Kind of like having a focal point during labor to take a woman’s mind off the discomfort of childbirth, sometimes it’s my nearby workout buddies who inadvertently provide the most welcome distractions during my most strenuous workouts.
A post-workout hug. Exhausted. Once again, with Matthew’s guidance, I did it.
Before my fitness/nutrition journey began with Matthew Lister at Align Private Training in December, I took the business name literally. I pictured working out with a private trainer. Just me and my labor coach. Nobody else around.
That appealed to me. I knew the process I faced wasn’t going to be pretty. It was bound to get ugly sometimes, and nobody wants an audience to that.
I’ve reconsidered.
Although occasionally it does happen that I’m the only person at Align — for a least a few minutes — that’s not typical. Usually my workouts overlap with anywhere from as few as one, to as many as six or more people.
Sometimes, Matthew will put us into pairs as workout buddies, which may sound fun, but more often than not it involves some kind of exercise circuit where each person’s success depends upon the other. No pressure, but your buddy is counting on you to hold that plank as long as possible.
At first, I felt exposed and embarrassed to push myself physically – sweating, grunting, straining, ungraceful – in front of others. But I discovered that much like that mother in the throes of labor, a taxing workout is so all-consuming that I found I didn’t care who saw me, or what they thought.
Doni works out at Align Private Training with Matthew Lister. Photo by Brad Garrison.
This let-it-go attitude is also the case when I work out at Jazzercise or at Monica’s spin class at the YMCA. The more difficult the workout, the easier it is to lose myself and my inhibitions. Everything around me fades away. It’s just me and my personal struggle.
Even so, the variety of people I’ve encountered at Align has turned into an unexpected side benefit.
Because I have excellent hearing, and I’m observant nosy, I’ve connected the dots and picked up clues about others at Align. Occupations are all over the map, from a doctor, lawyer, nurse, teacher and police officer, to students, business owners, entrepreneurs, retired folks and stay-at-home moms. The ages range from teenagers to at least one woman on the brink of 80.
Some people are there, like me, for weight-loss and fitness. Others are there to bulk up, like the young guy I affectionately call Mr. Cheesecake, because cheesecake is allowed on his “nutrition plan” – along with apple pie and super burritos. I should have such a nutrition plan.
And yet others are there because they have body issues that involve pain, mobility and alignment.
No matter our specific stories, we’re all there to work, and we’ve made the choice to be there.
Although workouts are individualized, they’re the great equalizer. We all know what it feels like to be pushed to the point of exhaustion. We all can empathize with a fellow Aligner when our workout is finished, and we’re spent, sweaty and and happy to be leaving; and they’re just starting. We know that whatever it is they’ll be doing, it won’t be easy.
Others can serve as inspiration, whether as a role model to demonstrate what’s achievable, or as a reminder of someone who was similar to where I was when I started, and a reminder of how far I’ve come.
During the less strenuous times – cool downs, warm ups, stretches – people tend to talk. And that’s when things get really interesting.
One woman likes to discuss her experiences with online dating, and even encouraged me to sign up for a site that caters just to farmers. I’m not a farmer, but she’s convinced I’d be happy with one.
A couple of early-morning guys like to discuss guns, cars and sports — none of which are in my conversational wheel house. But it’s interesting information, and a great distraction when I’m riding the Devil’s bicycle.
Lately, those two gentlemen have taken to talking politics, a conversation I don’t join. But it does give me energy to help me row or pedal faster. As much as I adore those guys, I know neither of us would change each other’s minds. (Go, Bernie!)
I’ve heard there’s a group who talks finance, but I’ve missed that one. My hunch is that sometimes, Matthew plays matchmaker when he schedules each client, specifically for optimum compatibility.
I keep meaning to ask if he’d consider creating time slot solely for single Baby Boomers.
And if that doesn’t work, maybe I’ll check out that single farmers site.
In the meantime, I’m enjoying this week with some slow carbs that Matthew added to my diet – hello, morning oatmeal – added to knock my body out of this plateau. I think it’s working. I’m now down 21 pounds.
I might have at least that many more to go. We’ll see.
Until then, it’s so nice to know I’ll have company, whether it’s you here online, or at Align. We’re better together.
