My Gold's Gym Membership is officially expired. I've been in massive denial about it, hoping for a miracle. With Christmas coming up, renewing it right now would just be overextending ourselves financially. And if you're thinking, "Gee. Thanks for the invitation to the pity party, but I've got to...go...floss...and...change my smoke detector batteries...," don't worry. I've accepted it; it's just the way things are right now and hopefully I'll be able to be back satan-ing and spinning in the new year. And while I'm semi-ok with this temporary set-back, I'm also in a panic. The holidays! HELLO. Could this have happened at a worse time? I'm so not a home-exerciser, I can kind of get by with weights but we don't own a treadmill and I haven't yet found a doable cardio solution. Jumping jacks? Running in place? Going up and down stairs? It's not that I have anything against working out at home, I have just never been able to do a single workout video without an interruption or all-out attack. Say what you want about the gym, but it does not take a will of iron to finish a workout like it does with smallish people tugging, poking, whining, and tripping all over you. Not to mention the inanely distracting comments:
"What are you doing?"
"You look silly mom. (pause) What's that guy's name?"
(baby closes armoire tv door. Can't see tv. I go open it. He closes it. I open it. He closes it. This is a fun game.)
"Why is he kicking?"
"Hey! The baby just threw something in the toilet. He's climbing up the side!"
"Mom, do you know how strong I am? SOOOO strong. Watch."
"Wanna hear me count to a hundred?"
"Is it Christmas Eve yet?"
Can you see why I love the gym? (I KNOW there are a lot of you out there who know exactly what I'm talking about) So I'm actually considering...I can't believe I'm actually writing this...running. Outside. In the cold and snow. I'm going to make an attempt to go this afternoon; at least the sun might be out. There also an indoor track a couple of miles away that's free. I went on Friday night just to give it a try. The only thing that beat running outside was a very old man who I had passed several times on the track. After my run I walked a lap to cool down; as he passed he turned around, pointed his finger at me and said, "Good Job Sis!!" I think there was a wink in there too.
Off to plan that pity party...
***Update***
I totally chickened out of my afternoon run. Too cold. Too gray. Too icy. So I went again to the indoor track. I have to say it was much more entertaining this time around. There were about 30 more people there than last time (probably because it was a Friday night...) and just more energy. I don't think I'd be able to stand doing it forever. But it may not be so bad as a temporary fix. (And yes. I'm still going to call 24 hour fitness!)
December 10, 2007
It's Not "Goodbye," It's "See You Later."
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34 comments:
Have you looked at possibly a free two week membership and sample some of the other workout places. There are lots of gyms like 24 hour fitness, curves or something else. Maybe you can find some kind of holiday promotion that will let you try it out. I hear you on the workout at home - my kids are teenagers and believe me - they can be quite intimidating. But I have set up little circuits at home occasionally. Like lunges, squats, jump rope, run in place and stairs. And - how about pulling the kiddos in a sled around a park? Anyway - if nothing else - enjoy the holiday knowing that when the new year comes you will be back with a fury! Thanks for your blog - it is fun to read!
That is so cute about the old man! It was way easier for me to work out at home when the baby was really little - like, 3 months old. I would put her in the swing and she would watch me for a bit, get bored and then fall asleep. Now that she is moving around, there is NO WAY. So I use up my precious time during naps to run on the treadmill. But we only have one little person in our house, so I can do that! My plan for the new year is to get some free weights for at home, it is just way to hard for me to get to the gym.
P.S. My sister gave me a copy of the Turbo Jam DVD, and it's a pretty fun workout.
I can only workout on the treadmill watching TV in the basement with the gate CLOSED when Mr F is home with the kids. Do you guys have Freecycle (search online).. if so check you never know what people are giving away.. I see people getting rid of nordic tracks all the time. I got the Dancing With The Stars Workout.. of course I don't have any floor space (you may have seen our basement.. only TV) so I can send it to you. Not that it solves your problem.. since the whole time Kid insisted on doing it along with me.. which is kind in the way when you are working with a 3x5 space.. but so cute I couldn't make her stop!
If all else fails snow shoveling is a good workout ;)
Running in the snow and ice.. yikes!... don't break a leg!
oh jump ropping... great cardio.. you could do it in short sets
Since I'm in MN, I completely understand the frustration of exercise in the winter if you don't have a gym membership. If you're going to start running outdoors, assuming you don't have a lot of running experience, I highly recommend the Couch to 5K program... if you just google it, it will give you a link to a great training program to get you started healthily and safely.
Good luck!
~jess
Wow, what great suggestions people are coming up with!
Makes me realize how spoiled I am to be in California and have both indoor and outdoor options in winter--and yet I whine about exercising without realizing how lucky I am!
When I lived in NYC for a couple of years I used to run outside in winter, but the running path was rarely icey. I found it kind of exhilarating, just because of the novelty. But I suspect your winters are much more Hard Core.
Good luck figuring out a solution!
Hi!
I had the same problem..no gym membership & kids. Here was my solution.....Phit-n-Phat. Corinne had devised workouts for me at home. Literally I just had some weights & the TransFirmer steps & videos that came w/ it when I first started w/ her. I've had to invest in a few heavier weights & now i have some of those band thingies, and a stability ball...but compared to a gym membership it's way way cheaper for us. So how do I deal w/ the kids? Well I get up & exercise early before work & "usually" before the kids get up. Now this a.m. by barely 2 yr old decided to get up at 6:00, which really threw me off, but luckily I was about done w/ my workout. Anyway, I don't mean for this to sound like a "plug" for Corinne's site..but it is less than 10 bucks a month.
Also I've started taking up running. It's FREE!! Now in AR, it's kinda cold right now, and I am a wus, so I've been doing videos more than usual to get my cardio in. Which are good for me, because I am SO uncoordinated, that I never really get bored w/ them...no matter how long I do them, they are still challenging...geez that's kinda embarassing to admit.
Good luck w/ what ever you decide. Just don't let an expired gym membership de-rail your efforts. You've worked too hard to get to where you are now:))
Lorie
my at home workout secret is the Biggest Loser workout DVDs. there are 2 volumes and being with Bob is all the motivation I need! if you haven't seen them, they will definitely motivate you to find a spot for the kids!!!!!
katie!
let's go mallwalking! :)
I used to love running outdoors there, just because it was fresh, cold air and kind of invigorating. But, it is hard and can hurt your throat/lungs if you're not careful. I think the indoor track's a great idea. Plus then you can still monitor your pace really easily like on a treadmill. Or you could just move out here to be by us and run outside with no problems. :) Okay?
Bummer! You're right; it couldn't have come at a worse time!
I don't have any boisterous babies, so I won't even pretend to understand. Does the baby have a playpen/bouncer/swing you can secure him in?? Maybe let the other older chitlins "workout" with you? That is a tough one. Good luck!
If only it were possibe, I'd donate my gym membership to you while I'm busy getting my arse kicked via bootcamp...
If you have a Bally's near you, Discovery Health is starting their National Body Challenge, which is free and provides a two month membership to Bally's. http://health.discovery.com/national-body-challenge/promo/promo.html
Shannon. Excellent suggestion! I think I'm going to give 24 hr fitness a call. Pulling the kids on the sled is an awesome solution too. Thanks.
erin. Oh the days of one! I wish I still had the naptime=freetime part of the day. (Although I don't know if I'd use it for working out! Good for you!)
Mrs. F. What is freecycle? I just checked Craiglists and the local classifieds and didn't see anything for free. Space is also an issue as we don't have any. But I think I might just keep my eye open for stuff like that, I might be able to squeeze something into my bedroom.
Jess, Oh MN! I'm sure you have it worse than I do. Do you ever run outside?
Crabby, the thing is I really love the weather here, mostly due to the lack of humidity. It's just these couple of yucky months in winter, even another 10 degrees higher, and it's not a big deal. But yeah, good weather all year round is really nice for working out year-round.
I LOVED this post just because I enjoyed your kids' comments so much!! Oh yes, I know what you're talking about. :-)
Great GREAT suggestion about free memberships Shannon!
I was going to suggest Turbulence Training, apparently Skwigg (google the word) uses them, and it's all bodyweight workouts. For cardio though, running/super fast walking is great. If you're just starting running -- are you? Check out runinjuryfree.com -- it's this run/walk method -- for me it's key to beating boredom in workouts.
Ok, Lorie. I'm actually tempted to go Corinne's route. But the thing is, even if I get up at 5:30 to workout at home, I'm inevitably interrupted by the baby or other youngling. When I'm out of the house, Aaron takes over. Somehow even if we're both home and he's gung-ho about helping, I still get sucked into the madness. And I love running too, It seriously is SO cold and snowy and icy here right now. I'm feeling defeated before I even get my shoes on. :( We'll see how it goes though. THANKS for that comment though. it makes me feel like I really gotta figure out what I'm going to do.
closet artist. Bob? say no more. I wonder if my library has them...
meg. YES! (I need to hear the details of the new "interest!" I'm SO there. I'll give you a call)
Chrissy, yeah, I liked the indoor track for that reason, and the track was nice and cushy. I feel like it wasn't so hard on my limbs.
Or you could just move out here to be by us and run outside with no problems. :) Okay?
okey dokey.
Glam, Does the baby have a playpen/bouncer/swing you can secure him in?? Maybe if I had a normal baby. But he is crazy freak baby who can climb out of his carseat and highchair. Restraints = his personal hell. And I am SO jealous of your bootcamping! It sounds awesome!
laura, no Bally's :( But I'll still go check out that link.
Amy, Thanks. i think they're funnier if you actually can "hear" their voices :)
Heather, thanks for the recommendation! I did run that race on Thanksgiving, but I still totally consider myself a newbie, so I'll go check that site out.
I totally get where you are going with this! I ahve 4 too but mine are older but they still like to bug me while i work out. So i get up a bit earlier and do what i can in that time-- 11 min ab's or push ups and some weight works. Now i know getting up earlier isnt for everyone and i am DEFINITELY NOT a morning person but i am now in a routine and i really enjoy it. No kids, no hubby, no worries and then i can eat breaky and enjoy it cuz i am usually STARVED! lol
I love this post!! I guess its because I can relate, but I think it is SOOOO funny! Oh, and if you are going to the indoor track I'm thinking of, I bet I know which old man you are talking about ... weekday, afternoon, little old walking man who is really friendly? Yeah, I bet I know him! I've gotten a few 'way to go's' from him myself. Cute, funny old man!
jodi, I can be a morning person if I absolutely have to. I usually go to the gym between 6 and 8 am. The thing is, when I'm away, my husband takes over. If I'm here, despite him really trying to help, the kids automatically gravitate to mom. I think that's more my problem. I'm just so much more effective if I'm out of the house.
janae, you know that old man? HA! I was going to attempt an outdoor afternoon run. but yo, the sun isn't even out! So I think I might be heading over to the track this evening. Maybe I'll try to sneak a picture...
First off, I am SO with you on the kids in the house while trying to workout thing. Been there, done that. My treadmill sits not 2 feet from the kids computer where I ever so graciously listen to Hannah Montana...HS Musical 2... and Cheetah Girls because my kids want to help me get into the "groove" on my walks/runs! LOL!
Secondly, I agree with the above, go find some of the 2 week trials at some other gyms! That could get you through this tight time of year AND help you find which gym would work the best for you!!!
Keep going! Keep going!
Darla
i can imagine the gym seems like a nice break after being with the kiddies all day.
what if you signed up for blockbuster online or netflix and tried new workout dvds each week? it could help spice things up? and then maybe run on the days you dont feel like jazzercising or tae-boing or doing whatever fad workout they have on DVD these days.
i do want the biggest loser DVDs though, im not gonna lie. you're creative, i know you will figure something out :)
Can I get in on your pity party? My 5-year-old has chicken pox! No gym for me until new year probably, either! Would it be wrong to make her ride her bike alongside while I go run for the next two weeks? I'm terrified that all THREE KIDS are going to get it.
Your indoor track sounds promising. At least the kids are semi-contained, right?
That elderly man's comment was so cute!
We think Golds Gym should give you a FREE membership considering how much advertising you have done for them the past few months.
lol Kelly. Jazzercise? Now that would be a funny video post. Let me know if you like the BL dvd's.
crazydarla, Oh that's funny. I think I'd go crazy listening to HSM 2 and Hannah Montana! I think I am going to try and see if 24 has got a "trial" period.
Mommy Donna! OH NO!!! Chicken Pox!?? I'm terrified FOR you. I really really hope it just stays with her! Good luck!
t and b.
Oh you are SO right.
Ugh, indoor tracks are the worst... I hate running inside because I get bored easily and start paying attention more to what I am doing and feeling more worn down, which shortens my workout.
Luckily I live in Texas and can run outdoors practically any day of the year!
My suggestion: if you live near a major University, you might check and see if they offer memberships to their student rec center for non-affiliates. Those can be a million gazillion times cheaper than your standard global gym. I would call and ask first so they can't identify you... ;) because if they don't offer memberships, at least some of them will charge tiny little fees each time if you 'forget' your card or whatever. My rec center charges three bucks, so depending on how often you go and how much your original gym's monthly membership fee was, you could wind up breaking even.
Anyway, good luck with your outside run!
c, thanks for the suggestion. I've actually worked out at the facilities at the local university. My gym offers way better classes at WAY better times. And since I am queen of the deal I am expert at negotiating the terms of my contract at Gold's. I *usually* end up paying around $20/month. But to get that rate I pay in a lump sum (or a couple of broken up lump sums) for the year. Right now I just don't have $240 (or even $100) to spare.
As for the outside run, I chickened out. I did run on the indoor track again though, and it wasn't as bad this time!
this might be a wild shot, but gyms give free memberships to employees. maybe you could work there for a few hours a week in exchange for a membership?
Gosh it sounds like u get heaps of exercise just running after the kids. I guess this is something i still have to look forward to.
Running at the nearby track sounds like fun. U must have felt on top of the world when the guy spoke to u. Keep it up, ur doing great.
I LOVED this post. So cute!
We did the Jingle Bell Run yesterday here in Denver on about 4 inches of snow. I saw a lot of the hardcore runners with these apparati strapped to their running shoes. It was sort of like chains for a semi-truck. They strapped on with elastic over the shoes, and it created spikes on the bottom for major traction. I go running in all kinds of weather, but it is easy to slip a little sometimes. I am so getting some of those before next week's outdoor 5k. Maybe they would work for you, too.
An indoor track sounds awesome to me, too. I would love to just throw on my iPod and go around in circles.
I think the ndoor track is a GREAT idea. It keeps you from freezing your buttoff outside AND it's free! Great idea! We have one here too but I've never really though to try it out. It's all the way across town though but it would be fun to drag hubby along for a little friendly competition.
Keep it up over the Holidays...who knows maybe hubby will buy you a membership for Christmas!!
a FREE indoor track?!
SIGN ME UP!
Yup, running could be your answer.
Some gyms give trial memberships!
Good luck, I love my gym membership as much as I love my Grandma. I don't know what I'm going to do when we move!!!
I have the best accessory to get you outside in this weather: cleat overshoes. You can get them at sporting goods stores like REI or even running shoe stores. They are basically a rubber material with cleats that stretches over your running shoes. They usually cost about $25. SO WORTH IT! I got a pair last year and they actually give you CONFIDENCE. That's what a runner needs :) good luck!
I have a Costco coupon for a cheap 24 hour fitness membership - you want it?
how cheap is cheap? Don't I get the same coupons? Lemme go check...
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