February 2, 2009

Dear Quads, I Will Miss You. Love, Kathryn


Yesterday I went to a day-long Zumba instructor training workshop.  I've been taking classes at my gym since they started offering the program a few months ago, and after much harassing/pleading/commentary from my instructor and fellow gym-goers (you know, my elderly workout buddies), I got certified to teach.  I figure I spend enough time at the gym - might as well try to get paid for it at some point.  

So, I'd just like to point out that the aforementioned workshop was, oh, you know, nine. hours. long.  And I consider myself a pretty fit individual.  I am slightly addicted to exercise, and nothing makes me crankier than missing a day at the gym (like when the power unexpectedly shuts down) or a walk around the block (stupid snow).  

But good grief.  Yesterday?  My muscles.  They are currently deceased.  RIP quadriceps.  It's been fun.  You've been good to me.  You'll be sorely missed.*

Basically, imagine taking four of the most intense hour-long fitness classes you've ever taken in your life.  And in-between each one, imagine sitting on a hard wooden floor, listening to some lectures.  Imagine all of your crazed, outraged muscles solidifying into stiff frozen clumps.  And at the same time, pretend that you've been yanked out of the shower, soaking wet, and forced to sit on said floor without a towel.  Dripping.  Freezing.  Crying inside.

Oh yes.  That's how I spent my day yesterday.  

And it was fabulous.

What was not fabulous was the 9-hour-long reminder of why too many years of ballet training can sometimes be slightly detrimental.  This booty just don't shake like that.  I spent much of the time standing there in awe as a number of 
Latina ladies (and the former-competitive-ballroom-dancer instructor) shook what my mama simply did not give to me.  Alas.

But really, one of the best things about yesterday was simply all of the MOVING.  I've mentioned before, probably in diatribe-form, my hatred for a sedentary lifestyle.  That's (one of the reasons) why I freaked out everyday when I approached my desk last year - I couldn't stand the thought of facing 9 hours of sitting in front of the computer.  And that's kind of why I eventually left.  

It makes me incredibly sad that Americans are so anti-movement.  Also known as lazy.  That people can't bear to walk a few feet through a parking lot from their cars to a store.  That they will never take the stairs if there's an elevator.  That they won't leave their desk and walk five feet to talk to a colleague rather than calling or emailing.  I actually find it beyond sad.  I find it infuriating.  

So yesterday was glorious.  Because though my quads are still whimpering, at least I was moving and dancing and feeling good all day long.**  And I didn't look at a computer ALL DAY.  I didn't even turn it on.  It was liberating.***

*Ha!  Did you like that pun there?  I did.  I chuckled aloud at my own genius.  (See?  That's what happens when you're bored and surrounded by deer.  The highlight of your day is your own puns.)

**Feeling good, minus some embarrassment regarding my non-booty-shaking abilities.

***Actually kind of sad how proud of myself I was for this accomplishment.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

aaah, not sad at all SK, rather enlightening I would say. while you are educated for a certain 'career' type, perhaps you are better suited for this new venture in movement. Perhaps there's a way to combine your education of mind and body...
Best

Anonymous said...

Good for you for doing the instructor training! A pefect way to get out of the house...

And I hear you on americans being anti-movement. I once took a belly dance class and am now convinced that each and every one of my joints is almost completely fused. shimmy? shake? nope. not even close.

so then i went and did something much truer to my WASP heritage: became a pilates instructor to the rich...