The Begining

I could have asked my husband for anything for Christmas, but what I really wanted was a gym membership.

I searched high and low for a place that felt right, and tried a class with a friend at a small group fitness center -- f.i.t. (First in Training) in Hopedale. I loved it. So now I prepare for the journey -- on a bike, on a mat or on a bag. Whatever the road brings I am up for it.

Already I find myself saying things I never thought I would ever hear come out of my mouth: "I'm taking a spin class" ; "I have a kickboxing class in the morning."

To understand the wonder of this is to know me; to know that I have a hard enough time doing simple things simultaneously, like, say, typing and writing, and that grace is not something that comes naturally to me. And the most stunning thing of all is not the activity, but the fact that it is a group activity. I am one who does not like to feel vulnerable in public. (Warning to self: Success at the gym may lead to dancing in public. * GASP* Well, only if success at the gym somehow breeds the knowledge of how to boogie.)

Kickboxing is a work in progress, I am still pretty much all legs and arms akimbo, but a good instructor is key. Knowing before I even put on my gloves that it was OK not to be able to keep up with the rest of the class, was a relief. And to know that she wasn't afraid to stop and show me how to do things right BEFORE I say "OWW!" is also a great help.

So after taking a few drop-in courses to feel it out, I am now an official member, and I started this week.

Encouragement and tips are welcome, and maybe I can return the favor.

How have a first two classes gone?

Day 1: Yoga. Multi-level flow yoga, to be precise.

Holy Mother of Mary my body doesn't move! The next time anyone thinks yoga is easy, try the bow position: get on all fours, bend your left knee up and reach back with your right hand and grab-- yes, grab -- your left ankle. Don't shift your weight, and hold if for five breaths. 5 BREATHS!!!!? I'm too busy trying not to bring all 150 lbs of me down on my face, I'm am getting a Charlie Horse in my thigh, and you want me to freakin' breathe? I returned to all fours and admired those who can do it.

What I learned: This is going to take a lot of patience, but I am determined. And that I am 5'3'': 5-feet of ass and leg, and 3-inches boobs, shoulder and head. Yup, folks, someone stole my middle! With those proportions I believe it is a definite impossibility that I will ever be able to "hinge forward at the waist" while standing and place my palms flat on the floor. So like the miracle of the loaves and fishes, I am hoping the miracle of yoga will lengthen my spine and make me a piece of putty.

Day 2: Spin

o'dark:30. (5:30 a.m.) 5 degrees. I went to bed in Bellingham, Massachusetts and I woke up in North Dakota. Why am I doing this? It's coming back to me know: legs, waist, and the chance to have a torso through the yoga miracle . . .

Today is spinning. A fancy name for "stationary bike ride and sore ass." You can put three-feet of gel on top of that seat and your whooo is still going to hurt. I am praying for the day I can stand up in the saddle to give my butt a much needed break. Hear that knees? You will have to learn how to pump a 45-lb wheel and 150lbs of me. We'll work up to it slowly.

For now, let's relish the accomplishment: 45-minutes of constant peddling, at varying intensities. I did not throw-up.

I will be standing for the rest of the day.