So, I went to my first spin class today. I could sum it up in one word--humiliation--or I could tell you the whole story. I think the whole story is funnier and so I'll tell ya.
Background. I haven't worked out in ages. I have recently returned to the gym but my work outs were such that they usually allowed me to be reading a book while on the bicycle, tread mill, etc. So, I decided to amp it up a notch and try a class. Spinning sounded fun. Music, a guy inspiring you up front, no crazy coordination skills needed...sounds good. So I signed up and got there this morning at 9:15 ready to go. Ahem.
I was the last one to arrive in the room and there was only on bicycle left--very front row, very center bike! I noticed quickly that I was a fish out of water. First of all, I had no water bottle and no little towel and no spandex. Also, everyone was buzzing. Talking and talking and talking. I still don't know what that was about. Anyway, I told the instructor that this was my first class and that my seat felt too high. I felt like a dork saying that but I didn't need any more handicaps and had no idea how to fix it! So, he did. Then we started. It was going along fine until he kept saying, "Okay, stand it up!" and everyone would stand up on their bicycles and keep riding. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! After about 2 minutes of this, my legs were literally giving out and I had to sit down. I was the only one in this jam packed room that was having to sit down! I kept trying to stand back up and wham, my legs would just quit! I knew I was not doing well when the instructor got off his bike and walked between the bikes encouraging everyone. He would clap in people's faces and say things like, "PUSH IT!" "GEAR DOWN! (I still don't have the slightest ideas how to work that gear knob)" "PUSH IT PUSH IT PUSH IT!!!" When he got to me, though, he would just pat my back and say," Doin' good" in a voice that relayed I was doing anything but good. I was just surviving.
My new goal was just to make it to the end. I gave my feeble attempts to do the sprints, but I didn't even try to stand up again. Who were these robots around me? These ultra thin blondes with sculpted abs and leg muscles? I almost threw up several times and so I guess that's something to be thankful for. I didn't throw up nor did I fall off the bicycle. Two good things. That's about all I can say. The 80 year old guy next two me? No problemo. He sailed through the class and then he grabbed his yoga mat and headed off with about half of the class to yoga next door. Seriously? Then I saw about five of the super thin blondes on TREADMILLS after the class. What?! Then, I saw the rest of the gang picking up their kids from kidsclub. They are mamas too?! Don't they ever hide in the pantry and eat cookies while their little one has a tantrum in their bedroom? I mean, I don't, but I've heard of that happening.
Ah well, a little humiliation is probably good every once in a while. It makes me want to do better in the physical discipline department. It was a bit of a wake up call. Once I got the babes back in the car and sat there for a second in shock, and then reminding myself that my value as a person doesn't just come from how good I look in work out clothes or if I can stand up on a stationary bicycle and spin my heart out while U2 belts out, "It's a beautiful daaaaay!" I am more than that, thank the Lord. But I do want to be strong enough to do it and so, believe it or not, I am signed up again for Friday. Partly because Joel gets sooooo proud of me when I do things like that that don't come naturally. I am a sucker for trying to make people proud. Must be the middle child in me:) But mostly, because I know my body needs to be kicked into gear, and there's nothing like being stuck in a room full of motivated, strong, abnormally fit people to make ya do it.
All for now. My mamas here!!! Jen
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