Bodypump

About 15 people asked me 'what happened?' today. They were referring to my inability to bend my knees or climb stairs. And apparently I didn't do a very good job of covering up my unsteady gait and quivering thighs. One person said I was walking like a 92-year old with dual hip and knee replacements and another said I looked just like Pinnoccio. It's true. I couldn't hide it; several muscle groups in my legs were painful to the touch and acted like they were made of jell-o. Certain arm and shoulder muscles hurt too, but not nearly as bad as my lower half.

Bodypump is the reason. Bodypump is a class at the Y. It's offered every Monday and Thursday and is extremely popular. I have two friends who swear by this class and I had been thinking about going for the last 8 months but have put it off for two reasons.

First, the childcare room is always bursting at the seams during this class, and because my second child has been such a separation-anxiety freak this last year I've been working out at less-popular hours. Second, I've been very intimidated by Bodypump's use of weight bars, stair-steps and other heavy exercise equipment. Well Number 2 is cool with the childcare room now and someone pointed out that a triathlete should not be intimidated by this class. I agreed, so I had to do it.

It wasn't scary, I had a good time, both my friends were there, plus I met a few more. After the class yesterday I cleaned the car and totally reorganized all the toys in our house to bag up as many as I could to take to Goodwill.

I was quite surprised to not be able to get down the stairs this morning. And now, as I'm about to head for bed nearly 36 hours after the Bodypump class, I still can't stand, sit or climb stairs without the use of handrails.

What's interesting about this is that I usually work out about 4 times per week. 1-2 times a week I'm lifting weights via circuit training; the rest of my week is cardio. Most people would say I'm in pretty good shape. Obviously I am not. Obviously I am neglecting several minor or major muscle groups, I know not which. Today has been a humbling experience and I look forward to kicking this class in the soft and squishy bootie.