When aerobics class is just that important…

By Matt Dooley
Production Coordinator
Published: January 24, 2008

As I have addressed in a previous “blog” I work the second shift.  My dinner break begins after the 6pm news.  On Wednesday evenings my gym offers an aerobics class called “Body Pump.” Body Pump is basically a weight lifting class that gets your heart rate up at the same time.  The instructors are great with plenty of energy to motivate you to do that last “rep” or add a little weight to reach a goal.  That being said, I go to great lengths to be able to take part in this class.  As soon as I get off the set I change into workout clothes and drive to the gym.

I have a couple of co-workers who not only go to the Wednesday evening Body Pump classes but also the weekend offerings.  They are kind enough to set up my weights for me before I get there.  The class starts at 6:30pm.  I get off the set at 6:30pm.  If I had to set up my own weights I would miss more of the class than I would make.  With the New Year, comes a crowded gym and a crowded class. 

I am now back at work after thoroughly enjoying the upbeat music and energy of the class this evening and I am suddenly thinking about words my friends spoke as the class wrapped up tonight.

Jess said, “It is really crowded these days.”

“You just have to run in and throw your stuff down to grab a spot,” said Alison.

I am really lucky to have friends who indulge my love of exercise.  I mean, it must be hard enough to get your own spot, let alone try to justify to a full class of people the weight bar and step you just set up for your invisible friend.  This is even more motivation for me to attend.  I would never leave my friends to suffer the embarrassment of taking up a spot in the class for no reason.

I usually walk in during the second set of exercises and jump right it as if I had been there all along.  Not sure what the instructors think.  They may not even care.  They are so focused on the routine coming up they probably don’t really notice. 

Taking time on your dinner or lunch break to do something that is good for you can make the biggest difference in your frame of mind.  Thanks Jess and Alison for helping with that, especially on Wednesdays.