Exercise Angst

[anogete]

I have a quandary. I walk/jog with Ferguson between two to three miles each day. Or, at least, I was doing this before I moved into the new apartment. Now, it takes me longer to get home in the evenings, and with the sun setting earlier each evening, I tend to shrug it off and lie around the apartment like a lump with a book. This wouldn't be an issue if lying around like a lump didn't make be feel like utter shit. It would also be nice if I hadn't gained ten pounds (!!!) in the space of three weeks. Uck. So, whatever, I'm determined to get back on track and stop letting this lazy attitude sap away all my energy.

My quandary has to do with what my course of action will be. I can't go walking/jogging in the middle of the winter after dark. This means that I have two options, seeing as how I don't have room for (or the funds to purchase) a treadmill in the apartment. The apartment complex has a fitness center in the clubhouse, which is open 24/7. I don't exactly fancy working out next to people I live beside, but that's just me being picky. I have, however, heard that the fitness center sees its fair share of use, which could mean that I'd spend more time waiting for a piece of equipment to free up than actually using the equipment. A block up the street is a small gym--a Snap Fitness franchise--which seems to be the perfect size. They have multiple treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, and loads of free weights, whereas the fitness center only has one of each. Another added benefit of the gym is that they have a couple staffers there to guide your workout if you need assistance. It is also open 24/7 with a personalized keycard for hours in which the staff is not there. The downside? It's $35 a month. However, they don't require contracts; you just pay on a month-by-month basis.

I dunno... It isn't that I can't afford the monthly fee; I'm just being a cheapy. Maybe I'll stop by the fitness center in the clubhouse this evening at 6:00 and 10:00 to see when it isn't too busy. Nobody works out at 10:00pm, do they? I would totally work out at that time if I can have the fitness center to myself.

I know several of you on my flist are gym members. Do you like it? Do you think you would have as much discipline in going to the gym if you weren't paying for the privilege? I'm versed in cardio, but not so much in strength training; do you think I would have a problem balancing the two without the guidance of a professional? Help!

Comments

[bleedtoblue.livejournal.com]

I love the gym, but you know that. I've had home equipment before and I didn't stick with that nearly as long. I like the variety of machines at the gym. You can do strength training with free weights, I do that at home, but I use a routine that a fitness trainer showed me. Does the gym offer any exercise classes that you might like? Or maybe you could just find a class somewhere else? Since you don't have to buy a contract you could try the gym for a couple of months and see how you like it. But check out the fitness center at your complex, it might work very well. Yes, I know that doesn't really answer your questions, I just encourage you to try your options til you find one that works well for you.

[celeste-506.livejournal.com]

Seems a shame to pay for the same equipment you get for free at the apartment. I would at least give the apartment one a chance, and if it's too aggravating, go try a month membership at the gym. What about early in the morning? I love working out then!

[theredzebra1.livejournal.com]

Having a gym membership (or just a place to work out that is not my home) has the perk of making you feel as though the time has already been set aside for exercise. Many times I've walked into the gym, not wanting to be there, but I can't help thinking, "Well, I'm here. I might as well get to work."

Now if I could just find a quiet room to write in...