Spin class selfie!
It’s the end of an era.
For the past 25 years, with a few years off in the middle ’90s, I’ve been a member of a local gym.
A mile from my house, the facility is part of a heath insurance network in our area.
There are multi gym locations. But over time, our location seemed to get a bit run down. Look neglected.
Then a super gym – LA Fitness – came into town.
Gradually, our gym — that was once so crowded you had to sign up on a clip board for the treadmill and elliptical machine — was eerily silent.
One of ten treadmills would be in use. There was no line for the weight machines. The familiar faces disappeared.
But I’d locked into spin (cycling) classes and loved my instructors. Once you start a routine like that it’s hard to let it go. You get to know people. They expect you to show up!
In the last year, the decline in gym attendance became even more noticeable. We speculated as we spun, “Are they closing this place?”
This month the notice went out. June 30th the Palm Bay branch would close.
My world is small. Working from home creates a very nominal social life. I’ve no co-workers. Facebook is my water cooler time but I may be the only one at the cooler, say, 2:01 in the afternoon.
So when my gym closed, I felt it.
My first foray into spin classes originally started at 5:30 am. But I was writing late into the evening in those days and getting up early became impossible. The afternoon spin class became more practical.
I loved the instructor. She was a cyclist so her classes felt “real world.” And she played the best music.
Her replacement was more of an aerobics teacher with peddles so I gathered my courage, set my alarm and returned to the morning class. 5:30 am.
By now my writing routine had changed so I could endure an early wake up call.
The instructor was another cyclist with a good play list. For the past five years, I’ve “spun” with these guys. They were my Tuesday and Thursday morning routine. 5:30 spin. Followed by 7:0o am prayer. Then home to work. Or, if need be, nap. Then work.
Through the sleepless, hellish menopause year, I was at 5:30 spin. The routine kept me grounded. I found myself longing for Tuesdays and Thursdays.
We became friends. Laughed. Joked. They put up with my “Whoops!” and “We can do it boys!” interjections.
They celebrated when The Wedding Dress hit the New York Times.
My instructor tolerated the moments when I had a story breakthrough and ran from class to collected a pencil and paper from the front desk.
They understood when I left class 5 minutes early so I could get home, shower and change for prayer.
I listened with sympathy as she detailed a long journey of healing with her cat.
The class became more than a way to exercise but as a way of life. A way to build relationships. And hopefully, burn 500 calories in 50 minutes.
Today was our last class together. Next week, I’ll join the throngs who migrated to LA Fitness. (It’s the closest facility to our house.) And start a new era.
Change is never easy. I’ll miss seeing these folks Tuesday and Thursday. But I’m kind of excited to see what the coming days bring.
Comments 11
Hope the change isn’t too hard & maybe some of your friends from the other place will be at the new place. I have no doubt you will have new friends in no time.
I ‘ve learned to embrace and love change for the growth it brings. Change, growing pains and stretch marks–not comfortable–lead us to deeper revelations of who God wants to be to, in and through us. So worth the cost in the end.
I love the question, “Who do you want to be to me in this circumstance?” I try to see glimpses of God in my circumstance, rather than focusing on the circumstance itself. For example, I landed in ER today after a POWER class at the gym, due to mental confusion. Rather than focus on the confusion, this refrain kept running through my head, “I believe you’re my healer. I believe you’re more than enough for me. Jesus you’re all I need. ” I had an awareness of God’s peace and presence that kept my heart and mind on Him, rather than the mental confusion or “what ifs” that came to mind. I just rested in Him and hoped my husband would finish out his workday, rather than coming to see me right away.
He knew me well enough to guess that’s what I was thinking. We both focused on God’s good purpose for us. By the time he arrived, the doctor was ready to release me with the diagnosis of transient global amnesia, a fleeting phenomenon for which doctor’s have no explanation. I’m fine now and had a good time focusing on God’s goodness toward me, in spite of the circumstances and potential “what ifs.”
So who does God want to be to, in and through you in your new circumstance? I’d love to hear about this when you discover the next gift of His revelation.
I’m reading “The Writing Desk” and marveling at the way you seamlessly weave the two stories together. References to scripture, prayer and faith are natural and not preachy. Well done, Rachel, and thank you!
Author
Thank you so much!
Rachel, a wonderful post and fond memories of the sweet home, away from home. I like the pictures of the old stomping grounds. Glad to know that you are continuing your fitness goals at another location.
I just finished reading, for the 2nd time now, Dining with Joy!!
I just love it. I got so wrapped up in it. it gave me joy and smiles within. It turned my heart to how God loves us.
I am a mother of a 25 year old autistic beautiful daughter, and deal with on-going depression. recently I have not been able to sleep at night. But God put in my thoughts, to read this book! I am so glad He did. it was just what I needed while the house was so quiet. I read Sweet Caroline” too recently, and am now going to read “Love starts with Elle
I long to see God as a lover of our souls who really wants to help us. I want to be less caught up in my struggles.
thank you Rachel for writing such great books! I appreciate you.
amy
Author
Amy, I’m so blessed the book blessed you. I cannot tell you how this encourages my heart. I know your journey has struggles but the Lord is with you and He loves you! You’re His favorite one! 🙂 Praying for you today! May He give you grace, peace and sleep!!
Rachel
Author
Amy, so sorry I took so long to respond to this but how lovely to know that “I can keep you company at night.” 🙂 Praying the Lord touches you and makes His presence known to you. Much love, Rachel
Hi Rachel,
I have just finished reading “Once Upon A Prince” and I loved it! I was so drawn in by the incredible characters. I more so loved the way you were able to draw the focus to Christ, without making it seem awkward, or like an afterthought as so many other Christian fiction books do. While the story was fiction, Jesus Christ was the center, and everything else flowed around it. Thank you for reminding me that even when life doesn’t make any sense whatsoever, God is still in control, and we need only wait on Hin to direct our paths. Please continue to write such amazing stories that warm the heart while guiding toward the true purpose of life.
Author
Kristina, thank you so much!! Your words really encourage me. 🙂 Happy New Year! Rachel
Rachel, a wonderful post and fond memories of the sweet home, away from home. I like the pictures of the old stomping grounds. Glad to know that you are continuing your fitness goals at another location.