My first visit

The first time at our new gym was last night.

It was so akward at first. I felt so out of place, and out of practice. It was bizzare to think that I haven't gone to a gym or worked out consistently in 3 years.

I kept asking myself- "Will I like it?"

I had no idea. I used to like going to the gym. I used to enjoy running and weight lifting.

I suddenly felt small and intimidated.

What a strange feeling to have when going to do something that used to be the norm/ routine. What a strange feeling to be someplace and feel out of place.

It was akward at first. It was intimidating and strange.

It's sad- but I wanted to turn around and not even try. I'm ok with me- aren't I?

Then I remembered the other day. I brought my two sons home. The oldest- who is almost 2 1/2 years old wanted to race me down the apartment hallway. It was so fun and he was so happy. I remembred again why it was important and why I needed to try- because I want to be there and be able to be the best mom I can be for my kids, and the best partner "in crime" to my future husband.

So, for my workout, I did a mile long bike ride to warm up ( 6 minutes), a did a run/walk for 20 minutes (and got up to 7.6 mph- which is really good for me, my short legs, and lack of running for about 4 months). Then, I moved on to weight lifting- bicep curls, upright rows, tricep extensions and other arm exercizes on the cable machines, the assisted pull up machine (I could never do pull ups on my own in gym class), and the roman chair. The roman chair was tough- it used to be so easy. I did 6 back extensions on the roman chair and then felt the c-section incision. It was time to stop.

I ended the work out by using these cool new stationary bikes that have different races and routes with a monitor so you have something to look at.

After I worked out I felt great and remembered why I used to love going to the gym so much and why I've missed it.

NOOOO comparison

I had my fiance and our kiddos meet me at work yesterday.  There is a gym located in the same building- the Sabes JCC.  We took a tour of the facilities and WOW.  NO comparison to our preceeding visit at Bally Total Fitness.  3 indoor basketball courts, 1 outdoor basketball court, raquetball, multiple class options, nice locker rooms, a children's pool, a lap pool, an outdoor pool- complete with diving board and slide(!), plenty of cardio, weight machines and free weights.  The list goes on: a sauna, whirlpool, steambath in the men's and women's locker rooms, a family locker room,  locker rooms for those under 18 (a safeguard due to sauna and whirlpool restrictions), 2 masseuses, a staff of 15 trainers, free towel service, a $50 credit to use as we please once we become members, aquatics classes, lifeguards on duty at the pool, a track above the basketball court, Sasha's place and the tumble room (where the kids hang out).  Sasha's place will feed and change your kids.  Locks available to use during your visit for your locker, or you can rent a locker.  A hoard of aerobics courses ranging from spinning to yoga to pilates to Zumba!  They also give us 24 guest passes for the year with our family membership.

WOW.

The club was so clean and friendly too.  It was big- but not so big that you feel annonymous or that the gym is a cash cow with a revolving door. 

They also offer a sliding fee scale so that regardless of your financial situation, you can still maintain your health.

I wish I had known about this place sooner!

My fiance is excited to join and feels good about the change I think.  I feel good about all the ammenities and that it is so family friendly!

Sabes JCC- fitness center?!?!?!

I had no idea until I started working here that the JCC (Jewish Community Center) had a gym/ fitness club attached to it.  I wish I had known!  Especially when I was unemployed- they have a special "Pay what you can" program for those that have lost their jobs.  If I had only known....

Even though the club is at the Jewish Community Center- it is open to the public- just in case anyone is wondering...

Their club is clean and modern.  The child care area is clean and the staff is really friendly. They let my kids hang out there one Friday when I didn't have anyone to watch the kids.  There's usually more than 1 person on at a time in the children's room too.  Someone pinch me!

Right now, they have a "Pay what you want" promo going through December 25th. 

I have $2 in my jacket pocket.  I wonder if that is acceptable???  It would be really nice to go work out over my lunch breaks.

I picked up their personal training pamphlet this a.m.- they have 30 minute express sessions.  Perfect.

I've already contacted the membership department.  Maybe this will be a better fit than Bally's.

(My fiance keeps getting his membership fee raised without notice at Bally's and has been considering leaving because of that and the cleanliness is lacking- they reportedlycut their janitorial staff due to budget cuts with the economic changes.)