Fitness with Frills

Another senior moment this week, I'm beginning to be a little concerned at how frequent these are becoming!

In order to try and fit in a little fitness, I deposited children at home after school, mentally prepared for the evening meal and dashed out the door with a pre-packed bag for the gym; the idea being that I'd be able to fit in a little more work afterwards in the cafe that forms part of the leisure centre.

I was pleased with my organisational skills but found to my dismay that although I had packed everything else I might need, there was no gym-top or t-shirt in sight. Undeterred, I walked around to the reception desk and asked if there were any spare shirts I might be able to borrow, wash and return (I can't be the first person to forget some kit).

Nyet. Clearly not inclined to even consider this option - in spite of the fact that there are health club shirts being worn a-plenty in the building, and must be in situ to dish out to new members or those simply wishing to pretend they frequent such a facility -  the receptionist neither shifted her feet nor her gaze. Not open for discussion at all. So I returned to the changing rooms faced with the choice of making a forty minute round trip home to collect the darned thing, or soldier on.

A turquoise and black sports bra may not be your first choice to wear with a white vest with lacey frills, but let me assure you that it is now quite the thing. I did consult another before venturing out and was comforted with the words, "Well, anything goes nowadays, doesn't it?" It didn't stop me folding my arms in front of me on the long walk upstairs and then scuttling to the first machine I saw, setting the timer for three times longer than usual and then staring with unusual concentration at the small tv screen on the cross-trainer. It's the old head in the sand trick, if I don't see them, they can't possibly notice me.

Forty minutes later I was brazen in my possibilities, switching between machines and weights with abandon, but still not holding anyone's gaze. However, cometh the hour, I didn't think I could face the stretching/close proximity area so scuttled out, head held high and still feeling like a fool! I'll pack a shirt first next time.