Imitation really *is* a form of flattery - or at least flattering

[jaunthie]

So a funny thing happened at the gym...

Those of you who read this blog know that I've been trying to change my lifestyle to include going to the gym on a regular basis. I am no kind of athlete, particularly compared to my siblings, or even the general population. I am largely clueless in a gym. I've been learning a lot, but I also know I have a lot to learn. I am also not a particularly bendy type of person, so along with learning how to do various cardio and strength training things, I've been trying to do (and learn) various stretches. Over the last months, I've observed a lot of other people doing interesting-looking stretches. If they looked interesting or useful enough, I have been trying to learn or incorporate some of them into my own routine. All part of the benefits of going to a gym.

However, I never expected the shoe to be on the other foot. I'm a total amateur at all of this. Why would anyone be interested in anything I was doing?

And yet. I was sitting on the mat, doing one of my neck-and-shoulder stretches, when I caught a glimpse in the mirror of a small group of women staring at me. One after the other, they reached back and tried doing the same stretch I was doing, with varying degrees of success. One of them even came up and asked me about it after I had clearly finished stretching and was getting ready to leave. I explained what I was doing to the best of my ability (remember, I'm clueless about this stuff), all the while completely bemused to find myself on the other side of the fence.

Upon reflection, I have to say it was pretty cool.

Comments

[sunkrux.livejournal.com]

Yay you!

[jaunthie.livejournal.com]

:-)

[hiker-chick.livejournal.com]

I am no kind of athlete, particularly compared ... the general population

I ain't buyin' it. You've been going to WW long enough to know how many people have never set foot in a gym, let alone in the last year, let alone multiple times a week.

I also believe that I'm a runner: slowly and for relatively short distances, but still a runner.

[jaunthie.livejournal.com]

Maybe there are a number of people out there who have never set foot in a gym. Probably, even - but they sure don't seem to live around here. However, I was thinking more in terms of natural athleticism, of which I have very little. Also in terms of training, experience, and general knowledge of athletic activities, I still think I don't know/have much.

As for you, though, you are most definitely a runner. You've been doing it for years, have competed in many events, and have more than a general make-it-up-as-you-go-along sense of what you're doing. I know you get frustrated with your progress, but you not only have a talent for it, you actively pursue getting better at it - and succeed at it. Hard to argue agains that record! ;-)