Hellooo! There I was, snuggled deep under the duvet having a dream about something or other, vaguely aware that Richard Madeley was burbling away on the radio which meant it was gone 6.30am. I wasn’t sure quite how far gone and part of me didn’t want to acknowledge it as I would then have to “show a leg” as dear old Bunty used to say.
When my bladder finally reminded me that I was now conscious and therefore needed to contemplate heading to the bathroom, I rotated my ankles to get them working and shuffled across the landing. On my return to the cozy delights of the duvet I ventured a look at the clock. Yippee! only 7.10am – not as late as I thought which meant I could indulge in a little more snuggletime and a few pages of “Chloe” (fab novel by Freya North).
Now, I know what you’re thinking – I’m procrastinating again – trying to avoid the exercise stint I had said I was going to do. Well, you’re wrong, so ner-ner-na-ner-ner!
I was up, dressed in t-shirt, baggy pants and trainers with video in the player and step set up in front of the screen (allowing ample space for leaping about a bit should the need arise), bottle of water on the table within easy reach for rehydration purposes before 8.30am.
So, here we go – *press play* – the woman is a teeny tad annoying (American) but gives clear instructions including “if you’re a beginner, stop after the warm up and beginners’ session and fast-forward your tape to the cool down and toning session”. The same instruction was given with the aerobics yesterday – but being me and as I had done the thing before, albeit in the dim and distant past, I decided to ignore it and do the full shebang. Hmmm – perhaps not this time – “STEP” is far more energetic than the low-impact aerobics of yesterday.
There is something about being 3 inches off the ground for half the time that makes simple moves much more … I was going to say exhausting or tiring but that is not it – they just take way more effort. Certainly I was sweating and panting much more than yesterday. Simple moves – really – and yet far more taxing. I struggled to get to the end of the beginner session… and will admit to having stopped to just march breathlessly a couple of times where I lost rhythm / balance.
On to the cool down / toning exercises – not so successful either – it would appear I do not have the power in my arms / torso to support my weight in tricep dips, nor the ability (yet) to carry out all the sit-ups / ab crunches. However, the sense of achievement at having done some of it far outways any feelings of inadequacy – and has only spurred me on to want to do the full session without faltering and then to move on to the intermediate and advanced sessions. My progress will be self-measured by my advancement.
Lowry Centre, Salford Quays (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Torture over for today, freshly showered and breakfasted and I was off to see my lovely Sis for the day.
After a restorative cuppa and quick catch up we were out the door and on our way to The Lowry. First stop The Vue to take advantage of Orange’s 2-4-1 Wednesday and get our tickets for “The Pirates” – then across the Plaza to The Lowry itself for a delightful perusal of not only LS Lowry’s works but also the V&A touring exhibition – “The House of Annie Lennox”. I can heartily recommend both – plus the visit to the café downstairs, although I’d suggest avoiding sitting on the slant and try to find a table on a more level plane. (amazing how many buildings at The Quays curve, slope, incline).
Lunch finished we took up a brisk pace to ensure we got in to Screen 7 before the main feature started. Creeping in in the dark there was no sign of an usher(ette) to light our way so we walked up the centre aisle steps, decided there were no seats together up the way, turned and shuffled slowly back down (no handrail and only dim edge lights to show where the steps were). Unfortunately, despite having traversed those quite successfully, I fell off the edge of the side step and embarrassedly threw myself into the first available seat. Apparently Sis did exactly the same thing!!
The film was an absolute delight and I look forward to seeing it again very soon as, as with most of Aardman’s films, there is so much to see / take note of, it takes a couple of viewings to get the full effect.
And so to bed, My Lovelies – perchance to dream and get ready for another aerobic session in the morning.
Sleep tight! 🙂
The Occasional Sigh 