Workout and Wailing

I joined my friend at the gym this morning.

I should probably explain my friend is in amazing shape.  She’s athletic and toned with a physical strength beyond the appearance of her slight frame.  I, on the other hand, am an overweight American, an adventurous nomad trapped in the folds of Jabba the Hutt. Okay, that’s a bit extreme, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous that I won’t make it through the class and will walk away, head bowed in shame and humiliation, as the class moves into burpees.  (I give myself credit for knowing that term, by the way.)  I’m also excited because I’m going to get the unique opportunity to truly be a part of my friend’s life, her day-to-day experience.  The fact that it may help guide me in my quest to get in shape is just a cherry on top…I’m thinking food at a time like this!!  *sigh*

The Gym is One Size, founded November 15, 2012 by one of the trainers well known for her role on Laredet Begadol (לרדת בגדול), Israel’s version of The Biggest Loser.  She led the class today.

She didn’t flinch or suggest I try a beginner class.  That was encouraging! She did however explain to the class she would be repeating her instructions in English because an American was joining the class, not because she was showing off her mad linguistic skills.  I liked her immediately.  She was fun.  She also worked us out for a non-stop fifty minutes.  Jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, planks with weight transfers, mountain climbers…and that was just to get our heart rates up I think!  Then the TRX bands, which I’ve never used.  No way could I do the suspension exercises, but I got a quick lesson on using them in a beginner capacity.  The fact I liked it was both bizarre and thrilling.

I looked over at my friend moving like Xena, performing these exercises with ease and perfection. (I’d post a picture, but then I’d have to kill you…if she didn’t kill me first.) I thought I’d stick my tongue out at her like a jealous child, but I didn’t have the energy.  It required all my strength to inhale.

I left the class sweaty, exhausted and in need of a shower.  I’m not sure my friend broke a sweat.  Not that I’m comparing myself with her.  She’s been doing this for years, pushing her body with daily workouts that I couldn’t imagine.  I’m ready to pin a medal on my t-shirt for completing the class without calling emergency services.  I am proud of myself, and very happy to have learned so much in just a short period of time.  The is an excellent gym.

The experience did leave me a bit emotional however, which was a bit surprising.  I understand this isn’t an unusual reaction when you’ve pushed your body.  Apparently when you exercise it releases chemicals in the brain – epinephrine, dopamine, endorphins – that are natural stimulants and pain relievers.  They don’t release slowly when you exercise, but are pushed in large amounts through your system as a defense against the shock your body is experiencing.  After exercise, your hormones kick into action to quickly replace these chemicals in your brain.  Suddenly there are spikes in your endocrine system and all of the emotions you may have been fighting, hiding or ignoring will not remain in the shadows.  They bubble forth, or in my case erupt in wails in the shower.

Thank God my friend understands this experience otherwise I’d be locked in an Israel insane asylum…or taken for an exorcism and sprinkled with holy water.

Come to think of it, maybe that’s why she planned the trip to the Dead Sea for today!  I’m going for the healing waters!  She’s a wise woman.