I have joined a health club called Toadal Fitness. Yes, that actually is the name, Toadal like the amphibian. I am taking my doctor's advice to bump up the amount of exercise I do. I like the place. I have access to the equipment and classes at the club, including the Silver Sneakers class designed especially for little old ladies such as myself, and from what I have observed, little old men as well. This morning while I was talking to a friend on the phone I thought she called the health club TURTLE Fitness. The name hit a cord with me. It perfectly describes my relationship with exercise. I have spent my whole life trying to keep up with people when I walk. I have short little legs and a short stride. The only person I was ever able to walk with who had a similar stride was my Dad. Everyone else accommodates themselves to my stride by walking slower than they normally would, or they just walk normally and I do a kind of walk/run maneuver to try and keep up. My exercise plan at the heath club is "turtle-ish" as well. Although I said I wouldn't use any equipment that resembled a recliner, that is the equipment that works best for me. I have been given a plan by a kindly and encouraging personal trainer where I use a stationary bicycle with a reclining back and a series of machines that I sit on that work on all my various body parts. I tried the elliptical machine, but getting on and off was a little dicey and I don't want to fall and break something. I'm not going anywhere near the treadmill having recently heard on the news about a man who fell off of one while on vacation and died from a head injury. ONWARD AND FORWARD, TURTLES !This is an entirely new experience for me. I never in a million years expected to be working out at a health club. I thought that there was no way I could ever fit in with young, hard bodied people in spandex. Although there ARE some young, hard bodied people in spandex at Toadal Fitness, there are many people who look a lot like me. The club actually makes a point of not being a "gym." I am also feeling more adventuresome and willing to try things I might not have done in the past, just by virtue of being a little old lady. I am not as embarrassed by my body. It's the only one I have and I want to treat it kindly. The trainer encouraged me to take things at my own pace, which as I have already said, resembles a turtle. Like the turtle in the Tortoise and Hare fable, I see myself marching forward at my own slow and consistent pace. Onward and Forward!
1 Comment
Netha
6/9/2015 04:29:56 am
Hi! We were walking partners for a time some years ago. As I remember, we were pretty similar in pace--you may have even been a little faster than I. I joined a "gym" last fall, so I could take water exercise classes, but I haven't tried any equipment. It's fun to see you blogging! Good for you!
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