Health

The Gym Experience

Fee Writes

How old am I? Too old for the gym experience? NEVER! In saying that, I never thought I’d be crossing over into the gym world.

It’s gym time! Early morning. Well, not that early; I don’t do ‘early’ any more. But by 8 am (or near enough), I’m at the gym. As a gold card-carrying member, I only have between 8 and 3 pm to do my thing.

So 8 am it is. 

It’s a great way to start the day.

I never thought I’d become a ‘gym bunny’, but here I am, working out to build up my strength and do a bit of toning on the side.

Midway through last year, I came to the sad conclusion that my body was starting to give up. I already knew that if I leaned over, my face fell off, and that gravity was playing havoc with the boobs and bum. As for the wrinkles – well, I know I’ll be old soon enough, and then they will fit my age!

But it was my strength I worried more about.

Back in the day, I used to get plenty of exercise as a therapist. I stood most of the day, working out, pummelling a person’s tired muscles to get them to relax. At other times I waxed and scrubbed bodies to get them looking their best or gently massaged faces with creams and lotions. 

By the end of the day, I was tired, but it was a good tired. I felt invigorated.

Then I left that world, and over the years, my lifestyle got more and more sedentary with computer work.

But a gym? The last experience I had became boring really quickly, and then there was the cost. Besides, I just couldn’t compete with the lycra-wearing, toned babes and the ripped trainers whose pestering did my head in.

Then, simply walking in and hearing the grunts and groans from the howlers, as they strained under a heavy barbell was also not appealing to my sensitive ears.

So when I decided that I would have to do something serious to shape up before I slope off this mortal coil, I decided that I’d put my nose into a few gyms.

As soon as I’d see the ‘model’ using their phone, especially taking selfies, I would cross that gym off the list. Then there were the ones that have the loud music pumping throughout, making me feel like I’m in the mosh-pit of some rock concert.

Imagine my delight when I walked into the BayFit gym. The very first thing I saw were oldies – people like me in shorts and t-shirts. All shapes and sizes. Sure there were some younger ones, but it seems like everyone was there for the same reason – to get fit and not be prima-donnas.

And another plus? No mirrors! Well, there’s one, but it’s discreet, and I forget it’s there.

Taking the ball from the hands to the feet without touching the floor and
straightening out each time… closest thing I get to sweating!

Along with my membership, I have access to the pools, the classes and a trainer every so often. So, here I am, a gym bunny, and I love it.

Do you go to the gym?

STAY IN THE LOOP