GYM RAT
My neck looks like a peach pit. And other reasons I'm going back to the gym.
This morning, I’d had it! I just couldn’t force myself to go.
All my hacks were failing me. I hit snooze three times—I didn’t budge even after a countdown … 5-4-3-2-1 … nothing was going to get me up and out the door.
There was a time when I loved going to the gym. In 1985, I looked forward to wearing those Spandex bodysuits, tights, and legwarmers with ridiculous high-top sneakers. My favorite outfit was a pink scoop neck body suit with shimmery tights, pink leg warmers, and white Nike Air sneakers. And on some days, I would twist a bandana and wear it as a headband. I looked like one of the chorus girls in a Jane Fonda workout video.
However, going to the gym now feels more like punishment. From the smelly guy grunting on the elliptical machine next to me to the old lady wearing tiny electric blue running shorts as she eases into the downward dog yoga pose with her backside pointed to said row of elliptical trainers. Eeeww … gross. Could that be why the guy was grunting?
(Okay, disclaimer here: She may actually be younger than I am—she’s definitely in better shape. I’ve lost the ability to judge how old someone is.)
For months—and if I’m being honest, I’d have to say for years—I’ve been fascinated with research about longevity and how to become a “Super Ager.” Generally, my rule of thumb has been that if several resources and Harvard studies say the same thing, it’s probably good advice. And that advice says women, and especially women over 40, should lift weights. And I hate it.
After I’ve beaten myself up for a while about my gym-going failures, I move on to the next Super Aging recommendation, which is to have a thriving social life. And who wouldn’t want to have a thriving social life? My friends, and seemingly everyone on social media, are living amazing lives, with photos to prove it! Is it just me, or does it feel like you’ve been left out of the fun? Has that ever happened to you? It sure is easy to think that compared to everyone else, I’m failing at my social life, too.
When did friendships become so complicated? Couple’s friendships may be the most difficult. Here’s a good example.
Today is my husband’s birthday. Two weeks ago, I began calling our friends with the hope of getting a group of us together for dinner. After six phone calls and six rejections, I gave up. I don’t know why I’m surprised. Not only is everyone busy or traveling, nobody eats anymore … that is, nobody eats “normally” anymore. One couple is on the carnivore diet and will eat nothing but meat and protein. Another couple advocates no dairy, no sugar, no gluten, and only organic. Honestly, I feel like sticking my head in the sand.
Reality check! From that head-in-the-sand position, I now have an extremely clear view of my neck and décolleté, which closely resembles a peach pit.
I think I’ve found my motivation to return to my days as a gym rat.
