I went to the senior center excited about starting this new Shape Up Tennessee class.  Since this class is free, I was surprised to see  there were only about about 15 people that signed up.  

I know three of them are not actively going to participate.  They only came to get the free blood tests that are part of the program.  With so few signed up, this surely will through off the final results of this group study.

When we were filling out the paperwork to become part of this group, I had to laugh when we had to put down our age.  It was the day I could say I was 57….my birthday was the following day.  I’m sure both of those years are lumped in a bigger age group so I don’t think it matters.

I was already to get started with the program but all we did was fillout the paperwork and had our vitals taken along with the blood work.  I was surprised to see I was still the same height I was when I was young.  I figured I would have shrunk some by now.  My weight was ugly….in fact….it was up 2 pounds from the day before.  I know that was because I couldn’t sleep and didn’t lay down until 5 am and then got up at 8.  I had been drinking soda all night.  I hate when I have nights like that.

My blood pressure was 110/56.  They used one of those wrist cuffs.  I really wonder how accurate they are.  All three of us sitting at the same table had similar blood pressures.  My blood sugar was 105 which is pretty good.  My cholesterol was 211.  It had been at 261 so I’m doing better.

I was not impressed with the woman that is going to be giving the class.  She said the exercises we were going to be doing were the type done by people with arthritis.  I know I had a puzzled look on my face when she told us that.  She said we wouldn’t have to worry about breaking out in a sweat.  I thought, oh great this is going to be one of those finger exercise classes.  Shen then told us that when she gave this class last year, she had been the only one who gained weight.  YIKES!!

Needless to say, I’m rather disappointed but not surprised by the explanation of this program.  Heck, most that signed up for this class are 70+ and older.   The oldest one is 92…but she is one that only wanted the free blood test.  The lady sitting next to me who uses a walker is 82. 

I’m hoping the nutritional material she is going to disperse during the classes will be stuff I can find helpful.  I enjoy the company of most of the people  (few newcomers) that will participating.  I plan on following through with 8 week program but realize I’ll have to do this weight loss/get fit program on my own.

Perhaps I will be surprised by these exercises.  I do have a little arthritis in my shoulders.  If it helps with that….I guess it’s worth it.