Went to the gym last night.
It’d been a while. Years actually.
Until three, maybe four, years ago the gym had been routine but then something changed – laziness, I guess – and I stopped, choosing instead to walk, row and lift the odd weight at home in a bid to stave off osteoporosis.
I’m not in the worst shape. I’m what some younger women describe as ‘not bad shape for her age.’ If ever there was a statement filled with qualifiers, it’s that one.
So I’m at the gym last night – notably the oldest in a crowd of millenials and Gen X’ers – awkwardly doing my thing, and everywhere I turn, there I am. Let me tell you, there’s nothing like wall-to-wall mirrors to confirm how you’re progressing through life.
And here’s what I want to know:
What the hell happened to my arms? And when?
Skin quality has changed. Is that happening with you too? I can hear my younger daughter saying ‘I told you to moisturize more’ and I suspect I’m at a too little too late stage. But I have to tell you, I got a little wigged out when I caught sight.
And the underarm bit where I used to have triceps. You know what I’m talking about. It’s why you almost never see vain women going sleeveless.
My pal Pauline, her arms tight and toned, is newly certified as a personal trainer. She bemoaned the sight of her thighs in shorts. Since my thighs won’t be seeing the light of day in a gym any time soon, I clucked in sympathy.
When I got home, this woman popped up on my social media. She’s 81 and more determinedly fit than I will ever be. Her arms are amazing which tells me, with dedication, time can be reversed.
So, inspired, I ate a piece of chocolate to celebrate my new resolve . . . and broke a tooth.
That was my Tuesday.
When I'm 64 
Enjoyed your story so much! Mainly because Danuta and I were just talking about such subject just this morning! (are you psychic?). It is indeed a treasure that such moments can be viewed with such a sharp sense of humour.
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Thank you, Lloyd. A new venture this, and response like this will keep me going.
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enjoyed this – but you do still have that Gery tone to your writing… >
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Good for you, mama!! As the less perpetually glistening daughter, I will also try to moisturise more.
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This must by Carl’s account….my user name is a surprise to me.
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And to me. ☺️
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I’m sure it’s not too late, Court. As for me, I’m probably a lost cause. 🙂
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we love the Gery tone….I think there comes a time where we do the best we can with the tools we have at the time. I had to accept a new body after my car accident. At first It wasn’t easy to go out in public. I was always pulling my skirt or pants down and tried to cover up my legs…A friend mentioned to me they were my badges of courage..still?……Then at the lake a youngster probably mid 20’s, in a white thong bikini with rolls everywhere , marched happily by…at that moment I decided I am who I am…All I can do is be the best I can be….You don’t like ..your problem….Really its whats inside that counts and lady you
sparkle!!
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Ah, you’re gorgeous. Thanks, April. Boy oh boy, I remember those days.
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Dear Gery, I applaud your efforts and determination. Like you I have been aghast at the unfair changes in ones aging physique. Thank you for the Humphreys must run, chocolate calls.😎
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Humphreys???? What? “humour” is what was intended. Wait a minute…!
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Somehow Humphreys made sense to me. 🙂
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Thanks, SS. Watch your teeth.
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Mirrors, thanks for reminding me… another reason to forestall going to the gym. You can’t see yourself in the pool though Ger and very large towels afterwards help!
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I had a good giggle at your story and remembered conversations with you about this very thing! oh well just go to Oslo and don’t worry about it!
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I was talking about this back then??? I had no idea what was ahead.
Have you retired?
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