The Older Woman's Guide to Gymming with Teenagers

 

Hey there, fellow gym-goers! Today, I went to the gym.

I have a reputation to uphold you know - according to my 13 year old granddaughter, I am the coolest gramma out there because none of her friends' grandmothers go to the gym!  

So there I am - the coolest, most fabulous 65-year-old lady in the gym -  filled with self-obsessed teenagers, in clothes, (well no, that would be the wrong term, they are not clothes by any stretch of the imagination - stretch being the operative word here!) that I am quite sure were painted on, in my very stylish leggings and sloppy dry fit vest - trying to stay out of the way of the selfie spots and testosterone puddles.

First things first, let's address the major difference between THEM and US : the never-ending selfie sessions.

It seems like these young whippersnappers have made the gym their personal photoshoot location. Seriously, there is way more time spent on the poses than on the equipment.  I get it that there are magical moments of the gym experience - mine to be sure, if I am to be completely honest, involve successfully getting up off the floor after a sit-up, but definitely not staring at myself with a sultry look while I flex a bicep.

Now, imagine this scenario: you're mid-stride on the treadmill, a light sweat starting to form, and out of the corner of your eye, you spot a group of teenagers striking poses in front of the mirror. It's like they've discovered a secret way to achieve fitness through pouty lips and expertly mastered facial angles. 

Oh, the things we could teach them about proper form and technique if only they'd take a break from their front-facing camera!

Speaking of form and technique, we seasoned gym-goers know a thing or two about it. Sure, our bones may creak and groan as we conquer the elliptical, but don't underestimate the power of experience! We've perfected our "granny glutes" and "wrinkle-reducing lunges" over the years. So while the teenagers might be focused on capturing the perfect angle for their bicep flex, we're quietly keeping our joints lubricated and muscles engaged, all while avoiding that awkward post-workout soreness that takes days to recover from. 

Let's not forget about the ever-so-trendy workout attire.

While the teenagers may rock the latest neon-colored leggings and sports bras with more cutouts than Swiss cheese, we, the seasoned work - out veterans, have our own style game going on. Comfort is our top priority, followed closely by functionality. Who needs neon and spandex when you can effortlessly rock a good pair of comfy sneakers, classic track pants, and some vintage sweatbands? We might not be the fashion icons of the gym, but we're the queens of practicality, and that's what truly matters. 

But amidst all the selfie-taking, trendy outfits, and youthful energy, there's something truly heartwarming about witnessing generations coexisting in the gym. The gym isn't just a place to work up a sweat; it's a vibrant hub of shared experiences and diverse goals.

We may have our achy bones and joint issues, but we're also an inspiration to the younger ones. They see us plodding along on the treadmill, defying the odds and embracing a healthy lifestyle, and that's worth more than any filtered selfie.

So, my fellow 65-year-old gym warriors, let's wear our wrinkles with pride, embrace those hips and knees, and show those teenagers that age is just a number! 

Together, we'll burn up those treadmills, supporting each other with nods of understanding, while they continue their selfie-taking shenanigans. After all, we've earned the right to strut our stuff, one creaky step at a time.

Until next time, stay fabulous, keep moving, and don't forget to stretch. 

Disclaimer: No teenagers were harmed (emotionally or physically) in the making of this blog post.