Monday, May 2, 2011

How (not) to hate the gym

When I joined the gym a few months ago, I didn't expect too much. I figured it would be boring. I figured there'd be days I had to drag myself there. I didn't imagine I'd be getting Biggest Loser 'numbers' in my weight loss each week.

I was right about all these things.

I joined what I fondly refer to as 'an old lady gym'. There are two in Fibrotown. Those places where you do a three minute warm-up, a 30-minute circuit and a 28 second stretch at the end. Very much the drive-through version of a gym. No posing, no pontificating between sets, no need for a towel to wipe the sweat off the machine when you're done.

I was clinical in my approach to this. I know myself. I know that while I could go to a gym that offers everything from Zumba to yoga to spinning to tai chi, I would not indulge in any of these classes. I do not have time. I need to get in, lift a weight, get out. I already had a well-established walking routine under way. I needed some toning to go with it.

I confess to being a little concerned on day one. There's something disconcerting about going to a gym where nobody, not even the instructors, looks as though they go to a gym. But it's a lovely, friendly place and I figured that my days of looking as though I go to the gym are well behind me anyway, so I persisted.

I did a Bio Age test, which put my age at two years below my actual age. Good place to start. I'll be 21 before I know it. I weighed myself (and gasped and spent the rest of the session trying to work out the weights of my shoes, socks and tracksuit pants so that I could deduct them from the figure to make myself feel better). And I surprised myself by going back. Again. And again. And again.

Twice a week. For 10 weeks. And then the school holidays struck.

It was at this point that I realised something surprising. I missed it. The gym, I mean. I missed it. It is boring. There are days when I have to drag myself there. My 'numbers' are not very impressive at all. But the pay-off isn't in the bio-age or the weight loss or even the health benefits (and I do feel fitter and stronger). For me, it's all about the calming effect of exercise. The Post-Old-Lady-Gym high. It's there, and it's real, and a stress-head like me really needs it.

Apparently, I'm a convert.

[image: how cool is this decal from AppleStyx/etsy - I want!]


I'm linking up this post with Lucy's Drab to Fab linky. Get involved and share the love! 

30 comments:

  1. So glad for you Al. Same effect for me and running. I used to hate it, but did it for efficiency. Now I dig it both while I am doing it (getting myself the odd 'runner's high') and afterwards. Best part of my week. Hands down. Happy 21st :-)

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  2. Love the idea of an "Old Ladies Gym". Much less scary than an uber babe gym.

    Congrats for making it a habit.

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  3. Good for you! Sounds like you have realistic expectations, and getting the results to match.

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  4. It's the 'getaway' every Mom needs...without the frills...which fits into most budgets . Good on you for claiming your right to get away from it all.

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  5. This just makes me smile. The feelings you get get
    exercise are vital. So glad. Xx

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  6. Hooray Allison! Glad you and the old ladies gym are making great partners. I love the gym, often more for the headspace than anything else but doing the Couch to 5k slowly and getting right into it in a late 40's kind of way ie slowly.

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  7. i'm a convert too. I have been going every monday morning for about 2 months (personal training sessions)...and i have noticed that mondays are now a day where i am in a better mood and more motivated. So, I'm thinking of picking up another day

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  8. I too joined a gym just over a year ago. An old lady's gym just like your own. Today I received yet another phone call to ask why I STILL haven't been to the gym, not even once! My personal trainer is apparently taking my permanent absence personally. You have inspired me. I will go to my gym this week. No, this week I am too busy. But next week.... oh dear, there is no hope for me is there? I absolutely love your blog.

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  9. That is excellent Allison, seriously impressive.
    Exercise is incredible for the mind isn't it?!
    Anything that can help to beat depression, without the use of medication, has got to be a great thing. And half an hour of exercise per day, does this.

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  10. Oh I hear you! These bank holiday, no Nanny days are killing me. Just hoping H gets home early enough that I can get there before they close...

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  11. I did the same thing this time last year, and I love it too.

    I'm half the age of the average attendee! So it feels good from that perspective as well :)

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  12. I am going to classes at different 'classes offering venues'. I could never stick to a gym for longer than a few months, well done for being a convert!

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  13. I'm all about a gym with no "make up momma's"! I have a love/hate relationship with exercise. I HATE to do it, but LOVE how I feel afterward!

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  14. I've never gone to the gym but I work out at home to videos and exercise programs. I don't have any kids yet. I think once we have kids I'll need to go to a gym to be able to work out with out being interrupted. I do love the way it feels when I'm done working out but it is hard to get motivated to do it.

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  15. I don't exercise but have been meaning to. your story was nice to read, hopefully it's the encouragement I need to get my cardio on. I want to see some eye candy at the gym, maybe I could work out behind security glass so others wont stare toneless body.

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  16. What's not to love about a lady gym? I spent my early 20s going to co-ed gyms and I spent the whole time worrying that someone was a) checking out wobbly ass or b) laughing at my wobbly ass. It was horrible (think zebra constantly on the look out for lions). I felt so self conscious and, well, stupid.
    Then I joined the lady gym, and I LOVE it. They have only a few mirrors. There are no uber-babes (well, a couple), everyone is just there to get their fix, have a little chat and go home. And the give you icey cold towels that smell like eucalyptus to wipe your face. It's the little things ...
    Happy birthday x

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  17. I have been eyeing off the old ladies gym in my neighbourhood - they are int'l! Just gave myself a pep talk in the car and then I get home and read this. V encouraging! Altho I might start with walking program first...

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  18. My Mum has been trying to convince my to join her similar gym for a while now. I should just do it. I'm glad you like it, and am thinking that I might too.

    xx

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  19. That's so good to hear Al. A great habit, and the bonus of 'me' time. I've just joined a big fancy gym near home, mainly because they're open late and I can only go after 7.30pm. The fact all the weight lifting junkies come out at that time doesnt bother me. I just get in, do an hour of cardio, get my exercise rush and I'm done!

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  20. I've been thinking I should get back to my Bikram Yoga class for quite some time now but with work/kids/life it's easy to put off. Reading your post has given me the encouragement I needed. I'd forgotten about that lovely calming effect. I've just booked in for tomorrow!

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  21. there are Old Lady Gyms out there?
    I need to find one. I keep telling myself I'll exercise at home, but that hasn't been happening.

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  22. Sometimes its just the process of getting there and all else flows.

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  23. That's awesome! I've been thinking I really need to get back into some sort of fitness routine too ... I think you may have just convinced me! :)

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  24. I was cacking myself at the line: ...something disconcerting about going to a gym where nobody, not even the instructors, looks as though they go to a gym..
    Classic!
    While I might be laughing, this is exactly the type of gym where I'd feel most comfortable (if I went to the gym, of course!) So glad to hear you like it! :)

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  25. I had a gym session with a personal trainer yesterday. Today - I'm broken...but I miss it too when i miss the sessions.

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  26. This gives me hope as I embark on my own little sojourn with all things gym related today. I lack motivation often to exercise so I hope that in time I learn to love it as well!

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  27. Between baby two and three I loved going to the gym twice a week and working out with a personal trainer. Never lost much weight but my core muscles were fab. Now it is me and the treadmill at home. Love the zone out me time.
    Thanks for introducing yourself.

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  28. I used to go to a gym - I loved going to the gym. I have needed to learn how to love not going to the gym and working out on my own. One day I hope to have my own gym in my new house. until then it is DVD's and www.bodyrock.tv workouts.

    Glad to see you are enjoying working out! following from drab to fab.

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  29. Thanks for linking up Al.

    Term four (when Lexie starts school full time) may see me approach a similar "old lady" gym...the hours will be so much kinder...

    xx

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  30. I have not ben able to run for 2 weeks, because of an injury. At first I loved not having to get out in the freezing weather... but now I really miss it.

    As for the decals, we have some of those for our beloved macs... love them!

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