What a difference a year makes. It was this time last year that my gym, as my employer, put me on a hiatus from the facility. I was anxious about the prospect of trying to stay “fit” on my own. I NEEDED my cardio machines! I NEEDED the occasional Power Pump class! I NEEDED to go spin on occasion. How else could I possibly stay sane? Stay in shape? Stay ME? And now?
Well, today I filled out my cancellation paperwork at the gym. Over the last 2-3 months I’ve started running every day before work. This isn’t crazy, pre foot surgery Laura running. I go 3.5 miles, and the first and last bits are a walk. I do dutiful, obligatory 30 min weight sessions twice a week. I go for LOTS of walks. And I smile. Because I realized that I like getting the “tough part” of my day over with before 6 AM. I like being able to go for a lunch walk with the sun on my face and a podcast (probably about murder) in my ears. I like weekend bike rides to the farmer’s market with my husband. Know what I don’t like? Weirdos at the gym who grunt every 10 seconds. Judgemental eyes in power pump checking how much I lift or rolling when I cut out early. And I especially don’t like forcing myself to watch that episode of Property Brothers again while I sweat it out on the “trex” machine.
The fact is, I’m an active person. I have finally realized I don’t need the gym to be in good-enough-for-me shape. All I need are these 2 feet I worked pretty hard to repair, some headphones, and a few weights. Friends are always welcome to come along for a walk. It’s just not as important to me anymore to make myself miserable doing something I don’t enjoy when there’s so much room for stuff I do enjoy. Maybe our recent loss is teaching me to let go of what doesn’t make me happy. Maybe I’m finally adulting and no longer convinced that everyone will see if I gain a half pound. All I know, is our household just got $50 a month back, and if you’ll excuse me I’d like to go shopping.
Food, Farts, and Frustration 
Good for you! I did the gym here for a year, but quit when it became a hassle with our schedule and never looked back. It is about figuring out what works for us.
At this point I don’t see myself diligently doing any cross-training, stretching, foam-rolling, or basically anything but running. But at the same time I have no need to run when Lisa is home, when we’re on vacation, etc. It is about maximizing my life, not trying to mimic someone else’s.
So yay for you! And buy yourself something awesome! 🙂
For the last 20 years, I’ve been a gym girl. But it just feels like I’m ready to do it on my own! If I’ve learned anything in the last few months, it’s that life’s too short to spend it doing anything less than exactly what you want. Cheers to living our maximum lives!