Something good

How about something wildly different! 

Here is an update on our classes at CrossFit. In the first photo the woman on the left is Bonnie. She started working out in 2015 ?? with a personal trainer [who later started our CrossFit gym]. Her concern since she is petite was to protect her bones from Osteoporosis. She is active in the church and the community. Bonnie is in her early 80's.

The middle gal travels as a Sheep Judge and photographer. She is in her 30's. I don't recall the woman on the rights name, but she is in the next generation. 

On Friday April 18th, it is bring a friend day to CrossFit. I've asked my grand daughter Ariel to join me and she said yes!

The photo below is a shot of our current Legends Class for our gym. As you can see, we are just ordinary folks over the age of 55+. Most of us much more than 55. Some of us are in our 7th decade but I'm not going to say who.

--I've got the baseball hat on---

We come from all walks of life. Most of us are 'retired' now. You wouldn't know it but some of us are battling some major health issues and we are each other's support.

We stick together like glue in the gym and laugh as we work out with a fantastic coach who tailors our workouts to our abilities and aching parts.

We move together, we moan together, we laugh together.

All of Mobility issues are addressed by our coach and we've seen improvement in everything we do. We don't have to kill ourselves trying to be Olympians, we can be ourselves.

Imagine coming into a workout where we have to run a quarter of a mile. The coach figures out what we can do. We walk fast for 100 meters, 200 meters, whatever it takes to do movement. Those who can 'run' [me] do. Those that can't walk. No one is looked down upon for their abilities and we only encourage each other with positive words and actions.

Some of us lift PVC pipes just to do the motion of lifting. Some of us use weights. Some who cannot walk well may choose to ride a stationery bike or row. No judgement. We encourage and support each other.

The coach leads us in this. She is an amazing person. Her name is Angie. What can I say about a wonderful lady who has encouraged me and made me feel loved and wanted in a gym situation for the past 4 years. If anyone is the epitome of positivity, it is her. 

I've had people ask me ... "but isn't it terribly expensive?" 

Actually no it isn't. It is less expensive for one month's fee than one visit to a Physical Therapist.  I know. I had two shoulder surgeries and one elbow surgery in 3 years. For nearly 3 years, I had to see PT in order to be able to move my shoulders and elbow again.

One does not have to 'be' in shape to join up with our gym. The coaches always work to your level, whatever that might be.

Whatever the world is doing out there at the moment. I have this positive outlet in my life and I am so grateful for it and the people I've made friends with.

Our motto:

I'll be there for you.

Music and Moods...

So sometimes things get a bit heavy in the mind and I look for a way out. I had a wonderful workout with the Legends group this morning. One lady, Julie had an announcement. She had an appointment with her oncology team for a follow up after a day of tests. She said she was apprehensive and a bit concerned as two PA's the oncologist doc, and other members of her cancer team crowded into the exam room.

Her voice and face lit up as she announced that the latest test results showed up with no cancer cells. Our small group cheered and she cried tears of joy. She was so happy to share the news with us. Her workout buddies.

I actually cried with her!

I decided right at that moment to send any negative thoughts and those black mental clouds to another universe. What was the fastest way to do that?

Music.

Joyful music.

I listen to Pandora and turned to the station called 'Happy Radio' on my way home from work. I found the black thought clouds being chased by songs. 

Pharrell Williams with Happy was the first song to hit.
Roy Orbison: Pretty Woman...
James Brown: I Feel Good
Manfred Mann: Do Wha Diddy...

and it only kept getting better. 

Once I unlocked some cheering music I found myself smiling for no reason. The sun was brighter, the air was fresher, and my steps were lighter. 

I was energized. When I got home I played some more happy music. I wore headphones so I wouldn't wake up hubby while I was hand pulling chicken breasts and making BBQ Chicken. I couldn't help myself but do a little dancing when 

The Contours came on with Do You Love Me?

Yeah. Get this I'm doing little funky dance moves in the kitchen with handfuls of chicken I'm shredding and turn to see my husband staring at me with a smirk on his face.

His comment? 

"I was wondering if you were just having a seizure or do you call that dancing?"

Of course I'll never forget seeing this for the first time by Boston Dynamics. Their Robot dancing to 

Do You Love Me?

It sure changed my whole outlook on things. 

I'm so glad I have the Happy Radio bookmarked on my Smartphone.

Do you have a way to brighten your moods???

Do share!