Nicaragua: I'll be fine once I get it
They say a watched pot never boils.
Let it also be known that a watched Nica woman never gives up her treadmill.
Two weeks ago the first gym and fitness center opened up in my semi-urban/semi-rural community. I would compare it to the gym that I frequented as a teenager at my hometown middle school: simple yet practical. There are squat racks, dumbbells, benches, pull up bars, four exercise bicycles, two elliptical machines, two treadmills, and other gym equipment. A monthly membership costs 380 córdobas (approximately US$15), which surprisingly seems to fit in a good portion of the locals' budgets. It puts a little dent in my Peace Corps living stipend, but I consider it money well spent.
For those of you who know me, you know that sports have always been a part of my life. Since coming to Nicaragua 8 months ago I have not been able to successfully satisfy my need for physical activity the way I was accustomed to previously, and the lack of exercise was taking a negative toll on me. For that reason, I am beyond ecstatic about this new gym.
Now, so far this gym experience has been like none other. You think you've seen people wear questionable outfits at your local Walmart? Come to a Nicaraguan gym. Sequined boots, blue jeans, sports bras over t-shirts, and painted eyebrows are all the rage. It is also acceptable to drink a chocolate shake while completing an ab workout. And here's my favorite: walking at a pace of 4 kilometers per hour for 30+ minutes on a treadmill is considered a great cardio workout.
Here's the rest of the story: There I was, pedaling away on an exercise bike, patiently waiting for one of the treadmills to open up. 10 minutes passed by...then 20...and then 30. The same 2 women were casually walking and talking at their leisurely pace as I watched like a hawk, waiting for my chance to get in a daily jog. You're probably thinking, why couldn't I just have gone outside for a run? Men and dogs are the two reasons why I've given that up. Anyway, 30 minutes of watching the clock tick by as the women strolled along was enough for me to lose my patience and I decided to leave the gym without running on that particular day.
Hopefully the glamour of walking on a machine at the same slow pace that the people walk on the outside streets here will wear off soon and the wait to use a treadmill won't be so long. Until then, I shall wait as the water simmers.
Let it also be known that a watched Nica woman never gives up her treadmill.
Two weeks ago the first gym and fitness center opened up in my semi-urban/semi-rural community. I would compare it to the gym that I frequented as a teenager at my hometown middle school: simple yet practical. There are squat racks, dumbbells, benches, pull up bars, four exercise bicycles, two elliptical machines, two treadmills, and other gym equipment. A monthly membership costs 380 córdobas (approximately US$15), which surprisingly seems to fit in a good portion of the locals' budgets. It puts a little dent in my Peace Corps living stipend, but I consider it money well spent.
For those of you who know me, you know that sports have always been a part of my life. Since coming to Nicaragua 8 months ago I have not been able to successfully satisfy my need for physical activity the way I was accustomed to previously, and the lack of exercise was taking a negative toll on me. For that reason, I am beyond ecstatic about this new gym.
Now, so far this gym experience has been like none other. You think you've seen people wear questionable outfits at your local Walmart? Come to a Nicaraguan gym. Sequined boots, blue jeans, sports bras over t-shirts, and painted eyebrows are all the rage. It is also acceptable to drink a chocolate shake while completing an ab workout. And here's my favorite: walking at a pace of 4 kilometers per hour for 30+ minutes on a treadmill is considered a great cardio workout.
Here's the rest of the story: There I was, pedaling away on an exercise bike, patiently waiting for one of the treadmills to open up. 10 minutes passed by...then 20...and then 30. The same 2 women were casually walking and talking at their leisurely pace as I watched like a hawk, waiting for my chance to get in a daily jog. You're probably thinking, why couldn't I just have gone outside for a run? Men and dogs are the two reasons why I've given that up. Anyway, 30 minutes of watching the clock tick by as the women strolled along was enough for me to lose my patience and I decided to leave the gym without running on that particular day.
Hopefully the glamour of walking on a machine at the same slow pace that the people walk on the outside streets here will wear off soon and the wait to use a treadmill won't be so long. Until then, I shall wait as the water simmers.
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