Whittle and tone

Sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas, my friend Ann and I realized that we were at the point where we had to choose between buttoning our waistbands and breathing. We had become sloths.

It was the result of too much self-indulgence and too little exercise, common during snowy and cold Ritzville winters. Our husbands were equally slothy. We resolved to solve the crisis!

We bought memberships for our husbands and ourselves at Ritzville Fitness.

On an evening shortly before Christmas as we enjoyed dinner together, Ann and I presented John and Mark with the memberships. They didn’t balk at the idea, and in fact agreed that we would all benefit from working out.

On Jan. 3, we waddled into Ritzville Fitness en masse.

Ann and I each climbed aboard a treadmill, as they have four.

We were psyched to endure whatever was necessary to accomplish our personal goals.

We walked, climbed, sweated, gasped, panted, and whined, and after what seemed to be an interminably long time, checked the dashboard on our machines. We had walked approximately a tenth of a mile.

We wiped our sweaty brows and with steadfast determination, continued to five times that. It was all the walking and climbing we could endure.

We progressed to the weight bearing machines and strained as we challenged long forgotten muscles until they screamed for mercy.

That didn’t take much, but nevertheless we knew we would gain stamina and endurance with every workout. We bravely tried a variety of weight bearing machines under the watchful eye of the in-house trainer.

Meanwhile, the guys progressed around that facility like pros, with nary a whimper nor a yelp. They can be shameless showoffs.

We were impressed with that experience. We had begun a positive change to our lives.

We celebrated with lunch at Memories where we agreed to a goal of working out at least four times weekly.

We often don’t accomplish all of that, but we nevertheless see improvements. Our stamina and balance have improved, we all sleep better, and appreciate the knowledge that we will be healthier for our efforts.

Ritzville Fitness is located on the corner of Main and Washington, across from Columbia Bank. The facility floor plan is well thought out and offers easy access to a variety of workout options.

Danny Cabrillo de Bacca is the general manager and is available to answer any questions and help even the novice learn to lift weights and properly use the excellent variety of machines. He is well trained, having years of experience as a trainer with Bally Total Fitness and LA Fitness.

He can suggest routines to help you reach your realistic fitness goals. Rachel, his assistant, also answers questions and will show you how to operate the machines.

For a surprisingly affordable monthly fee, you, too, can join. Danny makes the facility available to members 24/7.

The benefits are manifold. Even if you work out only twice or thrice weekly, and even at our most enthusiastic, we are rarely there for more than an hour a session, you will feel better and be healthier.

Ann and I no longer waddle, but haven’t yet ventured into spandex.

Our clothes fit a little better, we have more energy, and we look forward to our workouts. Our two families usually meet up there because it’s more fun that way and it provides an accountability factor, however on those occasions when I’ve gone alone, there is always someone there whom I know. It’s a friendly place to meet.

Memories Diner is a few doors away if you need a little nourishment after a robust workout.

On Wednesday evenings at 6:30, a Bible Study, led by Pastor George and Mary Smith, is held at Ritzville Fitness. They also hold a study at the bowling alley on Tuesday evenings.

So if you have overdone it and need prayer, or want to learn about Jesus and the blessings and future He promises, stick around.

We waited a long while for a fitness center in Ritzville, and it is a welcome addition to our town. Venture in, meet Danny and Rachel who will show you through, and sign up.

Here’s your chance to stop dreaming about whittling that waistline and toning those muscles and start accomplishing those worthy goals.