I've been feeling less than active lately, mostly due to the fact that there is snow, ice, and/or puddles basically everywhere I turn and I'm not sure I have the energy to run and dodge nature's obstacles. I don't belong to a gym because during the summer I workout outside so much that a year-long membership just doesn't make sense. But this week I finally decided I needed a gym - there are only so many pay-as-you-go yoga classes that you can go to before you start to itch for a treadmill (and believe me, I never thought I'd itch for a treadmill).
Luckily for me, I discovered that one of the schools that I am taking classes at this semester happens to have a nice workout center, complete with lap pool, and I happen to get free admission. Sure it might be a fluke since I'm not a full time student, but I'm not questioning their willingness to give me free fitness. So anyway today I headed to the treadmills... and walked right past them to the indoor track! What's better, running in place on a machine, or running around in very small circles? At the moment I'm leaning towards the small circles since I can adjust my speed more organically and there is less chance of injury (yes I have accidentally stepped onto a treadmill that was already on and no it is not a fun experience).
After thirty minutes of running in circles I felt great. I had gotten some exercise, wasn't freezing cold, and could come here whenever I want for the next several months! Happy day. So I'm changing in the locker room and overhear some female undergrads (both wearing the uniform of black Northface jacket and Uggs) chatting with each other:
"OMG, did you see how crowded it was?"
"Yeah, but like, it's only because the semester just started. They'll all be gone by next week."
"You're totally right."
::smiles all around::
I know it's annoying to have to wait for a machine at the gym or to not get your favorite locker because someone else's stuff is in it. But when you look around at what's happening in our country with people eating junk and leading sedentary lifestyles, shouldn't we all be celebrating when there are more people exercising? Let's figure out what we can do to make them keep coming rather than waiting for the day when they've given up so that you can get the elliptical closest to the TV when Jersey Shore is on.
ohhhhh, burn! Jersey Shore! You're right, Miss Kat. I think the more people trying to be active, the better.
ReplyDeleteAlso, that is positively SWEET about getting free fitness. Good find!
I have to admit that when my lifting class started late the other day because the instructor had to show a newbie how to load her bar, I got annoyed--but only because my gym instructs people who are new to the lifting class to come 10 minutes early to their first class so that they can get set up properly. I watch the instructors stand around for those 10 minutes and then, sure enough, just as class is about to start someone walks in and asks for help. I see and agree with your point, though, and I'll try to be more tolerant next time!
ReplyDeleteWell being late is another story! No but really, I can see how that would be frustrating. Good for you for taking a lifting class, that's pretty hard core.
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