Christmas Present to Me from Me.

This week as I lay on my Pilates mat quietly hoping the instructor wouldn't notice if I cheated a bit I began to marvel that this room was full of women from their mid forties to their mid seventies. Most of us have been taking these classes together for over five years. 

We don't have much time to share stories as Cara is a taskmaster when it comes to paying attention to our bodies and not to our mouths during class. She herself tells a good story so we are often well entertained. But I know that one has a niece going through a messy divorce, another has two children who have moved out of the family home, (empty nester), one who has downsized to a two bedroom apartment, one who lives with a cousin who isn't well. They all have been the keenest purchasers of my novel and are asking for the sequel. Great group of women!!

We lay together sweating and hoping that this time it won't hurt quite as much and we may finally get that damn teaser just right.

What I am learning working out with these fine women is that our bodies are so much more important than what we put on them. We may comment on a new bright exercise shirt or top or someone's sparkly socks and occasionally one of us will come with our faces made up which is a signal that something is happening after class. But all of us are fitter, stronger and more nimble than when we started Pilates. 

The mats we lie on!

No one has quit. Some take some time off for biking in Europe, spending time in the south or caring for grandchildren but they all come back. A bit concerned that they are out of shape again but determined to get it back.

I have decided that I cannot pay close attention to what my body needs to be healthy and strong if I only pay attention to what I put on it.  The layer that I  want others to see and like. I slipcovered my old sofa and I love what it did for the old thing but it is still a bit too soft and we have to keep moving the cushions that slip down the back. When we get tired of doing this that sofa will be gone from here. I cannot throw out my old bones or tight muscles or angry digestive system. If they go chances are good I will be on my way too.

When I see these ladies outside the studio they look great. Well dressed and made up just right for their ages. But I also see their straight backs and the ease with which they move.

We are taking classical Pilates developed by Joseph Pilates

My goal is to stop myself from buying any more clothes until I have firmly embedded the importance of keeping my body in good form both physically and nutritionally. I am not looking to be the fitness queen of my age group but maybe just the one with the fewest aches and pains. The odd threadbare sweater or the same outfit worn multiple times will serve as a reminder of my quest.

Wish me luck.