So today as I did my 5-25 cardio circuit at the gym I saw something that struck me as both weird and amusing all at once. In the midst of a pack gym with a full court basketball game going on, a track full of us trying to get our fitness on, and a full gym of cardio machines running full tilt, free weights clanking noisily and with purpose, stood a lone young man in an empty racquet ball court dancing and practicing what looked like ball room dancing.
Of course my junior high sense of humor got the best of me as I giggled to my self but then, it hit me. That is probably the most romantic thing you've ever witnessed so cut the dude some slack. In a romantic movie with the right camera angle, lighting and music coupled with a great set up of a back story this could be the most romantic story ever unseen.
In 2004's romantic smash hit The Notebook thousands of tear filled eyes tried to hold back their emotions not at out right grandiose shows of affection, although there was plenty of that in the beginning of Noah and Allie's relationship. In my opinion what made the later scenes so touching is though Allie would not remember who Noah was, he persisted in staying by Allie's side until that brief moment when Allie would come to and know exactly who Noah was.
Cut back to a guy in an empty racquet ball court, fully determined to get this dance right for his beloved, even in the middle of us fitness freaks, I know that some girl out there would be touched and maybe even moved to tears at the thought of her partner learning how to properly ballroom dance to make his significant other proud of his newly acquired dancing skills.
Then I thought that in some weird way, all of us in the gym are there for the same reason. Yes health is about me and bettering myself for my future but in a way it is also for those we touch in our lives everyday. Sweaty bodies do not really conjure up warm fuzzy thoughts and romance but I know I am doing it for not just myself but for those in my life that would benefit from my exerting myself in the gym, even when it isn't all that fun. (whispers) By the way, I'm still having fun though. And just between you and I, I may take a dance class or two when I drop some more weight. Shhh, don't tell anybody.
So be romantic, even when your beloved is not looking and not aware of it. Push that last rep out, find that next gear in your cardio routine, or just learn how to dance.