I've told this story to a few people since it happened a week ago today and since they all fell over laughing, I guess I should share it with ya'll.
I'm at the gym last Thursday morning. Here's the scenario - I roll out of bed, throw on the workout clothes and leave at about 7:15AM BEFORE I've had time to come up with an excuse not to go. By the time I get to the gym I'm awake and ready. It's a basic program that works for me - no brain power required. I "do" two miles, maybe a little more, on the treadmill and then two miles, maybe a little more on the bike and leave. I'm not there for a social event. I look like heck, no makeup, no hairdo and the same workout clothes day in and day out. I do this four or five times a week.
BUT on last Thursday as I was coming downstairs to leave, I ran into my friend Deb and the owner of the gym. They were talking about the new Senior Certified Personal Trainer. One of them said, "Oh you should meet him and have him put a program together for you." Hmmmm.
I thought, "Well if he's a Senior Certified trainer then that makes him more qualified then just a personal trainer. I never got that they meant "senior citizen" trainer. But I did after they talked for a few minutes about his programs. AND when the owner said, "Don't you want to meet him?" I, with a horrified look on my face, said "No way". I left, got in my car and drove home.
I was in a state of shock that they would think I needed a "senior citizen" trainer. I almost had to lay down to recover. (I'm exaggerating). I just don't ever think of myself as the age I am. Never. Not because I'm avoiding it, but it's just not relevant to my lifestyle.........
So, I have thought about it from time to time over the last week and now I think it is so darn funny that I've shared the story. You see I'm 67 but in my mind and heart I'm about 49 or 50 and that doesn't qualify as a senior citizen. Does it?
The last time someone referred to my advancing age was when I was turning 40 and the eye doctor reminded me that I was getting older and would need reading glasses. At 40, egad. I never forgot that either.
A reality check is good every once in a while I guess. But heck it doesn't last long and then I'm tumbling down stairs and having a "new" friend visit me.
Yee ha.
11 comments:
I'm with you! Age reality checks are no fun! I truly believe though that you are only as old as you act and feel.
That trainer would have had you doing five laps around the block in a wheelchair followed by a Geritol smoothie.
And he would have tinted your hair purple.
I'm not old. Look at Babs. She's beautiful and I am younger than she. Thanks for helping us all with our aging battles, Babs.
And Felipe, purple hair isn't so bad. At least it's hair. Sort of.
Babs - That workout routine alone qualifies you to be just as young as you want to be. It's all just numbers anyway. I'll catch up with you in a couple of weeks, turning 67 on July 11.
This is too funny. I would have done the same thing. I consider your workout huge. Good for you. You are hilarious. I am 60 and i haven't thought about it since the incident happened in May (the birthday)!
Well, I never!!...they say that timing is everything and I just saw your post when my family is having fits because I am doing the Camino de Santiago in Spain...a 1,000 year old spiritual journey of trekking 512 miles through mountains and valleys of northern Spain at the young old age of 62, female and by myself. The family thinks I've gone over the edge!! And have tried every way to talk me out of it. But I AM going to do this even if they think I am certifiable. So thanks for sharing this story, maybe I am not insane...err, or maybe babs and all you that commented here are ALSO certifiable thinking we are young. Hmmmm...maybe you will want to come along
Well Wayne I'm feeling.....oh never mind! And Felipe, purple hair and lose my blondish, reddish tresses, no thanks.
Thank you Paul, you're always such a gentleman.
1st mate - I think we look pretty darn good for the age we are and your birthday is the same day as my sister who will turn 78 and still bowls and plays golf every week! Jan, glad I can add to your humor and Rita - you GO GIRL! I had some friends who did that walk and they said it was "life altering". Tell me about it when you return, ok? don't pay attention to others. At least a zillion times in my life people have told me not to do something and I have ignored them and had the time of my life.....which by the way, is happening right now! Ha.
Kudos on that work out routine! Better than me ...
I'm not fond of the 'senior citizen' moniker. It seems to be from 60 and beyond (for which I qualify at 62 - ugh).
AT this point I can deal with 'Señor citizen' and the only one I recognize to date. ;-)
Last winter I tried working out with a 28-year-old gung-ho trainer. I liked the idea of being pushed hard, but I wound up limping around a lot. One day I arrived at his house to find a 60-something friend after her first session with him. She was sitting in a chair staring blankly into space, unable to recall where she was and why. I had to take her to the hospital.
We "senior citizens" have different physical needs. I now see how important it is that trainers understand us. My 65-year-old trainer and friend Joe makes sure I get the workout I need without overreaching.
American Mommy - everytime I try to send a comment toyou directly, it bounces back! I want you to know I read your blog and love your adventure.
Calypso, yes, those of us who are "young at heart" will NEVER accept that moniker.
And John, I think I'm passing on the personal trainer idea and just do the workout that seems to be working for me. The muscles are firming and the weight is still going. What else could I want?
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