Bear Bones

Greetings Bears! I want to take a moment to share a personal experience with you. This past Friday, I was on my way to the gym after work, when I decided to stop by one of the local thrift shops and check out their book selections (I'm a whore for a good book, but I refuse to pay retail). As I walked in, I noticed a man from my gym browsing the tee shirt rack. He is a rather good-looking man, fairly lean and nicely muscled. Other than a couple of 'hellos' arranged by a mutual gym friend, we've never actually spoken at length. I decided to be friendly. So I walked over and said hello and we engaged in small talk, mostly about the gym and the weekend (Dore Alley), for a few minutes. As I parted his company, I offered a compliment. I said simply, "you look great." He smiled and replied, "so do you." I walked away...there was no follow-up. Nothing else needed to be said, but what he said was enough. I floated on his compliment for the rest of the day. I honestly believe it helped fuel my workout that evening. Sometimes we all need those kudos and positive reinforcements. A kind word can go a long way.

So it's Sunday afternoon now. I am just home from my training session. And what an incredible training session it was! A few years ago, a bodybuilder friend of mine advised me of a mantra in the lifting world: "If you aren't doing squats, then you aren't lifting weights." My trainer is a follower of this philosophy as well. He makes sure that at least one of my sessions each week is devoted to squats and other leg work. I must confess that I enjoy doing them. I feel very strong and my legs and buttocks are responding nicely (new jock strap pics, anyone?). The best part about today's leg workout: I increased my squat weight by another five pounds. It may not sound like much, but Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is a musclebear. I'm learning that making small advances and setting reachable short-term goals are integral to accomplishing the larger, long-term goals.

In just over a month, I'll turn 35. It's taken me all these years to finally realize that instant gratification is not always where it's at. I honestly believe that half the fun is getting there. And I am having a lot of fun watching my muscles grow and seeing the shape of my body change. A month ago, my size 36 jeans were snug..now, they are hanging off me. I've reached the next to last hole in my belt. Soon, I won't be able to cinch it up any tighter. Am I happy about that? You bet! Am I where I want to be yet? No way! Will I ever reach a point where I want to say "this is as far as I am going to go"? I can't answer that. I just know that I don't ever want to stop trying and reaching. I hope you believe that about yourself as well.