I do most of my workouts alone at home. Usually I like that. But once in a while it is a treat to workout at a facility. Yesterday I went to a gym with my wife, my sister-in-law and my niece. For an hour we sweated, grunted and tried to feel a little more buff. Not Buffy, just buff. There is a big difference between Buffy and Buff. The first slays Vampires, the second is well, just buff.
When we finished our workout, we measured ourselves with a body-composition analyzer. You program it with your age, gender, fitness level and it tells you a bunch of information. I should have put in my IQ because it took three tries before I figured out how to use it. I guess I was a little excited about all of the numbers on the scale when all of a sudden I heard a loud crash behind us.
A woman had been working out nearby on a Swiss Ball fell off, hitting her head against the wall. I was a little in shock and I did not offer first aid. She was okay. I guess she did not need first aid, but she probably needed some second aid, or some Cool Aid? (Don’t hate me, read on). The Manager asked the woman if she was okay and she shouted at me and my group, “I fell over because they are making too much noise!” she said. I could not help but notice her headphones. How could she hear us talking if she was listening to music? Seems it was easier to blame us for making noise rather than saying “Geeze I fell over because I lost my balance.”
What is up? She lost her balance, fell over and then blamed me? What about global warming or international injustices? Probably my fault too. Apparently my voice is my super power. Don’t come near me. I may knock you over with my ultra voice.
This made me think. Some people find it easier to blame others than just say, “I screwed up.” Thing is, I respected her for working on herself, but she lost my respect when she blamed me! When we blame others for our mistakes, we actually erode our willpower to stick with our habits. We make excuses rather than try to work through whatever frustrations we may have. It reminded me that honesty and admitting when we fall can actually increase our strength.
I’ll be back there tomorrow. Look for me. I am the one with the smile and the muzzle.
Keep it real.
Getting High on Recovery 
How come you’re so smart? The world would be a better and safer place (perhaps) if more people would take responsibilites for their mistakes! Good article – good humor!
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I’m an intermittent exerciser – I’ve most often run or worked out at gyms or in exercise classes, but I’m currently trying the DVD trainer method at home. I cannot imagine ever blaming a screwup on someone around me; it saddens me that she felt she needed to do that to cover up her own error. Good for you for not letting that experience dissuade you from returning to the gym!
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Gen,
Thanks for this! I have worked at my exercise habit long enough that I will do it no matter what happens around me or what I happen to get blamed for. It was a funny experience. I admire anyone who is working out, no matter how much they have to lose or how big their goals are. It really is a daily effort. I find that these kind of experiences can be great teachers.
Sean
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