This high-intensity interval training is not something I would have started on my own. There is very little I do with high intensity beyond maybe screaming at my beloved Yankees as they crumble through another disappointing season. The thought of being surrounded by people who actually thrive on high-intensity exercises was enough to make me put off attending a class for over a month. I was afraid that I would make a fool of myself while all the other people would look like a Paula Abdul choreographed video. But I made a commitment to myself last week to get my health moving in the right direction this summer. I spend all school year long caring for other little people including giving them time to play and to move., so I decided that I needed to give myself that same nurturing for a change. I also preach to my students to not be afraid to try no matter how hard a task may seem. I felt like a hypocrite not challenging myself in the same way. It helped that two of the nicest people I work with attend these classes, and they didn't hold any resemblance to the manic pony-tailed thin nuts I envisioned thriving on high-intensity training. Although there were pony-tails and model-shaped ladies galore in the first few classes I have attended, I discovered some interesting things about them and myself:
1. My biggest fear was that I would look out of place among the fit and trim Energizer bunnies who are normally found in classes like this. But I found out that like most fears, it was totally unfounded. No matter what shape or size I saw in this class, not one of them seemed in the least interested in what I looked like. As I was huffing and sweating my way through the 50 second
stations, I realized that all of the other women were breathing just as hard and focusing on pushing
themselves through the difficult routine. The only time anyone interacted with me it was to tell
me I was doing a great job or giving me a high-five. The 30 second rest period between the 2 rounds of exercises were full of encouragement and support despite the fact that my face was
red as a beet and sweat was stinging my eyes.
2. Despite the complexity of the routines, I have been able to keep moving the entire 45 minute class. The key to my success so far has been my willingness to modify as I go. Planking was
out of the question but doing push ups was a good substitute. I am so out-of-shape that even
jumping jacks are difficult for me to do at this point. So I run in place or touch my toes. Brit,
who is the dynamic coach of the class, encourages me no matter what as long as I keep moving.
And because I know that no one else is paying me any attention, I'm willing to modify without feeling badly. In fact, I am amazed at some of the things my body has been able to do in these
first few classes.
3. I remember reading once that when you choose an exercise class to try and choose something
that gives you that carefree feeling you had when you were a kid in gym class. Unfortunately,
for the vertically challenged like me, PE was seldom a fun or judgement-free period. But now I
get it. This class is actually a fun one that is motivating and challenging at the same time. I
almost feel like an athlete in that I am pushing myself to improve at each station. Those ponytailed cheerleaders in this class bear no resemblance to the mean girls who always seemed to
know just the right thing to say to make me (and other non-athletic girls) want to skip class
altogether. I'm actually having fun without a t.v., tome, or taco in sight!
4. Fear has kept me from doing a lot of things. It has kept me from pursuing relationships and going after dreams. But this summer I'm determined to feel that fear and do it anyway. I came
close to a panic attack at the beginning of the first class when I realized that I would have to
be on the floor for some of the exercises. It has been a long time since I sat on the floor because
of the difficulty in getting up again. Now I not only had to sit on the floor but complete a hard
exercise, get up, and start another exercise within 1 minute! I was lucky to position myself next
to a wooden structure on the first day so I could use that to help myself up. But today's class I
was stuck in the middle of the gym floor. Not a physical support in site. As a quick image of
me rocking back and forth on my heels as I try to lift myself up raced through my mind, I fell
back down to the mat when I first tried to get up. But then I repositioned myself and was able
heave myself up...and the pride I felt was overwhelming. I was smiling like a lunatic because I
knew that if I could do it once, I could do it again (which was good since there were two sets of
exercise that were floor ones). While it might not seem like a huge accomplishment to someone
else, I felt like I had climbed Mt. Everest.
So, let's review. The supportive thin mints (can't call them nuts now that I love the class as much as they do) who are in these classes are just as nurturing and encouraging as I am with my students. They couldn't care less that I can't plank but love that I am trying. I am challenging myself physically as joyfully as I mentally challenge myself with reading and writing. I don't dread going to class and am even signed up for some early morning ones (early, like 5:30) because of the friends I know will be there to encourage me. And I'm banishing the fear of making a fool of myself by trying each and every exercise with modifications. I'd say that's a pretty sweet start to my summer schedule.
