Gotta Love It

Hello!!!


I think you will relate to this.


Last Thursday, I went to the YMCA. In lieu of purchasing a treadmill with our tax return money, we, being my family and I, joined the local Y. Since June second, my husband and I have faithfully gone to the fitness center, I mean, "Wellness Center," to climb on a few of the machines and then lift weights. "I" go to the Y every day, and "my husband" goes four times a week..."and no more."


Since we get a free "wellness assessment" with our membership, we decided to sign up for it. My husband went first. And since he is the one with a few heart procedures in his medical history, and since he loves salt, butter and double high test coffee every morning, I figured, if he made it through the test, I should too.


The test is a computerized thing...you wear this gadget then do step work, stretching stuff and a strength pull. He comes home smiling and boasting how well he did (I am sincerely glad by the news.) He says, "My cardio is great. My flexibility is better than average but I am a bit weaker than I should be...best of all...this 50 year old body is really 45 years old in "exercise language."" Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. (I roll my eyes.)


To myself, I say, if he did that well...I think I will do well too....


My appointment is the next day at noon. One is not allowed to eat for four hours prior to the test. No problem, I don't enjoy breakfast anyways; and BTW, I also do not eat meat, add salt, butter or drink caffeine.


I walk into the computer room (what is a computer doing in a fitness center anyways...) and I step on the scale...seven pounds heavier than prior to beginning my Y membership.

Mr. Fitness assessor takes my blood pressure-126/87. He says I am pre-hypertensive. In all my years during my yearly physical my pressure has been 100/70 and my MD thinks I am practically dead. Not today!

Then I do my aerobic step test. I pass, in fact I do quite well. Yea for me!

Then I do my flexibility test. I am average. Okay, I will take it.

Then I do my strength test. I am a weakling. That is okay too...I knew I was weak, that is why I go to the wellness center and lift weights.

Then the final report spits out of the computer...my 48 year old body behaves like a 50 year old.


I am a weakling who is inflexible and overweight.


I smile and leave.


My poor husband. I did not talk to him for 24 hours. Now before anyone starts tapping out a note to me telling me how unfair I am, calling me a B%$*#. I already know I behaved poorly, but as a 50 year old female, who is overweight, inflexible and weak, I am entitled to my attitude.


During the next 24 hours, I begin to speak. I poke fun at myself, in a backhanded manner, calling my husband "Mr. Perfect." I know...I am not being a nice person, but I am still hurting. (and I am still in a 50 year old looking body that is overweight, inflexible and weak.)


Finally in the next 24 hours I get a little perspective. As my husband said, "It is only a computer program for goodness sake...don't take it so seriously." (Easy for him to say.)

I look in the mirror. No, I am not happy with what I see, but I also know that both of my legs work; as well as both of my arms. I can speak, write, laugh and cry. I have four children. I live in a nice house. I finished graduate school with a perfect 4.0. I have a husband who puts up with my moodiness.

AND, I still have my YMCA membership.


So, I will continue to go to the "Wellness Center" every day. I will work hard, modify my routine and seek assistance. I will also add a little salt, butter and caffeine to my diet (because apparently they help your body "be" 5 years younger). And I will press on.


I wish I didn't have to work so hard, yet when I compare my life with so many others in the world, I don't have it so bad...alas, I will see you at the gym.


Until next time, have hope,
Donna