PHASE 5

So ........Am I ready to face the gym on my own? I was feeling "semi-comfortable" but it certainly is easier with a buddy. We had been there enough that the teachers and regular class members recognized us and were of course kind and welcoming, so maybe it would be o.k............... So I decided I really had to stick with it, I mean what is the alternative? I had come this far and realized I could really never go back so I had to get over myself and just do it! So I did. I continued to go to Aqua class and slowly became a part of the "regulars" group. I began to get to know the people and fairly quickly I was no longer hesitant about going to the gym by myself. So I was going a couple times a week but as I grew more comfortable I was going three times a week. I was developing relationships with the instructors as I had lots of questions and wanted to tap into all the resources available. (and it made sense to me instructors would have information!) So I asked my questions and learned some of the finer details about Aqua and exercise in general and I was feeling motivated and informed. SO I found myself looking at my work schedule and trying to figure out how I could get to these classes more often and without being 10 to 15 minutes late. It really was becoming a priority for me and I didn't even know it. So my next step was to change my work schedule because up to this point I was getting to class a little late since I did not get off work until 5:30 and that was when the class started. I changed my schedule and now was able to make it to class on time and actually early enough that I became a part of the "prep gang". These were the regulars who got to class early and helped to get things ready for class, you know taking down the lane dividers, pulling out the equipment , doing whatever needed to be done. Slowly without me even knowing it I was becoming a part of this strange little family that exist at the Aqua class. Now granted most of the people in this "family" can be my Grandparents or at the least my Parents so I certainly am not going out on the town with them but they are a great group of people who truly care about each other and now they care about me. I have developed some great friendships with the instructors as well............... and for the record....they are people I occasionally go out on the town with! :-) As I implemented these changes, was growing and stretching in so many ways, something interesting happened.... I was now going to class 5 times a week. Yes, I said 5 times a week. I realized that a friend of mine had predicted early on in my exercise journey that exercise would becoming a part of who I was and not something I needed or should do......and it did! It just is a part of who I am, I work out! Who would have known? Me , working out, going to the gym alone, 5 times (sometimes more) a week? I was so relieved when I realize it had happened because as I remembered my friend telling me that it would I also remembered I had strong doubts! I am so glad I was wrong.