I grit my teeth and purse my lips to prevent myself from screaming. My hands tighten their grip on the wooden handles above me. Gawd! I didn’t know what I’ve gotten myself into, I want to stop. Is it really possible to hurt this MUCH?! I look up, eyes wild, and glare at the person responsible for this pain I’m feeling. He’s smiling. “Last two.”
I swear gym instructors are a sadistic lot. I hope never to do anymore leg lifts with that blasted Bcube ball ever again in my life.
At my mom’s prodding I joined the fitness bandwagon and finally rendered my 3 months old membership useful. I went to the gym that Wednesday to have my physical exam which was supposed to determine what kind of program suits my physique best. I didn’t know I’d be subjecting myself to severe humiliation.
My trainer points out several things that needs “improving” – the flexibility of my trunk area and negligible muscular tone at my back. I discover some interesting data too – my right shoulder is lower than my left (probably coz I normally carry my bag at that side) and that for my body mass index, I was surprised to find out that I am actually underweight.
For my BMI, the desired weight is between 90 to 100+ pounds. My friend Lyn also had a physical exam elsewhere, for a much nobler reason (hers for a scholarship, my motivation is a flatter belly). She whined how the intern chuckled upon measuring her weight, “Wala pa kayong 100!” Haha. Lyn weighs 98 lbs. I’m 89.2 lbs. This trainer of mine had more fun converting pound to kilograms. “40 kgs lang kayo o!” He smiles again.
Nya. According to Mr. Muscles, I can’t even stay more than 15 minutes at the treadmill coz “maauubusan na kayo ma’am ng fat sa katawan.” I’ve always thought of myself as chubby on account of my siopao cheeks and prominent jawline and here comes this trainer blowing my bubble saying “Pwede ka pang mandaya sa pagkain.” Hmp. Easy for you to say. I barely finished my yogurt cup kanina noh.
We noticed that I have a weak lower back, so he started to teach me how to use the pieces of core equipment that would strengthen the area. The scary looking contraptions intimidated and seemed to engulf me whenever I use them. Not to mention, these machines point out how scrawny I am as the instructor patiently lowers the resistance level every time I change device.
The highlight of that day was at the ab crunch apparatus (dunno how exactly it’s called). The trainer showed me the position to take then told me how to exert force at the handles to do the ab crunch properly. My turn. I assumed the correct posture and then held out my arms for the handles. Whaathe?! MY ARMS WERE SO SHORT I COULDN’T REACH THEM! Grabe! He had to lower those handles for me. And not only that, even when I used all the force in my body to propel the machine, I couln’t manage to move it. The instructor, surely earned his slot in trainer heaven that day. He helps me push the handles ala-mang-iigib-ng-tubig-sa-poso-style. “Ma’am kung nandito na pala kayo nung dati pa, dapat pala malakas na kayo.” Sigh. Endorphins, kick in now please.
I’ll pursue this endurance training coz I know I need it. I’m not aiming for the next body builders trophy, but at least an improved stamina and better body tone wouldn’t hurt a bit. But really, this situation where I’m hurting in areas of my body I never bother to acquaint myself with, toss in the attacks on my ego, is totally testing my willpower. In his desire to help me, this gym instructor unconsciously demonstrated how far from the alpha body I am. Besides, I actually find these things hilarious. Kaya ko nga kinukwento eh.
“May kapatid ka bang lalaki? Interesado ba siya mag gym?” Ahhh…Now it’s my turn to smile. Wehehe. Gotcha honey.
His name is Noni. You’ll like him Louie. He’s really the ultimate gym buff - tall, dark, and mahaba ang pilikmata. ;->
