Gym Nicknames

Does anyone else start to nickname the regulars that attend their gym?  It is something that I have done since joining my first gym 11 years ago.  You get used to seeing these people on a daily basis and if you don't speak with them, you begin to develop ways to identify them.  If you're fortunate enough to meet a gym buddy that thinks similarly, going to the gym can be a fun time.

The nicknames are usually in good humor, but sometimes they can get a bit mean.  It often depends on what motivates the names.  If it is something positive, like the person is attractive you may start a description with "Hot."  If it is because someone does something odd, they may get the description "Creepy."

Often times, I wonder if people have nicknames for me.  I usually complete half of my workout with my glasses and the other without, so often I find myself looking at shapes or colors.  I often wonder if I make people uncomfortable because it appears as if I am staring.  If the worst name that someone can give me is "The Starer" or something similar, then I am probably in good shape.

Something to consider when developing nicknames is when to use them.  Using them with your gym buddy is good, but outside of that company can be tricky.  This is especially true if you've given a nickname to someone attractive.  I recently had a texting malfunction when I was messaging with my gym buddy the other day.  At one point, I mistakenly messaged my boyfriend about this one guy at the gym and referred to him as "Hot."  He took it all in stride, but it was a lesson learned.

What about you?  What is the most outrageous name you've developed?

Confidence Boosters

The last six months have been a bit difficult on my fitness journey.  My weight has gone up and down since getting to my "lowest" weight.  I never quite made it to the goal that I set, but I figured that my body was not meant to get that low. My waist size was 32 and that was the thinnest it had ever been. To lose more weight would mean that my waist could go smaller and the idea of having a 30 inch waist seemed too thin for me.   

My body was in progress, and I was still working on definition, so I ordered the T-25 workout to help with the toning.  It worked, changes were seen and was looked pretty good.  When I finished the program, my weight slowly crept up, but I recognized what was happening and made some changes to both my diet and gym routine.  

The adjustment to the new workout routine has not been easy, although I do find myself with much more energy.  Yet, this morning when I was working out, I found myself in a "bad" place.  I just felt "fat" or not really on point.  It was more of a psychological game because my body was doing fine, but I could not wait for the workout to be done.

I finished the workout, showered and went to my locker to get dressed.  A gentleman that I see often around the gym was near my locker and we laughed about no matter which area we pick to get changed, there will be someone there.  He mentioned that he had seen me around the gym and that I work out often. We discussed our routines and it was really nice because he complimented me on my success.  It was so unexpected and it changed the way I viewed myself.  Icing on the cake was the gym cleaner stating that he had seen some changes in my body in the last six months.

What this experience showed me was that sometimes we can be feeling our worst and a kind word can put everything in perspective.  I had made some tremendous success since my weight loss journey began.  While I am not where I want to be when it comes to my body, I am on my way and I look damned good doing it.  

I Did It!

On August 26, 2012, I started my journey to better health and a fitter lifestyle.  I slowly started by working out to Tae Bo videos (sometimes twice per day).  Co-workers got me committed by starting a Biggest Loser contest.  I lost nearly 30 pounds by the end of 2012. 

As 2013, progressed, I continued to lose more weight.  I eventually found I was bored with Tae Bo and felt it was time to try the gym.  I began at the gym in March 2013 and really did not have any major goals.  I wanted to lose more weight and tone my body, but that was it.

My good friend Ron proposed we run a 5K later that year, but I refused.  I HATED running, so there was no way I was going to do that.  Eventually, I changed my mind and agreed to run a 5K in 2014.  I was set to start training in January, but I spent most of the month making excuses.  My friend Guy challenged me to get going and I slowly began. 

Ron and I tried to set a date to run, but the winter was LONG and our schedules were extremely busy.  Eventually, the goal of completing a race went on the backburner, but I did run throughout the Spring.  I ran outside a few times and started to get hooked. 

Starting the T-25 workout DVDs made it difficult to continue running outside (the workout was hard on the legs), so I put running on the backburner for the summer.  My good friend Jenna asked me to run her race (she was the co-chair of the Great Futures 5K) and I agreed.  I knew that Ron was going to be unable to train and run with me, so I prepared to do it alone. 

My first day training was Labor Day and it was extremely hot and humid.  I made it around Delaware Park only once before choking on the thick air.  I was upset with myself and vowed to do more running.  I started doing more treadmill running and a few more sessions outside.  I was told that I would be fine, but I was so nervous.

Prior to the big day, my good friend Jenn, a veteran runner, stated she would run with me.  I was both relieved and nervous.  I figured she would outrun me, but also that she would inspire.  The big day arrived and it was rainstorm.  I had not slept well the night before because I was so nervous and excited. 

We arrived fairly early and it was cold, but the rain eventually stopped.  The air horn signaled the beginning of the race and off we went.  Jenn’s hat blew off almost immediately and I faced the decision of waiting for her or going.  I chose to keep going.  I focused on a particular runner and found myself catching up to her and her group.  I knew I could pass them, so I did. 

The route was both fun and challenging.  There were quite a few hills and bridges, but I was never bored.  The wind was rough, which did cause me to lose my breath a few times.  Thanks to my rocking running playlist and my determination to get it done, I was focused on finishing.  As I climbed my last hill, I knew the finish line was in my grasp.  Good friends Ellary and Jenna were waiting and cheering me on as I completed the race.

I came in 1^st in my age group (to be fair, there were only three other people running in that group) and I was 12^th overall.  Not bad for an “old” guy running his first race.  Check out my excitement below! 

I hope my story inspires anyone that has a fitness goal.  I started out 73 pounds heavier and never thought I wanted to do a race or that I could do it.  I made it happen, due  to the support of some amazing friends, family and my sheer will.