I Know I Just Said Running Is Free But....
I joined a gym!
I won't say exactly which gym it is, but I can say that it's close to where I work. Because it has been getting cold, my runs have become less enjoyable, and I need a place with more variety than just running. And luckily, at the moment I can afford it!
So, why should I join a gym when I'm perfectly comfortable with running outside? Let's hearken back to when I was in school at George Washington University and living in DC. It was kind of the "sweet" life--at least in terms of health. I had a room in a great apartment building that had a full gym; and I did not have a car, so I walked everywhere. It was so easy for me to exercise whenever I had time, because the gym was always open, even when it was snowing. The walking also kicked in to take care of all the extra calories I consumed in wine or cheese (which I could not live without).
Fast forward to now: I spend at least 2 hours each day in the car; I don't always eat well because I don't buy the groceries (my dad does for the whole house); and literally the only exercise I get is if I put on my shoes and run out the door. Even people who belong to kickball leagues get more exercise than I do. (I love kickball so don't take that the wrong way!)
My brother and sister-in-law have also played a huge part in this decision. My sister-in-law leaves her house at 5:30 so she can workout near her office, shower, get dressed, and get to work by 8AM. My brother has been running first thing in the morning, and also plays basketball pretty much every lunch break. Since I don't have to get to work until 10:30 or noon sometimes, I have decided to use those hours as best I can by getting more into exercise, and writing this blog. The plan is to leave my house early in my gym clothes, get to the gym, and shower/change before heading to work.
At first I will use the gym like I usually do: about 30 minutes of cardio, then 15-20 minutes of weights. My doctor has always stressed the importance of strength and conditioning, because apparently it can ward off osteoporosis. I know WebMD usually likes to remind us that we're dying, but they actually have some good articles on prevention. Learn more about how to strength train to prevent osteoporosis here and here. It mentions those words "post-menopausal woman," but it is never too early for any person to get into these habits. Both my mother and her mother have had osteoporosis, and I would like to do whatever I can to prevent it.
Finally, I joined a gym so that I can get variety in my exercise routine. Running is great, but it only works certain muscles. In order to work different muscles, I will now have access to a pool, classes, and all kinds of equipment. Best of all worlds and I'll still try to run outside when it's not raining! (Thanks El Nino!)
Tomorrow will be my first time there. I'll let you all know how it goes!
I won't say exactly which gym it is, but I can say that it's close to where I work. Because it has been getting cold, my runs have become less enjoyable, and I need a place with more variety than just running. And luckily, at the moment I can afford it!
So, why should I join a gym when I'm perfectly comfortable with running outside? Let's hearken back to when I was in school at George Washington University and living in DC. It was kind of the "sweet" life--at least in terms of health. I had a room in a great apartment building that had a full gym; and I did not have a car, so I walked everywhere. It was so easy for me to exercise whenever I had time, because the gym was always open, even when it was snowing. The walking also kicked in to take care of all the extra calories I consumed in wine or cheese (which I could not live without).
Fast forward to now: I spend at least 2 hours each day in the car; I don't always eat well because I don't buy the groceries (my dad does for the whole house); and literally the only exercise I get is if I put on my shoes and run out the door. Even people who belong to kickball leagues get more exercise than I do. (I love kickball so don't take that the wrong way!)
My brother and sister-in-law have also played a huge part in this decision. My sister-in-law leaves her house at 5:30 so she can workout near her office, shower, get dressed, and get to work by 8AM. My brother has been running first thing in the morning, and also plays basketball pretty much every lunch break. Since I don't have to get to work until 10:30 or noon sometimes, I have decided to use those hours as best I can by getting more into exercise, and writing this blog. The plan is to leave my house early in my gym clothes, get to the gym, and shower/change before heading to work.
At first I will use the gym like I usually do: about 30 minutes of cardio, then 15-20 minutes of weights. My doctor has always stressed the importance of strength and conditioning, because apparently it can ward off osteoporosis. I know WebMD usually likes to remind us that we're dying, but they actually have some good articles on prevention. Learn more about how to strength train to prevent osteoporosis here and here. It mentions those words "post-menopausal woman," but it is never too early for any person to get into these habits. Both my mother and her mother have had osteoporosis, and I would like to do whatever I can to prevent it.
Finally, I joined a gym so that I can get variety in my exercise routine. Running is great, but it only works certain muscles. In order to work different muscles, I will now have access to a pool, classes, and all kinds of equipment. Best of all worlds and I'll still try to run outside when it's not raining! (Thanks El Nino!)
Tomorrow will be my first time there. I'll let you all know how it goes!
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