Ward has been a regular exerciser for years (decades, maybe), utilizing a gym at work. However, with his retirement, he no longer can use that gym, and he wanted to make sure that he had a place to take classes-his preferred way to exercise. Thus the search for a new gym. We found a local one with a lot to offer, including many classes, and he is happy with it.
Then there's me. I wouldn't call myself happy, but I never have been while exercising. However, I know it's good for me, so I'm trying a sampling of classes to see what I might like.
My first was a Zumba class that I took with Ward. While he quickly and easily caught onto the routines, I had two left feet. But I kept moving, and miracles upon miracles, I didn't run into anyone! I have since repeated that feat.
The next class I tried was called Fit After Fifty. It was a circuit class of machines that worked all major muscle groups. We did a certain number of reps on the equipment, then everyone changed stations. Each device is resistance-based, and you can increase or decrease the amount to fit what you need. In this class, I followed behind a sweet-looking lady probably in her 80s. She looked a lot like my mother did in her last years. However, when I went to the machines she had just been on, they were too hard for me, so I had to decrease the resistance. A little embarrassing, but something to strive for when I'm in my 80s.
After that, I tried a class called Fit Camp that was listed for all levels. Well, not all levels showed up for the class. It was a group of very fit women and me. But I struggled through almost to the end when the instructor asked everyone to get a partner. I wasn't sure what was coming up, but I didn't want anyone to be saddled with me, so I ducked out. In case you can't tell, I'm still working on my self-confidence while exercising in front of others.
I also tried a yoga class which was pretty good. There are more classes I want to try including several water aerobics ones. However, my work schedule is different every day, as is the class schedule, so it will be a while before I try all of them. And it will be a while before I am in good enough shape to try some of them.
As in most things, I need to remember that slow and steady wins the race.
Do you belong to a gym?
