Girl power: the key to being fit

I was one of the lucky thousands to catch the Spice Girls reunion tour a few weeks ago and it was everything I remembered it being a decade ago, only plus Ginger Spice (who had left the group) and minus some baby fat. I’m not saying they were overweight in the ’90s, because if anything they were (gasp) normal-sized, but now they have some truly rockin’ bods. Four-fifths of them have popped out babies, and I’m not even going to begin on how Posh has somehow managed three out of her alien-frame. \nThe point is, somewhere in the past 10 years, the Spice Girls took a cue from Sporty and went to the gym. Be it Pilates, kickboxing, football (soccer) or getting busy with Becks, these girls are lean, mean pop machines. \nEnvious? Don’t be, I figured out the secret: girl power. Seriously, getting in shape is loads easier when you have someone to bitch to about chocolate cravings or help stretch out your hamstrings when you can’t walk. Aside from my girlfriends, who are more than willing to look like idiots with me in kickboxing, there is one girl who is really getting me on track: my trainer. \nI won’t lie: I was concerned about our chemistry when we were paired together. First off, her last name is synonymous with the word “tiny,” which I considered a warning sign. She’s cheery and positive (read: not like me) and I fretted that she might be too nice to whip my pathetic butt into shape. \nNaturally, I was wrong. Two months and 10 pounds (yes, 10 pounds!) later, I see that I couldn’t have asked for a better person to guide me. She switches up the exercises so I don’t get bored, she sings and dances to the music playing overhead, laughs at my jokes and most importantly, stays up to date on my love life. \nIt’s not all giggles and gossip though. \nIf I cheat on those last few reps, she promptly makes me do them over again. She calls me a “weiner” when I complain too much, and she manages to send me home sore every single week. She is the perfect mix of drill sergeant and cheerleader, and although we might not have much in common except for sun signs, I’m certain girl power is the reason we connect so well. (“Sagittarius power” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.) \nSo here’s to you, Trainer Spice. Thanks for putting up with my recurring illnesses, scheduling conflicts and overall snarkiness. We’ve come this far, and I’m looking forward to finishing out the semester together. After that, who knows? Some wise women once sang: “friendship never ends” – which could be fun, as long as I don’t have to pay you hourly.