Lets Get Physical!

One of the best things about living on or near an Army base is the plethra of gym membership opportunities. Depending upon the local gyms, you can do anything from Mixed Martial Arts to Pole Dancing. (I hesitate to take this class, I figure if I was any good at it, I couldn't fight the urge to make some money off it. The stage name Stretchmark Sally has a nice ring, lol)

So, in light of my current health debacle, I thought it wouldn't hurt to break out the spandex. Well, it wouldn't hurt me, but the rest of you might not appreciate it.
So with the spandex where it belongs in the dumpster, I join the On Post gym.

They have a variety of options there as well. I have attempted almost all of the classes by now. I like the rest of the world have joined the Zumba craze. Now my taking of this class will vary by daily teachers. Not out of dislike for any of them, just out of my lack of coordination. I have long accepted that some stereotypes apply to me. Hence, I am a white girl and I still clap and snap my fingers, and bob my head when I dance. Its sad, but its who I am :(
I actually had one girl interrupt me just when I was in my groove, so she could ask me..."um..yeah you know thats the instructor up there right?" I'm guessing she didn't understand how the rythym got me.

Aside from Zumba, I also take atleast a weekly, cycling class. I haven't riden a bike since I was about 12, so I was very concerned about this endeavor.
Week one: class wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Couldn't wait for next weeks class. Realize next day, my butt was bruised and I hate cycling.

Week two: Realized reason I made it through week one, because my tension knob wasn't working then but not to worry.....it's been fixed. DAMN IT! But it gets better. Half way through the class I'm peddling my little heart out, and my seat falls, with me on it. I think I handled it without any real attention being drawn and peddle on. But then it falls a little further, and LOUDLY. The best part was when class was interrupted to help me adjust my seat. Good thing that went unnoticed, huh? lol

Week three: I really think someone should add a camera to the bike seats. We could get our yearly colonoscopy while we peddle. I don't think I've ever let anybody get as friendly with me as that bike seat.

Then of course, we have Yoga. This is probably my favorite of the three. I'm terrible at it, downward facing dog seems to make me gassy (I'm sure the girl next to me appreciates that),and I always have to pee mid class. But the quiet meditation portion of the class gives me plenty of time to plot revenge on those who have wronged me :) I think because I am so busy during the day, I depend upon this time to work out my inner issues, lol. (yes I know thats not what I'm supposed to do and it defeats the purpose....do I need to add you to the list? lol jk)
But seriously I really do like Yoga. Once you've spent all day dancing, jumping, cycling, yoga is a great way to wind down and release some of that muscle cramping you know you are going to feel in the morning.

But my all time favorite gym activitie: The Sauna. Now most people will think its because I get a chance to be lazy...they're pretty much right. But there are several other personal benefits. I walk out of there sweaty and I automatically feel more comfortable being at the gym. I have a tendency to have a little anxiety when I go to the gym. You walk in being well...me. You see all these fit soldiers doing one handed pull ups, women who do nothing but run and eat seaweed it seems and its intimidating. So first stop is usually the sauna. Once you are in there for a few minutes, not only do you feel more comfortable and ready to go, but you get to start you gym visit with GOSSIP!! Maybe its being locked in a hot wooden box together but nobody can stand the silence. Men, women, enlisted, officers it doesn't matter.

So twice a day, you can find me getting physical at the on post gym. I suggest you look for the giddy female in the sauna, its probably me.