Written by Gwen
I did something yesterday that I swore that I would never do “in a million years.” I joined a gym. Signed paperwork and the whole bit. I’m a full-fledged member now. Well, for this month, I am. As this is my first gym experience (ever!), I felt compelled to choose a facility that offered an easy “out” should the entire fitness idea take a turn for the worst.
But don’t get me wrong: I’m committed. I want to do this. I want to get fit. I want to create this new routine and I desperately want to love it.
So the motivation? Obviously, there’s the idea that I’m not getting any younger. My body is seizing up on me. My neck is stiff. My feet even hurt (and I have a desk job!) And just last week, when I was doing jumping jacks my tush slapped me in the back. Yea, might need a little lift there. So, getting fit for me has a lot to do with tightening and toning. And being able to show off a leaner, meaner me to a dear friend of mine who just a few weeks ago called me “doughy” in an endearing sort of way (??).
So I have the membership. I have good sneakers. I have gym shorts (not too short as I intend on doing a lot of leg presses), and I have a sports bra (might need another?). I think I’m all set. And I’ll hold off on buying cute gym clothes (as another dear friend predicted I might do), until after the first month.
I’d like to think that the cute gym clothes will be the prize for toning my thighs to a point where they aren’t kissing each other as I walk the length of the fitness center. I gotta have a goal …I’m good with setting expectations and meeting deadlines, so here we go… I’m ready for the new me.
You can purchase Gwen’s novel, Ivy: The Story of a Friendship, at our Imperfect Women’s Book Store.
Oh Gwen,
You really have me laughing out loud! Love your story.
And just last week, when I was doing jumping jacks my tush slapped me in the back.
I think many of us can relate. I use to love to work out every day ( I even became a fitness instructor!) but since I’ve put on those pounds that come with age, I feel lethargic most of the time. It’s time to find what my motivation may be to get back into shape….I’ll think about it tomorrow!
I cracked up with the line about the tush slapping the back also. I would have to say that if I did jumping jacks my tush would probably be throwing punches. Actually, I am not sure I could even do jumping jacks.
I have never been the type of person to go to a gym. I have always lost weight by walking outside and or using some type of equipment in my home. However, lately I can not even motivate myself to do that……..I will think about it next year!
Another great post, Gwen. Keep us informed on how you are doing. Maybe that will motivate me.
Thanks Kim and Pam.
Pam, I don’t think I can provide much inspiration…although I have been TRYING to get to the gym 3 times a week. I’m averaging 1 time a week with all of the other stuff going on in my life (remodeling bath, child’s basketball games, work, writing a novel…..you know….the stuff of life).
But I refuse to give up. I will say that when I DO make it to the gym, I don’t hate it so much. I like to use the weights and do crunches on the machine. I feel at least like I’m maintaining. What I can’t get past is that when I’m on the recumbent bike, and I’ve spun for 30 minutes at high speed, and I’m all sweaty, it says I burned 94 calories. Well? Sounds good right? Except I believe one glass of red wine is 100 calories so …you do the math. I have to give up wine? Not gonna happen….lol…So, I’m exercising for the glass of wine. To keep it all in balance…
Might be another blog coming about that unfairness.
Gwen…… so funny! I recently joined a gym too and I did well the first WEEK- now I’m horrible about not going. I vote for a 30 hour day. Who’s with me?
Yep, I’m in — 30 hours might be enough. Maybe.
I’d probably use the extra hours to sleep and read. I’m lazy that way.
I do think part of getting to the gym for me is time, though. I mean, I know it’s a matter of priorities, but I can’t get myself up early enough to go before work, and I have no motivation to go after work, which would mean getting home that much later when I have stuff to do at home (dinner to cook, etc.). So my ideal time to go to the gym is in the middle of the day. But it takes longer then, because I need to get myself put together enough to go back to work, as opposed to just going home afterward. A one hour workout equals about two hours of me being gone. I just can’t always manage that – at least not consistently.
I’d like to think that if I had a decent piece of exercise equipment at home I’d work out here, but I may just be kidding myself there.
I want to create this new routine and I desperately want to love it. – Gwen
I can very much relate. I do think it is about creating a routine. There have been times in my life where I have created a routine that incorporates the gym, but it doesn’t seem to last. Part of me likes it and part of me doesn’t (for a variety of reasons). A longer day and more energy? That is what I need, but obviously it is not realistic……..
The best of a (g00d) gym? The steam room and hot tub! I need rewards to motivate me and both of these do the trick!
I joined a gym and hated it, maybe it was all the lean and fit people who were already there. I bought a Wii and find it is much easier to get at least 30 minutes of exercise in when you don’t have to get dressed, look presentable, and drive. I have lost about 10 pounds and inches all around.
Paula,
i’m not sure that I hate it (yet), but I’m not getting there like I should. I have the Wii Fit and I had to stop getting on that thing because every time I stepped on, the woman in the game would say “Oh!” (you know she has that certain tone that says ‘wow, you’ve really gained since you were here last…ugh…get off me!”
Honestly, I’m hoping to get into swimsuit shape by 2012…I am nothing if not realistic…
Sparkpeople.com is good for motivation.
I hit the gym 6 days a week. Maybe once a month I take an extra day off. I changed to a mostly clean diet (ie> less processed foods, more protein & veg).
The Body for Life program is a really good way to get started on making diet and exercise changes. I adapted it to suit me (No food breakfast before an AM workout? I don’t think so!) but the concepts are pretty solid and the routines he provides give a serious workout without being at the gym all the time. The workouts are an hour or less.
One thing I have noticed is that people don’t really challenge themselves enough with exercise. I know they say that walking is great exercise and it is, but you are capable of so much more. When you push your body in healthy ways, it will respond much faster.
In January of 2009 I weighed 174 pounds and I could run about 1 minute without stopping. Today, November 20th I weigh 136 pounds and tomorrow is my first 5K (3.1 miles). I know from what I speak.
Good for you, Suzie! It’s not easy…and I’m glad you found the key to success with your workout. I’m motivated to get back at it next week…no excuses. Like my most recent blog, where we say we don’t have time…we have time. We have time for all of the important things, and our health should be at the top of the list. There are NO do-overs…this is it.
Keep up the good work!