Friday, February 05, 2010

The Gym

I never thought I would say this: I love going to the gym. I always thought I would hate strength-training. Cause it hurts, you know?

But I kept reading articles in the Composer's running magazines touting core strength as the way to avoid running injuries. And then I realized that there was a little no-frills gym •right beside• the girls' gymnastics place. So, I thought, I'll go once a week for an hour I was already spending right there.

Then I realized I love it, though I don't know why. And I started running over during Clara's cello lesson (I can just barely squeeze my routine in if I work around the snooty group of ladies from the bank who come in at the same time and use ALL the equipment at once, in their work clothes).

I can't really justify a third trip every week, but I'd like it if I could.

I never know what I am going to start loving in my life. Surprises!

25 comments:

Lady Caitie in the Pretty City said...

I hear you! I'm starting to like it too! Course, at the moment my alarm goes off, curse the man who invented the elliptical. But 20 minutes later I'm sweating those cares away and trying my best not to dance to the workout mix I've come to adore! :) Keep it up, sister!!

Farrah said...

I don't belong to a gym but look forward to my dvd's every morning. They're what get me going as I make breakfasts and pack lunches in a daze but doing power kickbozing and I'm awake!!

Polly said...

In their WORK CLOTHES?! Dear me.

I too adore the gym. Back in pre-child, law school days, I'd stay for 2 hours. Now I can usually pull an hour out at a time. It's just *fun.* My recent discovery was spinning class--I loathe classes (other than yoga/pilates), but decided to try one a couple of months ago. Hooked. t

Amy said...

Strength training and running DO go so well together. I am doing the strength training, but need to add in the running part! I do kickboxing twice a week and I LOVE to hit the bag HARD. It it just so awesome to feel strong!

Anonymous said...

Learning of new things we love to do is *so* healthy and a sign that we are growing in our life. Good for you. I too love my little strength training workout I do each (well, at least I try) day at home.

Kind regards,

Sonya

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

You always inspire me with your fitness. I did try running last year - no marathon is in my future, but I would like to at least get in a mile without having to try hard. Right now I'm trying to put in an hour of daily exercise while there is snow on the ground. Once the weather clears, I hope to give it more than a bit of a try. Please continue to post on your progress; I may actually get somewhere with mine.

Carlie said...

Good for you! Wish I'd discover a hidden love of gyms too....or running for that matter. I can't believe what you said about the herd from the bank...unreal.

Jill- in Ohio said...

at age 44 i received my personal trainer certification...like you, it surprised me that I would even like it...but I just can't get enough....strength training is great...and gives you so much energy to get through the day.....keep up the good work!!!!

Tracey said...

I too am loving working out! It's the best part of my week and if I could squeeze one more day to work out I would. I love how it's making my body feel too!! Congrats and keep up the great work!

Elizabeth said...

Yesterday I discovered an old post with the recommendation of listening to Claire Holley's "Innisfree". I've probably listened to it about 30 times since then! Any chance of doing a post soon on the music you enjoy?

Candace said...

Oh how I love those Nautilus machines that I had access to in college. I hate "working out" but the Nautilus made it fun. I would never do it on my own so I always signed up for a P.E. class during a free hour and rode my bike the two miles from home to classes. I lost a good bit of weight and inches, but more importantly I gained so much wind and muscle. I hope to visit a nearby town a few times a week once we make the jump to a two car family.

Anonymous said...

Way to go!

Shelley said...

A good argument for always trying new things, is it not?

Anonymous said...

too funny!.. snooty women from the bank.. i have suffered the same response out of those "bank ladies".. what the world.. they act like they own all the money (your money) in the bank..I'm sure we have some nice, friendly bank ladies.. but they don't live in Arab Al..or Gadsden Al.. or Boaz Al.. or any where else in Al!!

Susie's Ramblings said...

I know exactly how you feel. I joined the gym a year ago and go every Morning before anyone is awake. I leave the house at 615 a.m. and come home in time to make breakfast for kids just stumbling out of bed. I feel strong and healthy. I also run at the gym at the indoor track. Good for you!!!

ruth@gracelaced said...

That is so funny about the bank ladies! I would love to work out--for strength and health...but my kids are young, and I just can't seem to get a routine going. Did you work out back when the children were all young?

The Chatty Housewife said...

Eww, in their work clothes?!

Tiffany said...

Aww, that is so cool. I don't go to the gym, but most days I retreat away to run on my treadmill. Some days I love it,and some days I hate it! {grin}

Karla said...

You are an inspiration!

Cheryl said...

Just found your blog from A Place of Quiet Rest. The chocolate bread looks great, definitely going to be trying it. Also could you tell me where you get your vintage patterns from. I have been going back on your post and love so many of the dresses. So many of the patterns now I do not care for. You do such a beautiful job. Enjoy your sight.

Margo said...

I love strength training for how it makes my arms look :) But I discovered pilates this winter and I love love love pilates. I actually look forward to it, and other than brisk walks, that is unheard of for me.

Anna said...

Cheryl, try the link in my sidebar to Ebay's section of vintage women's patterns. I also love the selection and prices at Lanetzliving.net.

Anonymous said...

I was fortunate enough to take weightlifting in high school. . . a class was offered to the female athletes. We were taught techniques and how to use the machines. It made walking into a gym later on in life so much easier as there was no intimidation. I HIGHLY recommend incorporating at least light weight and machine use to all women. It has helped me get back into shape and lose weight more quickly than just relying on cardio.

We were taught that twice a week for each muscle group was sufficient. The thought was that you don't want to overwork muscle groups as they need time to recuperate.

Anonymous said...

I too enjoy strength training. Gyms are a bit of a stretch on my time and finances, so my husband and I invested in free weights to keep at home. In addition to longer workouts, I am able to sneak in some lifts in between household chores. I so love reading about your running and workouts - they motivate me to keep moving!

Natalie said...

Love this post. It just sounds so...human. Because we all know that the crafty side of you is oh-so-perfect. Not to mention your perfectly adorable children. :)

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