I sure felt like I was in one today.
Ever since I got a new bike last May I’ve been feeling really, you know, buff. Because I ride it to the Dairy Queen instead of driving there. Also? I can swim laps. Lots of laps. I can keep up a very slow breaststroke for a good half-hour. So, for a pleasant little diversion, I signed up for a free class at the Y called cardio-pilates. I’ve taken occasional pilates classes before (that is to say, I’ve signed up for pilates classes and occasionally attended them) and what with all my swimming and biking the cardio part would be a piece of cake.
And in fact, all kidding aside, I believe my sporadic biking and swimming has made a difference. I’m actually in a lot better shape than I realized. But oh my god, you would not believe how clueless I am. It was a bad sign at the very beginning when I didn’t even realize which part of the room we were supposed to face (duh! the mirror!). It was only by pure luck that I ended up in the back row. Yep, back row is where I belong, all right. Not just because no one should see me, but because I need as many people as possible in front of me to watch so I can figure out what the hell is going on. Even if I hadn’t had to strain to hear the instructor’s voice over the music I would have been confused. Honestly, I just don’t have the vocabulary for this. You know: “Five, six, seven, eight! And tuck! And jack! And reach! And step, two, three, four! Sashay to the right! Clap! Sashay to the left! Clap! A-gain!” Is this even English??? To add to my confusion — embarrassing confession here — I’m not so good at telling right from left. This actually matters when you’re part of a line of people doing aerobics. And to top it off, some people were doing high- and others doing low-impact varieties, which often bore little resemblance to each other. I didn’t even know who to watch.
It was pretty hilarious, all right, and when I had any attention to spare from trying to figure out how to “tuck” my heels, foremost in my mind was: I can’t wait to blog about this! But it was also frustrating, because I wanted to be mulling over an idea that came up in last night’s book group discussion. This is the only way I can stand to exercise — if I can think about something else while I’m doing it. Swimming is perfect in that regard. It’s totally solitary. Your mind can wander. And you don’t even get sweaty!
I’ll give this class a couple more tries. If it gets easier I might even get me some actual workout clothes because I did manage to notice that I was the only one wearing cutoff jeans. I’ll also get a water bottle; I noticed other people had those, too. But if it doesn’t get easier I’m coming home to the country where I already understand the language and customs.
7 Comments
Who knew exercising could be so confusing?
Hey Julie–
I hated that class because it made me think too damn hard. All the dance moves reminded me of how coordination (and left and right) are not my strong suit.
For a fantastic workout try the Cardio Karate class. There are some coordination issues, but not as many and after a while I was able to free my brain up so that I didn’t get bored out of my mind. I always find a place in the class where I don’t have to face a mirror and see what an ass I look like. Thankfully the guy who runs it has people face the windows so there are places that are mirror free zones! Punching and kicking the air is also pretty theraputic after a frustrating day with the kids. It took a while to get down some of the moves–and he has groupies who know the stuff backwards and forwards so it can be a little daunting at first trying to figure out the difference between a hook and a jab–but it is really worth it. The hitch for me is the timing–it was always scheduled in the early evening and I did it for about a year but that was when my kids didn’t have to get up in the morning so it was ok to have a late bedtime once in a while. But the kids’ schedules have changed and I haven’t been to the class for almost a year now. But now I think he started a (kinda sicko) class that starts at 5:45 am. I’ve been tempted to try and go and be back home before Brian goes to work, but haven’t made it yet…
It sounds like a great add on to your biking and swimming. I’d learn the language! :)
I am impressed that you would try it. I hate that stuff. I might do a video, but a class? Gak. Good for you.
GLad you’re enjoying!I enjoy swimming, but for the past several months I’ve been walking a whole lot more, per doc’s orders because I’m small boned and have several predisposing factors to osteoporosis and swimming doesn’t prevent that. No way am I going to end up with that! I’ve always been very active so I’ve had to change my routine since hubby travels too much for us to dance nearly as much as wse used to. I applaud your efforts!:)
I like to exercise. In solitude. Before anyone else is up. Where no one can see me. I did the aerobics thing in college, I run and row now, but my favorite was kick-boxing with video tapes. I felt so tough, it got out all my aggressions, and I had amazing arms for about two months.,
I think i tried aerobics once in college and had the same reaction. I was clapping when everyone else was stepping, kicking when everyone else was touching the floor. Perhaps you and I could start a more freeform exercise class?
What is the idea you were mulling over? I’m reading The Great Good Thing, by the way. Aloud, with the 8-year-old. On the second night we had a great discussion about how it would be to be a character trapped in one story your whole life…