I find that it is so easy to lose yourself and your focus in on the preconceived BS of what you think other people think you should be doing.  Worrying that you’re not working hard enough or lifting enough or doing an exercise the right way.  This is a recipe for injury plain and simple.  As a person who is older than many people at the gym, even I have found myself on one or two occasions stepping up my workout not because it’s in my plan but because I feel like I’m being judged.  Sometimes the stupid young girls who are at the gym to show off their abdomen instead of actually covering up and working out cause me anger.  I know I go to the “judgement free” gym but seriously, could you just put a shirt on and do what you pay a monthly fee for.  It’s getting worse too.  More skin & hanging out in groups chatting just irritates me and makes me pick up a higher weight or do some exercise that isn’t up my alley like incline sit-ups. Those actually hurt my back and the tendons and my hip flexors.  If you’re not focused it’s easy to get off track and take on the “go big or go home” attitude which more likely than not could put you out of commission for a while.  Easy Does it.

Don’t get me wrong, I like progressively stepping up my routine but in a planned, controlled manner and on my terms.  I’m on a mission with a very specific plan that I”m always tweaking to get closer to my goals.  One day at a time.  I try not to let the young girl who I take classes with get in my head.  We take these classes and use the exact same weight but she’s dripping sweat and I’m mildly slick.  Working hard for sure and not wimping out or pretending to work hard.  I’m actually working hard at each station because it’s only 30-second rounds and I can do anything for 30 seconds.  It’s hard not to wonder why she looks like she’s working so much harder than me but I can’t ponder that too much.  All I can do is focus on my workout and work as hard as I can for me.

and done within reason so I can walk tomorrow and also come back for another day at the gym.  I want to look good or as acceptable as I can for as long as I can.  I know someday I won’t be able to do this and I will have to accept a modified fitness routine.  Someday maybe I’ll be relegated to walking only or perhaps riding my bike but right now I’m strong and motivated and focused. That’s all that matters, my workout being the best I can do