Wednesday, February 1, 2023

one small step...

 For a few years back in the day, when I was in my 50s, I got up at 5:00am five mornings a week, and went to the local YMCA to work out.  I worked out on the elliptical for thirty minutes, then walked a mile on the track.  Then home, shower and dress, and off to work. I was in pretty good shape back then.

Fast forward to the present.  When I first moved into this apartment complex there was an exercise room in the basement level.  Not too many machines and honestly kind of depressing.  I tried out the treadmill but didn't stick with it. During the pandemic I bought an exercise bike (which I assembled myself and installed in my bedroom). I still use it but not as regularly as I should.  Last year, as part of a major remodeling here, the management had some walls knocked down and created a wonderful new exercise room on the first floor, with treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, a rowing machine, etc. and windows. I've been eying those ellipticals ever since but have never gone in to try them out.  I suffer from FOMaFOM (fear of making a fool of myself).  Did I mention that one wall of this exercise room is entirely glass so people in the adjoining common area (with the pool table) can watch you exercise?  

Today I took the first step. I was riding down in the elevator to get my mail late this afternoon when a friendly looking young man got on a couple of floors below me.  His clothes and water bottle gave me the idea that he might be on his way to exercise, so, on impulse, I asked him if he could show me how to use the elliptical machine.  He very kindly showed me the basics and I rode that machine for seven minutes.  My goal is to gradually work up to a half hour.  My reason is that in the fall I'm going on a trip to Italy and Greece, and I want to be in shape for lots of walking.  I don't expect miracles and I will not wear tight exercise pants, but I'll give it a try.  Feel free to ask me how I'm doing.  

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