Gym or No Gym

4.7

Years ago Jen and I had a membership to a gym. That was when we lived in Houston, had no kids, and it was easy to block out time to get in a workout. Times have changed (a lot!) but we just made a commitment for a family membership at our local rec center.

I have to say we're all pretty excited about it. We have a tremendous rec center in Lititz, and the family membership is affordable and offers a lot to do with the basic membership. There's a competition-sized pool, kid's pool, tons of cardio and strength equipment and every kind of additional programming you can imagine for toning or bulking up or just getting fit.

We had our first workout this morning, and it was great. Some treadmill, some elliptical, along with lots of body-weight exercises. And we're mapping out our evenings trying to find the days we can get there after work as a family.

I'm still happy with www.Darebee.com and body-weight training at home, but having a gym membership is going to be great for Jen and the kids. There are spin classes, all sorts of exercise equipment and most of all programming. If you sign up for it, and put it on the calendar, then you do it. I'm one who easily starts my day with a good workout in our basement, but we're not all wired like that.

How are your workouts this year? Your workout can simply be parking in the back corner of the lot at work and making the walking trek to the door, twice every day. Find the stairs and skip the elevator. Don't troll for the closest parking space at the supermarket or the mall - there again, park in the back. Carry your small order of groceries in a basket instead of pushing a cart - it's great for your shoulders and arms.

You can get all the exercise you need with a bit of creativity and determination. Gym or no gym.

By the Way

Always be ready to take on a new challenge with your workouts. Could you do more reps, or find a different exercise? (I was introduced to 'windshield wipers' today...never did those before, but I can't wait to make them a regular part of my ab and core workouts). There's no doubt your strength and endurance can benefit from some creative exercise, especially if you're training for a particular run or event.