The Gym

January 1st Andrew and I signed up for the gym.  Actually, Andrew got a membership a few days before the 1st, but for New Year's resolution's sake, we will say that he got it on the 1st.  Andrew is actually a member at an all male gym while I am a member at an all ladies gym.  Andrew's gym is a bit of a hole in the wall, while my gym is a gym/spa with all the fancy amenities.

When I went to sign up and start going to the gym, I thought it would be just like any gym in the states.  You pay your money and then they let you loose to workout however you want.  I like to say that here, you really do not know what you are getting yourself into until you are actually doing it.  Well, I signed up and planned to head up to the aerobics class I was planning to attend on my first day, but rather they ushered in into a corner, took my weight and every other measurement they could think of except my height.  I may be a lot of kilos but I am also a lot of centimeters (height wise) and I think that should play a factor into how big they think I am.  After the tedious measuring session, I was finally able to go to my aerobics class which I have faithfully been attending ever since.

The first day I walked into aerobics, I was a good foot taller than ever other person in the room, and not to mention the palest person in the room.  For those of you who know me well, I am not the most graceful or balanced person in the world either.  So, lets just say a 185 cm pale girl trying to step in rhythm to arabic aerobics was quite a picture.  But thankfully I do have the gift of being able to laugh at myself, and I am proud to say that now after two weeks, I think I can step without falling over :)

I am also proud to announce that after two weeks of working out at the new gym, I have lost a little over a kilo which is about 3-4 pounds.  Unfortunately this does not help out my esteem too much when every time I go in someone asks me if I am pregnant or just had a baby.  I am hoping that this question comes up a lot more because their culture is baby centered and they are always thinking about wanting or having a baby rather than me really looking like I am pregnant.  But regardless that is why I am at the gym so hopefully in a couple of months people will not have to wonder because my stomach is so flat :)

Joining gyms has also been a good opportunity for Andrew and I to meet some new friends.  In this culture, Andrew has had no problem meeting guys, but I have had a bit more of a challenge.  It has turned out to be a lot more difficult than what I expected.  Women are usually in their homes, taking care of children and their husbands.  They socialize together, but in their homes.  Going to the gym has been a great way for me to meet ladies.  Andrew is not with me, so they feel more comfortable talking with me.  I get to see the same ladies over and over and we definitely bond together over the challenge of aerobics.  I am excited and encouraged by making new friends as well as getting in shape and loosing some weight!