Marianne's Story
My Story
It’s true! Working out is intertwined in my DNA. It has been 44 years since I joined an all-women’s gym. How do I remember how long it has been? It coincides with my marriage. I joined the gym the same year I was married. I often reflect—did I go to the gym every day to get away? Or, has my marriage lasted so long because going to the gym helps keep me happy and healthy? Whatever the reason, I love to sweat and get those endorphins racing. I also still very much love my life partner! Call it a bit of luck and a lot of sweat.
Okay, even if I like to sweat, it still takes effort to fit a gym visit into a busy life. Dragging out of bed before work each morning to teach a class, join a class or be active was hard, but became routine. Honestly, body image (an entire other topic) played a role in motivation. Being an extrovert and loving the social aspect of hitting the gym compounded the rewards of consistent gym time. Loving the stationary bike and becoming an instructor added to the gratification equation. Foundation Training, the gym pool, yoga and now Pilates (one of my new favorites) added more. Strength training is my all-time treasured activity. Early mornings have become a gift of time for me.
Along came COVID 19 and zoom workouts. I now work out from home in an unused bedroom turned gym. Has this been an adjustment? Of course, but so worth it to continue the endorphins, be social and stay in shape.
Despite body awareness and needing functionally low-impact activities, being so physical for so long has also taken a toll on my body. Chalk it up to being active, genetics or the aging process, it can and did happen to me! Arthritis has permeated my joints and resulted in several surgeries. For me it has been about working out safely and effectively in my body and meeting its needs first. The needs of my body have changed a great deal over the last 44 years, and I anticipate the changes to continue as I age. The puzzle to solve becomes how to work out safely and effectively for an entire lifetime. The answer for me was to find a high-quality, educated, personable and inspiring personal trainer. That, and working with a group of like-minded, same age, soon-to-be-companions became the perfect blend.
Fortunately for me, recently, my personal trainer creatively worked with me individually for 10 weeks when I could not bear weight on my right foot, due to a metatarsal fusion/bunion repair. Four years ago, when my left foot was repaired, I had to take time away from physical exercise completely. Eighteen months ago, when I had a knee replacement, the result was another unwanted exercise vacation. So many fitness gains lost to health repairs!
What a difference being able to continue my active journey has made in my attitude and recovery. The mobility and strength I have gained has resulted in rapid healing. It is such a joyous feeling to be as strong as I ever have been and experience fewer setbacks. My personal trainer has made an extraordinary difference in my life, and I feel so fortunate to be working with such a talented trainer. Her personal enthusiasm, modeling and attitude make my life more complete and more fun.
This year is my 70th trip around the sun. How heartening it is to look back with appreciation and know that I am so worth all the time, effort and sweat!!
Marianne Moon
January 21, 2021
