For the longest time, I'd drive by Fancy Fit on my way home from work, and I'd think to myself, "I should join," but I never did. I dunno, I had this impression in my mind that I would feel uncomfortable amongst all the body builders and the young and hip. I thought it would be expensive and that I wouldn't like it--so I stayed and suffered at Golden Acres.
Sheesh, that was dumb. I guess all those mothers were right when they tell their kids not to judge a book by its cover. I like Fancy Fit--and the price is the exact same as Golden Acres, except I get a whole lot more for my dollar at the new place.
I've been going there for a month now and I've learned one thing: no matter where I go, I'm bound to be swimming with the old guys. Yep, I guess 2:30 is time for seniors, and well, me, to swim. But I'm okay with that at Fancy Fit--the seniors there swim--as in laps. And they don't wear their masks and snorkels or dirty gym shoes in the water either. Plus they don't do weird stuff against the wall in the deep end to gross me out.
Now that I'm sort of a "regular" in the pool, I'm starting to make friends. Yes, they are old friends.
I jumped in today to find one of the two lane markers was missing. Apparently it broke--old guy #1 told me that and showed me the pieces on the pool deck. "I guess we missed a party" I told him. He liked that and laughed. Then he grabbed his cane and limped to the shower room.
So, now we are left to stay in lanes that are no longer marked--a true test of a real swimmer. This would mean noodle chaos at Golden Acres--with the senior set taking over the entire pool, rather than their 2 of 5 lanes that they usually monopolize.
I slide in the cool water and try to adjust my cap when old guy #2 said to me "I'll take this lane, you take the other." Okay, I was cool with that, and I said something to that effect. But it keeps going.
He waves down his buddy in his lane and yells "Hey Larry! We got us a pro here. Tighten up!" Now Larry is standing up and looking at me.
"Yeah, Larry," I say loudly, "tighten up!" And they laugh and laugh.
I have absolutely no idea what that means, but I do know I've got a couple of swim buddies now.
15 comments:
I would guess that means no sloppy swimming - staying in as straight a line as possible since the markers are gone - but then I know nothing...Not only do I not swim I won't go near any water deeper than a puddle...I regret never discussing with my shrink my extraordinary fear of water...and yet I am happiest living near water - I just don't go in it (or on it). But I can sit on a rock and watch the ocean for hours...
I have to say, it is better to work out with people you can talk with. You may not hang out together but at least you can tolerate each other.
"Tighten up" probably means, "Suck in your gut Larry." Guys will do that you know. :)
You have found your own kind. Even if they are old.
Awh, nice! I'm glad you're loving your decision. It really can be very intimidating to join a gym like that, but it's nice to find people who are like minded and focused:)
You're experiences are so funny! The grabbing his cane made me laugh so hard! I'm going to two gyms now - one at 4am with my hubby and the other for personal training at a bodybuilding gym. I'm totally a fish out of water there but no one pays any attention to me. Glad you enjoy your new gym and have new friends!
"This would mean noodle chaos at Golden Acres"
Loved this post, Lin. Snort worthy. Thank you. That is all.
You just manage to make friends wherever you go don't you? Well maybe not at Golden Acres but at least you are at Fancy Fit
Cute post! :)
Bet if you snap their pic and slap a mustache on them boys you could be friends for life with Larry and his pal. Just a thought (from a girl who wears her shorts inside out to physical therapy)!
Grace--Oh, that is a good guess. Maybe. We used to have a dog that was terrified of water--I never got that. Poor thing. He was even afraid of baths. You aren't afraid of baths, are you?
Anne--I find people there are short, quick, and pleasant with the talking. That's cool. It's nicer than I ever imagined it would be at Fancy Fit.
Chuck--Hahaha! I think Grace got it right--I think they were saying to stay in the lane. But your answer makes me giggle.
Patty--I always get along with the old guys for some reason. Always have. Hey, at least they are swimming at this pool!
Nancy--I like that the pool is actually used for working out. Today, I had the pool to myself. For the most part, I find that when I start swimming, the slower folks know to go to another lane. They get it.
Beaded Tail--Oh, you are doing the personal training?! I liked that, but it was expensive. You don't have Earl as your teacher, do you? I like that nobody really pays attention to me at this gym. Folks are too busy working out to mind me!
Kathy--I didn't even think this post was all that funny--but you are the second person who told me that they loved this! Doesn't everybody have wacky gym stories???!
Ann--Well, I guess that beats having Mean Old Man next to me at the gym!! Hahaha!
Candy--Thanks, pally! You have to know all the Golden Acres Pool stories to appreciate the new gym stories. Oh, gees, that place was nuts.
Jodi--One of them was there again today! And he said "hi" to me, so I guess we are BFF's now. I like the shorts-inside-out style! Did you get any funny looks?
That's awesome that you are having fun and making new pals at the gym! Good for you! Love your names for the gyms.......Fancy Fit, and Golden Acres! You are so funny.
Yay for new friends at the gym :)
Very cute! Larry probably didn't care what it meant as long as you were willing to banter with him.
Hot Rocks--I love to people-watch at the gym. I think that is why I swim--it keeps my mind off all the weird stuff going on! I think those names give you an accurate description of where I'm at. ;)
Masshole Mommy--Well, as long as they aren't TOO friendly. No time for talking!
Sharkey--I think you nailed it, Shark.
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