Switch

Hi, I'm Switch. I've been wanting to get fit for a while, and 6 months ago found this site. Now I have a goal (beat my best friend in an arm wrestle when she gets back on July 3rd) and I'm going to start working hard at it as of the last day of school (too many last minute essays right now, but I'm free ALL summer). I really like this place because I don't feel judged here. Not just for being a nerd, playing D&D and reading Star Wars and all of that good stuff, but also for being a woman and for being a noob. Anyway, as for the classes, I think I'm an Adventurer trying to be a Ranger, and then later be an Assassin. Though I am interested in lifting - it looks super fun! I don't feel I need to lose weight. Though I wouldn't mind being a bit skinnier it is not my primary goal. I want to get strong. I have the endurance, and I have strength in my legs, what I need is strength in my arms. And my core. But mostly my arms. Something about me that is relevant to why I like this place; I have social phobia (fear of people, and being judged by them) and use to not be able to leave my house. Now I am a productive member of society thanks to exposure therapy. If I can do that I can win any mental battle thrown at me. I'm still scared of the gym, but only because I don't understand the culture there and I'm scared of getting judged, but it's not enough to keep me out... just enough to keep me out until I'm more fit and can prove myself. Proudest fitness achievement to date happened when I was in grade 11. I went hiking in the Rocky Mountains for 3 weeks (with people, obviously) and got to the top of not just one mountain, but 5. Still look back on that an say I can do anything, which is good motivation for all the battles fought and yet to be fought in my life. And I think I'll leave it there. Pretty comprehensive "this is me" blurb, don't you agree?

Thanks elsfaire. Your cheers are heard and appreciated!

So many from Toronto! I'm around Bloor West Village myself, and a GBC student. Toronto's been my home for 5 years almost, and my fiancé's home for most of his life.

In Toronto now but I've been on both costs a few times! Love all of our big country. Glad to see there's so many Canadians around!

Hey! Just poking my nose around to see if anyone is around Toronto, specifically towards the west end of the city? I got a metro pass so I'm willing to travel. I could use someone to either show me the ropes of this whole thing, or learn it with me! Either way I'm going to do it, I just figure it's easier with others.

EDIT: I decided to get rid of the wall of text I wrote at midnight last night. *sheepish grin* Okay, I have no idea how to build a work out plan. So that's the first question: What do you need to put in a work out plan? The area's I'm trying to focus on are (in order) are strength, endurance, and flexibility. Flexibility I can work on through yoga. I'm looking for the kind of endurance you can go rock climbing or kayaking with, and running's useless because I can already run 3-5 K. Strength is the most important because I'm sick of being weak and having people try and baby me because of it. My target right now is to beat my best friend in an arm wrestle on July 3, when she gets back from working on a cruise line. She's pretty strong, and has apparently gotten a lot stronger, so this is a huge challenge for me. I have access to light dumbbells (up to 10bs) which is still challenging for me. I am willing to invest more because my fiancé will also use them. I don't have money for a gym membership (I live on 400-500$ a month - rent). I am a student and though the school gym is available it's highly inconvenient. Also, though it's not an excuse, I have social phobia and have not gotten to the "working out at a gym" level on my exposure therapy scale I've had to do to get over the anxiety of people knowing I work out.