Just Some Thoughts: Vol. 55
Coming back strong.
Back and Busy
School has officially been in session for almost three weeks. So far so good, but I’m missing my freedom. One of the things I hate about going back to work after summer break is that I’m back to a predictable schedule. When I worked in retail, one of the things I actually liked is that my schedule was never the same. I could have a day or two off in the middle of the week, or have a later shift that left my morning free to do whatever. Having a totally set schedule is mundane and monotonous, and it kind of drives me crazy.
So far, the kids have been good, but true personalities haven’t really shown through. I say the honeymoon stage will end by mid-September, but I doubt there will be any big issues. Kids I had from last year keep stopping by to say hello and tell me that they miss my class, which I take as a total compliment. It’s funny how these teens can drive me up the wall at times but they fill up my heart when I need it the most.
The Oldest, Fattest, and Shortest
All three of these descriptors are seen in a negative light, and I am all three of them. Recently, I’ve switched up my work outs by taking different exercise classes I’ve never done before. I had a gym membership to Planet Fitness for almost four years. I liked that gym because there wasn’t any structure. I could use the treadmills, bikes, weight machines, etc. for a cheap price. I could go as frequently or infrequently as I wanted and there was little pressure. It was working out pretty well until this past summer when I stopped going. My bed was calling my name in the morning, and I just didn’t want to drive there.
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Not only did I get tired of the place, I got unmotivated, bored, and I just really gave up on making it part of my routine. I went back and forth about what to do, asked different friends that I know what they were doing for exercise and made a decision (or two). I finally downloaded pass class so I could start taking Pilates and yoga, and I also signed up for pole dancing classes!
My first pole class left me feeling disheartened because I struggled, big time! When the class was over, I walked back to my car feeling like I might’ve made a mistake. I was sore and sweaty, and I could feel the bruises on my legs starting to form. I had to remind myself that it was only my first class, and that the point of trying something new is supposed to be fun and challenging.
The next day I was texting with my bff and telling her how it went. All I could say is that I was the oldest, fattest, and shortest one there but that I was going back the next week to try again. As for pilates and yoga, I’m only the fattest one there, but I’ve been loving it. I think the fact that I walk regularly and had previously been consistent with weight training has helped me to keep up, but I definitely leave feeling like I have jelly legs and arms.
My motivations aren’t purely for myself. Yes, the goal is to benefit my health, but that’s not all. I want to break stereotypes about women that have a body like mine. I’m always slightly amused when the instructors are pleasantly surprised that I was able to do a majority of the moves without needing a break; I know what goes through their heads when they see me walk through the door. I’ve only had one negative experience in a pole class with an instructor that just didn’t know what to do with my body, but I found a better instructor that is motivating and fun. All of the Pilates and yoga instructors have been excellent, and I’m grateful for the experience.
Also, I want other women and girls who look like me to not feel so scared and shy about trying these classes out. I’ve been telling a lot of women I know and interact with about what I’ve been up to. They also seem pleasantly surprised to hear about my experiences and I hope that I can inspire them in some way to give it a try. It’s not easy, and it’s not supposed to be, but it’s also fun seeing what I can do and working on what I need to improve.
Maybe a year from now, I’ll be totally ripped, Hulk style!
