But today I was brave. I have desperately been needing something to do to get out of the house and away from the munchkins for a bit. I was looking through the YMCA catalog and found a "Mommies-to-Be" class that meets twice a week. I thought "hey, I can do that. It's low-impact, and everyone in there should have a big belly too." So tonight we went! I took the kids to babysitting, and I went to my mommy class.
As we were getting ready to go, I was more nervous than my first day of school. New things and places are kind of scary. But I had decided to go, and I wasn't going to let my fear of the unknown keep me from getting out there. Luckily, I had some good resources that told me what to do ahead of time so I had a general idea.
To get to the babysitting room, I had to walk through the main gym area where all the machines and weights are. I felt super self-conscious. Lots of trim guys and gals going to town on those machines. I tried not to look anyone in the eye. It probably didn't help that the only workout clothes I have are from before I got fat, so they're pretty tight. :)
I dropped the kids off and ran into a friend who happens to be an instructor there, and she showed me where my class was. I was glad to see her. I got to the room and it was empty, and I thought "uh-oh." I wandered around for a minute and when I came back, there was an instructor there. I guess the class actually starts 15 minutes later than I thought.
The class was in one of those rooms with mirrors so you get to see more of yourself than you would want. I ended up in the front of the room and, again, felt very self-conscious as everyone could see my gigantic rear end. We did some stretching and toning, then walked the track together.
Eventually my nervousness wore off and I began to feel more comfortable. I actually met another Navy wife! Her husband is in the same program as Jeff, so we had a lot in common. I hope she's there next time.
Overall, it went well. I felt more confident walking through the gym after the class, since I was kind of sweaty and felt "yeah, I worked out, just like you." If that makes any sense at all. The kids did great at babysitting and seemed to have a lot of fun. The only bad things was that Katelyn must have pooped towards the end and no one noticed so she came home with a poopy diaper on. Oh well. Better luck next time!
And I am very proud of myself. I did something scary and intimidating and did it well! I'm really glad I went and am looking forward to the next class on Thursday!
8 comments:
Yikes! The gym IS a scary place. However, don't you think most people would rather see an overweight person at the gym instead of at McDonald's? :)
Good for you! That takes some guts, and I'm glad you got to get out of the house for a bit. I need something like that!
Ha! You're probably right. McDonald's isn't a fun place to watch a fat person in action. :)
Good Job Bethany! It can be very intimidating! You go girl!
I'm just the opposite--when I walk into the gym I look around and think, "oh--that person looks a little bit like me", and "I'm okay, because there's someone dying over there, too.". : ) Haha! Keep your head held high! Motherhood (and all the sacrifices you've made to be a mother) is far more beautiful than people who spend their life in the gym.
You should check out OperationBeautiful.com it's a website/concept I've come to love in the past few months. I came to a point where I had to change the image I had of myself...I'm still working on it, but I'm feeling so much better. Keep working out & get healthy, but don't "down-talk"...or
fat-talk yourself. You are SO BEAUTIFUL!
That's great!!!! You are an awesome brave woman. I have recently been changing my ways too. I began with my diet in April and lost about 25 pounds (breastfeeding works wonders for weight when you eat lots of fruits and vegetables). I decided if I want to look the best I should probably exercise too! I'm trying to keep regular at it.
Go you!!!
You're awesome! Don't worry about a thing, just get in there and have fun working towards your fitness goals:D
I feel that way right now trying to get back into shape. It is almost scary to start hte workout because I am going to die within 20 min... but I know it will get better!
Good job!!! I'm scared of going to the gym myself for the same reason. I don't want others to see how pathetically out of shape I am. :) But don't dis on yourself missy, you're beautiful!
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