So like clockwork, I receive an email from my corporate chain Gym informing me that my yearly membership is about expire and if I want to receive their ‘special early bird’ pricing that I’d better capitalize A.S.A.P.. The next day, I receive another email with the same content…a week later, another email and so on. Ok. Ok. I get it. You want my money. And a lot of it if you ask me.
I wonder about all these clubs and wonder if their approach to wellness and health is actually justifiable and beneficial to their clientele. Let’s face it…I’m miserable and the whole battle begins with actually getting out the front door to go to the gym. You really could care less if I’m there. I’m your cash cow and you are simply the farmer who uses machines as a way of enticing me with the idea of fitness rather than actually providing it. Where is the encouragement? Where is the high five at the door giving me me props for showing up? Oh…I have to pay for a personal trainer for that? Riiiight. Why do I feel that I need you in order to show a commitment to my health?
Something is not working here. I’m fed up. We are breaking up. It’s not me…it’s you. It’s not for a million reasons…just a few.
1) That hefty fee up front…$$$
2) Motivation–You do not motivate me. I’m not excited to come see you, to spend time with you..it’s a chore.
3) You are intimidating…I don’t always know where I’m going or what I’m doing…Also, I’m scared of the grunting lifters.
Therefore, I am conducting an experiment.
Question: Can I achieve my fitness goal and improve wellness without the use of the “GYM” for 1 year?
Hypothesis: Hell Yes. By the use of nature, like-minded momma’s and exemplars, and tweaking my everyday routine in the home, I can achieve my personal goal.
Procedure: I have two children: a energetic 3-year-old and a newborn. Time is always my excuse. You too? Ya, I figured. Screw you time. I’m taking you and making you my b*%$#. I will work out 5 days a week anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour in duration. This IS realistic. I will get helpful hints and exercises from some of my fellow HOCKEY WIFE homies who are literally killing it body game {STAY TUNED for their intro in the next few days}. They say it’s dangerous to compare yourself to others, however, I’m changing the jargon on this one. I am not comparing. I am inspired by them. And I am lost, and I NEED help. They are doing something right…and frankly I’m tired of going left. I love structure. Give it to me. No excuses.
Some of my happiest days and memories occur when I’m outside and one with nature. I grew up spending every summer in Muskoka since I was born. Swimming, skiing, running on dirt roads pretending the wild turkeys were chasing me to better my time, hiking the most beautiful provincial parks in Ontario with a pack on my back and a canoe yolked on my shoulder..and I want that back. FACT: it’s possible. My journey in this hockey wife life has brought me the perfect city for this type of lifestyle. No excuses. Get. Outside.
There are days when it’s just not possible to get out of the house with my two boys. Mom’s have other things that need tending to such as meals, laundry, blogging… I basically have a pop-up gym in my house. I’ve got weights, kettle bells, resistance bands, stability and medicine balls, foam roller, ankle weights, stairs, and a yoga mat. It’s all there, screaming at me for attention…just like my toddler. No excuses.
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| Note to Self: Sometimes all you need is a Yoga mat.. {Before} |
As I mentioned before, I love structure. The only thing that I really utilized at the gym were the fitness classes. I couldn’t escape. I could compete {with others in the class, intrinsically}, and it was timed. In and out. So even though I’m ditching the “GYM”, I am excited to still treat myself to exercise in the way of “classes”. I will practice yoga, take a chance with spinning {I’ve never!}, dance and visit my good friend Jillian’s studio for some one on one body training.
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| Yoga = Wellness |
Record the Results: I will share. Of course I will. I need accountability. I gained 30 pounds from my pregnancy. I was cognizant of what I was eating but wasn’t always careful, let’s be honest sometimes you just need to drink a litre of chocolate milk…great for post-work recovery right?? The only problem? I didn’t work out. I had a couple of scary or sketchy moments with my pregnancy and literally didn’t want to jostle that little guy in my belly. Poor excuse but that is what I digressed to.
I have 12 more pounds to ditch to return to my pre-baby bod. I will get there. After that, I will tone. It’s not about the number to me. But I can tell you that I want those Carrie Underwood legs, Britney Spears abs, and Jessica Biel’s arms. But what’s better? I’ve got the Abby Sharp legs, the Jillian Supryka core , and the Chrissy Fiddler arms guiding me on my journey. Meet these babes in a few days right back here on the blog.
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| {Before Baby} |
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| 9 Months Pregnant |
……drum roll….
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| 8 Weeks Post Partum #talkaboutchildbearinghips |
Conclusion: This is going to be awesome.
Smell ya later Gym Grunters.
