Remembering My First Time in a Gym
I’m working my way through Natalie Goldberg’s new book Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir and many of the beginning exercises begin with “I remember…”. Below is an excerpt of what I remembered this weekend during one of these writing exercises:
I remember the promise I made to myself when I started my freshman year of college. It went something like “I will not gain the Freshman 15!” I made a pact with my new roommate and some of my new friends. My experience in a gym was limited – high school gym class was it – and while I was active in high school as a member of the marching band colorguard, I wasn’t an athlete. I was so glad to have this new group of friends to accompany me to the gym as I probably wouldn’t have gone alone.
There were 5 of us who walked into the gym that day, male and female, all having made that same promise. I remember thinking “How hard could it be?” I started with the stationary bike, figuring a seated exercise would be easier than anything else. I could handle biking! Boy was I fooled. 6 minutes in and I thought I was going to die. I could barely catch my breath. I looked at my friend, seated on the bike next to me and said “This sucks.” He agreed and we both got off our bikes.
I didn’t return again for 6 months. The return was a result of breaking that promise, because I had in fact gained the freshman 15. Upon my return to the gym, my exercise of choice was the treadmill and I started by walking for 10 minutes. I was there for a while before I slowly increased both duration and intensity, but because I stayed slow and steady, over the years I achieved great fitness success.
If you’re new to exercise or struggling to fit it in, you might be thinking “there’s no way I can do this.” There is no doubt that the road may be long and challenging. But remember baby steps all the way, slowly build and you’ll be amazed at the results. I certainly was. It took time (years), patience and consistent practice to get myself in running shape (remember my start was 10 minutes walking) for various races including 2 successful marathons. Start where you are and build. I didn’t have anyone to teach me that and now find passion in sharing that learning with others.
Stay tuned later this week for sort of a part II: Why Some Minutes are Better than No Minutes
“Start where you are and build” is such a true statement. Many people expect results immediately and go extra hard “right out of the gate” becoming sore and lose motivation. I appreciate your insight and good reading. Very good article!
BTW…thanks for the fantastic input regarding stretches! You know your stuff!
Mark Salinass last blog post..Stretch Time
Baby steps - that was a key for me in my journey to becoming fit. Baby steps we ca usually handle. Start small, and build up from there. You’ve said it well Stacey. Sometimes I think we get overwhelmed because we don’t know where to start, or we try to bite off more than we can chew (fitness, or whatever it is we’re trying to accomplish).
I also love that you have a passion for helping others - people who have you in their life are lucky. I’m lucky that I know you through your website. You make a difference! For me. For others.
Lances last blog post..Olympic Strength - It’s In All of Us
I agree with baby steps. Slow and steady has been my matra for losing all of my post pregnancy weight. After 5 years, 2 ten pound babies, a strong intention, and dedication, I finally was able to fit into my 6 year old wedding dress this month. Mission Completion and it feels great! Now my worry/panic is maintaining. Any suggestions?
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Dream Bigger
That’s a great job! One mission is accomplished, but the journey never ends. My suggestions: continue to eat healthy and workout. Watch how things are fitting. If they’re getting loose, add some more calories, if they’re getting tight cut back a bit (and maybe do a bit more cardio). I am also a big believer in resistance training. Build your muscle up. The nice thing about maintenance, is you are able to be a little more flexible with all of this - just don’t stop completely. And have fun in the whole process - you’ll be happier, and much more likely to stick with it!
@Stacey - Lance is right, the journey never ends! It’s a lifelong process to stay healthy, so never give up! Keep doing what you’re doing and always be aware of what you consume vs. what you expend. Be creative to stay motivated and try new things and continue to educate yourself. I’ve kept weight off for more than 15 years because of eating and exercise - no fad diets or exercise programs. Just plain and simple activities.
The other thing - avoid worry - it’s the future and false stories you are creating. Knowing that you accomplished step 1 can be motivation enough to know you can keep up the great work! Congrats and good luck!