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OUR YUCAIPA | AUGUST 2015 17 FREE a/c performance cHecK Expires 9/1/15 Expires 9/1/15 (909) 570-8794 $10 OFF any oil cHange The Middle of the Road: By Randy Peters, a middle-aged, middle-income, middle-school teacher Back at the gym, trying to blend I'm back at the gym. Between community theatre, work schedules, and family commitments, I created a lot of excuses to avoid the gym and eat horribly for the past few months. My first few weeks back reminded me that I'm not as socially aware as others. It was strange. When I made eye contact with fellow gym attendees, they made comments like, "Glad you're here." Or "Hang in there; it gets easier." At first I thought it was nice and even welcoming. After more thought I asked myself how they knew I was new to the gym experience. I only use a limited number of machines, so I know I'm using them correctly. I've yet to sit backward or fall off anything. It reminded me of an experience I had in college. I was a sophomore (1979 or so) at Cal State Fullerton. I took a class studying the basics of Christianity. One of the on-going assignments was to attend various types of Christian churches. A friend from class invited me and some classmates to attend her church. I agreed and told her I would meet her there. The church held traditional African-American services in Compton. I made it there on time, parked my car, and started walking toward the church. Several men came up and greeted me. They shook my hand and welcomed me to their church. They told me how happy they were that I was visiting. When I saw my friend I asked her if she sent the men to greet me. She said she hadn't. I asked her how they knew I was new to the church. She laughed and said, "Randy, you know you're white, right? Look around." I think it's the same thing at the gym. People are friendly, which is comforting. But I finally figured out they know I'm new because I look different. Most people there don't look like me. I'm a middle-aged man with greying hair and a belly with a mind of its own. But just like the church, I feel I belong there. The gym is not as intimidating as I thought it would be. However I do have some observations about working out with others. I've chosen to work out at the Fitness 19 here in town. The hours are good for me, and it's on the way home from work. It doesn't have a deluxe locker room, a pool, or a sauna, but it also doesn't have the monthly fees of places with those luxuries. I know there are other places in town to find exercise. A friend of the family is Vicki at Pilates by Vicki on the Boulevard between Second and Third Streets. A lot of people use Pilates to get and stay fit. I've never been to a Pilates class. I've read about them. I've seen videos of what they do. Frankly, they scare me. They do seem to work. Every woman I know who does Pilates could kick my butt. Another friend is a trainer for Cross Fit. We lovingly call him "Thor." I think it is way too late for this body of mine to take exercising that seriously. I've also attended yoga classes at Reps for Life. People kept telling me that yoga is relaxing. Are they nuts? I was so stressed trying to get my body into unnatural positions without my gut getting in the way or kissing my mat at the full force of gravity. I've thought of other means to exercise. Hiking? I have phobia of snakes and bad sense of direction. A one-mile hike could easily become five miles before I find the car. Bicycling? In addition to the above-mentioned sense of direction, I don't like numbness in my nether region. Swimming? Our daughter swam for Yucaipa Swim Team and high school. Besides the two minutes or less of racing, I was bored watching her do laps and even more bored when I do them. Running? Runners intrigue me. I watch long distance runners and admire the ecstasy on their faces. They all look gleeful as they glide across the Earth. I wish I could do that. I get shin splints and headaches after 100 yards. So it looks like Fitness 19 seems the best fit for me. If I have a question, the trainers are really good about showing me something new. I like my routine. I actually have a playlist of songs on my phone and ear buds that make it easier. I wear clothes that look like the other gym participants. I nod a greeting to others when I happen to make eye contact. My goal is to fit in and get fit so they don't think I'm new anymore. But if you see me, say hi. Keep your eyes on the road (and treadmill).