This seems like a strange post…. You may be reading this fresh from your resolution-induced workout, the endorphins might still be flowing, and perhaps you didn’t have to suck in when doing up your pants this morning. But allow me to explain why I quit the gym…and how I plan to ditch the holiday lbs.
I actually had a pretty good deal for a downtown San Francisco gym. I signed up last spring for $30 a month, and went fairly regularly during my lunch hour. It worked in that it freed me up before and after work for other things.
What didn’t work: the frantic scramble to get to the gym, climbing over other women, tearing off my clothes, throwing on workout wear, hitting a machine for 25 minutes, showering, dragging a comb through wet tangled hair, dressing, spackling on makeup, and rushing back to the office…. And come fall, the walk back with wet hair (dry it? and cut the workout down to 15 minutes?) really got to me.
Besides the scramble, I didn’t like the water use of an extra shower (cutting out the morning shower compromised my ability to become conscious before noon). I didn’t like breathing the chemicals that the cleaning staff used to maintain a modicum of hygiene in the locker room. I didn’t like the stale/stinky air in the gym. It helped me stay fit, but it wasn’t good for my mental health. By quitting I can save $360 a year.
So here’s my plan (besides healthy eating) to battle the bulge:
- Pilates at least 4 times a week: I have a great DVD, it takes 20 minutes, and is incredibly strengthening
- Turn the dog walk into a run: I already take my dog out for half an hour every morning. If I sucked it up and ran, or at least powered up some serious San Francisco hills, I’d get a lot more out of it
- Basic calisthenics: (I just love that word) But when watching a movie or TV, or fighting a mental block, I’m going do some situps, pushups, or arm exercises with free weights
- Outdoor activity: I should get over my fear of biking, I’ll go skiing, and (despite the fact that I got a tick last time) I’m going to go for hikes with my husband on the weekend
Ok, I’ve committed myself now, so I”ll report back in one month!
Also, I’m encouraged to see a movement towards greener gyms: check out this human-powered gym in Portland.
