Becoming fit for life

Quote of the day:

There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrain of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.
Rachel Carson

These past few weekends, I have been accompanying T. to his health club. I am not usually a fan of fitness centers. Mostly I love my own personal work-out regime that I have created in the cozy confines of my home, and treasure my alone times. It usually takes me just about two hours with the treadmill walk and jog, free weights, yoga asanas, and pranayama, and while I might not always be in the mood or muscles particularly achy, most of the time I love every minute of it.

However, this past month I decided to pamper myself a little bit more than usual and went along as T’s guest to Fit Life down the road aways. And me oh my, what a great time it has been. I think I might just have to become a weekend member. The treadmill is large and sturdy, weights and stretching areas are comfortable and inviting, but most of all down stairs there is a pool and hot tub. My body relishes the warm, strong laps in the spacious swimming pool and when I immerse myself in the swirling waters of the hot tub, all those pains, old and new, are exorcised from body, mind and heart. Down there, in that little aquatic sanctuary, soft, gentle music plays in the background and a water fountain tinkles in accompaniment. My breathing exercises never felt so good right after a soak in the hot tub when all the muscles are supple and relaxed.

This month turned out to be more of an emotional challenge for me than I had expected, what with one thing or another, and T’s friendship and support has been of exceptional comfort. I must admit it has been fun to look across the room as I march along on the treadmill and wave to T. moving along up there on his own equipment. It has felt friendly and comforting. After our showers and when we get into the car to return home we seem even more connected, my emotional wrinkles ironed out, and good humor all around. We invariably create a healthy, tasty meal together afterward, and relax into the evening.

A year ago at Tamarika: Denver bound