My Love Affair...
with a Fitness Center

1984: I was working at Disney Studios as a computer operator. Michael Eisner had just been made CEO. All the employees were approached about a “wish list.” What is something that we would like to see improved about the work environment. I was excited about this one. I had one wish: Pipe Disney music through the sound system while we are working. I was come down upon HARD by my cohorts. They didn’t want to be listening to “I’m Wishing” from Snow White 24 hours a day. I argued that Disney has more music than they realize and they wouldn’t have to listen to the same song constantly. (What ARE they...COMMUNISTS? Why are they even working at Disney?)

My love affair with a fitness center

So I gave in and changed my wish: Have an on site, 24 hour fitness center for the employees to go to before/after work, or during lunch breaks. I don’t know what prompted me to wish for that since I never would have used it.

Or would I?

I found out a few years later (when I didn’t work there anymore) that they DID put a fitness center in the studio for the employees...(but still no piped Disney music).

1989: I went to a fitness center to check it out...I didn’t want to pay for it, thinking that I could do all the exercising I wanted at home. THAT never happened.

2012: August...one of my siblings got married. Another of my siblings approached me and told me that he didn’t want me to die. You see, I was 200 pounds overweight and he was worried that I might not be around for much longer. He said that he wanted to lose some weight too and we should be each other’s support.

I agreed. For a year and a half I dieted. I lost over 100 pounds. Not bad...but then I started feeling the pull again that I should be working out on top of just dieting.

2013: About 3 months ago I went to a fitness center that is VERY close to my place of work and signed up. I really like it there. The people at the front desk are friendly (I know them all by name...and they know me, too.), I go to workout 3 times a week, and I feel invigorated every time I walk out of there.

2 days ago: I went to one of my fitness center’s sister properties...and fell in love. Unlike the place I have been going, this one has a swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, a basketball court, a jacuzzi, many more cardio machine options, and other amenities that I adore! I spent MORE time there than I ever have at the other center. I didn’t want to leave!

It is now today and I can’t wait to get back there! This is not like me! But I like this new me. I love being in love!

I WILL be going back to my old fitness center every once in a while, but I would much rather spend all my time at the one that I am in love with. It’s a little bit more of a drive to get to “her,” but “she’ is worth it.

Ah, new fitness center...I love you!!

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