This post is the second in a series of entries on my journey back to excellent physical fitness. You can read the first post here.
It is a week before the Olympic Flame comes to Whistler [February 2010]. I am determined to start a new and challenging fitness program as soon as possible, Olympics be damned. I’m not sure if it was the influence of living in a very athletic place, or just the fact that I was more than ready. What I do know is that I was going to make this happen.
I call the number that The Russian has emailed me, as per his minimal, yet direct, instruction. I giggle at the directness of this, and can just tell this is going to lead to all kinds of good things. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous. My colleague who had recommended the class had also mentioned that he’s picky on who he takes.
I read “challenge” into this (where I probably shouldn’t) and am therefore determined to be selected. This doesn’t mean I formulate a plan, however. I just dive right in.
“Hello,” a heavily Russian accent says to me.
“Hi, Sasha. My name is Naomi and my colleague recommended your class. She says its challenging, and that’s what I’m looking for.”
“This isn’t some weight loss class – this is the real thing,” Sasha says. “We take Olympians, housewives, anyone who’s committed to fitness, and we take them to the next level. I don’t advertise my class, I have over 300 members in the club, and have a one month waiting list.”
Holy shit, I think. This is EXACTLY what I want.
“If your coach doesn’t show you results in three weeks, you need to fire your coach, ok?” says Sasha. [I laugh my ridiculously loud laugh at this] “We work out with a medicine ball two nights a week for an hour and a half, and then do boxing on the third night. You need to go to a physiotherapist – I will give you a number – and then you go and see him. Then, we will chat about where you are at, and I will begin you on a custom program.”
I say – “This is great. This is exactly what I want – I’m looking for a challenge and I want to improve my fitness. I want to be as fit as I can be – that’s my ultimate goal.”
The Russian talks about getting me down to an ideal weight (125lbs) and that it will take six to eight months to do this (which is exactly what I think it will take, given that I used to be a fitness instructor), and concludes with this, “We like people with personality. We don’t care what you wear, if you f*cking swear, or grunt in class, excuse my 500 words of Oxford English. You got it?”
Me: “Oh, I have personality. Don’t worry.”
The Russian: “Oh, I can already tell.” Then he laughs this hearty laugh, and says, “Make the appointment for physio then call me.”
I like how every conversation ends with instructions. I make the physio appointment. It is for right when the Olympic Flame is coming through Whistler. I don’t care – this has become about me, and something that I am not going to give up. The desire to be fit again has become a priority, and I want to begin as soon as possible.
During my physio assessment we go through all the typical movements that will happen in class (the physio I see also take the class). I’m not so coordinated with the medicine ball, and I don’t enjoy seeing my own image in the mirror. How have I let this happen? I push the thought aside and concentrate on good form. I am determined to change things. When I leave the appointment I am mortified by how sore and weak my legs are.
However, I am also happy, because I feel like I am taking small steps in the right direction. I call The Russian the next day to tell him of my appointment. “Oh, we’ve already spoken in depth about you,” Sasha says. (I like his efficiency).
Me: “When can I begin? I know you have a month long waiting list. So – a month?”
The Russian: “No. I like you. You can begin whenever.”
Me: “Thank you! See you on Monday.” [It’s Friday]
I’m in! And so it begins.
{ 2 comments }
Love your writing. Dying to know how it went for you. I’ve been on the program for 5 weeks and absolutely loving it!
Thank you so much Erinne! Sorry for taking so long to get back to you, I was in Nashville, training with Al Gore in his climate presentation. I’ve been in the program since February and things are going really really well. I will keep writing about it until I reach my goal. Hopefully you follow along and let me know how you are doing!