A few weeks ago I received a DM on Facebook from my photographer and friend, Alisha. She is back on track with working out like me and was wondering if I wanted an in-person accountability partner. “Interesting,” I thought.
I’ve always been really solo in my exercise life. Even in team sports when I was young, I tended to go off in a corner and do my own thing. The only time I’ve worked directly with someone is when I’m paying a trainer. And I don’t look at that as a partnership so much as someone I’m paying to kick my butt. And now that I think about it, I don’t really even enjoy that. Not the hard work part, the having to be accountable to someone.
Anyway, when Alisha asked me, I thought, well, I really like Alisha. I certainly do play hookey when I don’t “feel” like going to the gym. I’m a woman of my word so I don’t just bail when I know someone is going to be there waiting on me. What the heck, I’ll give it a try. So I agreed.
Alisha is a member of the YMCA near our house. The “Y” is a really big thing here. Which is weird. I’ve lived in Phoenix and Denver and in the ‘burbs the Y was non-existent. I was a little snooty the first time I went to visit, not expecting much, but oh my goodness, it’s really nice. On par with just about every gym I’ve ever been a member of. Lots of great cardio equipment, all the weights and machines one could want, an indoor and outdoor pool AND classes. So, I joined. Just me. Frank may join later, but for now, he’s not in a routine so it’s just me.
We started meeting last Monday. I have to admit, I had a bad attitude. But then I walked in and there was Alisha. It was nice to see a friend. We got in and did some cardio and some machines. Neither of us really had a plan per se. We were there together, but kind of doing our own thing, which is nice. Tuesday I wasn’t in the mood to work out but I’ll be damned if I didn’t pull myself out of my bed, get into my clothes, have my protein shake, get in the car and go work out. And of course, when all was said and done, I felt great. I probably would have bagged it had I not had Alisha there counting on me to show up.
I decided to go back to the BFL program (Body for Life) to have a point to my workouts. So far so good. I’m on day 5 and it’s a 12-week program (sort of, it’s not the kind of thing you have to stop after just 12 weeks, but it’s a good time to stop and reflect over the changes made and the goals reached). I’m feeling in the groove. Tomorrow Alisha and I are going to try the TRX class, and therein lies the benefit of a club membership. Classes. Variety. I’m excited. I know it’ll kick my butt, but I’m really looking forward to it. And I’m looking forward to having someone to laugh with when I can’t manage the straps! LOL
I always look at myself as adventurous, but in the end, I think I’m like a lot of people. I like my routine, I like the way things have always been. It’s been a stretch for me to be accountable to someone else, but I get it. It’s actually been rally helpful, and kind of the highlight of my mornings these past few days. I’m so thankful Alisha reached out and invited me to join her. I think we’ll push each other where we need to be pushed and celebrate the changes together along the way. Together.
Shrinking Shay 