mizChartreuse!

“The class is called ‘Exer-ball.’ It can’t be too difficult,” I reasoned as I finished my small cup of coffee. “We’ll probably be doing some nice stretches on the balls and working on like, core strength and stuff.” It was 6:15 a.m. and I was in the locker room of my local YMCA with Sarah, my good friend and (one of many!) workout partner.

“Yeah, it’s too early to be doing that crazy hectic stuff,” she responded as she shoved her thick black winter coat in her locker and secured it.

But wait–did you read the first paragraph? I was having a real-life conversation, awake and sober, in a place OTHER THAN MY BED, at 6:15 IN THE MORNING. For someone who didn’t (and still doesn’t) like mornings, for me to leave my house before the sun rose was serious.

We walked down the long hallway leading up to the dance room where all the classes are held. As we approached the room, we heard hectic, Jersey Shore-esque Beat Up The Beat music, and saw what looked to be a woman on a mix of speed and cocaine dancing her ass off, doing these crazy kicks, spins, and hip thrusts.

“Whaaaaat.” We looked at each other. Scared out of our minds.

Clearly we hadn’t anticipated something THAT hardcore. But we joined in. And looked like absolute fools. It was nearly impossible for me to keep up, and after a mere 20 minutes of jumping and dancing around, I wanted to kill myself. Or at least collapse in a corner and heave for a good hour or two.

The class was an hour and a half long…and we didn’t get to the “exer-ball” part until the LAST 25 minutes of class. And even then, our instructor Marion made us do some pretty cruel things. Things like 500 crunches (no exaggeration) in all sorts of different positions, 100 push-ups, and balancing the giant balls between our legs (that’s what she said) and suspending them six inches off the ground.

In other words, torture.

But after class, we detoxed in the steam room and we FELT SO GOOD. I mean, I’d felt like a fool, but afterward I was SO freakin’ proud of myself and Sarah for powering through.

*****

I’ve NEVER been one to grace a gym for more than a week or two, but I’ve learned many things through the simple act of working out regularly. My friend Angelique sold me the idea, but not through coercion–it was because you could SEE the positive impact it has had on her life. She quit smoking years ago, and her already bangin’ body is even more bangin’, if that is conceivable. And when you see good results in other people, the non-sociopath response is generally to strive for those benefits in your life.

We’re into the third month of the year, and while things have been slow-starting, I’m noticing small, but sure changes in my behavior and habits. I certainly have quite a way to go, but I feel that the advent of 2010 has brought about a new perspective on what it means to be happy and healthy.

2009 gave me a great relationship which has proved to be a good platform for my own self-development. 2010 brought on the natural side of me (thanks to my relationship), and after I decided to love and embrace my hair, that trickled into other areas of my life, bringing light to my personal goals:

I want to treat my body better by eating healthier and exercising regularly. I want to be diligent in building my freelance writing business. I want to continue to network and meet interesting, inspiring people. I want to find a great agent/publishing house for my book. I want to get away from the Midwest, at least for a while, and see what other opportunities are out there. I just want to live my best life.

And it started with the hair, but it REALLY started with the working out. My self-love and mental well-being have been greatly affected by my being active, and I enjoy the challenge of getting my ass out of bed to go jump around like a fool. It gives me a sense of accomplishment, which in turn affects my outlook on other life projects. If I can do the falsely advertised “Exer-Ball” and the ever-challenging “Power Express” at 6:15 a.m. (when my preferred wakeup time is somewhere between 10 a.m. and noon), then I can obviously do anything.

Change doesn’t come overnight, and bad habits take a lot of work to break, but you just gotta take things step by step. The benefits of working out at the Y are endless. I love the fact that it’s a 2-minute drive from my house, and it always helps to have a good group of friends to motivate you and keep you accountable. Sarah has also, since joining, quit smoking, and is on the fast track to more amazing things in her life.

Right now, my Y buddies include Angelique (who got me to join), Natalie, Sarah (whom I got to join), and Dave (whom Sarah got to join). It’s a domino effect!

Who’s next? We have guest passes…come check it out and see what pushing your body to the limits can do for you. My lazy ass is a testament.

And for those of you who already work out regularly, what are some of the benefits you’ve seen?

*****

Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you’ve got to know this one thing!

No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf,
And just go there, to the Y.M.C.A.
I’m sure they can help you today.