My guy called me Sweetheart today. He’s not really my guy, he’s my new personal trainer. His name is Justin and he’s built like the proverbial brick S*#@house. Muscle bound and big, he almost waddles when he walks. He’s young and cute and he calls me such endearing names with that cute little smile of his. He’s making love to my muscles, seducing me to do 20 more reps. while my body screams in agony and I want to snap at him. In the midst of my gasping for breath I tell him that calling me sweetheart doesn’t negate the fact that I’m being tortured. We both laugh and then he pushes me a little more. That’s a girl, just 25 more… move it hard, you can do it sweetheart. Gasp.
[ An Exercise to Keep You Fit as a Fiddle ]
In a moment of resting we have serious words. He was my trainer 4 years ago, when a younger and more fit me worked hard at trying to sculpt some of the fat into a pleasing line. I’m supposed to be complimented, I think, when he points out that I’ve never been afraid to work hard. He’s right, and the problem is that I don’t push myself like that. Left on my own I’d do about half the amount of work we did today. This workout was nothing compared to what we did years ago when I occasionally thought I might vomit on his shoes. I never knew I could work that hard, he pushed me to the very limit of my abilities and then nudged a little more.
I’ve really neglected my body over these last years; I’d love to blame it on the couch potato I partnered with for 3 years but I believe in personal responsibility. So, I confess to have gotten lazy and sloppy. And, in this post- menopausal state I’m unable to keep the weight down and the tummy sucked in. I’m in danger of outgrowing my Spanx!
[ Swimming - an Exercise for Everyone ]
Right now I feel great, I’ve been home from the gym for about 2 hours and I no longer feel slightly sick. My heart rate is back to normal (thank heavens I took my blood pressure medicine this morning) and I ate a healthy salad for lunch. This is what I want, to feel lively and energetic; it’s an emotional high of sorts. With the iPod playing a sassy upbeat song I could dance around the house right now. Positively exhilarating! Tomorrow will be a different story; we did lots of lower body work, including that torturous exercise where you sit and stand with legs in an exaggerated wide stance, using thigh muscles to lift and lower my body- I might not be able to get out of the bed in the morning. The walk to the car was wobbly, I feared that my legs might give way as I tried to walk down the 4 steps out front. I’ll drink extra water all day, do a little stretching before bed time and maybe even a hot bath tonight. Hopefully the morning won’t be so bad.
This is part of my Thanksgiving resolution to get moving and energize myself. Part torture and part self-care. I said I’d do it and this is a pledge I intend to stick to. Getting older is tough enough without adding problems brought about by inactivity. If I’m going to approach my late 50’s with any grace at all a healthier body will give me an added boost. It’s not necessarily about looking good, though as a single woman that might help my dating search. Who knows, maybe Mr. Right is at the gym? Though, with my huffing and puffing and sweaty wobbly body I’m probably not all that appealing.
[ Exercising Helps Aging People Thrive ]
I’m also going to start a fitness journal to help reinforce how I’m feeling. Jotting down food intake, exercise routine and frequency with a note or two about mood. And, of course my weight. Then when I’m searching for motivation to go to the gym on a cold miserable day I can read a page or two and remind myself of what this torture all about. I realize that no one else is going to look after my health; I have to start being more proactive and there’s never a better time to start than today.
About the Author: Walker Thornton tries to get fit and healthy in Virginia.
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