November 20, 2008

Makes Me Want to Shave

The music is loud, and the machines are filled with people of all ages and fitness levels. The trainers circulate throughout the room. The pool is full of women getting "aqua fit," and the classrooms are loaded with sweaty people, stepping up, stepping down, moving to the music. Unlike many who go to socialize, I am there to recover, to build strength so that I can return to karate.

I know my routine and I stick to it. I push myself, even when there's no one watching, even when there's no trainer there telling me to "finish strong." Music from my headphones drowns out those around me as I move methodically from one machine to another and finally to the mats for ab exercises.

I've heard before that it takes 40 days to create and keep a new habit. I think for me, it's a bit less time. I am going to the gym at least twice a week and I am loving it. Sure, I wake up and try to make excuses; but I always make myself go. Not only is my knee feeling better, but it's me time. I love me some me time. I put my headphones on and I have a good hour of music and no whining (unless you count my own ocassionally ).

The other night, I was talking to Mr. BBM about how much I'm enjoying working out on a regular basis again. Everyone always says that you feel better about yourself when you go to the gym and I am finding out that it is true.

"Look at me. I'm doing my nails. When I took a shower earlier, I actually shaved my legs. I even tweezed my eyebrows" I said to Mr. BBM.

He burst out laughing. He may think it's funny, but it's amazing how something as simple as hitting the gym a couple times a week can have such a positive effect. Although I'm crashing on the couch, pretty much nightly, when I am awake I have more energy.

Yesterday, I hung 19 pictures on the walls. I even used a drill to install curtain hold-backs. I'm not watching TV except for a mere handful of shows and I'm loving all the time I seem to have now that I'm avoiding the so-so shows that before just occupied my time.

Of course, some days I'm too sore to lift my arms above my head which would make hanging curtains and pictures difficult. Overall though, the benefits have been fantastic. This year, I may actually have the beach body I want. Funny that when I joined the gym, this was the furthest thing from my mind. I'm considering it a fringe benefit of making a healthy decision that will hopefully get me back to where I want to be. . . on the dojo floor.