Gorillas in the Gym

I work out at two different gyms now. It’s a little confusing. The first one my wife and I joined a number of years ago because it has a pool, tennis court and gym with machines. A couple years ago, I got myself a trainer there. Everything was perfect. The trainer and I met for a half hour of intense work, then I was off to Middle Way Health.

My first trainer didn’t talk much except to tell me what to do. I liked that. I was too tired to say anything anyway. I got stronger as a result. One day after almost two years she announced that she was leaving to take a job at another club in the East Bay. I was surprised not by her leaving (I don’t imagine that the trainers are paid well), but by my reaction. I felt abandoned. Now what was I going to do!?

I would have to re-train a new trainer who would have to learn what my strengths and limitations were. I would have to bond with a new trainer and get used to their style. The whole thing felt like, ‘This is too much!’ Some resentment about change and abandonment set in. You would think that I had been in deep psychotherapy and my therapist had said she was leaving!

I adjusted. It worked. The new trainer was nice. She came up with new exercises that I benefited from. She was more talkative and I felt that she was interested in me as a person (a feeling I didn’t get from my previous trainer).

Then this trainer announced that she was leaving! Ugh, all over again! This time, however, she was moving to a new gym. She asked if I would be willing to train there. I liked her and so began working out there as well. And so I have two gyms! It feels a bit excessive – one gym on the weekdays (the new one) and one on the weekends (the one with the pool!).

Then, again I got used to a new routine, and change yet again! The new gym is urban and young with rap workout music. Not a country club like the other one. So I adjust. In fact I like the contrast.

Then again, my trainer announces that she is leaving! Change! Abandonment! Déjà vu! A new trainer is appearing. Times will be different. Routine will be different. Questions arise. “Maybe I should just workout on my own? Or maybe change in routine is good?”

I hadn’t thought at first that getting in shape would be so complicated. Or maybe I’m getting workout savvy! What can I do myself with my own self-discipline and what do I need support, coaching and training for? Is it just the technique and body mechanics that I need help with or do I need the emotional support also? Do I want to belong somewhere or do I like the idea of going it alone?

Time will tell.