Snapshot from my gym

[sabrinamari]

Overheard at the gym this morning after 5 sets of barbell squats, 4 sets of leg extensions, 3 sets of leg presses, 2 sets of 3-part leg press calf raises and 2 sets of 3-part seated calf raises, with 6 sets of standing leg curls and glute kickbacks to go:

"I don't really feel the need to use this."

...pronounced by a portly, 40-ish looking woman examining a 20-lb. barbell with distaste.

I almost collapsed from laughter, both in empathy (I know exactly how she feels) and disbelief (come on, lady, you hired that trainer to help you!).

Dear gods...

Comments

[rio-luna.livejournal.com]

when i was in my gardnerian training coven, there was one lady who wanted her Gardnerian degrees, she wanted to learn Gardnerian Wicca...she just didn't want to have to do the ritual actions. She didn't want to speak the liturgy out loud (due to her "social anxiety disorder") and she din't want to get up and cast circle with someoen else doing the spekaing part. She wouldn't do it privately with outr teacher so our teaher could be assured she knew what she was doing. She didn't want to do any of that. She just wanted her Gardnerian First Degree, and was very annoyed that Sara kept saying "Not until you prove you know the ritual." I know, how demanding.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

When I hear that, I don't know whether to laugh or be horrified.

[rio-luna.livejournal.com]

i know! Sara and Dove were delighted and SHOCKED when i said, Hey, can I cast cirlce tonigth? I've memorized the script, and I HATE just sitting here...

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

I love that can do attitude, rio. Wish you lived around here, woman!

[rio-luna.livejournal.com]

miss you bad. hmmm, FSG......?

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Nah. Not this year.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

The stuff I'm doing at the gym is very demanding and takes absolute focus. That's great right now. Every once in awhile I step back and think, "This is certainly crazy."

I'm not training for anything in particular, but it feels good to get stronger. I've never done this many exercises AND sets per body part. My 40 year-old-plus body really feels it! But I'm pretty sure I can regain the strength and endurance I had when I was much younger, and it feels *so good* to be strong...

[tigira.livejournal.com]

I am SO not that person. When I'm working with a trainer I have a kind of reverse attitude - that I need to prove that I am already able to do these things. In some cases I am. That's when it's a matter of awakening prior muscle memory. In other cases, though, well, it sets me up to disappoint only myself. That's when I have to push through and get my head back on straight.

It's a bit like doing the martial arts training, again. I find myself getting frustrated because in this new style, my stances are too narrow and too deep, my punches are too high. Technically, what I'm doing is perfect for Tae Kwon Do, but not correct for Nick Cerio's Kenpo (which is somewhat different from other lines of American Kenpo).

That said, our current teacher (the teacher for me, meadmaker and F) is adamant that we learn this with the guides to NOT cause longterm injuries like what I'm dealing with, now.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

It takes real determination to re-learn body memory. I know it's hard to do, and I'm impressed that you are wiling to do it. Retraining your body, your brain and refusing to give in frustration require lots of internal strength. Good for you that you are willing

[tigira.livejournal.com]

You come up in conversation, if only by stating, "A dear friend says," Our teacher talks about the importance of teaching, and how when you teach and watch others teach, you learn even more. Honestly, change a few words, and I could be talking to a 3* priest or priestess.

There are things in his attitude, therefore, that meadmaker and I just "get." The one thing that comes up often for me is that I must consent to be taught by a new teacher, in a new style, with the adjustments he's willing to make for me. It's a challenge, but I think it's worthwhile to be doing this alongside my family.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Consenting to be taught is almost the most important thing. There's no point in talking to those with no ears to hear you. I just re-learned that.

[eoma-p.livejournal.com]

"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig."

[ingridsummers.livejournal.com]

That makes me laugh. It's how I feel most mornings that I'm at the gym. I just don't say it out-loud. Because, of course I do need to strengthen my body.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

I get it. Some days I just look at the dumbbells and say, "Oh man, I so don't want to..."

I found the most determined-looking woman I could see in a serious fitness mag and cut it out for my vision board. I loved it---she looked totally unstoppable. I chose it because that's the determination I need to get past the days when I just don't want to do it.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Today I really had to force myself to do my ohmygods10,000 biceps sets, and i couldn't make myself do cardio at all.

So I know what you mean, ingrid.

[spiffnolee.livejournal.com]

I hurt just reading your list of sets. Wow!

I try to make sure I complain to my trainer with a smile on my face. SO that she knows when I'm telling her about actual pain or limits, as opposed to whining.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

I get it. It's not bad to speak up for your limits---it's just also important to be willing to push yourself. From our conversations, I think you've achieved a good balance between these two things, Lee. I really can't imagine you whining!