Well, my new membership at Shelbyville Recreation Center started today. This was not, as one might easily suppose, a New Year’s resolution; it all started about a month ago when my physician read me the riot act and I got more serious about losing weight. The timing of my new membership right after the holidays, while appropriate, was not something I had planned as a specific resolution.

I went in right after work; they took my photo for the membership card, which they told me I could pick up on my way out, and gave me the all-access yellow wristband. That’s about all they gave me; I was expecting a little more of an orientation, but I guess they figured I knew my way around from various times I’ve been out taking photos for the newspaper. Or maybe they were just busy.

Anyway, after finding the locker room, I wandered into the fitness room, with what must have been a deer-in-the-headlights look. Virgil Johnson, a former county commissioner and retired manager of one of our large factories, took pity on me and showed me how to work the surprisingly-complex electronic controls for the stationary cycles, and then the rowing machine. I really enjoyed the rowing machine and will probably start there tomorrow. I want to mix things up, but I’ve got to get someone to show me how to work some of the machines. I want to get into the weight machines eventually. It’s posted that you aren’t supposed to use any of the machines without “orientation,” but I didn’t see anyone from the rec center around whom I could ask!

I didn’t push too hard; I wanted to fell like I’d worked out but not to be so sore that I wouldn’t want to make a return appearance. I worked up a good sweat and then showered and hit the indoor pool. I was expecting it to be crowded; it wasn’t. I swam a little and floated a little, and then I got out and went home.

I can still feel the workout, and it feels good. Let’s hope I can be disciplined about sticking with this in the months to come.