Hmmm…

Seem like inspiration for the big topics doesn’t hit often, leaving this blog log-less. So I’ve decided to start writing a bit about my foray into weightlifting.

I’ve always stayed in shape by doing things - hiking, running, biking etc., but most of that was “weekend warrior” style. Add to the mix that I’m getting older - well, let’s just say that means I’m also getting softer and squishier (used that word just for you, Blair, ha ha!), and I was never particularly strong or hard to begin with! I haven’t gained much weight, but I don’t want to start going down that road. I know my sister would like to lose a few pounds, and how hard it is for her, so I’m trying to save myself some struggle (guess you could say I’m looking for the easy way out huh?).

Now add that I’ve just not been feeling particularly me lately, whatever that means. So I decided to start “pumpin’ iron”.

I’ve only been doing it a few weeks, but it’s amazing how different I feel. I haven’t gained a lot of strength yet… well, ok, I’ve doubled some of the weight I started with, but overall it’s still pretty piddly! And yet - there’s that feeling of strength just from going to the gym. I started out very intimidated just going in - I was sure I’d look like an idiot, looking up every exercise in my book to make sure I was doing it right. Oh, and I forgot - this is California! I’m surrounded by young attractive tiny people, ack. So it took a lot for me to get into a gym. I started by using the few dumbbells I have at home (the heaviest of which is only 20 pounds), and occasionally went into the fitness center at the apartment complex. The fitness center is really more dedicated to the “cardio bunny”, so I do use the treadmill or bike, but stay away from weights as there isn’t much room and they’re usually being used by young macho guys who grunt and throw the weights, like it’s supposed to impress who ever’s walking by!

Last week I ventured into the gym on the Marine base. It was really quite an adventure! There were women there, strong women! Lifting weights! I even watched one gal do 12 pull ups… I was awestruck. Someday that will be me (ok, maybe a long-way-away-someday, as I can’t even do one right now *lol*).

No one stared. They looked, but if they stared, I didn’t notice. I really, really like the squat rack, even though I’m only pushing the bar with no additional weights on it. One of these days I will need to learn to “clean and jerk”. It doesn’t help to know the words and not the technique… and I probably still look more fool-ish than strong-ish… but I’ll keep at it.

more later.