My Hips Dont Lie, Part 2

I am not a scientist, a fitness expert or a personal trainer. But I can still tell you one absolute truth about fitness: if you slack off in the summer, drinking white wine and eating chips by the dock, you will certainly feel and see it.  I know this from the direct and extensive personal experimentation that I have undertaken on behalf of all my friends and readers. No, no, don't thank me. I am just doing what I can. Have you read about that personal trainer in NYC who gained 75 lbs just to lose it again as a demonstration to his clients that it can be done?? Yah, I'm not really like that. But, back to the gym twice this week and as soon as that leftover peach pie is done, it's all going to be good. I think.

Summer Lovin'

That's right, I have a summer crush. Don't be alarmed though, it's just the gorgeous pool at the ORC. How great is it that I bought pool passes for the kids for the hottest, driest summer on record?? Things normally work in the exact opposite way for me! The pool rocks - clean, warm, lifeguards, lots of pool noodles. Only two misgivings go through my brain as I lounge in the shallow end with my non-lifejacket wearing youngest child: 1) best to go either before or after the crazy camp rush. At exactly 2:30, a whole parade of happy, loud, energerized kids come in to take over the pool and have a blast. 2) Why the heck didn't I register my kids for summer camp at the ORC so they could be part of the parade?? Next year baby...

Uh Oh...

Okay, I'm now getting scared about how I'm going to keep up my work out routine over the summer. School is out for 9 weeks and 2 are already gone. I can't believe how fast the time is passing and how my best intentions are passing right along with it! I've been at the cottage and very active (it's pretty much impossible to be at the cottage with 3 busy children and a flight of 60 stairs between the water and the cottage without being active!), I have been missing the gym. So, back in town this week and back at the gym. SO happy to have gone today although I must admit, I was feeling my absence, especially in my legs. Oh, and two people moved away from me on the treadmill so I'm guessing my "cottage" hygiene is somewhat lacking!!

Summers Here!

Yeah! Took one look at that sparkling blue water today and promptly bought summer pool passes for my kids! I'm so excited to take them - they will be in watery heaven! And for $50 a person? BEST deal I've seen in a while. WAY cheaper than any daycamp I've seen and way more fun. Finally, looking forward to school ending :) And just in time as the little darlings are done tomorrow!

Nap vs. Gym

So here's the debate that was going on in my head this afternoon while all the kids were occupied and I had an hour to myself: "nap or gym, nap or gym, nap or gym. Nap....wait, recall the fiasco trying on bathing suits last week? Ok, gym." Gym won. And it felt sooo good. Came home all sweaty and invigorated to a messy, noisy, house and all was well with the world!

Revelations

I had three useful thoughts today at Zumba (in addition to many non-useful ones). First, I realized that me trying to follow Annie is like a toddler trying to do the highjump - you need to learn to crawl, then walk, then do ridiculous things with your body. So I spotted a young woman to follow who could totally do the moves but was not nearly as fast or amazing as Annie (is anyone?). I followed her and actually could semi keep up! Secondly, as long as you're moving your hips and arms with a spanish flavour (picture Marc Anthony's back up dancers), no one can really tell that you're totally lost! And last, while the songs are mostly in Spanish and I have no clue what's they're saying, I distinctly heard the word "tequila" in that last one. Aha!

Do you think there is such a thing as dance dyslexia? Because if there is, I think I must have it. But I thought I at least looked the part in zumba today with a new, flowing shirt. No zumba pants yet for me though...not sure all those zippers would look as cool going in the wrong direction and at the wrong pace. Someone could lose an eye :) !

Say It's Not So!

Oh no! Just found out that Richard's Easy Rider spinning class will have its last session next week! Yes, it will be back in the fall but I was just getting my stride. And I bought some new "spinner" type workout clothes. Deep sigh. Now I will have to choose between abandoning spinning until the fall (no!) or trying one of the harder spin classes (ouch!). Hmm...2 weeks to decide which way I'll be going. I do like those new tops...

I've Died and Gone to Zumba

Well. Just came home from my first zumba class and what can I say? I don't even know where to start except for pointing out that when I grow up, I want to be Annie. That woman is unbelievable. She's like ORC's own JLo but way more caliente. Secondly, I had a major shock during the class. For years, I've thought that I'm a pretty decent dancer. I love music, love to dance and no one has ever pointed and laughed that I'm aware of. But guess what? I can't dance...at ALL. I'm reminded of the time I tasted a local after hours pizza during daylight (and sober) hours for the first time and found it is was actually horrible. I can not dance. Wow. I need a few days to actually process this. The good news is that once I broke it down to focus either on Annie's arms or legs, rather than attempting to do both at the same time (like trying to pat your head while rubbing your stomach), I could manage to get through it without bumping into anyone else or getting completely lost. And I had fun. Had a great time actually. I still think zumba would be even better with fruity cocktails and sunny shores but I'll be back next week! Get ready Annie....  :)

The View From Where I Sit...

So I was virtuously going to go to the gym today for spin class. I got all dressed and ready to rock when I realized how gorgeous it was out. It was one of those true spring, birds a'singing, sun a'shining, breeze a 'blowing kind of days that we don't seem to get many of any more (is it just me or do we go right from winter to summer now?). So I decided to forego my beloved spinning class in favour of cycling in the real world - to and from school and around the 'hood. The workout was maybe 10-20% of what spinning class gives me but boy was the view better! No offense to Richard of course :). Back to spinning next week!

Let Me Count the Ways

Things that have kept me from going to the gym in the last week:

• sick son
• sick self
• volunteering in my daughter's classroom,
• husband away on business trip
• Mother's Day activities to plan and execute (of course)
• self on trip with oldest son to check out Queens University
• general fatigue and lazines

Things that will get me back in there today:

• summer is almost here and my butt is too big.

That's it. But that's enough. See you there this afternoon!

Cliquety Clique...

So I've been talking with my kids a lot lately about cliques - how they start, how they make people feel, etc. and I realized today that cliques don't disappear when you become an adult. Far from it. They are everywhere! For instance, in my spinning class, there is a "back row" clique. Now they're not Mean Girls or anything close to that (they're not even all female :) ) but they have an obvious camaderie based on a shared passion for spinning and a friendship from doing this frequently together. So, rather than feel intimidated and heading back to the anonymity of the Fitness Centre, I took my own advice and reached out to make a few new friends. And guess what? Not hard to do! I made myself an active part of the class (clapping, cheering, answering the teacher's questions) and chatted to the women on either side of me. Did we form a new clique? No, and I wouldn't want to. But I definitely feel welcome there!

Keeping Me Honest

I know, I know. My fingers made some promises that my body hasn't kept. I promised I would keep you posted on my fitness progress in terms of BMI and % body fat. It's possible I also made a vague suggestion (okay, a promise) that there would be pictures. Well, I guess I lied. Maybe not lied, but procrastinated! To be completely honest with you, while I feel fitter, stronger and more confident, I still look pretty chubby. My eating plan has been a bit of a fail. So, give me some more time, okay? Don't give up on me and I won't either. Let's see about a June 1 check in? Deal?? Thanks.

I'm A Believer...

Okay, I get it. I’m a believer. I’m all in. After a couple of months of using the fitness centre in anonymity, I totally get the joy of group classes. The teachers inspire and work me harder than I work myself. I feel FANTASTIC afterwards and it’s social. And after you do one, you are ready for others. After 3 spin classes I feel completely ready to try zumba, yoga, hot yoga and even something called “Group Power”, whatever the heck that is. Helps to have a friend to do it with (shout out to Heather!) but it is a revelation… I will report back with my findings!

Spinners

How many times do you have to go to spinning class before you are officially a “spinner”? Because I have gone twice and I feel that qualifies. I love spinning. Seriously, what the heck? But I love everything about it. The music is great (good job Richard), the workout is awesome, the lights are dim (always a good call) and I like the people. Huh. Total surprise. I have to miss the class next week and I am already stressing about it. I’m going to try spinning with a different teacher on Monday. A little nervous because it’s not an “easy rider” class but I’m going for it.

Is It Summer Yet?

Guess what I spotted at the gym today? The pool is open! Yahoo! To clarify, it’s not actually open for swimming (and it’s freezing out for some wacked reason), but it is open for cleaning and does it ever look great! Blue and sparkling, the thought of it kept me going during my workout because if there’s one thing I associate with sparkling blue water it is bathing suits. Yikes. Well, I also associate fruity drinks with umbrellas served by pool boys but that’s another story.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Not that my kids are monkeys…they just act like them sometimes! All this gym going has had a great effect on my kids. They are becoming much more focused on their own activity levels.  Now my guys are super active already – they play hockey, rugby, baseball and always use wheels of some sort (bike, scooter, skateboard or rollerblades) to school and back. But they have told me they’re jealous I get to use all the gym equipment – they are dying to be old enough to use the treadmill and elliptical!  - and they’ve actually started a jogging program on their own.  Given that they have also inherited my sweet tooth and chip addiction, I’m so proud of them!

Ouch!

Wow, as good as spinning felt while I was doing it, I can tell you that my legs and other regions directly north of my legs are S-O-R-E today! I’m glad I have a week to recoup before trying it again. Another friend of mine who belongs to the ORC (a skinny, super fit friend by the way) wants me to go with her to her 6:15 Spin class. Yah, you can imagine my reaction to that one. I think that one is called "Race Day". Once I stop laughing, I will tell her to get back to me in a month or so!

Spin Me Right Round...

I did it! I tried something totally new! Today I went with a friend to my very first spinning class! I felt those same butterflies that I remember from my first day at the gym – good, right? Not sure what I was expecting but certainly visions of falling off the bike passed through my head as did visions of the rest of the class pointing and laughing at me. But guess what? It was so fun! I went to “Easy Rider” lead by Richard. Seriously, if this was Easy Riding, I can only imagine what Road Rage is like. Ouch. Richard was great. He lead us through a great workout, going on virtual flat roads, mountains and peaks. So may times I was convinced I couldn’t go any further but his quick intervals and great music (with the exception of Nickleback – seriously, Richard), kept me going! And you know what? I clapped when it was over and can’t wait to go back next week. Woo hoo! Oh, did I mention there are potential new shoes involved? Spin shoes – who knew? Any excuse for new shoes is great news for me!

In a Rut

Now you know I love my treadmill. And you know I love my Criminal Minds. But I admit it, I’m in a rut. I need a push to get cracking and try something new. I’m sending out an SOS to all my gym friends. I want to shadow them to whatever class they do to try and get my mojo back. 

Update: Was forced to break out of my treadmill rut today because my headphones were broken. I did try to watch Criminal Minds for a bit without the sound (which you’d think would be easy given Shamar Moore’s unique pleasing to the eye qualities) but it actually got boring pretty fast. So, I ended up doing both the stationary bike and the elliptical and it felt good. Great to break up the routine for a change.

It's Not You, It's Me

OMG. I don’t believe it but despite not being a pit-runner, someone did the old wave and move to ME today! They did stop and use the bike for a few minutes before returning to a different treadmill but still highly suspicious. I did a surreptitious check and didn’t detect anything amiss but still cut my run short to head to the showers!! Bring on the cracker towels!

It's the Pits

So I’m getting pretty good on my trusty treadmill. I actually look forward to going to the gym, plugging in my headphones and working on a sweat while watching Criminal Minds (which, by the way, is awesomely on basically all day). I go at a quick pace (getting faster all the time) and a steep incline. It feels great. But there is a downside: Picking a treadmill is fraught with peril. For instance, I have a favourite treadmill. It is not directly in front of the court so there is no glare on the monitor, it is close to the sanitizing spray and wipes and sort of tucked away a bit from the core of the fitness centre. I love it. But…what to do if someone is on my treadmill or worse, there is someone on the one beside it who looks less than "fresh"? Now I know that not everyone showers BEFORE coming to the gym, I totally get that. But seriously, if you’ve been eating raw onions or curry, please Febreeze yourself before we get in close contact. Just today I made the mistake of using my fave treadmill even though there was a very sweaty young man on the one beside me. I should’ve waited and watched for a minute because what I didn’t know is that he was a pit-runner! Yes, the kind of person who when they hit their stride they lock their hands behind their head and put on the heat while giving their neighbours a full blast of pit perfume. Not good. I didn’t know what to do exactly. Would it be unforgivably rude to simply get off and move to another treadmill? After all, other than being a pit runner, the young man seemed like a lovely sort and I wouldn’t want to offend him. Forget the treadmill and find an elliptical machine with better air quality? But then I would miss Criminal Minds…hmmmm.   Finally, I took the chicken route out and pretended I saw someone I knew across the room. I did a wave, and motioned I would come talk to them. I ducked out, got a drink and returned to fresh treadmill! Victory!!

Note to Self #4

There is a reason why the lockers directly in front of the locker room door are always available, even during “peak” periods. I inadvertently flashed the boys’ tennis team today. Sorry guys.

Note to Self #3

When you go to the gym already in your workout clothes and plan to shower and change before going out in public, it is best to remember to pack a bra. Whoops. My choice was either put the sweaty but sturdy sports bra back on (gross) or hang loose as they say. I went for the loose option and crossed my arms for the next couple of hours until I got home to change. I think I made the wrong choice.

Baby Got Back!

A sore back that is. Ouch!! I am in so much pain I can barely bend over to get my boots on. The gym just cannot happen for me for a couple of days. I am actually sad. Seriously, 6 weeks ago I would have been happy to have an excuse not to go but now I feel like a sloth. I really need to get my fitness mojo back so this is terrible timing. I might try the treadmill a bit and see how that goes. But I’ll have to concentrate – don’t want to fall off (again) and make it worse. Wish me luck!

Update: I survived! Back still sore but more spring in my step for sure.

Hide and Seek

Okay, if you read my last month’s blog, you will know that I was supposed to have a tennis lesson with Gary Muller by now. I know, I know. I totally will but he’s been busy, I’ve been busy and the fact that I essentially hide every time I see him may have something to do with him. Have I mentioned that hand/eye coordination is not one of my best qualities? I will submit to it soon though, I promise!

Panic! At the Gym...

Oh dear lord. I just received my invitation to our 20^th (gulp) reunion at Queen’s University.  Will be great to see all my old friends but one thing is painfully obvious to me: since my Comm ’92 jacket is a perfect fit for my slight 12 year old son, there is little chance it will zip up on me at all. And while coveralls were the outfit of choice back in the day, I don’t think I will fool anyone if I try pulling this look off at the reunion. I scroll through all the attendees and note that they fall into two groups: 1) those whose FB profile pics are of themselves – these people have not changed a bit and may actually look better than they did at University and 2) those who cowardly post pics of their kids and/or pets as their FB pic. I fall into the latter category. Face it, there is no clearer admission that you have either gained a lot of weight and/or lost a lot of hair than to avoid posting your own pic. But unlike my panic when I received my invite to my 20th high school reunion, I now have a feasible plan (my HS reunion plan to wear black and stay under dim lights was only marginally successful). I am going to continue going to the gym AT LEAST 3 times per week, building to 4 or 5 in the 2 months before the reunion. Thankfully, I have 6 months before the reunion. This will work!

The Thighs of March

Okay, so the excitement of February has given way to a much more trying March. Maybe it’s the Ides, maybe it’s my thighs…I don’t know. I do know that this month has been an exercise (no pun intended) in getting myself over to the gym despite a series of events that would keep me away. I wouldn’t say I’ve totally won this battle but hopefully I will end the month stronger and more determined.

Ode to the Play Centre

How much do I love the Play Centre at the ORC? Let me count the ways: 1) I love that my daughter is excited to go. At first I tried squeezing in the gym only while she was at school, but now I realize she looks forward to going which is awesome! 2) the women running the centre are awesome! They are caring and firm and make sure all the kids are having fun. I love these ladies! 3) there are tonnes and tonnes of toys and lots of space to run around. No wonder they love it! Best of all? No mess in my house! It's the perfect playdate. 5) It's the best deal in town. Ridiculously reasonable in cost, it really makes my gym time great - I feel good about bringing my daughter somewhere where she can have fun and so can I! But ORC parents - please bring on the girls - it's definitely a boys' club in there!

Here I Go Again...

Oh snap. Getting back to the gym after being away is HARD.

March Break Commeth...

Yes, March Break is awesome. But being away from the gym for at least 10 days (hey – it’s a long drive to Hilton Head!) will be tricky. At least I know I will keep up some sort of exercise while I’m there.  I plan on biking for at least an hour each day I’m there and going for long walks on the beach (so hard, right?). However, since I also plan on spending at least an hour each day at the Salty Dog bar, it will be time for payback when I return. Wish me luck!

Before and After, But Mostly After

Okay. I’m thinking before and after photos would be awesome! If there was some way to achieve this without actually doing a before photo, I would like the idea even better. I will be like one of those Hydroxycut ladies (but probably no spray tan and no crazy eyes from all that epinephrine). I should’ve come up with this idea before my very first visit but it will still work – a “before-ish” pic. Watch for it!

A Gym Virgin By Any Other Name...

Okay, because I would way rather focus on the fun and superficial (and look where that has gotten me!), I have decided that my jump into a fitness regime needs to start at the beginning – with a really cool blog name! Yes! It should be witty and clever, a little self-deprecating but charming.  Hmm…where to start? I like the idea of a pop culture reference/spin. Like, “The 40 year old Gym Virgin”. Problems with this one?  40 is being a little kind to myself (in the alpha-numeric system I adopted a few years ago, I am actually 40B), and “virgin” is also not exactly accurate. I did have a brief gym flirtation in my 30s and actually quite enjoyed it but found a long-term commitment unattainable. Since then I’ve been a bit of an exercise hussy – having flings with power walking (shoot me now), jogging (shoot me again and don’t miss this time) among others.  I think I’ll stick with The Mystery Mover for now.

Gym Barbie

Today’s ponderings while on the treadmill – why on earth hasn’t there ever been a gym going Barbie? How perfect would that be? I mean, Barb has been an astronaut, a doctor, a scientist, a hula-dancer and a cheerleader. How come she’s never put her hair in a pink sequined scrunchie and hit the weights? I think she would rock! Imagine all the cool accessories: tiny yoga mat and iPod, water bottle and teensie towel, not to mention the best accessory of all – Personal Trainer Ken! True, I don’t think her twisty turny waist and posable limbs would be great at yoga but Zumba  Barbie would be so cool!

Tennis Anyone?

So, I cheated a little in that I didn’t try something new at the gym this week. Unless you count the restaurant. Which actually, I do and it is deelish!! Love, love, love the smoothies and the soup. Yum. Seriously, daytime TV and homemade soup? Someone should’ve told me about this long ago. But I digress. The reason I haven’t tried out anything other than a new soup this week is that I am psychologically preparing myself for a BIG new thing next week. Wait for it….Private tennis lessons with Gary Muller! Ouch and Yikes!! I am literally scared. And also super excited J. Wish me luck! Now, to find a suitable skirt…
 

Update – went this evening and tried the steam shower after all! So there. It was awesome!

My Hips Don't Lie!

Hold up! I have big news! I do believe my winter coat is looser on me that it was a month ago. Now I’m not saying it’s loose exactly, but loosER which is pretty great nonetheless. I was suspicious of this a couple of days ago but I chalked it up to a thin sweater and wishful thinking. But now I noticed it again so I say it’s official! Can my jeans be next?! Cross my fingers.

True Confessions of the TV Kind

Confession time: While most of my motivation at the gym is definitely getting in shape and taking charge of my heart health, another part of it (and a generous part at that) is being able to watch Criminal Minds reruns during the day. There must be 30 screens in the fitness centre and not a single one is turned to Max and Ruby! Genius!! As I get stronger physically, I am itching to try some of the group classes to mix it up a little, but I really am torn because I hate to leave my TV. Maybe after Sweeps Week.

Woo Hoo!

Total revelation at the gym today – I actually rock! Seriously. I’ve been lurking around for 3 weeks now, feeling a little self-conscious and embarrassed about being in slightly inferior shape than the majority of ORC members (just slightly, mind you J). But today I realized that I should totally be proud – there I am sweating it out and making a difference and basically saying “not today, Sir” to heart disease and a whole host of other weight-related diseases and that rocks! I had this revelation in the middle of doing my weights and I tell you, I walked a little taller and prouder on the way back to the locker room. And guess what? I only used 1 towel for the shower! You go girl!

The Towel Dilemna

So my new challenge to myself is to try one new thing at the gym each week. This week? The showers! Now, I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking this is too easy for a challenge. But not true, there is shower etiquette and technique to master before being confident. I think I did pretty well. I forgot to bring flip flops but other than that, didn’t seem to offend anyone in any way. But I have not mastered the towel situation. Gym staff, with all due respect can I tell you that if you are a woman with, let’s say – curves - and who is maybe a teensy bit self-conscious of her curves (especially given all the super thin women walking around the change room in various states of nakedness), having towels that are the approximate size of a graham cracker does not help the situation. Even using two of the wee cracker-towels, I still had to make some hard choices about which body part to cover up and which to share with the rest of the locker room. Other than that, thoroughly enjoyed showering without any of my children banging on the door to get in J. Next week’s challenge? It’s a toss up between trying that sadistic looking stair machine in the fitness centre or the steam room. Both are sweaty. Which do you think I should do?

To Zumba or Not To Zumba, That Is the Question

Right. I’m now scrolling through the ORC website trying to get an idea of what classes will appeal to me. Using the pictures as a basis, I’m a little scared. Everyone looks very, very toned and so happy! How can they smile and sweat like that at the same time? And their clothes are intimidating. I know for sure I won’t look remotely like that. Solely on the scary pictures, I’m ruling spinning out for a starters while still thinking Pilates and yoga are real possibilities.  But I worry that won’t be enough (I need that jiggle factor to justify the expensive sports bra). Also ruling out anything that has the words “power”, “blast”, “hard-core” or “rage” in it. I think I’m left with Zumba! That sounds pretty good, right? Even the font on the schedule looks fun and friendly. Only problem? As I’ve said, I’m not that coordinated and I’m also not really even sure how you pronounce Zumba? I think I’ll stick with the Fitness Centre for a while.

Tap, Tap...

So it’s been a few weeks and I am feeling the pressure (friendly, non-judgemental pressure mind you J) to join my friends in various classes. But honestly, I just don’t feel I’m ready. First, my endurance and muscle strength are still in the nascent phase and secondly, I am really not that coordinated. How do you know when you are ready to move from the relative anonymity of the fitness centre into a group class? I wish they had a “tapping” system – where the trainers would roam the fitness centre and discreetly tap you on the shoulder to let you know you have been “called up”. That would be awesome. Then again, I would be so distracted watching who was getting the tap. I would no doubt fall off the treadmill. Again.

Note to Self #2

It is best to put your earphones in, find your playlist and get it all started BEFORE starting the treadmill. Otherwise, you run the risk of falling off and looking a little silly. Just saying.

My Heart Must Go On...

Happy Valentine’s Day! I had to force myself to go to the gym today. Not because I had so many chocolate bonbons to work off (sigh…that would’ve been nice), no, because I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. I have a full on head cold.  All I wanted to do was hit the sheets and drink potfuls of tea. But, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, my heart must go on. It must go to the gym. So, I dragged myself there, telling myself the whole way that I “would go easy on myself”. Now I’m back, after doing 45 minutes of fast walking on the treadmill and 30 minutes of weights, I still don’t feel great. But at least I now feel sick and virtuous which beats sick and guilty any day. And now I can have some of that yummy chocolate cake I made for Valentine’s day!!

Games You Can Play at the Gym

Okay, new game to play with myself: how many visits to the gym will it take before I actually start seeing a difference in my body? I know what you’re thinking.  I should concentrate on the process and getting fit and yada, yada. But seriously? I want my jeans to be looser. I really do. I’m thinking if I commit to going 3 times per week then I should potentially see a small change within a month. Too ambitious? We’ll see. For now, I’m going to plan on stepping on the torture device known as the Body Metrics scale on the 1^st of each month and hope to see some progress, however small. I’ll keep you posted!

Note to Self #1

If, in the dead of winter, you are going to the gym after a morning of doing random errands, bring your gear out of the trunk as early as possible. A semi-frozen sports bra is not exactly the uplifting experience I was looking for.

Finding My People

One thing my friends have heard me say in the past is you need to “find your people”. It’s true any time you start something new. When we moved to Oakville 4 years ago I knew that finding my people would take time. I got really lucky  - some of my people lived right near me and were among the first, wonderful people that I met (and you know who you are J). The same thing is going to happen with the gym. I will need to find my gym people. In the meantime, I have approached all of my friends who are already members at the ORC and asked them to basically hold my hand a little – meeting me at the Fitness Centre, showing me the ropes and keeping me motivated. And they’ve all been enthusiastic recruits. Bonus? Now I can have “playdates” with friends I never get to see enough!  Score one for the gym people!

The Great Thing About the Superbowl

Here is something I now know for certain: the gym, like Ikea, Home Depot and probably every steakhouse with a TV in the country, is virtually empty during Superbowl! So great for gym novices who want to test the waters in relative anonymity. Now there were a few diehards watching the game on the treadmills or elliptical machines but I peeked in the weight room (don’t worry, I wasn’t actually going to go in) and it was deserted.  I love it! I’m now rooting for the Leafs and hoping that a playoff run will have the same effect.

A Warm Hello and A Kiss Goodbye

Okay, I just came back from my first session at ORC and I have to say – I’m pretty excited! It was actually sort of great. I went in and met with Gabriella in Membership who literally couldn’t be nicer and more welcoming. My anxiety was getting pretty high but she showed me everything, introduced me to so many people (how does she know every single person there?) and generally got me excited about trying out the programs. Somehow in her capable hands the thought “sure, I could totally try squash” crossed my hand/eye coordination challenged mind.  A warm and fuzzy beginning to my journey for sure!

 Then the hammer dropped. I had to change and make my way upstairs to the dreaded Fitness Assessment. I knew it would be bad. It’s sort of like waiting for the bank receipt to print at the ATM or watching the total increasing at the Target register – you know the number will be nasty. You know generally what it’s going to be. But you can’t help scrunching up your face and watching out of one eye anyway – hoping for a surprise.

 
Well, there was no surprise here. The number was in the ballpark I thought it would be and let me tell you, this is a large ballpark. But, I unscrunched my face and opened my other eye and looked at the number. Really looked. And said goodbye. Because the good thing about this number is that I’ll never see it again. It’s my before. And you can’t get to after without being hit up in the head with before.  Now, I don’t really want to share ALL the horror with you, but just so you can keep tabs on me (and to keep me honest), I will share my % of body fat and BMI. Now prepare yourself and no judging – 39.1% and 29.7 respectively. I know right? Ouch!! I’ll give you a monthly update and see how it goes. My 6 month goal? To get down to 30% body fat and 26% BMI. I think that is both reasonable and doable. With a little jiggling of course J.

I'm Going On a Bra Hunt

I approached Private Moments on Lakeshore Rd. in Port Credit with more than a little apprehension.  Quickly, Mother-hen Marion put me at ease and showed me all her treasures. Do you know that they actually have bra bags? Little sequined suitcases to put push-up bras in when you travel so they don’t get smushed. Brilliant!! I resist the urge though, realizing that I really don’t need anything in the push-up, cleaving enhancing category. I need more in the “push-down, stop boobs from bouncing up and hitting my chin when I run” category. Too bad.  30 minutes later I leave with a new sports bra and it’s actually sort of great! Fits me well, passes the jiggle test (jumping jacks in the change room which, by the way, totally winded me J), and keeps everything where it should be. I’m tempted to “wear it out of the store” like a kid with new shoes but decide to save the test drive for the gym!

Oh Snap!

Oh Snap! Admittedly, that is the first thought that goes through my head when I’m told it’s a go – I am going to willingly submit my saggy self to one year of fitness in the hopes of improving my health. And, I‘m going to go public with it!  What was I thinking??  Second thought?  I’m going to have to buy a sports bra! I don’t even know where one goes to do that. I mean, I do exercise; I go on long walks with the kids, I ski with them and play mini-sticks. I even do yoga once a week. But I suspect getting my chakras aligned has not resulted in the kind of jiggling I will experience over the next 12 months. This is going to be a year with a lot of firsts!