my first day at the gym

Monday, February the 4th, was my first day at the gym. Felt a little panicky when it started with documenting the “before” condition. Talk about a classic weigh-in. You know like when a boxer will be measure before a fight. Oh my, oh my.

 

It felt a little embarrassing to say the least. Given there were actually 2 people doing this thing. 1 big and burly guy physical therapist and 1 girl personal trainer. They were friendly and everything but it’s kinda weird when they have to say aloud all kinds of numbers to measure your being.

 

First they got my weight and height and then the creepy measurements came. They input my height and weight into this thing, and they let me grip this electronic thing hard. I don’t know how it works but they got my body mass index and the percentage of body fat I had. Wow. Heartbreaker. It’s not enough to lose weight after all. There’s a ratio to be maintained. My body fat was 21%. What?? It meant about 21% of my mass was in fact body fat, and not muscle. So out with the big ass calculator and after a few press of the buttons they told me I had to lose about 25 pounds more, to get my ideal ‘lean” weight.

Whoah. They really know how to get you into the program. I feel tired already.

 

Then they took out a measuring tape and started measuring everything possible on my body where they could get a “circumference” data. Hahaha. For my arms alone, they took 4 measurements. Like they wanted to see how big all the muscles were. Sadly I didn’t have any. I wished girl trainer was a little bit cuter, she was petite and fit and smiley, but not that cute, which is good because I’d be a lot more uncomfortable if she was a hottie. Hahaha. Never mind I told myself. I was kidding with them all that time. I said you could actually make a body sculpture of me with that dimensions. I start to worry that after a month, they’re going to measure me again and check my progress. Now that’s pressure, Hahaha.

 

Anyway, they put me through a stress test. I had to take 100 step-ups in 15 minutes. And they took my heart rate because they wanted to know how my body would respond to stress. Then they the hard work began.  First they wanted to know how many “real” push-ups I could do. Apparently it’s 20. Sit-ups, 15.  Reach my toes?? I really couldn’t. I told them I wanted to join the gym not enlist in the army. Hahaha. I was beat. And that was just the pre-assessment. 

 

Yeah I felt like a neophyte in a fraternity. The “coach” said 15 minutes of cycling, then 15 minutes on the Aero-stepper and 15 minutes on the treadmill. That was my first day routine. Gradually though, they’d teach me more stuff to do as they target the areas (read: my tummy) where I have a lot to improve on. Monday, Wednesday and Friday I was at the gym. I had put days in between to give me time to recuperate. The second and third day, my body didn’t hurt as much as it did the first day. I felt like being in my highschool varsity practice again. I just have to shut up and do everything I'm told. Even if it's physicaally exhausting.

 

I think I’m going to enjoy this thing because they always have great, techno music on every time. Gets you in the beat. Monday, they were playing Kylie mixes. So they've really won me over.  And everyday it’s a new class. Monday is taebo, Tuesday is belly-dancing, strip aerobics, Wednesday is cardio-aerobics, Thursday is cycling class and Friday is boxing/ ab-fitness. Yeah I joined the abs-fitness thing and it really hurt my gut. First an hour of boxing-inspired calisthenics and then second-half of the program, all of you were lying on the floor and doing and doing crunches to the beat of the music. When they started counting to 100 crunches while holding your legs up, I wanted to cry and sleep. Hahaha. Didn’t know it’s physically possible to do that stuff. Being the newbie in the class, I had the excuse of laughing my way out of the work out. Oh well, have to try everything I guess.  The good thing is that when I get home, I feel energized. And I’m tired enough that I find myself not thinking about food at all.

 

Was supposed to come in Saturday morning too. But the abs thing really deserved in itself a reason to reward yourself with a day for R&R. Today’s schedule, I’m getting a facial, my toes and nails done, and maybe a haircut.  Take the time out to blog and be al little lazy. Next week, battle mode resumes. Gotta be ready for it.

 

And no, there are no cute people there. Hmmm, sayang. But all of them are friendly. At least that’s what I think. It’s either that or they were really laughing at me because I am really red and flustered and my hair’s a mess when I get tired. Funny thing, I saw a cute ass and pert bosoms on the first day. Really had that fit, tight body. Was shocked when she left to say goodbye. A man’s voice came out of her throat. Oh my, bading pala. (maybe not the politically correct term, let’s just say she’s someone who has successfully crossed-over, and looks good) Hahaha. Well, well, got me fooled. You’re not really sure until you hear them speak.

 

Alas, the funny adventures and mis-adventures begin.