Treadmill – Illustrator, Maeve O’Keeffe
Spring is here, the days are getting longer, putting a pep in our step. All good but what to do if you’re still struggling with excess Christmas weight? Exercise is the obvious answer. With a plethora of fitness classes, ‘Operation Transformation’ or the outdoor gym equipment by Glounthaune Playground, there’s surely no excuse? A friend asks me to join her in trying out a gym.
I must admit I feel self-conscious in my mismatched tracksuit alongside the toned, lycra-clad clientele. The bike and rowing machines are fine. I then try the treadmill, apprehensively stepping on to read the instructions. ‘Attach safety clips to clothing.’ Done. There’s a cautionary note: “To avoid injury, stand on side rails before starting treadmill.” OK, safety first.
I examine the programs printed on the display panel: Manual, Muscle Toner, Fat Burner – oh, I like the sound of that. Let’s kill those carbs! I enthusiastically turn on the machine. The conveyer belt moves and I wobble with it, hanging onto the handrails for dear life. I’m half walking/running, desperately trying to keep up. My stomach lurches like I’m on an erratic roller coaster. I just can’t get the rhythm and nearly break my neck trying to stagger off.
So much for high-tech machines! It’s easier to walk the roads – maybe even pick up a bit of litter. At least I won’t fall flat on my face. A few small steps is a giant leap for this frazzled mammy, trying to turn a new leaf!
©Maeve O’Keeffe 2017 www.facebook.com/frazzledmammycork
