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.

We are officially members!

After much debate and a long hiatus from having a gym membership- I (I should say WE, as a family) have a gym membership.

I am so thrilled to be able to go to the gym. No just go to the gym though. It's much more than that. It's promoting and showing healthy habits to our kids. It's having options in my workouts. It's about the family time that we can have together in the gym or the pools.

It is so exciting to know that I have the tools and the time to take care of myself so I can better take care of my family. I'll also be able to live a longer healthier life and that is a great prospect.

Since we joined the JCC, we also qualified for a scholarship. Which I am so grateful for since my better half is still in school, and I have just started working again.

I have to admit - the tears welled in my eyes just thinking about how grateful I am to the scholarship program. Grateful to be the mom and partner I want to be and how having a healthy, active lifestyle fits into that.