green Lantern tees.

Why I can't bring myself to do Yoga?

My wife does yoga, which I sure do enjoy watching. I also helped my office get yoga started during the lunch hour. I've even suggested yoga to my best-friend as a solution to his back issues. So why can't I bring myself to do yoga?

1. Too feminine. Yes, it's stupid. Yes, its sexist. I'm in no way masculine to even think this way, and I've seen guys who are more manly that do yoga.

2. Too intimidating. I haven't done yoga. I think the only pose I've ever done has been the seated meditation. The poses I see my wife do looks complicated and painful. Why do I want to balance on one leg and lean forward like the woodpecker toothpick picker upper?

3. Too intimate. I can't see myself participating in a yoga class. I would be afraid to accidentally let one loose. Plus, I have a thing for feet. I'd be focused on looking at other people's feet, while I should be concentrating on yoga.

However, personal trainers do suggest to change workout routines, especially if you find yourself hitting a plateau and not seeing results, which is happening to me. Yoga is considered a great alternative. Even Gold's Gym advertised Broga®, yoga for men, and my wife suggested that I try out her yoga app and do it by myself at home.

Maybe one day I'll give it a try, but for now, I'll stick with my boring workout routine.

via yogaholics

Make it a Routine

I haven't done a blog entry on Confessions of a Gym Dweeb since November.

I've been going to the gym on a regular basis for the last three years, and yet I'm still a dweeb. I try to avoid the men's dressing room. I don't talk to people. I try not to stare. I do my routine and leave.

Being a regular, you do get to recognize the clientele. There's the guy who I always see in the hot tub. There's the guy who once gave me my keys which I left on a stationary cycling machine. There's the well-toned brunette that you'd never know she was pregnant. And there's the cute redhead with the incredible thighs I like to take a glimpse at before she go into her fitness class.

But the new year also brings new clients to the gym--the clients who make it their resolution to lose weight or get toned. Although this is a great start to get healthy, many of them only last a few months and disappear. Then we are again left with the same clientele.

I joked with my friends that this year it's slim pickings at the gym. The past few years, I'd notice milfs and young professional women joining the gym. This year there are more older couples and men. Just an observation. Really, I do try not to stare.

So, the key to personal fitness is making it a routine. In other words, during the first few months, make time on your calendar to go to the gym. Write it down with a permanent marker. Stick with that personal appointment. If you have to miss a day, make sure to get back on the routine quickly.

Another important thing is to start slow and low. Don't be intimidated by the buffs--they started low at some point too. If you are doing cardio for the first time, don't strain yourself. Work on getting your heartbeat up and don't tire yourself out.

Just my two cents.

Members Survey

I received an email from my gym asking if I would participate in a member survey.

...we are working hard to ensure that your experience with us is not only a positive one but one that also delivers the results you expected when you joined our gym. 

Please tell us what we're doing right and what we can improve..." 

As I indicated in the survey, my experience at the gym has been satisfactory. Not great. Just satisfactory. As I explained in the survey, there are several treadmills that are either out of order or not functioning properly. For example, on one treadmill the belt slips. On another machine, the speed button gets stuck and the runner that is going 5 miles per hour is then running at 10 miles per hour. These issues can cause injuries.

So, I was pretty honest in the survey. And to be honest, I thought the survey was going to be anonymous. My assumption was proven incorrect when I received a email response from the general manager of the gym.

First I would like to thank you for putting in the time to take our survey.

Okay, that's nice. He appreciates my thoughts.

It has taken me a few days because after reading your email I spned (sic) time going on all of our equipment and as of... through today we have only a few piece down and after using all the treadmills I would love to hear which one you have issue with as all worked fine when i was on it. 

Okay. I understand he'd like for me to point out the treadmills that I've had issues with.

We have been planing (sic) catch up on fixing equipment due to a staffing issue but Hoping that is not going to be a issue anymore due to fact we have a great new guy putting in alot (sic) of work to get up back up and running.

Now he's sounding defensive.

I have to say, however, that the gym has been working on the equipment, especially the treadmills. The one that was slipping has been fixed. The one that has the sticky button, however, is still being worked on.

Naturally, it is expected for equipment, that is being heavily used, to show signs that required maintenance. Regardless, I appreciate that the manager responded to me about my response. And it is great to see machines being worked worked on.

Preggo Creeper Part 2

Wow. It's actually been over a year since I posted about me staring at a pregnant lady while working out at the gym. You can read the "Preggo Creeper" post HERE.

Well, it had been a while since I had seen her at the gym. Naturally, my guess was that perhaps she focused her attention on her new born baby and maybe rescheduled her fitness.

The reason why I think she may have rescheduled her fitness is because she looks incredible. Her figure is as if she was never pregnant. However, it's been found that working out during pregnancy does help mothers-to-be gain less excess weight and allows muscles to stay strong and toned.

If you or your significant other is pregnant, please check out the links below for more information on pregnancy and fitness.

Source: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/effectsofexerciseonpreg.html; http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/580466; http://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0415/p1846.html; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2384387/Pregnant-women-encouraged-engage-regular-exercise-Working-improves-mood-reduces-fatigue.html; http://www.uwo.ca/fhs/EPL/; http://www.uwo.ca/fhs/EPL/resources.html

Do I smell?

This is probably the most embarrassing confession I have ever shared. It's not gross. It's not disgusting. But I'm sure it'll get a giggle or a laugh (I hope) from you.

First of all, our bodies do the weirdest things. Some are hard to explain, but we're all organic and we expose to our bodies will have some sort of affect on way or another.

It may have been the food I ate the night before, or perhaps it was the leftovers that did me in.

Allow me to backtrack a bit. After certain meals, I like to store leftovers in Glad containers and place them in the freezer. Many times, these leftovers are from meals we had weeks or even months before.

I decided to take one of the containers out of the freezer for lunch on Friday. To me, it's a mystery meal, until it thaws to reveal the content. This particular lunch, the leftovers was spaghetti, but the spaghetti had a interesting taste to it. Perhaps it was left too long in the freezer. Regardless, I finished my meal.

I went to the gym, about four hours later. This is where the story gets a little funny.

So, I got to the gym. I started on the circuit weights, then made my way up to the treadmill. Around that time, I started to feel my stomach ache a bit. Something was wrong, but that didn't stop me from continuing my workout.

I got on the treadmill and started to run. At this point, I felt my body working on getting rid of whatever it had inside and didn't like.

It wasn't farting. I didn't feel gassy. But something was up. Perhaps something that is just un-explainable. 

I slowed from seven miles per hour to four miles per hour to assess the situation. That's when I smelled a stench.

"Is it me or is it the conveyor belt?" I wondered to myself.

I didn't feel anything. I didn't fart. It must be the conveyor belt. I moved to another treadmill, hoping that the smell would disappear.

It didn't.

It followed.

Of course, I thought, "Dude, who smells bad? It must be that guy over there."

Then it slowly dawned on me that perhaps that smell was coming from me, myself, and I.

I stopped. Again, assessed my situation, and decided that perhaps... oh, yes indeed, I'm permeating that disgusting smell, but how?

After noticing more people around me at the gym, I slowly collected my stuff and made myself to the exit.

The smell continued to follow me. It followed into my car. It even followed me to my son's day camp. And finally, it followed me to the house.

I couldn't let this awful stench continue--my wife was coming home within the next few minutes. I stripped out of my clothes and jumped in the shower.

I showered off that disgusting smell and came out feeling much more refreshed.

Perhaps I was emitting silent tiny sulfuric farts.

My Workout Playlist

I can't workout without music. I've tried. It's hard.

I've found myself getting to the gym and deciding that I wasn't going because I forgot either my phone or earphones.

So, what's my playlist?

Well, I rely on Pandora for my playlist, and I've put together a pretty good mix that keeps me entertained while breaking a sweat.


MY WORKOUT PLAYLIST includes:

Afrojack - Take Over Control (Extended)

Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat

Araabmuzik - I Remember

Avicii - Levels

Avicii - Fade Into Darkness (Vocal Radio Mix)

Bad Boy Bill - Do What U Like

Calvin Harris - Feel So Close (Benny Benassi Remix)

Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding - I Need Your Love

Calvin Harris - You Used to Hold Me

The Cardigans - Erase/Rewind

Deadmau5 - Not Exactly

Deadmau5 - Alone With You

Deadmau5 - Everything Before

Deadmau5 - The 16th Hour

Deadmau5 - Faxing Berlin

Deadmau5 - Moar Ghosts 'n' Stuff

Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina - Stereo Love

Ercola & Heikki L - Deep At Night (Adam K & Soha Remix)

Goodwill & Hook N Sling - Take You Higher

The Ian Carey Project - Get Shaky

Ivan Gough - In My Mind (Axwell Mix)

Kaskade - Be Still

Kaskade - 4 AM (Adam K & Soha Mix)

Kaskade feat. Martina from Dragonette - Fire in Your New Shoes (Sultan & Ned Shepard Electric Daisy Remix)

Kaskade - Move For Me

M83 - Midnight City

Martin Solveig & Dragonette - Hello

Martin Solveig - Racer 21

Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (The Juggernaut Remix)

Skrillex - Reptile's Theme

Skrillex - Bangarang

Swedish House Mafia - One

Swedish House Mafia - Save the World (Radio Mix)

The Return

It's been while since my last "Confessions of a Gym Dweeb" blog entry.

Uh... what was my last entry? Oh yeah, it was about changing my gym time from after work to middle-of-the day. I changed my schedule mainly because my work load piles up between January and April.

Now that my work load has somewhat returned to "normal," I'm able to return to my old routine.

Since my last visit to my gym, I did notice a change. For example, mildew was growing on the air ducts. It has since been removed. The air ducts look brand new. The machines were also switched around, probably due to the cleaning. New paint also covers the walls.

The same dedicated people are there. The guys look the same. The girls are more toned. There are also new faces--new customers who are starting from scratch. I remember those days.

Although, I love my gym, I do miss escaping during the day to the uptown gym; the staff are friendly, and the gym is practically empty between 10 and noon.

Changing my workout routine

Since my days are busy during this time of year, I decided to switch my workout schedule from after work to during the day. For me this was easy especially since my gym has several locations in the Austin area which are open to all their clients.

But getting familiarized to a new gym's layout is a bit challenging. For example, the cardio machines at my old gym are located on the second floor. At the gym next to my work, the cardio machines are located in the center of the gym.

Also, I have noticed that the equipment, which are similar to those I use at my old gym, feel different. Perhaps they are calibrated differently. Maybe there's wear and tear on the weight machines. Regardless, the 110 lbs I chest press feel heavier. Yes, I struggle at 110 lbs, but it's way better than what I started with (20 lbs) two years ago.

I decided that since work for me tends to slow down between 10AM and 11AM, I would take that hour to visit the gym and get in a 30 to 40 minute workout.

Who works out at 10AM in the morning?

The people I've seen are usually older retired couples. There's a hippie couple that I've seen the past few times--she wears birkenstocks while on the elliptical. There's also an aerobic class for seniors on Friday mornings.

As it gets closer to 11 o'clock, the attractive ladies start showing up. These ladies are different from the ones that I see at my old gym. A lot of the girls at my gym are professional women or moms who are getting back into fitness. The ladies I see at this gym look like they come here daily because they have too.

What's the best time to workout?

According to a recent study at Appalachian State University people who workout in the morning have better night sleeps.  Other researchers from the University of California Los Angeles, who studied mice's circadian rhythms, which affects the body's internal clock, suggest exercising midday may be more beneficial. Regardless of the time of day you decide to workout, the key thing is to make it a part of your routine.

The cool thing about going to the gym mid-morning, for me, is that the gym is practically empty. I'm able to try new equipment without waiting or feeling intimidated.

When you do workout?


Sources: http://www.news.appstate.edu/2011/06/13/early-morning-exercise/; http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/what-s-best-time-exercise; http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/whats-the-best-time-to-exercise; http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/12/why-afternoon-may-be-the-best-time-to-exercise/; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22988135

Control Prying

It's nothing new. My eyes tend to wonder off and people watch while working out. I notice the regulars. I can predict what time they arrive at the gym, and I know who's with whom. I try to control my prying, really.

A few weeks ago, while at the gym, I started my routine on the rowing machine, which faces the Smith Machine where a muscular short guy wearing a cap that ran low over his eyes was doing squats.

I rowed. He did squats. But when he finished, he so happened to turn towards my direction. And although I wasn't looking at him, my sight focused on him when I noticed he turn towards me. I quickly switched my attention to TVs behind him.

Yet, similar to the Preggo Creeper incident, it just so happened that this guy was either working out on a machine next to mine or in front of me. Since his capwas low, it was hard to determine whether our eyes did actually meet. Regardless, when it did seem as if they did, I would quickly find the TVs or look away.

There's obviously a reason why the gym have multiple TVs, and it's not just to keep clients informed of the world in sports and news. I think it gives clients something to focus on when working out and avoid situations similar to what I sometimes find myself getting into.

Mirrors

My in-laws rented a condo in South Austin for the month of December. This is great because it allows my eight-year old boy to spend time with his grandparents. And it's semi-convenient for me to pick him up from their condo after work. This proved so last week when my wife was on business travel.

I've been going to the gym for the past two years. I've made it a habit to workout at least three times a week.

Mondays and Tuesdays are a must. I can skip Wednesday, if I know I will make it to the gym Thursday and or Friday. The weekends are left for my body to relax.

I decided to try my gym's location in south Austin, since my son spent the afternoon with my in-laws at their condo.

To be honest, I was a bit nervous about visiting a different gym location. I visited their website and even Google mapped the location.

I walked into the gym and approached the front desk covered with young attractive athletic girls--my gym location doesn't have this eye candy.

After scanning my card with the barcode reader, one of the girls greeted me.  Like a geek I responded, "I go to the one north, so..." She looked over to the computer and turned again to me and said, "You're good." Sweet.

Before beginning my workout, I looked around the perimeter and notice the indoor running track. Inside the running track were the circuit machines. On the right hand side of the gym, were the ellipticals, treadmills, and rowing machines. To the left, were the stair-steppers and stationary bikes. Oh, and there are mirrors on every wall--remember that.

Naturally, I first went to the circuit machines I was familiar with; however, I found myself struggling to lift pounds that I normally do easily at my gym. Whereas, I can shoulder press 70 lbs. easily at my regular gym, I had to lower the weight to 50 lbs. at this gym--yes, I'm wimpy and yes, my mom can shoulder press 80 lbs.

After doing the circuit machines, I decided to do my five minutes of rowing. I sat down on one of the three rowing machines and began to row. The machines face towards the indoor track, which is being used.

As I was rowing, I noticed a Vietnamese guy that resembled a friend of mine. I looked at him wondering if I knew him or not. I was gazing without meaning to. Then I noticed him looking towards the wall. The wall which is covered with mirrors. He could see me looking at him. Ugh!

Soon after continuing my rowing I noticed an attractive brunette. My glance turned to gaze and again I was caught. Ugh!

"Two minutes left and I can move to another machine," I thought to myself.

The Vietnamese guy passed again and I purposely focused on my shoes. The brunette came around my field of vision and I attempted to focus on my shoes but was unsuccessful. Duh!

My five minutes were complete and I was thankful to move to another machine--one that I can blend in with other people and--more importantly--won't give away my gazes.

Preggo Creeper

Yes, I went there.

Where exactly?

How about staring at a pregnant belly, while working out at the gym.

Okay, so in the past I had noticed a pregnant lady lifting weights at the gym. To be honest, this concerned me a bit. I was a bit uncomfortable.

"Should a pregnant woman be placing this much stress to her body?" I thought to myself.

Well, during this particular time, as I slowly opened my eyes from having them shut as I struggled to curl 50 pounds, my focus happened to be on the pregnant lady's belly. My focus quickly turned away towards the TV screens to my far left after my stare was caught by this mom-to-be.

It got worse.

While I moved on to another circuit machine, she happened to move to the machine in front of me. So my focus was again on her belly--all creeper-like. I moved on and attempted to keep my distance from her before she reported me.

After confessing my experience to the wife before she receives any call from the gym, I searched the web for answers to my concerns.

According to several website, weight training throughout all three trimesters can be beneficial for a mom-to-be. Weight training can help in labor duration and speedy recovery after delivery.

Pregnancy Fitness lists several exercises pregnant women should consider such as bicep exercise to increase upper body strength, kegel exercise that strengths the pelvic floor, and leg lifts and squats to work out the lower body.

Finally, Bodybuilding.com offers exercise routine programs for moms-to-be to use, which includes weights, cardio, and yoga.

So, there you go. It's okay for a pregnant woman to be at the gym.

Sources: http://www.livestrong.com/article/451998-weight-training-exercises-for-pregnant-women/; http://www.davedraper.com/hugo-training-while-pregnant.html; http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/keeping-fit/options-for-everyone-strength-and-toning.aspx; http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=759; http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/wotw24.htm

Get back into fitness

It's been a while since I've blogged about going to the gym. I still go. Unfortunately, the summer limited my gym-activity. Plus, my infected tooth limited how much I can lift and press and how long I could do cardio.

So, how does one get back into fitness? This is a question performance coach Jill Sharp and personal trainer Margaret Polser addressed in an article I came across in the Summer/Fall issue of Moxie.

1. Change your routine
2. Download some new tunes
3. Find a partner
4. Change the scenery or get a new workout DVD
5. Set a goal
6. Get a personal trainer

You can read the complete article and list HERE.

Source: "Put the Fun Back in Fitness," Moxie Magazine, Summer/Fall 2012, Pg. 12

Over the threshold, finally

Last year, I made the decision that I would improve my health by going to the gym. I made a routine and now it's a habit.

I started off focusing on cardio; I was doing about forty-five minutes on the elliptical and treadmill.

As I got a little more comfortable with my surroundings, I began to explore the circuit weights. I started lifting 10 lbs. Yes, 10 pounds. I had no upper body strength and this concerned me.

I was having difficulty lifting my 50 lbs son. I didn't like that. This shouldn't be a problem. I should be able to lift him up.

Then I started thinking. I've never lifted my wife up. Tradition has it that a man carries his wife over the threshold after getting married and or moving into a home.  We walked through it. Not romantic at all.

Slowly, I increased the weights in the machines. Now I can lift 70 to 90 lbs on the circuit weights.

But more importantly, on April 7, 2012, after nine years of getting married and moving into our home, I lifted my wife and carried her over the threshold.

Focus. Stride. Focus. Stride...

If you're like me, you notice the same people at the around the same time at your gym. They, like you, have made it a habit to go to the gym, and because of this you might feel a little more comfortable with your surroundings and the people working out next to you. Right?

A couple months go, I decided to increase the weights on the circuit equipment. Doing so tired me quickly after the first 15 minutes, but I didn't realize it until I was eight minutes doing cardio on the strider.

I usually start my 15 minutes on the elliptical strider on an incline and resistance of 8 and 25, respectively, and slowly decrease it based on my stamina.

I got on the elliptical strider and began to, well, stride.

I then noticed the redhead girl, who I see at the gym every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, getting on the strider next to me. She quickly meets my speed, and we're both striding along; probably on different paths, because mine soon got a bit bumpy.

When I stride, I usually keep my eyes occupied by people watching and glancing at the various TVs. That day, my eyes decided to focus on the TV in front of me.

Stride. Focus. Stride. Focus. Stride. Focus. Tilting back. Stride. Tilting back more. Oh sh*t!

I quickly grabbed the handles and struggled to regain my stride.

I turned to the redhead to see if she noticed my folly, but she continued to look forward. I turned to the other side to see if all was cool.  No one seemed to have noticed--come on, it was quite obvious. Or was it?  I mean, I'd understand if I were to have fallen--that would have gotten the attention from a lot of people.

I regained my step and continued to stride.