Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Working It

Did I tell you that I joined a gym? Ibis found one a couple weeks ago, and last week I decided to start going too. I've been doing pretty well with my workout video (Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred) but the jumping is killing my joints. The gym only has bicycles for cardio, but I can read a book while exercising which means I'm even more likely to do it.

And... I got to break out my fancy exercise gloves. I bought them years ago when I was a regular at Ballys and how can you not take exercise seriously when you look like a bad@ss?

I was really sore after the first day -- of course I had to try every single machine -- but I think my body is slowly remembering how to do this. I'm still doing the video in between but I'm very happy to be able to change things up.

I'm seeing results and my clothes are fitting like they should. I even have a two-pack. But, I think I'm getting old. Every morning I wake up and my body is tired. Is that normal?

Do you work out?

22 comments:

Spy Scribbler said...

I love that feeling! Maybe I'm weird (well, that's already a given), but I love the feeling of being sore. I don't know why.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I think it's the whole "no pain, no gain thing." Unfortunately this is more like an ache in my joints.

Susan R. Mills said...

Sore? What's that? It's been so long, I can't remember. I used to be addicted to working out, but sometimes life gets in the way. Your post has motivated me to start back up! Thanks!

Jon VanZile said...

Up until last week (ha ha), I was kind of a gym rat. No, seriously, the last few weeks haven't been great -- just going once or twice a week -- but I'm usually a 3-5 times a week kind of gym guy. And it definitely gets harder as you get older to recover. Even after a week or two off, the first few workouts back are, um, excruciating isn't too strong a word. But on the bright side, I'm actually in better shape at 37 than I was at 27. So it works!

JLC said...

Are you the only woman in the gym? I've had gym membership twice. The first time was a great experience (Before Children), the second time was worthless (After Children). I need to go back to yoga. I get a great workout without the pain.
Have a great time at your gym!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Hi Lazy Writer! Life has a funny way of doing that, no? I figure a little is better than nothing, plus it helps that my husband is really into working out. I feel like a sloth if I don't do anything.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Lurker, that's great you're in such good shape! I wouldn't say I'm in the best shape of my life, but it's tolerable.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Turkey, there are actually a lot of women there, which is why I agreed to join. And, they are really nice for the most part. So far it's been a good experience.

spamwarrior said...

Cool that you've joined a gym! I only take ballet lessons but I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to take martial arts.

Nadine said...

Wait, why isn't there a picture of the gloves?

Glad your workout is going well! I need to start again, I feel like a bum. Maybe next week...

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Spamwarrior, I miss dancing so much. Your ballet comment made me think of that. Funny because I went almost every Wednesday for four years, then every other for another three years. Wednesday is dancing day to me.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Nadine, I didn't even think to take a picture!

You've had a good excuse not to exercise. Healing is most important.

WendyCinNYC said...

Good for you! I run 2 or 3 times a week and like to do outside stuff: kayaking, tennis, golf, whatever.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Wendy, I'd love to get into kayaking but I'm scared of the ocean. Chicago has kayaking on the river. Is it weird I'm less afraid of whatever toxins might be in the Chicago River?

Sharon Marriott said...

You should try kayaking in the lagoon down in Barra. You can rent kayaks just inside the lagoon. I really enjoy it. I've paddled out to the rocks but do not enjoy sea kayaking as much.

Where is your gym? I am a gym rat at home but usually just use my bands, my sand filled bleach bottles and run while in Zihuatanejo. My son is a college football player and may need to find a gym to work out if he comes down at Christmas.

I am coming back to Barra this Saturday for two weeks. If you get down to Barra, drop me a jingle if you want to go kayaking. I am in the yellow condo at Los Achotes.

Aimlesswriter said...

I exercise, I stop, I exercise, I stop again...story of my life.
Right now I'm starting again. I got a weight bench for Mother's Day (my request) and I'm ready to go.
I tried spinning class and dropped out. That's hard!
Good luck with the gym.

colbymarshall said...

Wait...I don't think I know what an exercise glove is...please describe. I feel like an idiot.

Better Than Coffee said...

no, sadly, i don't work out. i wish i had the patience though.

love,
nobe

www.deariago.com
www.iamnobe.wordpress.com

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Sharon, we're going to a gym near the sports fields in the middle of town (the police station is on the opposite side). If you email me I'd be happy to give you more details.

Kayaking sounds great, especially in the lagoon! We don't typically do those types of things because they are pricey and we're on a really tight budget. Do you think you'll be coming into town at all? We could meet for lunch or something.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Aimless, we had a weight bench (well, Bo-Flex) in Chicago and I loved it. The bikes at this gym seem to be the type used in spinning classes, but ugh, I couldn't do that. I try to do speed intervals but I figure just riding it is better than nothing.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Colby, rofl. Don't give me that. With all your dancing and running around?

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Nobe, exercising makes me MORE patient. It calms my mind, gives me time to think, and puts my body at rest.