So, I haven’t spoken much about wanting to get back into shape, because it seems every time I mention it, something goes horribly wrong with my health. Since embarking on a healthier lifestyle, I’ve fought two rounds of MRSA, kidney stones, kidney failure, and finally, this past August, Septic Shock that literally had my life hanging by a thread. Whew – no wonder I was looking for the comfort of Ben and Jerry after all that!
Since the start of the spring semester in late January, I’ve added exercise into my routine three times a week by way of a healthy walk to and from campus from the student parking lot. No much, but figure about a mile a day, three days a week. And that doesn’t count the walking around on campus. And I carry a big backpack. Uphill. Both ways. In six feet of snow. Not an enormous accomplishment, but I’m down three pounds. Go me 🙂
In the meantime, Brighid began working at 7 Deuce Sports in Medford. Owned by former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle William “Tra” Thomas, this incredible facility is primarily an athletic training center. Many area sports teams – from about sixth grade on up – go to the center for the state of the art programs they offer in the cutting edge, 7,000 square foot facility. One of the programs offered at 7 Deuce Sports is the kinesis training. I know, right? What the hell is it? When Brighid said, “Do you want to go with me for Kinesis?” I thought she said “Knishes”, and without thinking why the heck anyone needs a knish at 5:45 in the morning, I jumped at the opportunity. I am not one to pass up a good knish.
Imagine my shock and surprise when there were not only no knishes at 5:45 this morning, but a Mom couldn’t even get a bagel, a doughnut, or a hot coffee!!
Kinesis training, for those of you who want to know, is basically a butt kicking strength and conditioning workout of every muscle in your body. You do an hour long rotation among the various exercises, which included rowing, crunches, even cardio. Brighid had promised me the trainer today was the kind and gentle Joe, (kind and gentle may be a stretch for this certified strength and conditioning specialist), but when we arrived, she had no choice but to warn me that the coach conducting today’s class would be none other than the three time Pro Bowl selection, Tra Thomas himself.
Well, of course, I immediately asked where the snack room was when we arrived, only to be told by Mr. Thomas that snacks would be put out later. I guess they didn’t want powdered sugar from the jelly doughnuts on the equipment??
My first effort wasn’t bad. And, of course, having done the Curves gym workout (where you switch machines every minute for 30 minutes with a minute break in between each one), I felt like I knew the drill. Uh-uh. At the end of the second rotation, beads of water began pouring profusely from my forehead and down my back. What the heck was that? Did I not towel off well enough after showering this morning? No matter. The sip of water I drank on my way into the gym, before Brighid warned me I might not want to drink any water? Yeah, it was trying to find it’s way back out through my throat. During a switch in exercises, I politely excused myself and debated whether running for the ladies room would cause my nausea to come to a head, making me throw up on the floor, or should I walk all dignified like and pray I didn’t puke on the way? I made it to the ladies room in time to have the wave of nausea pass, and I splashed a little water on my face before talking myself into NOT heading to the car and going back to class.
I’ll admit, I couldn’t keep up as well as Brighid. Or the uber in shape gym bunny. Or even the other normal looking mom. But I did WAY better than I expected.
7 Deuce offers individual training, the Kinesis classes, TRX and GFX classes, sports training, technique training, and a variety of other fitness programs. Best part? You can go in as a “free agent”, like I did today. You don’t have to commit to anything – just pay $20 for the class (there is a significant savings to purchase a block of four or more classes, but there is no pressure to do so).
The facility is immaculately clean, bright, sleek, and not nearly as intimidating as I expected. I have asked Jim for a block of classes for my anniversary next week instead of refilling my coffee card, and I hope that by my cruise in June and my sister’s wedding in July, I fit into the clothes in my closet!
7 Deuce is on Route 70 in Medford, NJ. You can call and schedule a class or get information at 877-7272-FIT.
