It's 8:00am. I am ready to swim. Beyond the door leading into the pool is an unexpected surprise-- senior citizen aquarobics. There really is no way to avoid it. The water inside the hot tub is calm and free of bubbles, no steam insight. Do I really look like I am going to the sauna with my swimsuit on? Of course not, the goggles in hand give it away.
The last time I did aquarobics was months ago. It wasn't intense, a low impact form of exercise. I really don't have much alternatives. I came to swim. Before I could figure out what to do next, the instructor makes eye contact with me. She invites me to join them. With 8 or 9 seniors waiting for my response, I give into senior pressure.
Julie, the dance instructor, treats me like a guest, making sure I understand the movements. She is so inviting and kind. I feel welcome. I suppose I have stored up enough of good karma to have good treatment from others when I am the newbie.
MaryAnn .... Something about her nature, tone of voice, sincerity, just screams sweet person. I really enjoyed the exercise, and the conversation with the swimmers. We talked about countries, culture, and history all over exercise.
To jog in place, we each grab a set of strofoam dumbbells. Lifting them up and down inside the water alternating hands in such a way that when one hand is rising the other is falling. The larger the dumbells the heavier it becomes in the water. I move up and down as fast as I can, I was surprised by the resistance is generates after many repetitions. I could feel the lactic acid build in my arms, must not have been breathing enough. Julie offers me lighter dumbells, and I accept.
Julie compliments my smile. And gives me her business card. She wants to help me find a job; she asks me to email her. Networking at a swimming lesson wasn't on the plan, but I am glad she extended the offer.