Fall 1997. That’s the last time I worked out at a gym. Sure, I purchased free weights and picked them up from time to time in decade+ that followed. But it hardly qualified as strength training. And never mind that I worked for a gym from 1999–2000 but never took advantage of my FREE membership. (heavy sigh)
This fall, after 14 years off, I started lifting again. It hardly happened on a whim. First, I thought about it for several months. Then, I spent several weeks exploring gym options. And finally, the fear-fueled procrastination ended. I met a friend for a “trial run” that would be my return to the weight room.
As I drove to meet her for that first session, I realized I’d forgotten a lock. Oh, yeah, you use a locker at a gym. The locker requires a lock. Right.
It seems my mind erased all recollection of previous weight room experiences. As we moved from one exercise to the next I repeatedly required explanation and instruction. How do you do a squat? What’s a deadlift? Where’s the pulley to adjust this machine for an extra-small human being? How bad will this hurt tomorrow, and for how many days after that? What if I can’t even lift the bar? Had I really done these things in THIS lifetime?
But it didn’t take long to remember why I once loved lifting weights. Seeing a roomful of sweaty, red-faced bodies; inhaling that blend of perspiration, rubber mats and disinfectant; and hearing the gentle clanking of weights reminded me what this place represented – strength, challenge, transformation.
And when the subtle post-workout burn gave way to major I-think-a-semi-hit-me-in-my-sleep stiffness the next day, I didn’t mind … much. I suffered through it and returned to sign my contract, pay my dues, and become an official card-carrying gym member.
I’ve since added weight to the empty bar without predicament, experienced something near paralysis thanks to Russian hamstring exercises (apparently my hams need some work), and rolled my eyes at girls working out in their sports bras (I used to do that. Now I wear the same smelly T-shirt for a few visits.)
After three weeks back, I feel pretty acclimated. I’m grateful to be back and looking forward to seeing results in the weeks and months ahead. Once again, I’m reminded it’s never too late to rediscover something. I’m a ways from musclehead status, but I’m certainly looking forward to the journey.
