Ok, so I’m a strength-training slacker. When it comes to weights, I’d rather research college funds. That’s why it was so easy for me to quit the gym when my twin daughters were born 9 years ago. But soon after my 40th birthday, I realized I was unable to button my favorite jeans (despite running three times a week). So when a new gym opened nearby, I knew I was out of excuses. It was time to go back.
Day 1
It’s the first day of junior high all over again. I’m an awkward
outsider. Everyone looks 21, their iPods blaring. I’m not only podless,
I’m clueless. What exactly was my old routine? A few exercises come
back to me, and I wrap up with a familiar enemy: push-ups. Tough, even
with knees down, but the thick mats sure beat my hardwood floor. I
congratulate myself for the effort and leave thinking maybe there is a
place for me in gym-land after all.
Day 2
There’s nothing like a little soreness to remind you where your muscles
are (particularly since I couldn’t find them the day before). But I
tell myself this is a sign of progress.
Day 8
Today I discover that Carol from my book group has joined the gym. This
is truly a gift from the goddess of motivation. We’re both part-time
working moms of three, and we turned 40 within 6 weeks of each other.
I’m so distracted by the tales of her sons’ latest near-ER visits that
I barely realize I’m cranking out sets like a GM line worker.
Day 13
I
realize that my two sets of cheater push-ups are no longer a struggle,
so I head upstairs to a more elaborate weight room. At first I’m
psyched because I figure more equipment means more variety. Then I
realize it’s almost all guys up here—strong, impatient guys. I can’t
find a dumbbell that weighs less than 10 pounds. I finally retreat,
knowing that my comfort zone is made of 1- to 8-pounders and a mix of
not-so-hard bodies.
Day 22
I’m awash in guilt for skipping the gym last week. But when I get back
on the machines, I find I’m not back at square one after all. God bless
muscle memory.
Day 25
Aha! I do a little spying and pick up some inspirational tips and a few new moves from trainers working with other clients.
Day 31
This morning I did a set and a half of real military push-ups before
sinking to the knees-down position. This may not be the stuff of the
second-floor weight room, but I feel mighty, like the Grinch when he
hoists his jam-packed sleigh over-head. I’ve found my place as a
card-carrying gym member again, along with some muscle
and—hallelujah!—a neatly snapped button at the top of my jeans.