Even though it has nothing to do with what follows, or not yet, at least. Enjoy.
It reminds me of Epping Forrest
It reminds me of Epping Forrest I suppose the words older, and gym bunny, is rather a contradiction in terms, as gym bunny implies to most, someone young, full of energy, and nubile. Well, nubile they may not be, young, they may not be, but regulars to the gym they definitely are. I know, I see them there all the time. Perhaps because I am no longer working the nine to five working day, I use the gym during the day, in the mornings mostly. Which, means of course that I get to see mostly the older generation at play. Or, should that be at work, keeping mobile, getting fitter, if that what it is. For isn't that what we are all doing there. We are attempting not just to keep fit, but to improve our fitness level. Or, at least, I am. Its use it, or lose it isn't it.
Oh, like many people, not naturally athletic, or a fitness fanatic, it's often difficult to motivate myself to get there on a regular basis. Sometimes, I have to beat myself out of the door, into the car for the trip. Once there, I am happy I did, of course. Then, after the session, feeling hyped up, and rather virtuous, I am extremely pleased. I have not been doing this routine for that long. Only about six, to nine months. For some of that time, I was out of England, so it was often difficult to keep to a regular routine. Since returning home though, I have managed somewhat better. Aiming for three days a week, normally making it twice. Being less than 100% fit, I don't always have the energy. (How about that for an excuse... brill hey?)
It is only now, I feel I am able to have some feel for the place. The leisure centre is new, only built during the last year. As often with planned community projects, it's not big enough. Those government institutions always underestimate what is needed. I notice it with roading, with leisure, like this, and many other community projects. Perhaps they are afraid of building an expensive white elephant, then getting slated for it by the very public they are building for. Like the M 25 they are outgrown almost before they are completed. It is particularly noticeable with this project. The queues are too long, the pool is full, because it's too small, there are not enough private showers, parking spaces, or anything else. The changing cubicles are too small, and too puddled. In fact all the classes are overfull, making it difficult to get into any of them. Unless you turn up at least half an hour early, or make bookings well in advance. That of course, is only if they allow you to do so, all classes don't. But I love it all, there is something about NEW builds.
Of course, being from the UK, I enjoy having a good moan about all the shortcomings. We are renowned for complaining, it's a national pastime. We mean no harm, it does not really depress us, it's just what we do. Despite that, it's amazingly popular. As I said, its full to the rafters everyday day. Mostly with the older generation...who knew there were so many of them wanting to keep fit, or get fit! Yet they do, they swim, they excercise, they have gym memberships, and use them. Ha! Strange isn't it. Something to do with not liking to waste money maybe. As, if you are like me, regular attendance is the last thing you do, when you have membership in a gym. How many times have you joined up, and then never gone again, or gone sporadically. I know I have done just that, many times.
As I am a writer, I am also a people watcher. There is little I miss on the trips to the gym. I notice ages, energy levels, commitment, gear, and anything else that catches my attention. I notice that despite being older, a lot of the women look pretty good in their swim suits. It doesn't seem to matter if some are heavier on the bottom half, or have a well rounded middle. So perhaps it an energy level vibe, making them still attractive. The men, mmm, not so much. They tend to be older, more infirm, or fatter. As if they have only come at the last minute, when they can't delay it any longer. Well, perhaps that is exactly what they have done. Anyway, I haven't seen one yet, I would be happy to walk out with. Not that I am in the market for one. It's only curiosity you understand.
Some people swim in neat lines, up and down the same channel. Others go up one side, and down the other, other swimmers permitting. Often it's a mathamatical equasion deciding where best you can swim a length without having to change direction rapidly. There are fast lanes, medium lanes, and slow/play lanes. All overcrowded, all becoming mixed up, as people try to find enough space to swim a few lengths without a family diving, or jumping too close. Never the less, we all manage to do our lengths, or excercises somehow.
For some time. I have wanted to up my excercise level. I cannot manage a longer swim, I get too tired. I am not fit enough to take to the gym, to do general bouncing around with the truly fit. It's impossible, because of joint problems. Now, today, I I finally found a class. I can do. It's called 'Body Toning', well aren't they all called body something? Body Pump, Body stretch, Body training etc. This one though involves climbing on a series of machines that do it for you. Yippee I thought, forty minutes of lying on a table, or sitting in a chair...easy! They are a bit spooky though, in shiny leather, looking a little like Old fashioned torture instruments. There are leg shapes, and high grips, and long stretches, and bits of the bed that pump up and down. I tell you, I got some bits nipped when I I didn't get the positioning right. Keeps you alert all right. Except, it was harder than it looked, and by the time I was halfway around, I was falling asleep half way through the minute, and a half timer for each one. With someone waiting to climb on your machine, as you climb off, you have to get moving, and keep moving. They were not designed for somnambulist. By the time I was round the lot, I felt as if I had been rudely awaken several times, I was quite zombie like, thick headed, and woozy.
Regardless, I have booked a weeks worth, with one session every other day, just to see how the 'body,' and the 'will' manage it. I'm hoping I can keep going physically, and also get there on the day booked. Tonight despite me thinking the movements were easy, my arms, hips, and lower back are protesting.
Swimming tomorrow, that's if I I can make it out of bed...in time.
Wish me, and all the other older gym bunnies, lots of luck,
I have a feeling, I may need it by the end of the week.
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