My dear blogging friend, Frances, mentioned she was about to head off to the gym. I applauded her for her bravery. I tried a gym for about three months a couple of years ago. I hated it. Perhaps it was the environment. The only gym in Our Town at the time was at the local pool and it was a dingy little room off to the side of the building with limited equipment. The few people there ignore everyone else in the room - no camaraderie shall be entered into.
I think I've finally decided that since my knees don't like netball anymore (a shame, because the rest of me loves it), walking is my preferred exercise of choice. I can go at whatever time I prefer and it costs me nothing but time. When we first moved to Our Town I also noticed that you're not allowed to walk past another walker without greeting them. Well....this happens between 5am and 7am. I don't know about the rest of the day. A simple "morning" and a quick smile is all that is required. I thought it odd when we first moved here. Now I'm the first to offer the requisite greeting. I like that we're a friendly bunch...unlike the gym bunch.
All that being said there are a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, motivation. I'm an early morning walker and prefer to return home before the sun is high enough to get in my eyes. If I don't wake up in time to be home by 7am I don't go, and often I just don't feel like it. Since I'm not paying for the privilege I don't feel the same need to get my money's worth as I do at a gym. The second drawback is the weather. If it's raining but I have managed to wake up in good time I sit there looking miserably out the window - all those good intentions dashed!
This year I have determined that I need to walk more. I'm aiming for three to four days a week. I think I could nearly do that.
What is your favourite form of exercise?
2 comments:
Walking is my favorite form of exercise without a doubt. I walk most mornings--it helps to have a dog who lives for a good walk! I don't like walking in the heat, so in summer I often walk in the early evening if I can't get out of the house before 8 a.m.
I don't mind the gym, especially because the one I go to is very nice (it's part of the Jewish community center) and most of the other exercisers are sixty are older, which makes for a more serene atmosphere than some gyms I've gone, too.
Admittedly, I usually have to work myself up to going, but I'm always happy that I did. I'm trying to lift weights at least twice a week, and sometimes my walks with my dog are on the slow side, as Travis always has to stop and sniff. It's good to get on the eliptical machine and get my heart rate up from time to time.
Here's to a healthy (and happy) New Year!
xofrances
Ooh, you sound like me! Too many excuses not to walk, even though I enjoy it when I do!
I have been so slack for months now. I get up early but just can't quite get out the door. I am the same as you, I need to be back by 7am so the routine can start.
I start back at Weight Watchers next week so that will be my motivation. Maybe when its windy or wet I can do laps of our passage way (work out how many laps would be 500metres or just do it for 10 minute bursts). Hmmm, better get to it!
Cheers - Joolz
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