That Was Then,This is Now

A little over 10 years ago, I was on the living room floor, thoroughly enjoying some imaginative play with my 3 year old grandson. And then the phone rang. I was expecting an important call, so I was anxious to get up, but I missed it because I couldn’t move fast enough. And there you have the meaning behind the above title.

To say that I experienced an epiphany would be an understatement😊But after I worked my way through the 5 stages of grief, I resolved to pro actively face the situation. I can’t say that I became active overnight, but rather I started slowly with just walking. It wasn’t enough. So I took the plunge and joined a gym. That wasn’t enough either. I was flailing and self conscious because I didn’t know how to use the machines. Then I made the smartest move ever, and contacted a personal trainer.

Now What?

My first workout was terrifying but I left feeling good about myself. And because she was so good at realizing my fitness level (pretty much nonexistent) she had me doing things that were slightly difficult but that I could do. I can honestly say that I pretty much always left a session feeling like I had “nailed it.” It didn’t take long for me to realize that I was “hooked.”And 10 years later, I am still working with her, 3 times a week.

Of course over 10 years, things are bound to happen…and happen they did. I have had a sore shoulder x 2, a broken toe, a sprained foot, a fall and occasional arthritis pain in my left hand. And sometimes I have just not felt like working out. My trainer has cajoled, encouraged and coaxed me through all of the above by adjusting my work outs and helping me to maintain my fitness level. I can honestly say that I have rarely if ever felt that she was asking me to do things that were beyond my capability. She has slowly and slyly brought me to a level of fitness that I am very proud of.

Who Cares?

I have to ask myself why would anyone even be interested in my story? And perhaps you’re asking the same question. Well, I believe the decision that I made 10 years ago has given me untold benefits and allowed me to move confidently and with ease. In no particular order, they are:

• Cognitive Learning new techniques requires concentrating and connecting your brain with your body movements. Sometimes it is really challenging, and I often wonder where I would be if my brain wasn’t regularly forced to do just that.
• Strength I have osteoporosis so I regularly lift weights. This is crucial for building and maintaining bone strength. Bones also need strong muscles to support your bones. Along with plenty of calcium and some medication, over the last 10 years my T-scores have improved dramatically.
• Balance Those same strong muscles enabled me to remain relatively unscathed after a harrowing fall that otherwise could have been catastrophic. By all rights, I should have broken something.
• Endurance I don’t like it but each work out always has a cardio component. Enough said.
• Posture A disabling side effect of osteoporosis is often a curving of the spine and a hunched over appearance. If there is one thing I am sure of, it is my posture. I have both a strong core, strong shoulders and strong glutes.
• Mood And finally, my mood is not always up to working out but I am regularly reminded of the benefits of exercise and that often keeps me going when all I want to do is quit.

Is There a Moral to This Story?

As a matter of fact there is: It’s that hard work pays off. Here’s the thing. When you work with a trainer for 3 hours a week for 10 years, unless you are socially inept or an introvert, you eventually form a relationship. And this is where I have to give kudos and a shout out to my trainer. Without her guidance and perseverance, I would probably still be on the floor wanting to answer a phone call and trying to get up.