Goal #2: Sleeveless in 2015

Now that Snowmaggeddon 2015 has passed into history in New York City it's time to return to other matters, foremost of which is my quest for fitness in 2015. Last summer I wrote about joining a study on exercise and seniors, which brought me back to exercise. I also wrote about being dropped from the study because my data wasn't useful for the project. Initially I was very upset, but quickly realized that getting in shape was useful, study and its benefits -- a membership to the Y -- or no study. A couple of days later I joined the Y on my own and haven't looked back.

I won't say I was the most willing participant at the Y initially. I was hesitant to use the machines for weight training and not really sure this was for me. I was usually among the last chosen for gym throughout elementary school and high school, and though decades have passed, the memories stayed with me. But I saw the sign above and decided to join the program. There's a free three month program associated with the Fit Points Club, where a coach works on goals and motivation, and I needed a lot of coaching to move beyond my fifth grade "I'm not good in gym" self. But my coach, Erica, stuck with me, and I stuck with it and I'm liking it. Do I love it? No, but I like it and enjoy the gains I've made.

I knew I needed to pace myself, both with my spinal surgery two years ago and my broken foot last year. But I've found ways to move that tax neither and amazingly, I've come to enjoy working out on the machines. I marvel that I can lift weights on machines that have names like "bicep curl." This is where I came up with the name for my second goal of this year, Sleeveless in 2015.  I haven't worn a sleeveless shirt in years, but I'm hoping this will be the summer that my newly tight(er) biceps will debut in a sleeveless summer shirt. This would be a great way to celebrate my 65th birthday in July. My goal is to get the Y three times a week and excepting the two weeks of jury duty I've been successful.

Because I couldn't let the day go by without a picture of snowy Manhattan, here is a picture of the statue of opera star, Richard Tucker, in a small park across from the Metropolitan Opera. In warmer weather there is a farmers' market here a few times a week. You may remember Richard Tucker from appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, but his fame came from being a star at the Metropolitan Opera.

I'm spending today catching up indoors. I roasted vegetables, cleaned the kitchen and now I'm looking forward to a cup of coffee and a good book. Tomorrow I'm back to the Y.

As always, thanks for visiting. Take care and keep cozy! New Englanders, sending warm thoughts.