Gym Depression
November 1, 2007 by Tracee Sioux
Filed under Parenting
So, I’m sad and depressed today because my gym membership is gone.
The main reason is that it’s overpriced at $70 per month.
Our next goal is to buy a home and that $70 needs to go to a mortgage payment. That’s my sacrifice.
The other practical reason is that my whole family needs exercise. I’ve written before about my 5-year-old’s warning about her red zone BMI. If I’ve worked out for 1.5 hrs alone at the gym by myself, I’m not likely to go on a walk or bike ride with her.
But, I can’t help but feel like I might be sacrificing too much. Like that yoga class and the eliptical machine was the only thing keeping me on this side of sanity.
We have a bunch of county owned rec centers here that are practically free. You should see if they have those in TX. That price seems so high too. My gym membership is only $41 mo. for both of us.
I wish I could lend it to you – I so rarely use it.
Hey Tracee,
It’s ok that you’re not a member of the gym anymore, as long as you make a commitment and stick to it to exercise at home or outside. There’s all kinds of things you can do. I think you should invest in some resistance bands. If you have those you’re set for resistance work. Then you just gotta figure out ways to get your heart rate up for cardio. Walking, running, doing hills, dancing, bicycle riding, … all kinds of ways are out there. You’ll be fine!
I know, it’s only Ten Thousand Times harder.
I bought a baby bike seat for Zack – he’ll love it. Now if I could just get Ainsley to seriously ride and give up fear. Going to ask for Dance, Dance Revolution for Christmas. Buy some Yoga videos at Ross for $5. I’ll find some resistance bands at a garage sale. It’s on my list now.
I was scared about riding my bike up through the 3rd grade. It helped to get used to it gradually, going round and around the cul-de-sac. It also helped to play bike games that were more role-playing and didn’t require going fast – I wish I could remember what they were.
Good luck! I just joined a gym because I lack the discipline to exercise at home. But then, mine costs half of what yours does or else I might not have joined.
oh, I can feel your pain! I really miss the spinning classes and freedom of working out without kids—-but it can be done! I have a blog devoted to moms and fitness—stop by sometime to check it out for ideas.
Lisa
http://www.workoutmommy.com
Yeah, Susanna, I do not regret belonging to the gym for a year and a half. I lost over 30 lbs and actually developed the discipline to enjoy a workout during that time.
If I were still close to 200 lbs I would not be quitting. But, I’m back in a size 10 and I feel like I can actually accomplish my workout without the gym now.
I’ll stop by Lisa, I just got back from taking the kids to a walking trail. We did a mile and a half after school.
If you ever want to go on the trail on the weekend mornings, call me and we’ll go.
I felt the same way when I gave up the gym. It was too expensive.
Is there a YMCA in your area? Often the rates for an entire family there are lower than the rates for one person at a commercial gym and there are programs for everyone and even things you can all do together.
If there is, it’s highly unpublicised. I’m going to look into it though. Thanks for the advice.
Where we’re moving has a gym for $30. Way more reasonable.
I confess to have created an excuse not to exercise on most days since quitting the gym. I’ve purchased products that I have yet to use. Got a yoga CD, broken and have to return. Got a bike seat, didn’t put it together. Only been walking with the kids once.
Tracee, no worries about letting the gym membership last. IMO it’s not necessary: http://lowtechtimes.com/2008/01/22/the-fitness-scam-part-2/
I’m strugglingto find a way to work the gym back into my budget now that we’re in the house.
The bottom line is that I am about 50% more likely to exercise if I have a place to go and do yoga (the videos are subpar and not as emotionally soothing), I have childcare for the baby (who constantly interupts) and I can take a class (kickboxing) with other people or work on the eliptical machine which has no impact on my hips.
Walking around my neighborhood was interesting for about two weeks. It made my hips hurt.
I want to go back to the gym!!!