I’m a total creature of habit. My brain likes what is familiar, and I certainly don’t like to take risks. I will, at times, but I don’t have to like it! Considering this, as well as the historical fact that I’m allergic to exercise (though this is rapidly changing), I like to stick to what I know. I like running now, especially on race days when it’s more exciting and I have more than 10 minutes to listen to my books on tape instead of the kids calling, “Mama? Mama? Hey Mama?” every moment.
What I don’t like is weight lifting. I feel un-formed, a little flail-y and like everyone is standing around staring at each other, not doing diddly squat. I’m sure I’m in my head a little about this, but that’s been my opinion of it ever since that portion of BPE class in high school, when we trudged to the VERY STINKY weight room and learned how to operate the machines in emotional, hormonal, awkwardness.
But, because I love my husband VERY much, I agreed to hit the gym with him on Sunday and go through his arms routine with him. With minimal crabbiness. I did what I thought I could, made excessive fun of Instagram gym-rat selfies, and even got to people-watch a few 16-year-old guys with identical feathered haircuts to Farrah Fawcett.
Later that day, after Chase was very happy with his one-time weight lifting partner (though he admitted my ire of standing around between sets made his workout go twice as fast), I demanded a family ice cream trip (yes, boot camp instructor that I spoke to on Friday… it’s TOTALLY WORTH IT! :)). I may have even started dinner early in order to get everyone out the door and back home in time for bed. Hey, a girl has to plan! Everyone was very happy with the trip.
Well, everyone except Scarlett, who was exhausted and wanted out of her carseat BADLY. This small peek of her car-seat-rage gave me glimpses of the super-not-so-fun-six-hour-car-trip we will have to the beach at some point this year. Yowsers. How can one so small be so firm in her opinions and choices?!?! Regardless of her wailing, I felt very accomplished that day. Have you tried anything new lately that made you crabby, but then later was totally okay?
Barbara says
I feel your pain. I had a solid, set routine of gym classes I had in place for about three years. I did two back to back classes three days a week, two days starting with a pump class and ending with cardio. I loved it and I loved my routine, and then my favorite instructor of y favorite CDs went and got a full time job elsewhere. Super happy for him, but my lord! I miss having my Monday mornings in tact. He was the only one certified to teach “his” class, so that time a lot has changed. I still go, begrudgingly. I keep telling myself I don’t go to the gym to have fun, I go to get my arse kicked, which is what is still happening. Now if only I can get myself to tone down the sweet tea habit, I might start seeing the fruits of my (gym) labor. Sigh.
Redhead Baby Mama says
NEVER tone down the sweet tea. That’s one of the pleasures in life. That and samoas. They are food groups, right?!
Chase - Husband =) says
Oh please please PLEASE don’t tell me it was a one-time thing – you gotta join me for chest and tri day and the ever dreaded LEG DAY.
You made my day by joining me, even though it was prob 50% out of guilt =)
Love you terribly
Sherrie Peterson says
Y’all are the cutest couple ever. Seriously. And have inspired me to go back to the gym…I’ve been marinading in the thought of returning for months😝…but the thought of rewarding myself with Samoas especially helps.
Redhead Baby Mama says
Oh you are so sweet! I do much better in a group class like dance, kickboxing or boot camp. Being on my own means I’m running or eating cookies…
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
I haven’t done a weight room workout in a while! It’s great for burning calories and for your bones..invite me next time!
And, the carseat thing…..it helped us so much when we switched to a convertible. I did it right around 7-8 months with all of the girls. I think they can see better out of the sides or something?