My Topic for today is: Why I’m Breaking Up with the Gym
So far it’s only temporary (3 months)..
- Time
Working full-time, travel, family, friends, training for a race…
It is so hard to fit it in….
- Money.
It’s expensive. I can afford it but I think I’d rather spend that $$ on home improvements, social activities, races, etc.
- Sleep.
I’m not a great sleeper and my preference for going to the gym is before work.
So I have to get up EARLY.
Sleep is more important right now!!
- Stress.
Paying $$ and not going.
Going but not putting in the effort.
Missing sleep and training runs.
You get the picture.
Just one more layer of stress, I’d like to eliminate.
- Lack of Interest.
I missed about a month due to sore ribs.
I didn’t miss it one bit.
I don’t have any friends that go.
I tend to use the same machines over and over so it gets boring.
- Doubt.
Does it help?
Maybe if I did more there.
Or if I hired a trainer.
But I went consistently (3x a week) until Labor Day.
Then I stopped for a month.
My Aug 31 and Oct 12 half marathons had virtually the same finish time.
And I didn’t feel any different physically.
- Not Worth the $.
I haven’t taken any classes there.
I haven’t used the pool or sauna or hot tub.
I just use the hip and arm machines…
- Free or Cheaper Apps Available.
If I choose to do any strength training, there are so many options that cost less and that I can do without leaving my home.
I do not disagree that strength training is important but so are the things I listed above.
It’s not permanent.
I may go back.
I may wait until I retire.
Time will tell…
Happy Running! Do you belong to a gym? If so, why? Please share.
Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).
and tomorrow:
I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs
My First 5K and More... 
Which gym do you belong to? Silver Sneakers allows you to go to a bunch of gyms free. That’s what I do- but, I must confess- I only usually go when I am injured from running. Oh wait- are you not on Medicare yet and not getting Social Security payments monthly? That’s the only reason I can think of.
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No not retired yet. So it’s pretty expensive.
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Gotcha!
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I fully support this decision! It sounds like it’s adding stress to your life, which defeats the whole purpose. I think you could buy some dumbbells and just do strength at home- there are LOTS of free workouts on youtube.
I CANNOT WAIT for your race report! Congratulations again!!!
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still a member for 2 more weeks… LOL
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I think strength training is one of the most important things we can do as we get older; however, you can do it at home. For the price of one month’s membership you could buy some dumbbells and TheraBands to use at home to work your hips and upper body since that’s all you’re doing at the gym. I’d say it’s worth considering.
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It is… but you need the mojo to do it. I am more likely to do it when I’ve paid for it… we’ll see.
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Echo what Deb said above about the importance of strength training. I also agree that there is much you can do at home and so many free videos to use
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That is true.
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Reading this on a day when you texted that you changed your train and were going to the gym is funny. I like the gym for the space and cross training. Oh and summer long runs. But equation different for all
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My membership is good until Nov 15. And I may go back. We will see.
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I stopped going to a gym about 9 years ago and I haven’t missed it at all. But I’ve built up a little home gym over the years and I use that for strength training. It sounds like its not worth it for you to use the membership but hopefully you can figure out another less expensive option that is more convenient for you!
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Maybe.
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I think you have some good reasons for this gym decision. I don’t go to the gym either and only wish I had a membership when it is very cold or icy outside.
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Totally agree.
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Fair enough! We have a family membership at the Y and we use it fairly regularly. It wouldn’t be much cheaper to just have one person going, so even though I’m not always there, it’s worth it to us to keep the membership. I was going four days a week before I got into my busy season, and i do need to get back into it. Do you ever try the classes? Sometimes those are really fun.
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The classes are when I am working for the most part. The family membership is more expensive and the hubby plays tennis and has joined a different facility.
I like to go 3x a week but it’s a struggle esp when I travel for work.
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