Here I was, back again in a group fitness class. I have been here many times before, I knew the drill. It has been a while since my last exercise class – would this one be different?
I entered the room and looked around to see many familiar faces. Many who have done the group fitness programs with me in the past. Some still looking to loose, some maintaining. But this time the vibe was different. People were smiling, joking around. Everyone was very calm – no pressure. Maybe this time it would be different for me too.
We started with a quick meet and greet around the room followed by a brief education from a professional in the industry with tips about nutrition. Then came the measurements and weighing……..This was the part I always dread. I knew I was over weight, I knew it was fat and not muscle. I just didn’t want to see it on paper and I definitely did not want to have a stranger with a tape measure all up in my business – seeing my private insecurities.
I called it the “Corner of Shame”. It’s a dark musty corner in the far side of the room where a man cloaked in shadows stands. He holds something ominous. Maybe a weapon, or maybe it’s just a pen and paper………. There’s a primitive chart and a scale. Ok, ok, so not much primitive as battery operated……but, all that is heard are the whispers and hush tones echoing off the concrete walls. Ok, so the whispers were for my privacy….
Ok, so I am being a bit dramatic. My fears from years being weighted in behind a long line of obese others like herded cattle at various dieting groups have had a lasting effect on me and clearly still haunt my dreams. It probably was not as scary as I am telling you. Nothing was said, there was no pressuring or bullying of any kind. The corner was bright and the people measuring me were pleasant and smiling. It was not that bad…..
Now comes the workout. Ok, so usually someone standing in front of me with muscles and only 5% body fat is to me very intimidating. In all of their glory and buffness I see my Cellulite and flubber. But as they started to speak about why they got into the fitness line of work my heart started to melt. This gentleman in front of me explained that he got into this line of work because of his mother. His mother who was obese as well. He wanted better for himself and wants better ways to help his mother. As he spoke I slowly let down my guard and realized he too understood my plight. I felt like he understood the struggle. Before I knew it I was doing jumping jacks. Not since I was 10 had I done one of those. At 10 there was less jiggling……Note to self - get a proper sports bra.
30mins later I felt good about my workout . Thirsty, out of breath, but good. I think I may even go back next week…..
Will keep you posted – next time we’ll talk “planking”. New core exercise or government torture device…..
I entered the room and looked around to see many familiar faces. Many who have done the group fitness programs with me in the past. Some still looking to loose, some maintaining. But this time the vibe was different. People were smiling, joking around. Everyone was very calm – no pressure. Maybe this time it would be different for me too.
We started with a quick meet and greet around the room followed by a brief education from a professional in the industry with tips about nutrition. Then came the measurements and weighing……..This was the part I always dread. I knew I was over weight, I knew it was fat and not muscle. I just didn’t want to see it on paper and I definitely did not want to have a stranger with a tape measure all up in my business – seeing my private insecurities.
I called it the “Corner of Shame”. It’s a dark musty corner in the far side of the room where a man cloaked in shadows stands. He holds something ominous. Maybe a weapon, or maybe it’s just a pen and paper………. There’s a primitive chart and a scale. Ok, ok, so not much primitive as battery operated……but, all that is heard are the whispers and hush tones echoing off the concrete walls. Ok, so the whispers were for my privacy….
Ok, so I am being a bit dramatic. My fears from years being weighted in behind a long line of obese others like herded cattle at various dieting groups have had a lasting effect on me and clearly still haunt my dreams. It probably was not as scary as I am telling you. Nothing was said, there was no pressuring or bullying of any kind. The corner was bright and the people measuring me were pleasant and smiling. It was not that bad…..
Now comes the workout. Ok, so usually someone standing in front of me with muscles and only 5% body fat is to me very intimidating. In all of their glory and buffness I see my Cellulite and flubber. But as they started to speak about why they got into the fitness line of work my heart started to melt. This gentleman in front of me explained that he got into this line of work because of his mother. His mother who was obese as well. He wanted better for himself and wants better ways to help his mother. As he spoke I slowly let down my guard and realized he too understood my plight. I felt like he understood the struggle. Before I knew it I was doing jumping jacks. Not since I was 10 had I done one of those. At 10 there was less jiggling……Note to self - get a proper sports bra.
30mins later I felt good about my workout . Thirsty, out of breath, but good. I think I may even go back next week…..
Will keep you posted – next time we’ll talk “planking”. New core exercise or government torture device…..