Embracing Gym Life

For years, my husband Terry tried to get me to join him when he went to the gym after work. Having a full-time job and being the mother of two, I always had too many things on my plate and didn't have the time or interest in physical fitness. 

That was the case for a number of years until one Saturday when he asked if I wanted to go to a new gym that opened in town. I had some free time and reluctantly agreed to join him. We entered the gym and it was unlike most gyms he had taken me too previously. The gym was full of new equipment, bright and very clean. Terry explained some of the equipment I had not seen before and I decided to start my workout with a machine I had used a little bit in the past.

I put my headphones on and started to play some of my favorite music. Before I knew it, he approached me and informed me that he was about ready to leave and we had been there for nearly an hour. I was amazed! I felt a bit fatigued but time went so fast and I just got into a great flow of music and the machine.

I began to join my husband on a regular basis and embraced new equipment each time I went. I gravitated toward the cardio equipment and found it to be very therapeutic. Within a few weeks of regular visits to the gym, I began to feel more energy in my day and even found that I was sleeping better. After a few months, I began to see my body change. I started to watch the scale and realized I had lost a few unwanted pounds. This began to be a source of motivation. I was feeling better physically and looking better.

I discussed my progress with Terry and he said if I was happy with my progress from cardio training, I would really be happy if I incorporated weight training. I reluctantly agreed to have him show me a few exercises that involved weight training. I didn't want to be bulky or gain any weight back so I eased into a few movements each visit.

The first few weeks, I would get sore the next day and question the benefits. My husband said give it some time and soon you will see your body change even more.  After a few months, I realized how accurate he was. The scale was still going down but I began to see my arms and legs tighten up. I felt even more energy during the day. I was feeling better and gaining more confidence in lifting weights.

That was eight short years ago. I have been a regular at the gym since and embrace all of the positives it provides. I have gained a few friends and find it to be a nice place to interact with others on a social basis. Over the course of time, I have convinced my kids to join me and they have embraced physical fitness in their life as they have grown into young adults. My favorite days at the gym are still the ones in which they join me!

I also feel better about my health and have incorporated a better diet over the years. I find the gym to be a great hobby that provides great physical and mental health benefits. Weight lifting has introduced me to new things such as Arnold’s Sports Fest in Ohio, hopping a plane to Texas to workout at a famous gym, and entering a Muscle & Fitness Magazine competition. I also found that gym clothes can be quite cute. A girl can always spend a little extra time and money shopping for more clothes!

Angela Byce

Associate Director of Finance