I joined New Life & Fitness of June 2, 2008.  At the time I was struggling with some personal issues (loss of my mother, retirement due to a retinal condition, a 360 degree lifestyle change in the course of three months).  When I received the flyer at the end of May, I was not sure if I wanted to join, after all, I had never been on a treadmill nor had I worked out or exercised for at least three decades.  But my sons, eager to alleviate my depression, offered to pay for my membership and a few training classes, so I accepted the gift and the challenge.

And there I was, at least four times a week, breaking sweats, running out of breath, feeling that I would never make it beyond the first month.  But I found that the atmosphere was not intimidating.   I warned everyone on the staff that I could not see out of one eye, and very little out of the other one, and that I would need help to get acquainted with the equipment.  Little by little I got used to my routine, and the first thing I noticed was that my leg cramps had stopped, and I did not have the need to take any more Aspirin.

I have been to my doctor twice since I started to work out.  My blood pressure is excellent 115/120-70/65.  I have lost 8 lbs. of fat (weighed 137 lbs. and now 129 lbs.)  I have stopped the osteoporosis to my spine caused by the Prednisone of my ophthalmic drops, and hopefully will be able to reverse it at some point.  Oh, and my waistline went from 37 to 27 in 11 months.

My doctor told me that no matter what I would take for my bone loss, nothing compares to the benefit of exercising regularly.  I have taken this to heart and make every effort to work out at least 3-4 days a week.  It is not easy, but my motivation is the way I now feel, healthier, stronger, and toned.  I remember being ashamed to waive at neighbors when I was wearing short sleeves, now I do it proudly.

At some point, I had thought of buying a treadmill, but I knew that at home, I would always find an excuse to skip a day, then two, and so forth.  I now drive myself to the gym (I hated to drive any distances before).  Besides, there is nothing else to do at the gym than work out a sweat, and I get to interact with very nice people from time to time.  And probably the best thing is that I am not taking any medications to keep up with a healthy heartbeat.  In my case, I did not face any weight problems, so I did not deprive myself of any treats, and still I lost 8 lbs.  However, I am aware that this is an ongoing effort, and I am determined to keep on with my membership.

I hope that if someone is hesitating to take that first step to join the gym, and is reading this article, believe me, it is worth every penny and every drop of sweat.  It won’t be long when you feel renovated.  I just wish I could have started earlier, but if I did it at 55 and feel now 45, I am grateful I did it at all.

Lourdes Musser