March 2024 SOLC–Day 7
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I started an exercise class this week. I just walked right in, more or less ready to go. Ok, to be honest, I spent a couple of weeks talking and thinking about it first…or maybe a year or so… At any rate, I got there a bit early on Tuesday night so that I could introduce myself to the instructor and let him know I had no idea what I was doing. He was friendly and gave me a cursory overview of the class and a few tips.
“Let me know if you need some modifications. Tonight is mostly weights, so the typical modification is less weight. Thursday night is more of a cardio Boot Camp(Wait! What!?! ) so there might be some more things to adapt then.”
I nodded, barely listening anymore, while seriously reconsidering my plan to go to the Thursday class. (Boot camp! I have NEVER aspired to participate in anything called Boot Camp! )
But let me fill you in. I’m taking this particular class for several reasons:
One, I’m getting older. I know this isn’t a news flash, but it’s starting to sink in. Last year, I listened to all of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s amazing podcast, “Wiser than Me”, in which she interviews famous older women about their lives and their ideas about aging. (It’s absolutely fabulous, by the way, and I highly recommend that you check it out!) From the women who were feeling good about being older, there was definitely a theme about the benefits of being fit and strong heading into your golden years.
Two, I already have noticed that I don’t feel as strong as I used to. I’ve also read about the importance of weight bearing exercise for menopausal women. I’ve managed to ignore both of these things for a long, long time. It feels like the right time to make a change. Ok, if I’m being honest, and more accurate, it feels more like now or never.
Finally, I haven’t taken a class in ages. I (sort of) like the idea of trying something new, and this particular class works with my schedule. Besides, it’s March, and I can probably find a slice in it somewhere, right? (Psst–Hey, look! I did!)
On the journey to this new exercise thing, I’ve discovered that there are some clear benefits to aging. (Though when I just said that to my husband, he scoffed. Loudly. Or at least I think that’s the appropriate word for the sound he made. Maybe it was a snort?) But truly, the wonderful thing about aging is that I don’t really give a hoot about a lot of the exercise trappings. I just want to do it. I’m not embarrassed to modify if I need to. I no longer have the need to try to keep up with the bounciest, most energetic person in the room. I am totally in it for myself and for the most part, couldn’t care less what anyone else thinks. I did give a few minutes of thought to my wardrobe, but mostly for the comfort factor. There is no longer a need to look good in the gym either. Coordinated outfits? Ha! I wore old leggings (I’ll just ignore that small hole.) and a souvenir T-shirt from a long ago 5K. It worked.
So class one is now officially in the books.
On Wednesday morning my coworker asked, “How did your class go last night?”
My response?
“I didn’t tip over, and I didn’t wet myself. I count that as a win!”
Based on her facial expression and the fact that she’s a very fit 29, I’m not sure she appreciated the true scale of the victory, but I sure did.
Now it’s time to decide whether or not to head to Boot Camp on Thursday.
Nix the comfort zone 
So much in this is familiar and connecting, but I just about spit out my coffee when I read the perfect truth: “I didn’t tip over, and I didn’t wet myself. I count that as a win!” Only women of a certain age can truly appreciate the beauty of that statement!! Thanks for my morning laugh (and bit of motivation!).
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To my surprise, I actually mostly enjoyed the class, but unfortunately it seems to be interfering with my sleep. Apparently, it’s a little two late for me to be exercising!
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You write with so much vulnerability and humor, such a perfect, entertaining mix. “I spent a couple of weeks talking about it… or maybe a year” really shows how big of a decision this class, mixed with all the thinking and podcast listening (I definitely want to check this out). Perhaps the community of being in the class is what you’re looking for! (Sadly the “I didn’t wet myself” is a truth I now fully understand)
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Thanks, Cindy! I like the whole class dynamic thing, and the women in the class were warm and welcoming. I do hope you check out the podcast! It’s fabulous!
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I’m thrilled you made it Tuesday and hope you give the Boot Camp a try. You can modify as you please. And that comment you made to your co-worker was priceless. The young ones just do not know! Still laughing because, I’ve been there! :)
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Well, I did make it to Boot Camp. Not sure what else to say except that I got a slice out of it! lol
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That’s funny…but you have to go 3 consecutive times before you give it up! ;)
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Way to go!! This is such a great step…they say, and I can definitely attest to this, but the first step is always the hardest. It can only go up from here, right?!
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It does feel good to be working my muscles. I suspect it’s going to be a process to find just the right class. School schedules are not flexible!
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SO many connections for me in your writing! I also LOVED that podcast and looking forward to season 2 (which is set to drop this Spring!). I also am thinking about how I need to exercise….only the thinking has happened for me. Thanks for writing as you are motivating me! Let’s keep moving!!
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I just saw that they were dropping Season 2 next month! I’m so excited! My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed the first season. On another note, I hope I keep moving! (at least I’ve started…)
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I’m looking forward to the boot camp slice! I think it’s impressive that you got a slice out of this when it sounds like you really didn’t get the embarrassment or injury that would have naturally led to a slapstick slice. You just gave us the perfect next day comment and your husband’s “snort” of disagreement. Yes, we were both on the aging theme today. It must have to do with tiring toward the end of the week.
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As I’m pushing past my mid-50s, aging is more and more on my mind.
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I appreciate your comment after class: “I didn’t tip over, and I didn’t wet myself. I count that as a win!” I laughed so hard! Thank you. You’ve inspired me to take that Y yoga class, and I have to find that Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast!
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I’m so glad I made you laugh. I do hope you check out the podcast. I think the Jane Fonda and Isabel Allende interviews might be my favorites. Oh…Diane von Furstenburg was also really good!
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Good job! It takes me about a year to talk myself into some things, too, haha! xo
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The hardest part is starting and you did! Dont t be scared of the “boot camp” term, it’s just the term they use these days. Remember aerobics, step aerobics, weighted aerobics. The boot camp thing was born out of cross fit craze. I’m 53 and I’ve been at a place Burn Boot Camp for 5 years and I am stronger than I was at 35. Like you, I believe it’s good and healthy to be as strong as we can as we age. And yes, it’s a beautiful place to be when we’re wise enough to do it for us and not worry about our ‘fits or the bouncy 22 year old next to us! Keep at it Molly!!!
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Thanks for the reassurance and all the positive vibes. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t love Boot Camp. Also, exercising late-ish is messing with my sleep. I guess this whole exercise thing will be a journey!
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I’m proud of you for taking the leap! I’ve always felt my best when I’m consistently strength training. There’s something really empowering about feeling strong and capable in your body. Yoga fulfills some of that for me, which is one reason I love it so much. You should definitely keep it up and explore new classes. I do find the communities I’ve built in classes to be lovely and supportive.
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“There’s something really empowering about feeling strong and capable in your body.” Yes! It’s been a long time since I’ve been in that place, but I do remember it. The women were very welcoming in the class, but I’m still considering my options. Timing is so hard!
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Hahaha! So funny! Molly, this is just what I needed. My daughter has asked me numerous times about weight-bearing exercises. I walk and bike, but I think I need to do more with weights. I’m trying to be inspired with all those talking about exercise and yoga. Before the month is over…I will be doing more. I’m committing to it.
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I’ve been thinking about doing weight-bearing exercises for years. It actually felt pretty good. I’m still having some issues with scheduling, but am determined to work something out. I look forward to reading about your choices!
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Funny you should mention weight-bearing exercises. Hannah has added some, including doing steps at our condo and no doubt once we return to Maine. Wait til you are in your seventies, you really develop the “give a sh**” attitude. It’s great.
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It is liberating to not care quite so much!
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You’re braver than I am! I keep resisting the gym scene, not because of what others think of me, but because of what it makes me think of myself! But then again, if the bar is not tipping over, maybe I am up for a trip to the gym! I’m looking forward to hearing about the boot camp later this week.
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Oh, the bar is quite low, indeed! lol
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Such a fun slice, especially the picture of your colleague’s face at your response! As someone somewhat older than you, I can assure you of the benefits of being as fit as possible. It’s sad when your body can’t do some of the things your mind assumes you still can?! I will definitely check out that podcast. Thanks.
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I hope you do check out the podcast. I listen to very few of them, but my husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed this one. We’re both excited that there’s another season coming in April.
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[…] you read my post yesterday, you might be wondering if I went to Boot Camp last night or not. Here’s an […]
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This post is such a great mixture of fun and inspiring. I’m about to turn 50 this week, so I’ve been thinking a lot about aging and staying fit. I love all the wise role modeling you’ve tucked into a light-hearted story.
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I’m 57, so you have a head start on me! Happy Birthday!!!
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