File this under "Things I never thought I'd say."
A little over a week ago I joined a gym. Something people probably do every day, going to the gym is a big part of the lives of those around me. But, it's never been for me. Honestly, I had never been in a gym. Sure, my high school gym. But, a "real" gym - no way. Not interested. You can't make me go in there. Over my dead body. You get the picture. Wasn't happening. The only getting physical I was into was Olivia Newton John cica 1981...and that's only because of the leg warmers and oh-so-stylish spandex.
Somehow, over the course of a couple of days I went from wanting less than nothing to do with exercise to happily (so far) going daily. For years my doctor has been telling me to exercise and for years I've watched my pants size go up. Yet, neither of those things ever motivated me enough to actually step foot into a gym.
Last year, more and more of my friends (or maybe I'm just noticing it now) started talking about marathons, bike rides, the Dirty Girl run, Tough Mudder, the list goes on. I ignored it - not things I'd be interested in doing anyway. I've been supportive, but not for me. When push comes to shove, I started to question whether or not I could do it if I wanted to. Frankly, I didn't think I could. I've never pushed myself physically and, as I mentioned earlier, have never stepped foot in a gym.
So now not just my foot, but all of me has been - six times! Not motivated because I want to lose weight, not necessarily even to get healthy, and certainly not to train for a marathon. I went and I continue to go to prove to myself that I can and perhaps even to prove my theory that I don't "do" athletics wrong. Maybe I can and maybe I like it.
Disclaimer: I don't actually wear leg warmers and spandex to the gym, although I think it's a great look for Olivia.
Jennifer Moreau
1:34 pm on Monday, February 6, 2012
Awesome Cassie! So excited for you! You don't have to love thye gym or working out, but it's amazing to see what you can do once you put your mind to it. In fitness, health, career and so much more. You go girl!
Cassie Donahoe
5:36 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Thanks Jennifer! I never saw it like that before....It's really had an impact on my overall perspective. I've spent the better part of my life avoiding it-And it's not all that bad :)