Old and fat
I’ll start this post by saying that I don’t think I’m old or fat. But when I go to a university-operated gym where the average user is 18-22 years old – and fit and healthy – it’s hard to feel young and slender!
This evening after work, I stopped off to get a run in on the treadmill since I’ve neglected to wake up in time to get a run in before work all week. It was soul-destroying!
At 6:30 in the morning, the people I share the gym with are faculty and staff at the school. They’re maybe a couple of years younger than me, but most are my age and older. They’re short, tall, skinny, fat. At 6:30 in the morning – those of us that make up the “average” American are using the gym.
At 5:00 in the evening, the people I share the gym with are the students. The young students; the ones who live the gym life and have the fit, healthy bodies to prove it. They are the student athletes, the healthy-eaters, the go-getters.
And in juxtaposition, I am old and fat. Even though on my own, I’m young(ish) and in fairly decent shape.
I think that what got me thinking about this, really, is that when I was done with my 4-mile run and went to clean the machine, a young man said “Here, let me do that for you, Ma’am.” Really? Am I old enough to be a ma’am? And did I look so worn out from my run that this young man didn’t think I had the energy left to wipe down my machine?
Anyhow, in most circles, I am not old or fat. But in the athletic facilities of a university in one of the healthiest regions of the nation, I guess I am…
ma’am [mæm mɑːm (unstressed) məm]
n
short for madam: used as a title of respect.
He was impressed with your workout. 😉
Don’t feel so bad Frances. The first time I was called Ma’am I was 22 and pulling Mary Ann’s stroller outside. Kid had to of been college age asking for directions. Says, “Excuse me Ma’am.” I turned around looking for who he was speaking to and realized it was me!!!! I could of been the babysitter for all he knew!!! Cheeky git!!!