[Bandie]

Hey ladies! I've been here on and off the site for a while now, usually just lurking. I had a really bad day at the gym, and you guys always seem to be really supportive.

One of the problems I've always had with exercising is that I was shy as a kid, and was never really into sports. Now I go to the gym, and really like running and all, but I thought I might switch things up a bit. My boy is very athletic, and has been nagging me to play squash with him, so I went today; Whoa, do I ever suck!!! I felt really embarassed the whole time I was there, and it makes me want to never play a sport again. I know I'll get better with time, but I feel bad for the guy who has to teach me, and just so embarassed that I don't enjoy it at all. Do you guys have any advice for me? Stories? Sympathy? Should I stick with the treadmill, try again, or is there a game that you know of for a person who wants to be active but shouldn't be given a stick!?

Thanks for the place to vent!

[trnsfrmnreplace]

Bandie - If you don't mind me asking... What is squash? If you don't enjoy it at all why play it? Pick something you enjoy doing and stick to it. Maybe you should give it another try, if the only reason you don't like it is because you weren't good at it. Like they say practice makes perfect.

Don't get yourself down about it, I'm sure there many other different sports you can do and try out. But you know if you want a challenge you can stick with this.

=hugs=

Stay happy.

[futuresurferchick]

I play squash with a friend of mine and I LOVE it. I find it to be a great workout and really fun. But I can sympathize--we both (my friend and I) are not very good. If I was playing against someone more experienced than me, I'm sure it would be frustrating. Squash is a very fast game, and men can really get that ball going in a way that most women can't because they usually have more muscle. A guy friend of mine with barely any experience can whip the ball off the back wall to the front, whereas I who have been playing for 4 or 5 months can't get it even close to that.

But I definitely have gotten a lot better than when I started, and you would too. I would vote for "try again"... give it another shot, and if you really hate it then try something else new. Good for you for trying something new, and just keep doing that until you find things that you enjoy.

[futuresurferchick]

trnsfrmnreplace... Squash is a raquet sport.... 2 people play it against each other... it is sort of like tennis except that you play in an enclosed court and you hit the ball off of the walls.

[lucky_me]

I completely understand! A couple of my friends nagged me to play racketball with them and the first time I went, I was miserable. I sucked. I am the most ungraceful and unathletic person you will ever meet. It is sad. I thought it might be a cool game if I found someone that was around my own level (like someone blindfolded and missing their right arm ) . I started going by myself just to hit the ball around a little and get used to the serves and feel of the racket. It got a lot easier. I started going with a friend that was new to the game too and we had a blast. We didn't keep score or have any real rules, just bounced the ball back and forth. I got a lot better, I can play with my other friends now (granted I am not ready to sign up for any tournaments yet, but not as pathetic as I was...) and have a decent challenge.

I say go for it again. You can only get better. It's just a game- have fun with it!

[trnsfrmnreplace]

Originally Posted by futuresurferchick

trnsfrmnreplace... Squash is a raquet sport.... 2 people play it against each other... it is sort of like tennis except that you play in an enclosed court and you hit the ball off of the walls.

I see!


I've tried playing that before, i didn't know it was called "squash" I wasn't very good either but it was fun.

[Bandie]

Hey guys!

Thanks for the responses; I'm feeling a lot better about my patheticness (is that a word? It is now!), and I think I'm going to try to find the blind, one-armed person who is my squash soulmate to practice with for a while. I just found out that my university has a course for beginners, so I'm going to sign up for that. The gym is fine, but running for hours and not getting anywhere wears on you after a bit! Plus, my butt and arms have that beautiful, "I was active" ache today. So I'll take your advice and give it another shot!

[TBJ333]

Try finding a group of non-athletic people to work out with.

And pick a goal that you can accomplish so you can feel good about yourself for doing it.

Finally, just accept tht you aren't athletic, and work at your own pace. If you are paying for instruction, you're paying for someone to help you, so don't feel guilty about getting your money's worth!

In the end, if you set a goal and conquer it, you'll feel great.

[spillthebeans]

I never ever heard of squash either...

I need to get out more..or is it in?

[bida]

racketball is way fun - u just have to go with a friend u feel comfortable around - and then hit that ball with all your force - or learn to hit it with precision and get ure opponent on the out - either way lots of fun - squash - I haven't really tried but it looks much harder than raquetball (I am not quite sure which is the right spelling) but good luck - and team sports are always fun so I would say - try try again - and if u don't like it after the 4th time - then move on (but try racketball next!)