I Joined a Gym

It’s been about a decade since I joined/went to a gym. It’s not because I’m anti-gym; it’s because there are so many things and projects that keep me busy and give me a proper workout. So, instead of a gym, I opted to get fit by doing practical things (building a fire pit, setting paving stones and gravel in a garden, building raised garden beds, painting the deck, raking, shoveling, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera).

Why Did I Join a Gym

There are two reasons for joining the gym. The first reason was I was bored and wanted something else to do. It was either joining a gym or hanging out at the local wine bar. I thought the gym was a healthier idea.

The second reason for joining the gym was the pollen count. I like biking, walking, and being outdoors. However, there were certain days when the aftermath of sneezing and itching was more than I wanted to handle. Yes, I do take vitamin C, and it does squash the allergic reactions, but if I’m out for an extended period of time, I have to remember to bring vitamin C, and sometimes I forget.

Whole New Experiences

Back in the day, when my kids were small, we had a family membership to the gym. Between the outdoor pools and the indoor basketball courts, my kids were happy. Hubby enjoyed the weight room and basketball court. Me, well, back in the day, I used to take step classes until I discovered spinning. Or I should say cycling. I think Spinning is trademarked, and I don’t want to run into problems. For this post, I’ll use the word cycling.

Since I enjoy biking outdoors (except when the pollen count is unbearable), taking a cycling class was the next best thing. Actually, there are times when cycle classes are more enjoyable. I like it because it’s like going to a party with jammin’ music and a great workout. It’s addicting.

Sore Rump

Fortunately, transitioning from biking outdoors to the cycle class wasn’t very difficult on my rump.  Newbies who have not been on a bike in months or years will experience rump rage. In other words, your bottom will be sore for a few days. It’s unpleasant, but once you’ve developed a tolerance for the bike seat, all is golden.

The bikes they use now are “smart bikes .”They have digital screens that record all sorts of stuff for each ride. I don’t use the “smart” feature. I leave the computers off for three reasons.

1. I’m a numbers junkie and can see myself becoming obsessed with the numbers.
2. I can’t read the display without my glasses (that’s the real reason). and I don’t wear glasses when I bike.
3. I have an Apple Watch, which gives me all the info I need.

Fitness Improvements

In the one month since joining the gym, I’ve taken 14 cycle classes. I took it slow the first week, but after that, I’ve been taking a class every other day. These classes have done wonders for my lower back, hips, and knees. At first, it was a little touch and go, but now, I’m hooked.

Going forward, I intend to take other classes and even learn to work the Nautilus circuit. My goal is to progress slowly. I’m no longer a spring chicken and learned that slow and steady work best for this old gal.

Why am I sharing this? Well, because I have a blog that has been dormant for quite some time (I really didn’t have anything to say). I figured maybe it was time I started writing about health again.

6/24/23 Update: I wrote this in May and never posted it to the blog. Since then, I’ve added Body Pump to the mix. That first Body Pump class was a humbling experience. My body was angry with me for at least three days. Now that it’s talking to me again, I decided to make Body Pump a regular occurrence. No sense in going through the painful initiation and not sticking with it.