Well, it had to be done, so I did it: I joined a gym (and it’s not the health club where I work – shhhhhhhh!). With swimming and biking out of the picture for the time being, there was simply no way I was going to make myself get in my backyard pool five days a week. So, I’ve turned in my “hardcore” card and now I’m following the black line in the toasty-warm lap pool. Sure, I’ve only been there twice, but I’ve had a few revelations about belonging to a big-box gym:
- Everything is so shiny! Including all the 20-somethings who are working out, yikes. The last time I belonged to a gym, I was still in my very early 30s, so maybe I didn’t notice it as much as I do now that I’m an old lady. The perky girl working at the front desk made me wish I was wearing sunglasses with her blinding teeth and smooth skin.
- Swimming in a lap pool is so flippin’ awesome! Why doesn’t my backyard pool have a line to follow, huh??? For a girl prone to severe panic attacks in the water, I’m absolutely loving that the deepest water is still only chest-high. I am fully aware of the fact that lap pool swimming isn’t preparing me in the least for open water, but you know what? I don’t care.
- There’s a downside: I’m even slower than ever before. WTF? I’m feeling great in the water, relaxed and smooth, but somehow my times are crazy slow. Like am-I-actually-swimming-backwards-and-don’t-know-it slow.
- All the Group-X classes make me feel like a kid in a candy store. Yoga, pilates, spin, booty boot camp, aqua-robics, Zumba…YES! I can’t wait to try them all!
- Since I am a total newbie to the public pool scene, I was a little nervous about lap lane etiquette. So far, though, the pool has been pretty quiet. This morning at 5 am I was literally the only one in the water – score!
My plan right now – you know I need to have a plan, even if I’m not working my training plan for the next few weeks/months/whatever – is to get in the pool four or five days a week, plus some strength training and group-x classes. The goal is to get stronger in the water and resolve my injury issues without losing too much fitness. I haven’t taken my Half-Iron off the books, I’m just re-organizing the way I’m training and my goals for it. Right now, just making it to the starting line is going to be all the victory I need!
Jogging with Fiction says
Hahah, you can still be hardcore even if you joined a gym. 5am workouts qualify 🙂
Heather says
I love the black line in the pool. The pool I go to also has markings in the middle, which is reassuring, because I know I’m halfway to the wall. 🙂
Carrie says
Awesome motivation to get out there and stay active! I love that you’re taking advantage of this time to do so much swimming and enjoy some super fun classes (I love Zumba, spin and all of the above)! Kudos to you for your strength and determination – you’re so inspiring!! 🙂
I haven’t had a gym membership since I moved to my new city. I miss it like crazy because there’s just so much fun stuff to do! It’s totally an adult playground, I think. I hope you enjoy your time there! Have a great day!!
misszippy says
Yes, those lines are kind of nice. And glad you’ve had the pool to yourself. There’s nothing like dealing with a crowded pool full of obnoxious swimmers!
Hang in there…
Christi says
I agree with “jogging with fiction” you have not turned in your hard core card!
Aimee says
Yay for joining a gym! I actually love my gym! Enjoy the lap pool and classes! 🙂
Johann says
You are brave! I’ve never belonged to a gym or trained in one. I have various reasons but I’ll keep it simple…I don’t want to.:) Good luck with the swimming!
Teamarcia says
Have fun with your new club! I know when did everyone else get so young? Aren’t we still 18??
Jon says
I go to the pool @ times I know no one will be using it. I do this so that I am gauranteed my own lane. I don’t mind sharing, I just hate sharing a lane with the guy who can’t swim straigt!
ajh says
Yeah, you’re still hard core! Good luck with speeding up the swimming. You’ll do it. You’re just getting oriented to the deluxe inside feeling!
Colleen says
Yay for the gym! And the black line is awesome in the pool… still need to find an open water tri that offers that feature! 🙂
Alma says
WOW! Lots of swimming! Glad you found a warm place to go.
Chris K says
Swimming is a fantastic way to keep the fitness level high. I’m impressed. Going to a gym just feels good. I’m not spring chicken at my gym, but it doesn’t bother me in the least.
Tortuga_Runner says
LOL Group-X huh, is your gym by chance open 24hrs a day? Did you by chance hit the great Costco membership deal? I don’t think you will be out of commission as long as you think especially with your commitment to CORE and cross training.
Char says
At least you’re not wearing the same outfits from when you were last at the gym. Wasn’t that the g-string era?
Jessica Miller says
I’m just starting to get into swimming! I’m excited to hear more of your gym adventures! 🙂
ratherthecouch says
As much as I’m sure this whole ordeal sucks, it’ll probably turn you into a stronger triathlete. (You know…because of all the swimming)
Mamarunsbarefoot says
Ahh love my lane lines.. I’m wondering how I’ll do during my half IM without them!!!!
The Green Girl says
Aw, have fun at your shiny new membership pool!