Finding Love at the Gym

Something really brilliant happened at the gym the other day. My workout buddy, Jo, turned to me and said in her beautiful English accent: “I actually look forward to working out now. It’s really fun.”

She was pleasantly surprised. I was thrilled.

Jo has never been a “workout person,” as she puts it. She’s never been the type who waits in line to make sure she gets the best spot in a weight-lifting class. She doesn’t run marathons or play any sports.

But she is health conscious. Even though Jo doesn’t need to lose any weight, she wants to have more muscle mass and tone arms that look amazing in summer tank tops. Who doesn’t?

She’s been coming to my Zumba aerobics class for awhile and asked about strength training one day. We’ve been gym pals ever since.

Twice a week, we spend an hour together making fun of ourselves as we squint up our faces and lift weights.

I had no idea she didn’t like working out. I knew she loved Zumba – she rocks her cargo pants. And I knew she was a tad intimidated by the weight room.

But evidently, she didn’t really love to exercise. For those of us who do, it’s easy to forget that it can be boring and unpleasant for other people.

I’m not sure when it all changed for Jo. Somewhere between the “evil” walking lunges, squats and dumbbells, Jo started to feel more energy. She noticed her triceps emerging and firmer legs. Her husband noticed, too.

I remember the first time she did a push up. She didn’t want to try one on her toes. Several weeks later, she’s doing a whole set without her knees kissing the floor.

But the best progress she’s made is finding her love for exercise. It makes her feel good. It makes her feel stronger. It makes her feel even more beautiful than she already is.

And that is a very cool thing indeed.

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Alice Warchol is a fitness instructor and freelance health writer.