I've been contemplating a gym membership. I'm not sure why. I've had at least 4 in my adult life. Jack LaLane, Sports Connection, 24 Hour Fitness (twice) and a neighborhood all womens aerobics studio back in the 80's called "Pam's". (We're talking shiny spandex body suits with tiny speedo type panties over them with leg warmers and jazz shoes. Oh and matching sweatbands and a flashdance-esque ripped tee shirt to top it all off!) The funny thing is I never liked going! I get so bored in a room just working out on machines, etc. Or following a class. I always can't wait till it's over! I don't like looking at myself in full length mirrors either. The only kind of class like that I ever enjoyed was yoga and ballroom dancing. So I probably won't do the gym membership again, but I can't figure out why it keeps coming to mind as a possibility, it would be a giant waste of money for me. I think I definitely prefer just going outside and getting exercise.
What I have is:
*a pool in my backyard that I could get out and do laps in
*I have a bike and beautiful bike trails all around where I live including the boardwalk at the beach and 2 environmental reserves
*Plenty of the above to walk or jog on if I didn't feel like biking
*2 dogs who jump up and wiggle like fish jumping out of the water if they get an inkling that they might be going out who would dearly love to accompany me
*A plethora of tapes and Cd's: yoga, aerobics (Jane Fonda, Cindi Crawford, Debbie Austin, ab workouts, leg workouts, Belly Dancing, Just Dance 2 for WII, WII sports, etc, etc!!! (and now there's even the FIT channel on TV!)
*A weight bench gathering dust on the side of the garage
So really no excuse for not working out and getting in better shape and no reason to spend money at the gym. I could really stand to lose 30 lbs. and several inches around the middle. Not only to look better but feel better. Definite health benefits like lowering my blood sugar which has been teetering on the high end of normal ever since I hit about 43. I'm tired, achey and lethargic and having a hard time pulling out of it.
Things I don't have right now.........
Will power
Self discipline
Energy
I am definitely thinking a lot about this lately and trying to gear up to get out there and get moving. I know I'll get more energy and feel more like doing it once I get over the hump but it's getting harder to get over that hump as the years go by! I think back on my younger years and wish I'd been more appreciative of my body, I always thought I was fat! The truth is I never was!
We girls/women are always striving for the kind of perfection we see on TV and in magazines. It's so unrealistic. I was always a good, healthy weight for my height but always felt not slim enough. 5'10 1/2" at 140-150 lbs most of my life!
Well school is out now, sun is out and the weather's perfect and I'm going to get myself out of the house, away from the TV, computer and too much food. I am hoping to GET what I don't have really soon!
2 comments:
In my old house, I had a beautiful pool in the backyard. I miss that. My preference would be to utilize the pool, take some daily scheduled walks and think about the gym membership when the weather isn't quite so nice. Just my opinion :) I too have had several memberships over the years which all got very neglected by the 3rd month or so.
During the past year, I've found numerous walking partners, and it's made a huge difference in my fitness level. It's so hard to feel motivated during our grey, cold winters, but knowing someone is counting on me helps a lot! Wish I lived closer--I'd hit the trails with you :)
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