Core Strengthening

When was the last time I attended an exercise class? Well, that should give you a clue – way back when they were called ‘exercise classes’. I think that was in the 1990’s!

Crystal phoned me from work this morning to say we were going to a Core Strengthening class with Nicole and her Mom, Judy this evening. At first I tried to get out of it – you know – the old ‘I don’t have anything to wear’ excuse, but that didn’t work, so I started seriously considering it. I had all day to think about it and eventually decided it couldn’t hurt.

Ouch, I was wrong! When the abs don’t get used very much, they hurt a lot when you start doing crunches.

The class was a lot of fun actually, other than the devices of torture I never knew existed. I had no clue whatsoever what we were going to do with the bungy cord which had a handle on each end, but when someone said the red handles indicated it was easier, I knew to put the blue one back.

When offered the choice of a large ball or a small one, I took the small one thank you very much – same with the dumbbells – I’m no dumbbell and grabbed the smallest in the box! The only thing that looked like it wouldn’t hurt me was the blue yoga mat.

Thank goodness the actual exercises haven’t changed much over the years and I was able to follow along feeling pretty smug that I was an old hand at all this cardio stuff and the weights as well, but when it came to the ball I realized how unco-ordinated I am. Well, I knew that, but how on earth do you hold a ball between your feet while lying on the floor on your back, lifting your legs, lifting your arms and transferring the ball back and forth from hands to feet. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy.

There is a name for the bungy cord but I don’t recall what it was. But, I found it extremely difficult to keep it from flipping off my running shoe when standing on it and lifting my foot while I had the ends wrapped around my arms which were shoulder high. Lousy runners for one, and lack of experience, but wow – could I ever feel the muscles in my legs while using it!

At one point during the cardio, I wondered if I’d pass out so I slowed down, drank some water and took it a little easier. I knew I didn’t have to do it all the first night.

I felt comfortable in the class. There were lots of young women, but a few my age and older – and in seriously better shape. The instructor was very funny, so funny I almost threw my red ball at her when she wasn’t looking. She was encouraging us all to work our abs harder because we all want to look great in in our bathing suits, RIGHT? Well, my abs were already hurting and I really didn’t want to think about wearing a bathing suit.

Thank goodness I survived the class and didn’t disgrace myself or Crystal. Actually I had fun and the time whizzed by so quickly. I think I’ll want to go back next week but am holding off on a decision because tomorrow I, and my muscles might think differently.