I was completely inspired yesterday at the gym. Both of the Satan machines were taken when I got there, so I got on another less awesome machine next to them. I got ready to jump on one when it became free. So, while I was on the other machine I kept an eye on both Satans. There was a guy on one and a girl on the other. After about five minutes the guy got off and I hopped on, put my iPod on, set my stats, and was happily stairclimbing.
I glanced over at the girl next to me and noticed she was in GREAT shape (Awesome. I get this great feeling when I'm working out next to people, whether in a class or on a machine, who are in fantastic shape...I mean really, they're doing the SAME thing as me-albeit faster or better- but it kinda makes me feel like I'll get to where they are if I just keep pluggin along).
However, pretty soon I glance over at her from the corner of my eye and notice she's JOGGING if not RUNNING on Satan. Just take a second and let that sink in. For those of who aren't familiar with this machine, it looks like this:
(It looks deceptively easy. Just like walking up some stairs, right? WRONG. Well, actually you would be right, but trust me, it's a really hard kick-butt workout).
Anyway, so this girl, who had been on already for quite some time (a feat in itself), was now jogging on the stairs! And not just a little 1 minute interval thing. She probably kept her pace for a good 7 minutes. I was blown away. Stunned, I stared at her as long as I could out of the corner of my eye, or tried to just casually gance over at her without falling off of my stairs(yes, it's happened before).
These are two things I noticed about awesome Satan chick:
1) She had a TON of water with her. My water bottle looks like this:
Her's looked like this:
She had filled up an old milk jug and had it balancing on the top part of the stairs. By the time she was done she had drunk and entire gallon of water (assuming it was full when she started).
2) After she was done, she sat by the machines stretching. And not a little hold-my-foot-behind-my-rear quad pull. She probably spent a good 5 or 6 minutes just stretching: calves, quads, hamstrings, arms, everything.
Now I am pretty good about stretching after I do weights. I don't know why, but I just don't usually do it after my cardio. Until now people.
This week I'm drinking lots of water, especially during my cardio. AND I'm stretching more. I think I might also kick up my level on Satan.
So thanks unknown girl at the gym! Maybe next time I see you I'll jog a little next to you
...but probably not.
July 24, 2007
Water and Stretching
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18 comments:
wow, i would have to loved to have seen that. she must be super woman because i can barely walk up that machine for more than 7 minutes without wanting to jump off.
did i tell you i saw this lady doing like ballet kicks off the back of it once. it was quite amazing & funny all at the same time :)
*sigh* i love the heroes at the gym.
but i love it more when they fall off of the treadmill or something. that always makes my day brighter :D
Kelly, I remember your "ballet kicks" lady, I totally think of her when I see someone at my gym doing them on satan.
Marie, oh my goodness. I laughed so hard when I read that!
I'm sure at some point in time you will be running too :)
"satan machine" bwaaaahaaaaa!!!
I am glad the cheerleader at the gym has you more motivated. They usually make me want to cry in the corner. Like a baby.
Anne, I doubt it, but thanks! :)
Em, Ok, THAT'S Funny.
I think it was the fact that she was working out within 3 feet of me...and there's only 2 satan's at my gym.
Must.
Not.
Show.
Weakness!
I didn't know they still made those! And you actually work out on that--on purpose? I used one back in my 20's but didn't know they still existed.
I can't believe someone was running on one for more than fifteen seconds. I'd drink a gallon of water too! Or maybe conk myself over the head with it in hopes of ending my misery.
They still make those for us young-uns!
Relive your 20's! You can buy one here! LOL!
Ok Katie - funniest post I have read - I won't be working out for awhile, but I am drawing inspiration from your posts - thanks
Hi Amber! (Is this the Amber I think it is?) Anyway, thanks for the complimenty comment. :)
You know, one time I was at the gym and saw a woman on the satan machine and she had a 50 LB BARBELL on her shoulders as she was climbing. Then she turned around and did the whole thing BACKWARDS! It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. She looked like she taught about 10 classes at the gym.
Sarah, Are you kidding me? Backwards? With a barbell? I thought there was only one...obviously there's some kind of superhuman race thing going on here.
Man that is freaking awesome. I seriously LOVE this post!! Hell just reading it inspires me. What I love even more is that you found it inspiring instead of being jealous. That is just way too cool. My water looks like your water. I always down about 2 more bottles when I get home though.
I loved your post and it made me laugh. :)
You are so funny!
When I USED to go to the gym I was actually afraid of that same stairclimber you go on. So the fact that you even use it is amazing. You go girl!!
I know, right! Don't good habited people make you mad, and inspire you all at the same time?! *laughs
Sarah, THanks! Your comment made my day!
and thanks Healthy Pear, you know a good way to overcome those fears is to just go do it!
Lacy, yeah, they (good-habited people aka superhuman race) are funny like that. Actually, I think it has nothing to do with them, just what we see (or wish we saw) in ourselves. :)
Wow. That post has inspired me to drink more h2o and kick it up a notch.
Great observation. Water and stretching are so basic, but so overlooked in favor of sexier things like sports drinks and fitness torture machines.
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