First Day Back

One of the positive legacies of my time with the Wasband is that I know how to lift weights.  He was a body builder, but not in a stupid way.  I am grateful for this because I can pretty much go into any gym and create a workout for myself with whatever equipment is available.

Today, for the first time in 6 months, I went to the gym.  I went to the rec centre closest to where I live, which is a 20 minute walk away.  I wasn’t impressed.  It was a bit on the grungy side and the space was cramped and not laid out particularly well.  Also, it had a very small, cramped stretching area and not enough exercise balls.  Also, it was full of old Sikh men who were there for social time rather than serious working out.  They milled about in small groups, yakking away, using equipment in a frustratingly leisurely manner, and basically just being annoying.  I might have to find a different time to go.  This was at 8:30 in the morning.

Anyway, I did what I needed to do.  I did 15 minutes on the treadmill since I had walked 20 already.  I didn’t hoof it like I usually do, but rather slowed it down and kept the incline reasonable.

When it came to weight time, though, I got frustrated pretty quickly because of the tight space and groups of old men milling around.  I was also sad to see how weak I have become.  My legs were OK – they’re usually pretty strong  – but my shoulders, arms, and back are in terrible shape.  This is going to take some real concerted effort to get back to where I was before.  This will also be a lesson in patience…I tend to get really impatient with slow progress at the gym.

Oh, and I completely forgot to do abdominal exercises.  Oops.

But I am glad I went and glad I am cleared to keep going.  I’m sure I’ll be in a lot of pain tomorrow, though.