One of the most surprising events of 2016 was that I joined a gym. Those words while hard for me to say are just as hard for me to type. I have a gym membership and that is weird.
For me exercising is not a spectator's sport. I sweat alone. That is why running is so good for me. I can be on a trail, pass people and they are gone. I am again alone and all is right with the world. I guess it may seem strange for a person like me to be so against being a member of an exercising club. A bunch of people wanting to be healthy and fit-sign me up should be the response, but that has not been the case.
I fought it as long as I could. When the weather got bad last winter I made the best of the high school track nearby. Yes, there were days when it was snow/ice covered but I could utilize the field and not worry about falling. New regulations now prohibit using the track during school hours so unless I want to run in the dark or with my five-year-old it is no longer an option.
In November, when temps went below zero things got dicey in the park where I normally run. The trail seemed fine but the parking lot was icy. I almost fell and I did not want a broken leg for Christmas so it was time to weigh my options…get a treadmill/elliptical machine that would eventually become a coat hanger/hamper or join the gym.
My husband already has a membership so he graciously took me to sign up. The gym is relatively new so everything looks sparkly and bright. The staff was very friendly and as luck would have it the person helping me made a mistake, which took my sign up fee down from $30 to $5 bucks. This to me was a sign to embrace the gym and not allow gymtimidation to rule my existence. The gym fees would almost be worth it just to walk around, watch one of the 10 televisions and fill up my water bottle at the automatic water fountain/dispenser.
We went back the very next day to shred the tread- mill and I must admit it was a little exciting. In order to go before work my husband and I must be there around 5:30 a.m. (Yes, part of the deal is if I go he goes. So win-win, right?) It is dark and it is early but it can be a great way to start the day.
We have been able to go at a more reasonable hour during the past couple weeks due to the holidays and my husband being off. Now it is going to get real and hopefully we can stick to it. Of course the weather has been relatively mild as of late and I could be running outside but hey- did I mention the automatic water dispenser and wall of televisions? Yes? Well sorry.
Because the gym is in my neighborhood, even at 5:30 a.m., I run the risk of running into people I know. I am normally a social person but at the gym I need to be in the zone and stay in the zone until the pain is real. On the first day I did see someone I knew. We greeted each other quickly and were on our way. She seemed to have my philosophy and all was good.
The judgment free zone we are supposed to be in has for me been just that. I really love that motto especially now that things are a little more crowded with people trying out their resolutions to lose weight. Most of the people who are there look like regular Joes not like those people in the commercials with the fancy pants outfits and bods of steel.
I was worried I needed some workout clothes and a makeover to fit in, but not the case. (Although I would rock legwarmers and a sweatband.) These people have t-shirts, shorts, comfy pants -nothing special just like me. I also love the fact the majority of the people I have seen in there are around my age and older - giving it all they got.
Being a gym member has been positive for me. It is only temporary, just through the winter, but I would recommend it. I cannot wait to be outside again running along the tree lined trail [alone] but for right now I can use one of my favorite lines from the 80’s movie Mr. Mom starring Michael Keaton - if you call and I'm not home I'll be at the gym or the gun club.
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