Aqua Irrigation ......................................... 51 ATI Computer Services

We Come to You! FREE Pickup & Delivery!

• Business & Residential Support • Desktop Troubleshooting & Repair • New PC Installation • Virus Removal • Network & Wireless • Remote Support • Internet & Email • Microsoft & A+ Certifi ed • Data Recovery & Migration • Over 36 Years Experience

#981021

Licensed & Insured

With this OMS coupon. May not be combined with any other offer. Expires 9/03/21

So, in my latest venture to turn back time, I decided to sign up for Pilates…that should be easy enough, and fun. After all, if I like it, I can buy a couple of new outfits, because half the fun of taking up a new activity is the clothing. I remember that long ago, well after I gave up playing tennis, I spent at least the next two years parading around town in my tennis skirt and sneakers, mostly because I thought all the outfits made me look healthy and fit. If people asked me about my game, I never actually lied, but I never actually disclosed that I had put away my racket for good years earlier. I’d just smile and mention something about the heat, and change the subject. But Pilates is a little different. Those clothes are fitted and revealing. I decided for my first lesson, I’d just wear a pair of loose, baggy shorts and a tank top. You are required to purchase little footies, with grips on the bottom, and they made my feet look quite sexy, so there I was, ready to go.

As a disclaimer, let me say that in my early life, I had quite a bit of ballet training, so I thought Pilates should be a cinch. I walked in feeling confident and excited to be “toning and strengthening my core”. This studio concentrated on machines known as reformers, and not floor exercise. Okay, I thought, it’s got to be simple enough. The teacher gave us a quick rundown on how the machine worked, and what to do and what to NEVER do. I made a mental note of how the springs attach and where the foot and hand grips were located. I admit, my confidence was slowly making its way down my body before I even started, but if other people can get the hang of it, then so will I. This session took place in front of a large mirror, so that anytime we changed positions, on our back, raising our head, moving our legs, we were able to see the image of ourselves in the mirror. That was a big mistake. Also, wearing loose fitting shorts was a big mistake. I’m not sure I actually took a good look at myself in that position, from that angle, but I have to tell you, if you ever decide to take up Pilates, DO NOT look at yourself in the mirror unless you’re covered in spandex!

The lesson wasn’t difficult, but it was intense. Since all of the lesson took place on my back, I had doubts of whether I would be able to stand up when it was over, but surprisingly, at the end, I felt good. Nothing hurt. I had tons of energy. I felt young and vibrant! The rest of the evening I was a whirling dervish, mopping floors, cleaning out the fridge, doing laundry. Then I went to bed. The next morning, when I woke up, the only thing I was certain of, was that my eyes and mouth worked. The rest of me begged for Advil! I felt defeated, old, worn out, put out to pasture, my legs wobbly, my entire body begging for mercy. I will never do that again, I vowed. But by the end of the day, my body came back to life, and I felt pretty good. Today I feel great, and ready to go back for more.

For What It’s Worth, it ain’t over till it’s over!!!!