The Elliptical

There I was, standing somewhere I really didn’t want to be, about to do something I really didn’t want to do.

Everything about the elliptical annoys me. The ear shattering beeps that make me flinch every time I select an option. The high-pitched squeaking when it moves, no matter how much WD-40 I spray on its tracks. The blinding blue light of the monitor that won’t dim, no matter where I look. But most of all, it is just so incredibly boring. Yet here I am. Again.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve put on a couple pounds in the last few years. I didn’t notice exactly how many until I walked by a mirror without a shirt. I glanced over and my immediate thought was, “Oh, now that’s a belly.” I looked down, puffed it out, and played the belly drum for a good couple seconds. It jiggled. I laughed. Afterwards, I stood there, belly now slightly red in the reflection, took a deep breath and said out loud, “It’s time.”

I’ve been putting off exercising for years. There’s nothing wrong with my current weight and I do so enjoy having a portable beat maker, but I want to go on longer walks, I want to go on longer hikes, I want start playing sports again. That’s why I’m here. Staring at this irritating machine.

I’m starting today. At least ten minutes of half-decent exercise is all I’m asking of myself. Eventually I’ll work my way up to twenty, but not today. That would be like trying to run a marathon with no practice, I’d probably pass out. Know your limits. Take it slow. Go step by step, and one at a time. That’s my advice to myself and anyone else. I’ll let you know how it goes, one squeaky stride at a time.