Unsurprisingly, I hated exercising.
More important, its an activity that makes me happy.
That love didnt blossom overnight.
Heather Hazzan. Wardrobe styling by Nicole Chapoteau. Hair by Hide Suzuki. Makeup by Ingeborg.
I tried as many different fitness classes as possible.
I was desperate to never be alone with my thoughts, which made cardio machines even more unappealing.
I also craved human interaction outside of work, as a newbie to the city.
This was actuallyfun.I started attending classes four, five, and sometimes even six days per week.
But diversity and exploration werent the only selling points of taking classes.
As an introvert, rush hour at the gymwith competition to snag machinesis one of my worst nightmares.
When I signed up for fitness classes, I was guaranteed both a slot and the space to exercise.
I covered up the dashboard on cardio machines.
I wondered if Id still feel like I was getting a solid workout if I ignored the data altogether.
Giving up the dashboard data made me realize just how much I was letting it control me.
But unlike on cardio machines, I could actuallyfeelthese changes; I didnt need an external calculation.
I felt strong, and I felt accomplished, which in turn, made me actually enjoy exercising.
I started exercising first thing in the morning.
But once I started attending morning classes, I actually noticed a distinct shift in my attitude.
Sleeping through a class meant that Id get charged a $20 no-show fee.
I invested in workout apparel that made me feel good.
You know those old, ragged, bleach-soaked T-shirts and ill-fitting shorts most of us reserve for house cleaning?
That was my typical gym uniform for the better part of my early 20s.
I put on dresses and did my hair for work and first datestwo things I valued.
Why didnt I put in the same effort for exercise?
Of course, everything also had to feel comfortable and stay in place during a sweaty workout.
I connected with the fitness community on social media.
Comments like, “Good job girl!”
and “Holy crap.
I’m still sleeping” were encouraging.
Over time, these actions helped me see exercise in a new light.
I wonder what those 45-plus faces glued to me are thinking.
I still even find myself comparing my body to the roster of other instructors.
And then I stop myself in my tracks.
