"Is it wrong that I can't feel my feet?"
"Can you please carry me?"
"What have I done to myself?"
These are all sentiments I shared with my caring and supportive husband as we walked out of the gym last night after my first Zumba class. I was sooooo happy it was over that there are not words that can express my utter gratitude for 7:45 pm, which is when the class was over. However, last night was a very trying time for me on top of dealing with "inner apprehensive disquiet" of going to the gym for the first time.
I picked Addisyn up and the first words out of her mouth were, "Momma, is tonight gym night?"
"Yes, baby," I muttered under my breath, "tonight is gym night."
"Yea!!!" she screamed. She was so excited, and for what reason, I don't know. However, her sentiments changed once we got there (read further). We ran home, finished dinner, grabbed a very quick bite, and as I was cleaning the kitchen, I got a phone call that rocked my world for a second. At that moment, I didn't want to go to the gym. I didn't want to put on the happy face and go work out with some people I didn't know. All I wanted to do was curl in a corner, cry, and reason within myself why it would be okay for me to eat an entire bag of chips. Instead, I put my shoes on, texted my friends to please pray, and got in the car and cried all the way to the gym. Addisyn sat in the back seat playing and singing. Bubba drove since I couldn't see through the tears and attempted to console me, which only made me cry harder! After some very challenging words from a friend of mine to think on the positive things that Phillipians 4:8 tells us about, I resolved myself that I was right where I needed to be - on my way to the gym.
Remember how I said I was afraid of Addisyn crying once we got to the gym because she wouldn't want to go? Well, it happened. And how did I react? I drug her little crying behind straight into the kids' room. I needed this. I needed to go work out all my frustrations and fears. We left her crying, which broke my heart, but I knew we had to do it, and we will continue to do it.
Bubba and I parted ways - him upstairs to the equipment area, me to the gym for Zumba. I immediately walked in and went to the very back of the room. There was no way I was standing at the front. While standing there, I began talking to a very nice lady named Mindy. In talking, I told her that I had done Zumba in the past, but had quit about a year ago. She said that the teacher was really nice, but this particular night, we had a sub, but that it was fine. As I scanned the room, I noticed people from all walks of life - skinny, not-so-skinny (Addisyn yelled at me for saying "fat" last night), young, old, rhythmic people, and the rhythmically challenged.
As the music started, the teacher began with a warm-up song. Not so bad. "I got this," I thought. Well, one song led to another song and halfway through, I thought I was going to pass out. At one point, Mindy looked at me and said, "This is really intense tonight!" "Good to know", I thought to myself, "because if this is easy, we need to install an oxygen bar somewhere in this joint!"
There was one lone man in our class, and he led the Thriller Dance. I can honestly tell you, I think he was Michael Jackson in another life. This man had the dance down! I am sure that he has led that song at many a 80's party. And on top of that? He can dance his behind off to Lady Gaga's "Alejandro". You have no idea! There was another lady, probably in her late 50's or early 60's, that really tried to do the moves, but failed miserably. But, she kept throwing her hips (to the point I thought she was going to throw one OUT), and kept dancing as if no one was watching. And when it came time for them to put their belly dancing belts on with the jingle bells? She was on it like nobody's business. And then there was me, who spent a great deal of time watching the teacher and saying, "If I try that, we will need paramedics!". However, I did the entire hour class from "Rock Party Anthem" to "As Long As You Love Me". I walked out drenched in sweat, talking to Mindy, and making plans to see her next week. I may not have done all of the moves perfect, but I was there. Sitting here writing this, I realize that the "inner apprehensive disquiet" I experienced earlier from (1) attending this class and (2) the news I received before we left for the gym is now a little smaller. I struggle with it, but it isn't nearly as loud as before. I intended to do Zumba on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but due to back problems, I may have to opt for only one night a week now, and working with the machines the other night.
I will go back to the gym tonight after work to attempt Aqua Zumba. Ladies, this creates a whole other fear. I have to put on a bathing suit to do this. The only saving grace I have is that the majority of my body will be under water while the train wreck happens. But you know what? I am going, dragging Addisyn while she is kicking and screaming, and hopefully, I will be able to get a decent workout in.
What is your favorite workout?
No comments:
Post a Comment