Where is the Finish Line?

Thanks to my nephew, who is becoming a certified personal trainer, and my daughter, who can’t bear to watch my arms jiggle back and forth while blow-drying my hair, I have decided to get in shape. Gone are the days when I can mindlessly run on the treadmill like a gerbil in an exercise wheel and call it a workout. Now, I am forced to use those machines on the other side of the gym that honestly require a master’s degree to adjust.

So, I am now an official member of the New Year’s Resolutionists (my new word) who have become determined to do something better for themselves and secretly hope it will all take shape by February. I have to say that I rather enjoyed my first few visits to the gym, with my nephew kindly encouraging me to keep pressing on. Now, it is just me in a sea of machines with no cheerleaders, and the excitement is gone.

As I struggle to finish my third set of reps and the twenty-two year old beside me is barely breaking a sweat, I have to wonder why I am doing this at all. And then of course, it dawns on me (I hate it when that happens). I have no vision for what I am trying to achieve. The finish line is out of sight and I have no idea what success will look like when I get there.

Like so many things we start with great enthusiasm, we forget that we need to set goals. Often it seems that we set the goal too high and then feel disappointed when we never reach the finish line. I for one, have to set small goals and in some cases, those goals might be set weekly.

As it relates to setting goals for getting in shape, it may be as simple as less jiggle by June or maybe even my three-days a week goal through March. Honestly, right now my only goal is to tone up my abs so I can actually get out of bed in the morning without rolling onto the floor!

Comments

[Michael Jenkins]

Susan,
Once apon a time I spent many hours/ years on the "other side of the gym". I found the best way to endure was a good partner well matched to your end results. Just someone to push you at the right time, keep you coming back for more, and most of all, keeping it fun.
Michael

[Susan Schneider]

Hi Jon,

Thanks for the note! I was hoping people would get their own visual when reading yesterday. You are so right, we have all been there and it is never easy all the time for everyone! Welcome to the Resolutionists’ Club

[Jon]

I'm still chuckling at your clever writing skills! I can just picture your grimacing over that last set. Or, looking at the youngster at the next machine. Or, rolling out of bed. Of course the reason for my laughter is that many of us have been there and done that. In fact, still there and doing it. Several tattered T-shirts.
As I sit here sipping a great Pinot, I'll plan my attack for a workout routine tomorrow. The mind is such a powerful ally.

So...Welcome to the club. What ever trick or incentive or picture or mantra it takes... keep at it!

[Susan Schneider]

Thanks Dad. I thought you would enjoy this one and am sure you can picture Ellie giving me a hard time!

[Dad]

I can relate and I liked it. Good job.