Staying fit in Peace Corps can at times be interesting (read: a challenge).
I didn't know what to expect in regards to exercise, and I am still learning. It
has been a hard road long before Peace Corps. Here’s why:
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| My gym days in 'Merica :-P |
I wasn't the fittest kid growing up, in fact I was what you would call
chubby. I didn't know anything about sports, exercise, or nutrition. I had a
basic understanding of group sports and calisthenics from middle school and
high school PE class, but nothing that would really motivate me to continue. Throughout
my 20's, I learned little by little about all these things. Since I didn't play
organized sports as a kid, I never learned the basics and had to learn all the
do's and don'ts on my own. I suppose that my journey into fitness started
during my Senior year of High School. I had been wanting to play football since
Junior year, but after several discussions with the football coach, I soon
realized that I should have started looooong ago. Of course, this may not be
news to most people - but I was not aware, and thus had too late a start. I was
kinda screwed straight from the gate. Although football was out of the question,
he did suggest that I sign up for his weight training class; and that I did. At
the age of 18, I began lifting weights. Though this commitment, I discovered a
new passion.
Cut to me 14 years later, joining the Peace Corps. I knew things would be
different. I had lots of questions: Will there be any fitness centers or gyms
where I’m going? Will I be able to run outside safely? Will I lose my
motivation?
How would I adapt?
Well, there is a gym in my town. Although the folks there are very friendly and try to maintain the equipment, it is more often than not in varying stages of
disrepair, unfortunately. Better than nothing, right? I'm sure there are Peace Corps places where there isn't a gym for hours away, so I am so grateful. I have been working out there for the last 7 months
or so. I am grateful that it exists, but must admit that it isn’t all roses.
With very young kids running around, playing with the weights and equipment,
(sometimes nearly injuring themselves!) I find it hard to maintain my desire to
keep going back. It's hard to be around. I’ve even come in when a guy was smoking a cigarette while
doing bicep curls! It’s the contrast you
see here so frequently. I could go on, but I like to focus on solutions rather
than problems. It's not my place to judge. But since it has been the only gym in town, I found myself going
back. Adapt right?
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| My community gym |
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| Running by the village of Togëz |
Having been recently motivated by lack of money to actually afford the gym (more on volunteer "wages" later), I have taken to a
habit I usually avoid – running outdoors (especially when it is cold). I’m a
gym rat through and through (or gym bunny, which I guess sounds cuter LOL). But okaaaay. Whatev. I found out a few things: 1. It’s
not so bad, if you don’t mind a little cold and a lot of onlookers along the
way (the villagers don’t see jogging Americans coming through very often. hehe 2.
I get to say hello to pretty much all the shop-owners along the way. 3. People
get to see “the American” running – who knows? Maybe one day they will join me.
:-)
My friend Arbi and I have written an outline plan to build a little mini-gym right here at
the house. Sweet! Sure it will be basic, but we can make it work. A bench, some
cement bricks for box jumps, a bar for pull-ups, parallel bars for dips, a set
of free-weight dumbbells and barbells, and a couple gym mats – done! Oh, and of
course, a clock. What I discovered about life in Peace Corps is that there are #NoExcuses for missing a workout.
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| Me and my buddy Arbi after a killer workout |
