I laughed inwardly at my desire to glance at her panel. I cannot compete with young whipper snappers, nor do I want to. I hoped that my pace helped her feel good about herself. I hoped that she would feel determined to keep exercising and staying fit so she would not be an overweight middle aged woman on a treadmill taking glances at her neighbor.
I applaud myself for being there at all, in a fitness room with other people. There was a time in my life that I would not exercise in front of others.
Reflecting on how it's easy to compare myself to others, I thought of how it's taken me years to get comfortable with myself. Years to learn what works for me... what foods... what exercises... what routines. There's freedom in letting go of comparisons, finding that niche, and competing only with myself.
I totally relate to that! When I did yoga (boy, I miss that group!) I had to learn to concentrate on my body and not peek at what the others were doing and compare myself. (She must be at least 70 and she is more limber than I am!)
ReplyDeleteI was doing water aerobics at age 46, the oldest one there, and I suddenly said to myself, "Who cares what I look like? I'm 46 and I'm out here, and that's saying something!" and that's been my motto ever since...whether I'm surrounded by 20-somethings or senior citizens. Of course the number has gone up a bit...!
Lynn...that's what I tell myself too..."At least I'm exercising!"
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