Why I Hate The Gym

It has been three months since I have adapted my new lifestyle. I actually just reintroduced it. I've always gone through spurts of healthy eating and exercise. But this time I told myself, I am doing this for the entire year. Recently, I changed that to a 5 year plan. I want to look hot when I'm 40! Now, I know I'll never be Jennifer Aniston, but I'd still like to be comfortable in a bathing suit.

So, I eat better and I work out several times a week. I have never been on a diet and I don't go to the gym. I've had gym memberships in the past, but I have found a better alternative for my lifestyle. First, I live far from a gym, so going to the gym adds extra time driving to and fro. Second, gym memberships are expensive. Gyms are dirty. Gyms can be like meat markets. I prefer women only gyms. I don't like circuit training gyms like Curves. I don't like doing all my exercise at one time.

Let's focus on that last one. I don't like doing all my exercise at one time. For me going to the gym requires me to get ready, drive there, work out, drive home, shower, and get on with my day that is now almost over because the kids will be getting out of school soon. And I'm usually exhausted from working out for an hour straight. Here was my solution that took years for me to find!

I get up and throw on my workout clothes. I take the kids to school, do a little clean up, maybe some blogging while drinking my morning smoothie, and then I'll do a half hour work out video. Usually Pilate's or yoga, so I'm not terribly sweaty and smelly. Then I go about my day, run errands, still in my workout clothes, and work out again later. Either after I've picked up the kids or before bed I will do the elliptical for 20 minutes. Then I take my shower and head to bed when I'm ready.

So the two things I had to overcome, was spending a lot of time in workout gear, even in public, and taking showers at night instead of in the morning. These two little changes have benefited my life greatly. It is hard to break routines and form new habits. But I'm so glad I did. I hope this is a lifelong habit I am instilling in myself. And I'm glad that my kids see me workout sometimes too. I'm being a positive role model for them. Working out twice a day leaves me feeling energetic and not overly exhausted. It's a win-win for me.

My current favorite workout video:

Remember tomorrow starts my "Talk It Over Tea" Linky Party. Bring us your problems and your fellow bloggers will give you solutions! I can't wait to hear your answers for my post! Put on those thinking caps and lets get creative! See you there!