No more excuses for me, Square Fitness in Sumner is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and soon will have locks for 24/7 self access.
There is a definite advantage to having your primary care person who is so knowledgeable about your physical ailments being the provider of fitness services that offer answers to correct many of those ailments. As long as you stay committed to improving your health, everyone benefits. Owner Sonja Pennington offers a $35 membership that can include up to three additional family members at $10 each.
I’ve scoped out the low-rider bicycle where I can sit close to the floor and one machine that will work my torn knee thingy and another one for my back.
This is just the beginning of Sonja’s plans. Everything is centered around improving our health. Her entire family has supported her mission; it’s up to us to stay as committed.
I used to be committed. I didn’t have a choice back in the day during basic training with the U.S. Air Force. I looked forward to physical training. It was the one time in the day I felt free in my skin. I don’t remember all the exercise names, but there was a lot of bending, squatting and thrusting. The usual jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups and the running made me come alive. The more we did, the easier it became. I was 28 at the time and felt renewed as I got stronger.
When the day came to qualify on the obstacle course, there were fences, walls and ropes we had never seen before. But I found myself sailing through, reaching out a hand to my buddies, showing them where to put their legs and backs for traction — my farm, barn and tree-climbing experience showing out.
Years later, I had my own locker at the YWCA with a padlock. I’d keep my makeup there, show up early morning for exercise class, jump in the pool with ladies, shower and change for work. That must have been before leggings, because I remember wearing baggy yellow denim mom jeans.
When I moved to California, gyms and car washes were kinda like churches in Mississippi. I joined a gym and my monthly fee was $150 a month. To start, I filled out a list of foods I enjoyed and hated. They created a menu and diet plan for me, like I was going to follow it. They had a trainer show me the machines and how many reps to do to put in my book. The locker room had shiny marble counters and fancy wood lockers with shiny brass fittings and locks, air holes drilled into the doors all perfectly aligned. There was a separate private changing area.
The showstopper was the hot tub; it was the size of a normal kitchen, with one wall of rocks with a bridge of rocks and real hanging plants over a waterfall gently falling into the hot tub. I could sit there and not be bothered by others — it was that spacious.
I found my groove on the rooftop walking path overlooking the skyline and mountains. I bypassed the machines and just walked until I lost 16 inches and got tired of taking the long detour after work. It was worth it just for the memory.
When I moved back to the Delta, I kept hearing from counselors and a fistful of doctors how much exercise would benefit me. I kept making promises I wouldn’t keep. I got as far as buying the shoes and leggings. I was better at making excuses than taking action.
Now, just down the road is Square Fitness in Sumner. It’s all shiny and ready for whatever part of your body that needs a workout.
My husband will be leaving rehab in Ruleville soon and could benefit from some physical training, though not overdoing it. I could do it with him, kinda like a date. It would be fun.
For us, it’s about keeping the inside parts moving longer without pain. The longer we do it, the better we will be — and so will our hearts. That’s a good Valentine’s goal.
