Vince McConnell, the kid

My first day? It depends on what kind of gym we are referring to. So, I'll cover two bases.

I was 9 years old and my uncle would take me to a high school weight room where the football players worked out. It was actually the same HS that Kenny Stabler (yes, THAT one!) had played at in the 60's. I would actually go and workout WITH the team. I remember the players taking salt tablets and I looked at those things like a kid would look at andro today. I finally went in one of the guy's lockers and helped myself to a few of those white tablets and thought I could kick anyone's @ss. It was the last time I recall an actual placebo effect working for me. They had one of those old (new at the time) Universal machines. I loved hearing those weight stacks slam down with a crash. When I look back I cannot believe how tolerant that head coach was with me. I ran around that place as if I owned it! That was the beginnings of my love for the gym and football.

A few years later, I would "sneak" into one of those *spa health clubs*. I was not of age but my stepbrother was a member so he'd distract the receptionist while I walked on past the desk. I loved all that chrome and mirrors. I think my muscles LOOKED bigger at that place. And since I had been watching Jack Lalanne's TV program (the one with his dog) I felt right at home warming-up with jumping jacks. I always felt kinda out of place in the sauna and steam room as well as in the locker room. THAT's when I knew I was in foreign territory. The only 11 year old in the place! I had a difficult time carrying-on a conversation or gaining rapport with those guys. I think they all wore either Brute or Old Spice and their towels were never big enough. Whew, I preferred staying in the workout area with all the chrome and mirrors.

I always looked forward to lifting the next heaviest dumbbell or putting that pin in the next plate. I would actually daydream about working out as a kid I loved it so much. And I will not ever grow out of that!

Vince
J. Vincent McConnell, CPT
Eternally Transformed Fitness Ent., Inc

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