|
The Goddess Speaks
By Lorraine Gershun
|
Daily workout like a party when it's with all the gals
I GO to Curves -- an exercise place for women. Every morning at 6:30, on my way to work, I stop at the Waianae Mall, get out of my car in the empty parking lot and go work out. I open the door and it's like walking into a party that's in full swing. The music is pumping, women are moving and everybody is smiling. It's a celebration and I get to join in.
I'm immediately part of the crowd, absorbed in the wave of rhythm and movement as I pull my legs up and down and flail my arms around in exercise motion. No awkward silences or social distortions to contend with here. Everybody is welcome-- everybody female, that is.
In this particular group of women -- mothers, grandmothers, students and teachers -- each is taking a moment to do something positive to start the day. We are talking, laughing, sharing or just concentrating and pushing ourselves to new limits of physical and mental exertion.
We celebrate our love, our children, our successes and our struggles with each step of the 30 minutes we dedicate that day to exercise. In each movement we say, "I can do this." And when we do this here, it often means we can do more somewhere else.
It's the best party I've been to in a long time.
WHILE SNACKS are scarce, the music dominates. The right beat makes all the difference. If it's a little slow or a bit too fast, I find that I don't manage to lose myself in its rhythm and my thoughts. I miss the volume of it coursing through my veins. But when it is just right, I stomp and jump and twist and turn as it rocks and rolls me right through 30 minutes as if they were five. And then, when the songs are familiar and I can sing along, I am in workout harmony.
And talk about variety. Just about anything can be remixed to a good workout beat. Some days it's Ricky Martin and Elvis, others it's show tunes and Disney classics. This Jewish girl has even gotten a downright inspiring workout to a CD of modern Christian music. My favorites, though, are the ones that have songs from my high school and college days. It adds a bonus bounce down memory lane.
THE SOUNDS are just one aspect of the diversity we celebrate during our morning exercise. We are young and old, dark brown, light brown and barely tan. We are big and small, strong and getting stronger. All doing the same thing, by ourselves, together.
And no matter how good or bad I feel to start, after the exercise, I always feel better. Recharged, energized, ready to take on the day.
That's the beauty of it. I always feel better. No invitation necessary, immediate acceptance guaranteed, this exercise party is the best date I ever made. I celebrate with my workout and encourage you to do the same.
Lorraine Gershun is publications adviser for Searider Productions at Waianae High School.
The Goddess Speaks is a feature column by and about women. If you have something to say, write "The Goddess Speaks," 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210,
Honolulu 96813 or e-mail
features@starbulletin.com.