A bit of both is probably the answer. After all my rants about the lack of exercising in my life, I took my determined self into the local rec center to register for their classes. This facility, I was told is state of the art and has all things I was looking for in a fitness center. To make it more enticing it comes at a price that won’t need me to file for bankruptcy any time soon (anti-jinx). So after much deliberation and research into all my available options I hauled self on my way back from work to register at the said facility. As I looked listfully at the schedule they handed to me of their group exercise classes, I realized to my dismay that they didn’t have too many classes listed in the times that work for me. Resolute in the thought that I wasn’t going to let this deter me, I made a deal with the OH that similar to my accommodating his passion for playing cricket, he needs to chip in to help me get my hour of workout 2 days a week, at the very minimum. A tentative schedule was worked out (which am sure will cause many painful workarounds & subsequent arguments in the coming months.)
I returned home promising myself that I would start the exercise schedule the following week. Everytime I glanced at the sheet of paper sitting beside me on the passenger seat, I could not help but wish that I could make it to the Salsa class that was scheduled for 7 p.m. the same day. The mother in me prompted me to skip this class since I had promised Raul that I would take him to the movie he has been wanting to watch for a week now. I checked their schedule to see if they offered a session on friday afternoon. Unfortunately there were no sessions past 11:30 am on friday. Disappointment set in as I realized I wouldn’t be able to start my workout till the following week.
Given that I am the kind of person that has to do something right away once I set my mind to it, I walked into the house to see Raul come running to me excited about our trip to the movie. I shamelessly requested him if we could trade the movie time to friday afternoon instead of thursday night. To my benefit I even went online and checked movie times for friday. I told him that I would love to go for my salsa class on thursday but if that would make him unhappy, I would gladly give it up to take him to the movies. I also told him it would make me extremely happy if he could just this once let me take this class and swap the movie for the next day. Raul, being who he is was more than willing to let me trade. I realized that it tore his little heart to not go to the movie that night but he stood brave and stuck to his decision to let me go. For a soon to be 8 yr old to do that for him mom is something rare and I was touched. Raul, I owe you one for letting me do this buddy. I promise to make it up to you today. You showed me yet again how special & sensitive you are to other people and their wishes. I am lucky indeed to call you mine:)
I hurriedly changed into my workout clothes and hauled a very out of shape self into the exercise studio to what I knew going in, was going to be nothing short of capital punishment. The instructor was brutal (amazing) and made parts of my body that I never knew existed cry for absolute mercy. The sight of 14 women trying to dance and work out to the beat of Latin music was absolutely hilarious. I am glad we didn’t have any spectators coz I am convinced they would have died of hysterics. The only fact that made this any less embarrasing was that everyone in the room was trying to follow the beat and keep the speed and looked just as ridiculous as the other. At about 45 minutes into the class, we were all literally groaning and pleading to be let go. Every part of my being was pleading for a break. After an hour of intense exercising, we were finally able to take a break. I don’t think I have had so much fun while putting my body through a wringer (oh wait, the other times were when I delivered Meg & Raul.) There was much pleasure in pain during those times too.
As I walked (wobbled) out of the gym after the class, the body was just completely stretched and I was literally moaning in pain. The mind to the contrary, was experiencing the most joyous moment at the thought that I had finally given priority to the passion that I had pursued for years before and even for a few years after the kids were born. I am now hooked, addicted or whatever else the term out there is. I just wish I am able to keep up with this schedule and fulfil on the promise I made to self for 2 hours a week of me time to pursue one of the things I love to do, not to mention the added bonus of hopefully maintaining a fit and healthy body.
The fact that I am out of the bed and at work this morning is nothing more than sheer will power to keep moving. Slept like a log and had to use every ounce of convincing self to haul myself out of bed. There’s nothing like putting your body through a good workout to deal with insomnia, I guess.
