Sacred Spaces, Sacred Time

I am surprised at how much of my new exercise life feels sacred. I feel safe and protected in the spaces where I work out. Having completed a weekly routine or a special workout makes me feel accomplished. It is like a deep meditation and a long sigh of health soaking every corner of my being. The spaces where I work out have a history that influence me to this day. These are sacred spaces and sacred times.

The Cardio Room - This is where I started working out and first learned about at Lifepointe, in the summer of 2009. It is the place where I completed 18 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation, where I was closely monitored (blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate) and got used to regular, timed workout sessions. In the rehab sessions I used the treadmill, Nu-step and windjammer for 45 minutes of cardiac exercise two times a week. In Trim & Fit we often completed the cardio portion of our workout, and this is where I learned about the concept of "intervals" using the Nu-Step machine. Here, I also learned to ever-so-slightly increase the number of minutes in cardio exercise using intervals. Now as I incorporate these cardio exercises into my routine, I have really come to love this space. This "womb" is where I feel most comfortable, listening to NPR on headphones, and closing my eyes, concentrating on my body, and letting the sweat soak in - completing 40 minutes of cardio exercise as part of every workout.

The Pools - This is where I meet my friend/colleague Deb for regular Sunday afternoon water aerobics sessions. The pool is refreshing... and my body responds differently to movement in water aerobics. There's no "sweating" like there is in "land-based" workouts. (Even though it is an equally cardio-full workout!) Deb and I spend an hour in the pool - using noodles, kick-boards and weights, and lots of water walking simulating many exercises/workout routines that I also learned in Trim & Fit or in group workouts. Time in the pool is capped with a hot tub or a chat in the warm pool, and pampering - including a long luxurious shower in the "family room."

Stretching Area - This small triangular shaped area, alongside the track, is flanked by a half wall and lined with four or five floor mats. Here I can relax and unwind after each workout. This has special significance - it is where I first learned to get down on the floor and to stand back up - my first really big exercise challenge. This is where I stretch, stretch and stretch. I am cut-off from the noise of exercise machines and blaring television lights of the main gym, the heart of Lifepointe energy. During stretching, I center....center in the luxury of sacred spaces and sacred times.

Submitted on Saturday, January 8, 2011.