My jacked arms are going to look great in this tank... if I survive the push-ups

Life gets really crazy sometimes. Things change, holidays approach and pass; you move, you get busy, you get bored. But there comes a time when you have to be real with yourself and say, “Ugh… I have to go back to the gym.”

I had that realization recently, after a summer of fun and hard work and a substantial neglect of my health. Sure, I’d make it to the treadmill once in a while, but July rolled around and even that seemed to fall apart. I went for the occasional jog although I admit that I hate running outside when I’m out of shape. I even popped in some of my mom’s workout DVD’s when I was visiting her in PEI (don’t laugh – that Jillian Michaelsmakes a mean 20 minute workout). But it wasn’t until I got home that I decided to get serious… I joined a gym. One of those hardcore ones, not even the ones I’m used to. As in, the community centre weight rooms or University gyms that I always seemed to attend at the same time as the rowing team’s training sessions (involving lots of yelling from the coaches, not unlike my dear friend Ms. Michaels).

Nope, I joined one of those gyms that has a schedule of classes that runs from 6 am to 10 pm almost every day. The kind with real life trainers and their own line of protein bars. I had measurements done, VO2 max tested, and even stepped on a scale that spat out a piece of paper informing my trainer that I was dehydrated (science!). Why would I engage in such health masochism, you ask? Maybe I got tired of being in pretty decent shape. I guess it just wasn’t cutting it anymore, so I did the unthinkable and got… a trainer.

I made the mistake of telling the girls at the gym that I’m a soccer player. That news spread like wildfire, and the lovely trainer Katherine got wind of it as well. She saw me and said, “Ah, so you’re the soccer player? Strong legs, I like it.” After a couple sets of exercises she said, “Hm, you’re one of those girls who could squat for days, hey? Let’s do some push-ups.”

Ladies and gentlemen, she’s found my weakness. Modified push-ups. And burpees, which involve modified push-ups. I know what you’re thinking, and yes I did bring this upon myself. I’m going to go ice my arms now.

Stay healthy, my friends.