The ups and almost downs of the gym
You know those stories where something terrifying happens to someone, but they survive, and we say how lucky they are…but then we think maybe they aren’t that lucky to have been in that situation in the first place?
For example, let’s say a guy gets chased by a bear, but the bear’s not in a fighting mood, and the guy lives to see another day. We say, “Boy, was he lucky!” Or maybe he wasn’t so lucky, because he did after all have the unfortunate experience of being chased by a bear.
I had one of those experiences this week.
Well, maybe not exactly. I mean there were no wild animals involved.
Anyway, here’s my story. I was at the gym going about my business, doing a typical workout…in this instance, stepping on and off a bench while holding weights…when I landed wrong and my ankle started to roll. My balance shifted off center, a situation made more treacherous by the dumbbells I was holding.
I had that horrifying feeling just before you fall…and then miracle of miracles, my ankle tipped back into place and I found my center of gravity. Other than the rush of adrenaline pumping through my body, I was none the worse for wear. My ankle wasn’t hurt…and no one else seemed to have even noticed. Barely missing a beat, I stepped right back into the routine, though admittedly a bit more cautiously.
On the way home from the gym that day, as I rehashed what had happened…and imagined the much worse thing that could have happened…my first reaction was fear. Perhaps the gym is too dangerous a place for me. A person my age could really get hurt there.
But then I had another thought. Maybe the gym is the perfect place for me. After all, my ankle was strong enough to withstand an unsteady landing like that…the type of misstep that sometimes happens in real life outside the gym. And my balance was put to the test…something else that also tends to happen in our daily routines…and passed with flying colors.
So whether you consider me lucky or unlucky that day on the weight bench, I am pleased with how my body performed under pressure, and I plan to continue strength training. I will, however, be more mindful while doing so and pay closer attention to how I place my feet. There’s no point in pressing my luck.
Your turn
- Do you have a personal lucky/unlucky story?
- Do you weight train? If so, at home or the gym?
- Have you ever had a close encounter with a bear in the wild?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all, I just love to hear from you.
Image by Eszter Miller from Pixabay
You’re right – that is exactly why you train … I don’t do as much strength training as I should and after decades of belonging to gyms (and resenting it) I haven’t set foot inside one in 5 years but now think I need to go back just from a strong healthy bones use it or lose it reason.
I do believe strength training is important, Jo. If you don’t like gyms, there are plenty of home workouts, if you are confident with your technique. I do like having the Orangetheory coaches there giving me little tweaks and hints though.
Hi Christie, so many women don’t realise the value and importance of strength training. It not only strengthens your muscles to help us stay strong as we age but using our core improves our balance and posture. I’m pleased you didn’t injure yourself but totally agree the gym is the best place to be as we age. Thanks for sharing your story with us at #WWWhimsy this week. x
So true, Sue. I’ve done regular strength training for many years now, and I am sure that has helped with my balance, and of course, my strength. During periods of my life, I did my strength training at home, but I enjoy the energy at my fitness studio and the input of the coaches as to form and routines.
Hi sis, nice save! I’m glad you weren’t hurt and I’m sure strength training is good for you. (All of us.) I do strength train at home with light weights and using my own body weight. I also use bands a little.
I have had an encounter with a real bear in the Uintas at a cabin. Nobody was threatened, the bear was interested in a bird feeder and we were inside when I saw it. It still got my adrenaline going and was pretty exciting!
It was scary there for a minute, Cindy, that’s for sure. I’ve done strength training at home, using similar tools as you, and I still like having that option available.
I remember you telling me about the bear at the cabin. I’ve seen bears fishing for salmon in Alaska from a bit of a distance. They were much more interested in the fish than the people. That’s how I like it.
Hi Christie – I wrote a post ages ago about courage having consequences. You don’t meet a bear, and you don’t almost roll an ankle if you’re sitting at home on your couch eating snacks. Stepping out (and up) and being active has more risks, but it has far greater rewards. I’m glad you turned an almost-accident into a positive outcome and it hasn’t put you off staying strong and fit.
Good point, Leanne. And sitting at home can be dangerous too, particularly for your longterm health.
My heart was in my mouth as I read this Christie. I was sure we would see a photo of you in a plaster cast. It’s great that you avoided injury but just shows how easy it is to have a misstep. I used to love step classes when I was younger but became a bit clumsy as I got older. I still love the step but these days do it slower and not in a class
Luckily, there was no plaster cast involved, Jennifer, but that thought did flash through my head as I was tipping. I’ll still step when the class calls for it, but perhaps a little slower and more purposeful.
What a great story and outcome Christie. It really could have turned everything “upside down” but your mindshift…and one heck of a good recovery made it different.
Love it.
An example from me? Nah. I am steady on my feet these days but I am also careful. I don’t want to fall so I take courage and assess a situation. I am grateful I can do that! And mostly off I go. Slopes that are unsteady and uneven are not my friend so I take it gently or find another way.
Denyse x
Thanks for the encouragement, Denyse. What a perfect combination you use…courage and assessment. I like that.
A thoughtful observation Christie and a near miss for you. Your balance and strength training are obviously doing you well and a good reason to continue.
Yes, I agree Debbie. After the initial fear wore off, I was able to analyze the situation and realize this was a good reminder to keep working on strength and balance training.
Do you have a personal lucky/unlucky story? Generally speaking anything that has to do with me and a gym is an unlucky story. We are like oil and vinegar.
Do you weight train? If so, at home or the gym? I mess around with weights at home, but it’s not training per se.
Have you ever had a close encounter with a bear in the wild? No and I’d like to keep it that way.
I’m guessing you do some functional “weight training” in your daily life. I’m curious, do you feel like your strength and balance are serving you well? That’s really my biggest concern at this point in life…to keep functioning well in my daily life. And I’m with you on the bear thing…they’re great from a distance. I don’t need to get close up.
I love strength training although I haven’t stepped foot in a gym for a few “ahem” years! I am really enjoying Joe Wicks’ workouts and he has some great strength ones – I just need to get myself some dumbells. I think you should be congratulated on being strong enough to avoid injury and the embarrassment! Go you!
Thanks for the encouragement, Sammie! Also, I hadn’t heard of Joe Wicks before, but I just checked him out online. He looks like a good coach. I’d definitely say yes to the dumbells.
I’ve had a few unlucky stories but not at a gym. 100% not a gym person but since retirement have taken to strength and resistance 3/week and HIIT 2/week. occasionally an on line class called Fit for Life. It’s so important to keep moving and keep strong and balanced. If you’d done your ankle in it’s a long recovery!
Hello Bernie. I have had periods where I have done my fitness at home as well, back when we used videos. Now that you can take online classes, it’s so much easier to get a good variety. I couldn’t agree more about the importance of keeping moving. My parents were both quite sedentary, and it did not serve them well. Keep up the good work!