I hate the gym. Over the years I have had many friends take me to classes, or offer to join the gym with me. I have always said, No. Perhaps I just fear that if I go into one of those classes I’ll look ridiculous. This summer we’re doing daily swim lessons at the gym. In order to “legally” go to the pool after lessons and swim, I decided to buy a family gym membership. Along with this pass I have decided to conduct a “gymsperiment.” For the month of August I am going to try different classes in the hopes that I will find something that I enjoy doing.
Yesterday I ran the new seven miler at Haulin’ Aspen. Traditionally, the day after a race is supposed to be for rest. With that in mind, I thought, Water Aerobics is like rest, right? That is unless you have a teacher who expects perfection: she doesn’t want to see you bouncing when you should be walking, or making fists when you should be creating more resistance by using open hands. I had no idea how hard core water aerobics was. I guess I owe my mom an apology (for many things) “I’m sorry I ever doubted that H2O class was less than exercise.” To make matters worse, I was greedily taking advice from the 60 plus year old woman next to me who was schooling my butt. She offered one tidbit of advice early on and then I just hounded her every time the instructor gave us a new assignment. She attends class everyday! Her last bit of advice was, “Buy water shoes so you stop slipping.” Yes, it was like dancing on a slip slide for a complete hour. And every time I tried to get away with slacking off a little, either the instructor or my new dance partner would come over and correct my form.
If I decide to try it again, I think I’ll have to attempt the deep end. After class the instructor told me, “Make sure you stretch your calf muscles all day, you’ll be surprised how much of a workout this was.” So much for resting my legs. Maybe I’ll sleep in tomorrow.
Good Thoughts:
1. I finished 34 out of 51 women in the 7-miler at Haulin’ Aspen.
2. Rob took the kids on a breakfast picnic while I was racing. I think they’ll talk about it until they re 20. It was adorable.
Body Workout 101 Said:
on August 9, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Gymsperiment: Water Aerobics « Please Be Extreme…
I found your entry interesting do I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog :)…
valhelp Said:
on August 12, 2010 at 7:13 am
Thanks.