One of the joys of going to the gym is meeting friends either in the classes (as I occasionally and reluctantly flog around the machines) or when I go for a swim. The added attraction at the pool is the Jacuzzi. In my more honest moments I do admit that the main aim of subscribing to the gym is to decadently wallow in the hot bubbling waters and let the Jacuzzi soothe and work its magic on my shocked and ageing muscles. It’s also a great vantage point to observe my fellow swimmers…
One day I was idly lolling in the Jacuzzi, wishing only for a drink and some chocolates on the side whilst gazing at the swimmers. There are the ones who are clearly part fish gliding effortlessly up and down the fast lane; the average “I must do my 10 lengths” swimmers such as myself; and “are they actually moving?” semi-floaters. As I looked out I spotted my friend’s husband Les swimming up and down at a sensible speed. I was delighted – someone to chat to over a relaxing drink whilst eating the recovery banana in the café afterwards. I smiled and waved to him; he smiled and waved back.
It was only afterwards in the changing rooms (always a good place for contemplation) that I wondered, “Was that really Les?” I quickly texted my friend who laughed uproariously at the thought of said husband ever darkening the doors of a gym; apparently he has never ever done any exercise that does not involve a golf ball! I had waved, smiled and given the glad eye to a perfect stranger! One who even now was probably thinking he was well in with the charming lady in the Jacuzzi…
Luckily, over years of professional mentoring and judging, my carefully cultivated blank face has reached absolute perfection, and the poor man who thought he had found a new friend now became convinced that he was sadly mistaken and a trip to Spec Savers was in order. Meanwhile I resolved that in future (lesson learned) I should ALWAYS wear my contact lenses when in the swimming pool!
