Powered by Blogger.

See You Later, My Y

 

Semi-selfie in the Weight Room

I was never the girl in elementary school, or most of high school, that looked forward to gym. I was usually among the last picked for teams, disliked changing into my gym suit and dreaded the rope climb. Things got a little better in high school when I discovered soccer, but I was never pleased to about being hot and sweaty at ten o'clock in the morning. That changed with swimming in college and it really changed when I retired and discovered my local Y. 

It was a rough start, but I came to enjoy the strength training machines, yoga and in the spring of 2019 I took up water aerobics, which I loved. I added lap swimming and really looked forward to my days at  the Y. That, of course, all changed in March. I've kept up my walking for both exercise and my sanity, have done some videos through the months, but nothing takes the place of the pool or the weight machines.

Discovered this vending machine in the Y lobby

I was excited when the Y reopened the weight rooms and tread mills last week and thought about a return. But when I visited my internist she was adamant that a return to the gym was not a good idea for me, and she gave me a list of reasons. As much as I wanted to start going again I realized she was right and yesterday I put my membership on hiatus indefinitely. I am optimistic that I can return in the spring and even begin water aerobics again. But for now, I'm sad and somewhat surprised that the girl who was thrilled to miss gym for many years, now misses the gym and of all things, strength training, so much.  

But yesterday wasn't all gloom and I had lunch on the roof deck of a friend's building. The temperature was perfect for sitting out and the view of Lincoln Center was fabulous. The tables were spaced at a distance and there were even fire pits ready for colder weather. 

Perfect lunch time view of Lincoln Center

After lunch and the Y yesterday I did walked to the post and then took the bus across town to Target. Today is a quieter day with Zoom Weight Watchers this morning and a walk in Riverside Park in a little while. I have a list of computer errands to do later and want to spend a little time decluttering, too. What's on your schedule for today?

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. Happy autumn! 
 

18 comments

Anonymous said...

As a Y professional I am sorry to hear that you have to leave. However, I certainly understand during these times. When the time is right I am sure your Y will welcome you back with open arms. All the best on your continued workout journey.

Latane Barton said...

You and I must be kin... I hated p.e. at school. We didn't even have a gym but did our thing outside. I'd find any excuse I could to not have to participate. And, I still don't like exercise! Guess I'll go out of this world just being a couch potato! (grin)

Terra said...

Oh Buttercup, you and I could be sisters in our view of gym as school girls. The dreaded rope climb. The horror of being weighed and they would call out the weight so all could hear. I was thin and self conscious. You are right to follow what your internist says. How fun for you to eat at a rooftop restaurant and enjoy the view. Today my older son invited Bounce and me for a walk around a little lake in town.

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

It's too bad about the gym but at least it's still nice enough to get out for walks. Since my gym has still not opened I do Yoga in the park and Zoom Zumba classes which seem to help. I went for an afternoon walk today for one hour which was nice. Take care and hopefully by next spring you can go back to the gym.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I have been hearing doctors saying how risky it is to go to the gym. So I am glad you have decided to not go for now. my husband has a membership, but he has put it on hold for the last few months.

Edna B said...

I'm staying close to home. Hopefully, I can fly to see my daughter Audrey in the Spring. Keeping my fingers crossed. What a beautiful view you had at lunch time. I have my crocheting to keep me busy. You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Being sports handicapped, I also hated gym. Because I was a new girl in the high school I attended and my schedule was different than most of my class, it was never noticed that on most gym days, I would go to study hall instead. I missed more than half the classes but still got a B.
I was never missed.

Your doctor is 100% right. Unfortunately, gyms are on the list to avoid. Just keep walking; that is excellent exercise.

Linda said...

I love your attitude! And your lunch on the roof top was just wonderful. I have never lived in a big city like you so I love to hear about your days and see what YOU see!

Marcia said...

I get the daily Coronavirus newsletter from The Washington Post. They answer one reader question each day at the end. A day or two ago it was about the gym and doing a spin class open to the weight room but only with fans and no outside ventilation. Answer: don't participate. Gyms should not be open is the bottom line. You made the right decision. Since we no longer live in a retirement community where fitness classes were offered until everything shut down, we have discovered YouTube fitness classes. I like Leslie Sansone and her walking regime and also Curtis Adams. They both offer good workouts.

Nellie said...

How interesting that our experiences with physical education in school were so similar! When I went to college, phys ed was once again required for one year. I was thrilled when all such requirements were fulfilled! I’ve also heard that a gym is one of the places one should avoid at this point. Perhaps the time will come again when there won’t be such a risk going. Take care! Be safe! Stay well!

TARYTERRE said...

felt the same way in school. understand that you are feeling lost without the Y now. hopefully in time you'll be able to return.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Good for you doing as much as you can to stay active while not being able to use your gym. Best to listen to your doctor for sure. Nice to have some beautiful days to enjoy before it gets colder.

Martha said...

So sorry that you can't go back to the gym yet, but it's very understandable right now. What a fantastic view you had for the roof top lunch, glad you enjoyed :)

Jeanie said...

I think you are wise not to go to the gym. I'm not sure they're the safest places to be but I'm sure you'll get back.

DeniseinVA said...

That's a great view in your last shot. So sorry you can't get back to the gym but I think you are very wise listening to your doctor. All this will be a memory of a very strange time when at last we can look back in the rear view mirror :)

Theresa said...

Times change and we have to do things differently. The rooftop lunch looks amazing! Enjoy your day, take a walk and get some fresh air. HUGS!

Beside a babbling brook... said...

Thank you for commenting on my blog, since thus, I have found both your blogs!!!!!

Same here, I was never *athletic.*

About 30 years ago (I am 83 now), I tried weight training at a gym, and was hooked. Loved it! Stopped, to take Nana Day Care of our first grand child. Never went back. But I certainly enjoyed it, while it lasted. ~smile~

Sorry you can't begin again, but we have to follow our doctor's suggestions. It only makes sense.

🍁✨🍂✨🌼✨🍂✨🍁

Fun60 said...

Like you I am really missing the gym. My gym has been open since July but I still don't feel comfortable about returning. Walking helps me to remain sane. Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting.