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Thank You, Fred!


Three weeks ago, I joined one of the local gyms. I even signed up for a cross-fit class. On my way to work every day for the last couple of weeks, I would glance at the gym as I drove by and think, “I really need to start working out. Tonight. I will do it tonight.” Night would come and I would come up with several hundred reasons why I couldn’t go. One week I even set my alarm clock early in the morning to get up and go. I hit the snooze button and rolled over and went back to sleep. I kicked myself an hour later when I crawled out of bed. And then came the phone call.

“Hi Mandie. It’s Kent from Anytime Fitness. I am just checking in with you.” First off, I have never had a trainer from the gym call me to check in. Secondly, I have never had a trainer call to remind me of a class I signed up for. Talk about a kick in the ass! We set up a time for me to go in and learn the equipment.

When I finally made it to the gym for my orientation, I was asked, “What are your goals?” The last couple of gyms my answers revolved around losing weight and being sexy. The last three months I have been battling with myself in the area of fitness and nutrition. I have not been doing either very well and I feel like crap. When I was asked the question this time, I realized I just want to feel good. Losing weight, getting down to a single digit clothing size, the ability to do a push up, and running another 5K are all by-products of getting to where I want to be.

Getting there is another issue all together. That’s where Fred comes in. One of the great things about our neighborhood are the neighbors, Fred being one of the best. I met him the day I joined the gym. I stopped at his yard sale. We chatted for a bit. I told him I joined the gym. He invited our family to a cookout. The day I went in for my orientation, I learned he joined just that morning. AND he signed up for the cross fit class. When I went up to thank him for using my name as a referral (free month’s membership), we made a plan to go to the class together. No excuses.

Tonight we went to class. We were both a bit anxious about what it would be like. I wasn’t sure how my fat, old body would hold up. While he chatted with Kent, I used the treadmill. Because I didn’t bring my car, I totally forgot my headphones. Because of his generosity, I was able to disappear in the music and do some cardio. Soon he jumped on the treadmill beside me and handed me a towel. I never used to sweat. Today, I was thankful for the towel.

Throughout the cross fit class, we struggled through the craziness of it all. We made it through!! We were both starting at ground zero. We both want our pants to fit comfortably again. Most of all, we both want to feel good. Because of Fred, I got up off my butt and went to the gym tonight. I am starting to feel good again.

Thank you, Fred.

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