Things got freaky at the gym.
Not "freaky" freaky. More like "whoa, freaky!" As in weird. MOVING ON. In this Sunyay's Digest get your latest walking companion and more!
Last week, things got weird at the gym. I’ve been worried this is gonna read like a humble brag, so brace yourself. But if this can happen to me, ME! It can happen for you. So here we go, gird your loins.
Since turning 41, I’ve strength trained four days a week to be in the best health possible for my children.
When I work out, I’m a little intense and I’m guessing, not very approachable. If you look at me, I’ll smile at you, but I’m certain I give off vibes to not look at me or I’ll destroy you.
It’s not intentional, I have RBF [resting b face] like no other, especially when I’m concentrating or doing things with my body that don’t feel great, like lifting heavy things or sprinting.
In other words, I don’t make friends at the gym and chit chat at the water fountain. I get my work done, then I leave.
So it was odd when a fit man in his 80s approached me. “You’re making good progress,” he said, standing in front of me. “What are you training for?”
"Just better health,” I told him. He was surprised, shared his fitness story with me and it was lovely. He did come back three more times to keep chatting, a little awkward while I’m grunting, lifting a heavy bar over my head and BlackPink blaring in my AirPods. But deep down, I loved it.
So, okay. That’s not freaky, grandpas are chatters, fine. But the next day, another man approached me. “What competition are you prepping for?” he asked me, casually.
“Um, no competition, just my normal workout,” I said.
“Oh? How many years have you been lifting?” he asked.
“Um, 4 or 5 months or so?” He feigned stumbling back in shock and said, “Girl, it’s genetics. You got freak genes.” I laughed and shrugged. I mean, maybe? I have no idea. I workout regularly and my body is changing. Isn’t that what’s supposed to happen?
As I got on the treadmill, I felt odd about those two interactions. Just this past summer I was quite fluffy and in a short (but the days were loooooong) amount of time, people are asking me if I’m in body competitions? I was flattered, but it also felt bizarre.
THEN THE NEXT DAY (may I remind you, no one has ever talked to me at the gym before this point), a big, buff guy approached me and said, “So sorry to bother you, but how do you get your triceps to pop like that?”
Is this some kind of joke? Nothing is popping. How is he even asking me this?
“Um, I think it’s genetics,” I stammered out. I mean, the stranger from yesterday said I have freak genes, so let’s just go with that. My niece gave me a strength training program and I follow it. That’s it! Nothing weird. He didn’t believe me so I showed him what I do for arm day and he seemed surprised, but also disappointed I didn’t have some miracle trick.
I shivered with weird feelings all over. I wasn’t sure if it was the best week of my life for compliments or if I crossed over to “clearly she’s on steroids” territory. I want to look like a fit woman, not Dwayne Johnson. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, that’s just not my vibe.
THEN THE NEXT DAY HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE, two older women approached me and said, “We have a bet going that you’re a professional body builder.” I looked around. Are these people getting paid? “Nope,” I said. “I just have a plan and I follow it every day.”
I walked back to the locker room dumbfounded. There was nothing special about last week. I hadn’t just dropped 10 pounds, I looked the exact same as I did the week before and the week before that. Why were strangers drawn to me this week to say nearly the same thing? Two people within a week are just compliments, but that many people day after day felt like God slapping my face with a message taped to an angel’s wing.
Should I try to compete? I wondered. Then I envisioned myself not eating a single carb for a month before spray painting myself dark bronze in a string bikini. I cringed. No!
I wondered if maybe it was a sign from God I should become a personal trainer on the side of my book writing? Oh sweet mother of mercy, let that not be it. I’d have to go back to school and pass biology classes. No!
I’ve chewed on it all week and I’m not closer to an answer. I really don’t know if it was a coincidence or providence. I may find out one day they were bread crumbs to follow. Or not.
But I did learn something.
A discipline done daily and consistently, without quitting or giving up, will create results faster than we could ever imagine possible.
Common sense, that doesn’t feel so common.
WHAT A RELIEF. It’s not magic, it’s simple. And how grateful I am to experience this common sense truth first hand. Intellectually, I knew it to be true, but deep down I assumed I was always the exception— that even if I tried and tried hard, I’d make little progress then inevitably fail.
And yet, I was just overcomplicating it. Theorized it. Cranking up that drama. Protecting myself from the pain of failure in advance.
A discipline done daily and consistently, without quitting or giving up, will create results faster than we could ever imagine possible.
Silly in its simplicity, scary in its uncertainty. Easier said than done.
But able to be done.
I’m writing this today because I hope you try it for yourself. Whatever the discipline is for you, do it daily, consistently, without quitting.
Experience the miracle first hand. It’s freaky.
xx,
Anna
What I’m listening to this week:
Need something to listen to while you walk, exercise, or do other menial tasks you hate? I’m here for you!
Here’s our Episode Ten in the I’m Not Ready for This walk with me series, “Not Ready to Scare the Crap Out of My Husband.”
Now, I hope you’ll forgive me, I have to cut this Sunyay Digest! short - I’ve had one of my migraines for a few days and need to sign off. More goodies to come next week <3
And, of course, the best way to support me is to not only buy my books, but to get a copy for your friends and family to help support my mission to spread laughter. Get a personalized, signed copy now.
Have we met? I’m Anna Lind Thomas, a humor writer out of Omaha, Nebraska. I’m listed as one of USA Today’s top ten funniest women writers, and author of the best selling book We’ll Laugh About This (Someday) and my latest - I’m Not Ready for This. Once you read them, text me (number’s in the back and I respond!). Don’t forget to say hi on Facebook and Instagram.
Ok, so now you have to share your workout routine 😊💗