The other night Hal and I tried out the Bowflex (a week after it had been assembled, whatever) for the first time. I ran on the elliptical while Hal maneuvered through a routine on our new “home gym”. The elliptical and Bowflex share a space and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed watching my fiancée pump iron. I definitely had a, “why, hello there” moment.
And then it was my turn. Giddyyup. Not so much.
If you’ve ever seen a Bowflex up close and personal you can’t help but notice the complex system of pulleys and chords everywhere, along with the bows that make up the different weights. I’m still amazed Hal put this together himself.
So when Hal told me to go at it and start doing the routine, I just stared at the machine willing it to do the work for me. It’s not overly complicated (unless you let it be) once you figure out what to attach to this and that pulley to be able to perform the desired exercises. I have to admit, I was being a bit of a brat about wanting Hal to put everything in place for me (so much for pumping up to be a strong, independent woman) and was actually pleased when he forced me to figure out how to use this thing under his direction.
Having your significant other watch you strain muscles while breaking into a sweat is not so enjoyable, especially when you’re hyper aware of your legs sticking to the vinyl of the workout bench. There’s just nothing attractive (or graceful) about peeling yourself off of a piece of equipment. Hal didn’t seem to mind, as he counted my reps, watched my form and critiqued my arm extension. Apparently, I’m not just gaining a husband but a trainer as well. With the routine done, I felt good (and sore) but on the fence about whether this Bowflex purchase was really a good idea in the end.
The next morning as I was getting my goodbye hug, Hal referred to me as “my little fiancée with the Bowflex body”. Not even close, but the sentiment was sweet and brightened my outlook on the day. I came to the resolve that this new addition, which requires 9 feet of usable work out room, may not be a waste of space after all. Bowflex = healthy body, and it appears it may also further a healthy relationship. But next time, I’m wearing sweats; that vinyl is a killer.
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