Returning to the Gym: It Takes My Team

August 29 was my last time I was at the gym to do a strength training session. What is especially devastating to me is that I was at my all time best.  I was stronger and more flexible than I had ever been.  I looked forward to my classes because I saw results.   Enter the cat, who literally ran hard at my ankles and took my feet out from under me…I still haven’t forgiven her.

During the last few months, my hammer toes have begun to curl more and create immense pain at the top bottom of my foot.  Sigh!  I just haven’t been motivated to return.  But, my body is getting more and more stiff, and I know that returning means one word to me…longevity or good health to enjoy these five grandchildren I have been blessed with.   However, every morning (I am one who likes to workout in the early morning) I have mustered up some excuse, from busyness to the weather, not to get in the car and drive to the gym.

This is where MY TEAM has played a huge role.  These amazing ladies I have come to know and love as we workout together would not accept my excuses, but with gentle prodding have given me the encouragement I need to return to the gym.  They understand I need to take it slow, but they also understand that I need to be there.  This support team is everything and what is great is that it includes women of all ages.  We are there to help each other through.  So, hopefully Tuesday, I will return to a light strength training workout and will be attempting to do the treadmill or bicycle in between.

More motivation (of course) would be new clothes to work out in!  A shapewear company, CYSM FIT, set me items from their workout clothing!  I will give these items a try this week!

I wish I loved working out so much that I ran back to it on my own.  I was there but working through the pain has set me back.  However, I know there are many who work through the pain…especially, as we get older!  Perhaps you can be an encourager to someone who is hiding from the gym as I have been doing…or perhaps, like me, it is time for you to get back in the game,  We need to take care of ourselves, ladies, because WE MATTER!!

KEEP SMILING!!

Disclaimer:  I have been provided this clothing for review.

7 Comments

  1. First of all, forgive that kitty!! : ) Good for you going back Pam. I too, suffered a setback with sciatica that was so bad I had to sit down, and thus sit out, my usual workouts. Naturally, the result is weight gain, less flexibility and a general feeling of “blah….” It’s wonderful that you have women to motivate you, and it’s also helpful to have new workout gear to wear! I’m going to be joining Silver Sneakers the beginning of next month and going to the gym to take some classes. In the meantime, I’m back to my in-home walking DVD’s (starting kind of slowly) and will also get outside for those hikes and walks when I am home in the daytime (soon). Part of my motivation came from getting new things to wear, and some cold weather gear for walking outside this winter. Funny how clothes can give you that nudge out the door! Good luck to you as you continue on your journey Pam. You will soon be seeing results and feeling better because it happened before. My goal is to feel better (and hopefully shed some unwanted pounds) by spring. I too have found plenty of excuses for not getting out there, excuses abound, but we have to sometimes be our own best cheerleaders and remember why we do this. We do matter, and we have plenty of life still to live and want to be healthy and fit for whatever is coming! I’m in it with you, let’s get out there and give it all we’ve got!

  2. You would make a great coach, Karen! I wanted to rush on to a field at the end of your comment… well said. I will try to forgive the cat!

  3. Go back to exercise ASAP! I’ve been doing a one hour, three times a week workout for about three years now. I add yoga two other days a week when my joints can stand it (I’m no spring chick!). If you do it so long it will become a habit, and then you start scheduling other things around your workout. Get outside for raking and walking when you can too. Park very far away from the door at the store- a dash of rain or gust of wind won’t kill us! Sometimes I do crunches or stretches while watching TV at night. Just add any activity whenever you can, start slowly but challenge yourself, and go for it!
    I also try hard to cut calories during the season of over eating, and add even more movement. It’s calories in, calories out…The more you move, the more energy you have! And my doc is beyond impressed!

  4. I’m so glad you’re starting back. You’re a champ Pam! You’ll feel so much better after you get back to your routine. Thanks for inspiring us

  5. Keep us updated Pam! Your determination and positive attitude inspire many of us. Just when I was making excuses to skip the gym, you’ve re-energized me. Thanks for your honesty.

  6. You go, Pam! I admire you so much! Sounds like a great group of gals! Also – your “warm-up” will be getting into all those new workout clothes. 🙂 I have the hardest time with the sports bra. I know the bra and other snug fitting items we wear are “support/compression” garments and are very helpful (and needed!) The things are just so dang…SNUG. As in – “Honey, can you pull my sports bra down in the back?” Pace yourself and enjoy getting back into the “groove”!

  7. Hi Pam! You’ve been MY motivator and inspiration! Because of your positive attitude and posts about the importance of staying fit, I am proud to say that I now go to stretch and strength training classes three times a week and usually spend 20-30 minutes on the treadmill on those days as well. I started in September and feel stronger and more energetic.

    I’m sure you’ll get back on track and be feeling better in no time. You matter!

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