When was the last time you walked through the door of a gym? Are you someone who rolls out of bed in the morning, slides into workout clothes and, while still half asleep, heads out the door to exercise that wonderful body you have been carrying around (or has been carrying you around) for years? Or, are you like me, having done none of that for too long?
The January issue of INSPIRED Senior Living ran several excellent articles about keeping fit – stories about how to do it and stories of people who continue to do it. I, however, was not one of them. For one reason or another, I have not walked through the door of a gym, picked up free weights or done a sit up for over two years. I know how good I feel when I do it. I know how good my body looks when I follow a program. I just haven’t done anything about it. Yes, I think about it often (well sometimes), but there always seems to be something else that needs to be done – lunch with a friend, a book to be read, notes to go over. Something always seems to keep me away from exercising.
Well, last week, I finally did it! Feeling inspired, I walked through the door of one of the new YM/YWCAs in Victoria. The staff was friendly, open and non-judgmental; ready to help in any way they could. Several days later, I came back for an orientation. I squeezed myself into my old workout clothes, jammed my feet into shoes that barely fit anymore, and worried that I had forgotten almost everything I had previously learned.
After 45 minutes, Trace had gently and professionally guided me through a session that will allow me to move more smoothly, get up from the floor more easily, and feel more comfortable in my own skin.
I have two goals: 1. I want to be able to dance with the Hula Dancers at INSPIRED Senior Living’s 55+ Lifestyle Show in March; and 2. I want the energy, confidence and stamina to perform well at a speaking engagement among my peers in Seattle in July.
So, my friends, do what you can, stay as flexible as possible, and take care of that wonderful body that has been taking care of you all these years. Also, I would appreciate any loving energy you can send me as I move through this phase of self-care.
I look forward to seeing you March 21 at the 55+ Lifestyle Show. Please introduce yourself; I offer free hugs!
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Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Connect with her at mpatnichol@gmail.com.