What made you stop with the excuses & join the gym?

[nomadic_butterfly]

LOL so I have been meaning to join the gym for 9 yrs I've never step foot in one..but I want to...what motivated you to take that next step? Was it a health scare? A friend that would be a workout partner?

 

So far I've been banking on genetics...I'm about to be 27 in a couple months, 5'7 133lbs. I'd like to get down to about 125-128 (although I am slender). My metabolism is great; weight gained goes to the hips/booty/boobs. Arms toned, stomach is flat but I still want a 4 pack (6 pack is too masculine).

 

I don't have celly jelly and my butt is round, thighs are toned but I like the idea of squats...I bought an ab roller like 2 months ago and haven't even opened the package and I haven't used my new jump rope. The good news is that I gain muscle mass fast and it's helpful to be naturally toned..

 

My dad is the fattest skinny person you will meet. He eats tons and remains sooo skinny. His mom has had 6 kids and is like a size 6. My mom's mom had 10 kids and she was skinner than me (size 2) after.

 

AAHHHH help me I need to stop with the bull shet excuses...

[regine_phalange]

1) I hate you

2) The most important reason; I started developing back problems from working long hours on a desk

3) I wanted to be more flexible

4) When I work out alone I'm bored. I love group classes though (pilates and yoga), the time passes very quickly and is fun to participate

5) Exercise feels good for the rest of the day. my body feels almost weightless

6) I want my clothes to look sexier

7) The neighborhood gym had a very good yearly offer and I bought it, so now I have to go often in order not to waste my money

[gaius]

Never joined a gym, just bought a weight set and started using gods natural gift to man, sidewalks but I think I wanted to add some definition to my arms. The skinny waist defined, arms with a little muscle thing seems to be the look I like.

 

Unless you feel a great urge to go to the gym you'll probably just end up wasting your money buying a membership. If you need motivation though there's a lot of hot guys there to look at.

[Emilia]

AAHHHH help me I need to stop with the bull shet excuses...

It's not so much the gym - though I do a fair amount of weight training - it's the fact that I really enjoy exercise and while I do some of it for looks, most of it because I enjoy it. I also enjoy being stronger. Doesn't fitness itself motivate you at all? If it's only about physique, it's hard to keep it going I think, partly because you will be never happy and never perfect enough.

[GoreSP]

The best way you will actually get off your butt and go to the gym is by choosing activities you enjoy.

 

I've wasted a lot of money on gym memberships and never went because weight training bores me to tears.

 

Now I play roller derby and signed up for a gym that offers crossfit. I'm at the gym three days a week and at derby practice two days a week.

I'm getting a lot more for my money even though it's costing me 3X what a regular gym membership would cost me...

[tman666]

The best way you will actually get off your butt and go to the gym is by choosing activities you enjoy.

 

I've wasted a lot of money on gym memberships and never went because weight training bores me to tears.

 

Now I play roller derby and signed up for a gym that offers crossfit. I'm at the gym three days a week and at derby practice two days a week.

I'm getting a lot more for my money even though it's costing me 3X what a regular gym membership would cost me...

 

This. For me, powerlifting is my chosen sport, so I basically need a gym.

 

BUT, a gym is not necessary for being healthy or fit. Find a physical activity you enjoy and have a passion for.

 

Ever tried nordic skiing? That'll kick your ass, trust me.

 

Plenty of things to do in this world that don't require a gym.

[d0nnivain]

The gym was running a sale $99 for the year. You had to join between Christmas & New Years.

 

 

I haven't been going yet . . . . lots of excuses. You know how that goes but today I put on a pair of pants & as I sit here, they are tight. We're going on a mini vacation someplace warm in 3 weeks. Gym, here I come!

[dichotomy]

I split time between a home gym and a major gym. Once I got my home gym more equipped (power rack, extensive weights, etc) - I stopped going to the gym. Easier to go to my workout room first thing in the morning in my sweatpants - then drive to the gym. But for the first two years I mixed it up going to both locations.

 

Reasons for going to gym (home or outside) in no particular order

 

1) Declining functional health - aches, pains, mobility, out of breath

2) Disgusted with appearance - self-esteem issues

3) Being active for my kids

4) Improving sex life

5) Helping with depression, anxiety.

6) Me time.

 

Recently my treadmill broke, and I may get a temporary membership again until I can buy a new treadmill.

Edited January 21, 2014 by dichotomy

[radiodarcy]

It's not so much the gym - though I do a fair amount of weight training - it's the fact that I really enjoy exercise and while I do some of it for looks, most of it because I enjoy it. I also enjoy being stronger. Doesn't fitness itself motivate you at all? If it's only about physique, it's hard to keep it going I think, partly because you will be never happy and never perfect enough.

 

I very much agree with this. Admittedly, yes, I do feel that my clothes look better on me when I stay in shape.

 

But I also go because I feel better - - mentally as well as physically. As someone who has struggled with depression for years, the dopamine helps stabilize my mood. If I go more than two days without working out, my levels drop and so - -in turn does my mood.

 

In all honesty, the way I got myself to get back into the gym (and this was after a 10 year absence of *any* exercise in my life and a 60 pound weight gain as a result) was I just shut out the excuses and well - - - - did it

[Johnsmith1003]

For me it was a change within 1 day. I felt my ass too large one day and I was signed up at the gym the next. I lost 30 pounds later that year.

[nomadic_butterfly]

Thanks for the responses guys! I think doing something I wont view as a chore will be best. I can't believe here in LA most gym memberships for one year seems to run about $280 up front

 

I like to dance...am not prolific by any means but I can do a lil sumtin sumtin. What I really think is cool is kick boxing!! I wanna learn how to whoop some tail!!

 

Donnavain that's awesome!! If I saw a $90 gym membership I would buy it right away! I just wish there was a gym that I pay as I go monthly instead of a lump-some payment....

 

Yea, the idea of added stamina is also great as well as better quality of life. I am overall feel I've been dealt a good hand body/face wise so I don't think I'd be too obsessed. I will say though, I am not opposed to non-invasive cosmetic procedures either. As long as nothing needs to be cut, added on or I have to undergo anesthesia I am fine with it (mainly laser stuff).

 

My job has free yoga for us three days a week so I think I will start from there :-).

[dichotomy]

Suspension work (TRX) is all the range these days at many gyms. But you can get some straps from Amazon (there are knockoffs as good as TRX) 100 bucks you can start at home. If you have free yoga at work on top of that - and some running/walking outside - and you got a good mix for little money. Then there are the insanity and p90X DVD's for home too.

 

However - Kickboxing would be awesome.

[InnocentMan]

Life's too short to waste a single moment of it in a gym environment. If you feel the need to exercise, it's much better all round if you find a sport/activity that you enjoy. Tennis, badminton, cross country running, even something as simple as dancing. The list is endless.

 

I can't think of anything more soul destroying than just exercising for the sake of getting exercise. Find something you enjoy. Even regular long walks in the forest are much more beneficial for your soul, and body.

 

A treadmill must be the most depressing invention of the modern world. I have my own treadmill, I call it 'outside'.

[Mr Scorpio]

Life's too short to waste a single moment of it in a gym environment. I can't think of anything more soul destroying than just exercising for the sake of getting exercise.

 

I can respect that. OTOH, the gym offers many opportunities. You can meet new people and make new friends and business connections. You can be motivated by the group aspect or by occasionally glancing at the ladies in their yoga pants on the elliptical in-front of you.

 

Also, while one might not want to go thru the "drudgery" of it, often in life it is the things that we don't want to do that we should. I think there is a certain discipline involved in pushing yourself that is good for the mind, body, and soul.

[dichotomy]

A treadmill must be the most depressing invention of the modern world. I have my own treadmill, I call it 'outside'.

 

 

Except when its minus 10 deg F (-45 wind chill) Or its 110 degrees out and 90% humidity. Or the air poultion is so bad you can cut it with a knife - or their are folks with knifes out there. Ya welcome to some parts of the United States

Edited January 21, 2014 by dichotomy

[KatZee]

I used to be the Queen of Excuses. I actually have tons of at home DVDs that I bought online. Totally had the intention to get off the couch and do the Insanity and/or P90X program. I bought the Zumba box set, and I have tons of 10-minute Abs, or Dance Your Way Skinny! DVDs.

 

I would put them on, and none of them held my attention for more than 10 minutes, and I was usually so wiped after the mere warmup with Insanity that I just stopped 10-15 minutes in.

 

Even though I had good intentions I never was able to stay motivated enough to get past 1 or 2 days with the DVDs. It was too easy to just sit down on my couch to catch my breath and then just not get back up.

 

For me personally, I need to be in a gym environment with an actual coach to stay motivated and have my attention held. I lose interest very quickly.

 

I was in generally good shape to begin with when I joined my current gym. I've been a gymnast for about 20 years, competitive for about 14 of them. I have a nice muscle base, and I was maxing out around 135lbs at 5'5.

 

I actually had to sign up for Spartan Race to really commit to the gym I joined. The first few times I was a little nervous (it's a CrossFit gym) and I was intimidated, but once I got into the routine, I got hooked. I know I have a goal to work towards (beast mode for the race) so that's what keeps me pumped and going to the gym.

 

You totally get addicted once you start going a lot though. My routine this week is nuts:

 

Monday: Crossfit

Tuesday: Kickboxing

Wednesday: Crossfit

Thursday: Crossfit

Friday: Crossfit

 

If someone would have told me months ago that I'd be at the gym every single evening after work, I would have laughed in their faces!

 

What keeps me STAYING at the gym instead of just making excuses to quit after the race, is the fact I see very drastic results. I thought I was in shape before. But how my body works NOW after months of CrossFit and how it worked months before, is like night and day.

[InnocentMan]

Except when its minus 10 deg F (-45 wind chill) Or its 110 degrees out and 90% humidity. Or the air poultion is so bad you can cut it with a knife - or their are folks with knifes out there. Ya welcome to some parts of the United States

 

That's a fair point actually, but there are many sports you can also do indoors, that will probably hold your interest for much longer than simply running on the spot.

 

Many people get bored of the repetitive nature of exercise, but a sport can hold your interest for life.

[nomadic_butterfly]

I used to be the Queen of Excuses. I actually have tons of at home DVDs that I bought online. Totally had the intention to get off the couch and do the Insanity and/or P90X program. I bought the Zumba box set, and I have tons of 10-minute Abs, or Dance Your Way Skinny! DVDs.

 

I would put them on, and none of them held my attention for more than 10 minutes, and I was usually so wiped after the mere warmup with Insanity that I just stopped 10-15 minutes in.

 

Even though I had good intentions I never was able to stay motivated enough to get past 1 or 2 days with the DVDs. It was too easy to just sit down on my couch to catch my breath and then just not get back up.

 

For me personally, I need to be in a gym environment with an actual coach to stay motivated and have my attention held. I lose interest very quickly.

 

I was in generally good shape to begin with when I joined my current gym. I've been a gymnast for about 20 years, competitive for about 14 of them. I have a nice muscle base, and I was maxing out around 135lbs at 5'5.

 

I actually had to sign up for Spartan Race to really commit to the gym I joined. The first few times I was a little nervous (it's a CrossFit gym) and I was intimidated, but once I got into the routine, I got hooked. I know I have a goal to work towards (beast mode for the race) so that's what keeps me pumped and going to the gym.

 

You totally get addicted once you start going a lot though. My routine this week is nuts:

 

Monday: Crossfit

Tuesday: Kickboxing

Wednesday: Crossfit

Thursday: Crossfit

Friday: Crossfit

 

If someone would have told me months ago that I'd be at the gym every single evening after work, I would have laughed in their faces!

 

What keeps me STAYING at the gym instead of just making excuses to quit after the race, is the fact I see very drastic results. I thought I was in shape before. But how my body works NOW after months of CrossFit and how it worked months before, is like night and day.

 

Everyone keeps buzzing and raving about Crossfit at my job. I might have to try this out :-). Wanna have my 4 pack for Thailand in the summer

[Eggplant]

I always run outside when I can, but in the winter when it's dark by 5:30 and 10 degrees out, I'm desperate for the gym. It saves my life.

[Emilia]

I can respect that. OTOH, the gym offers many opportunities. You can meet new people and make new friends and business connections. You can be motivated by the group aspect or by occasionally glancing at the ladies in their yoga pants on the elliptical in-front of you.

 

Also, while one might not want to go thru the "drudgery" of it, often in life it is the things that we don't want to do that we should. I think there is a certain discipline involved in pushing yourself that is good for the mind, body, and soul.

I quite like the gym, I like having motivated people around me. Especially those that lift, they are really motivated.

 

However I run outside. MUCH nicer. Happy to run outside in the winter, in the summer not so much. My neighbourhood can be a bit stabby so I think people assume I'm running away.

[KatZee]

Everyone keeps buzzing and raving about Crossfit at my job. I might have to try this out :-). Wanna have my 4 pack for Thailand in the summer

 

Oh man, do it. You're going to get so addicted lmao.

 

It's really true that once you get into it, that's all you talk about, and people wind up hating you. LOL

 

I converted two people to CrossFit and one is a guy who was like, "Yeah I'm really not a gym rat. I'm not sure I'm going to like it but I'll try it once."

 

Now he's, "Katz, I love it. I go three times a week." He actually calls me every day after his WOD to tell me how he dominated it.

[DorkBreakfast]

Except when its minus 10 deg F (-45 wind chill) Or its 110 degrees out and 90% humidity. Or the air poultion is so bad you can cut it with a knife - or their are folks with knifes out there. Ya welcome to some parts of the United States

 

Dave Attell said it best. "I'm not into jogging...because joggers are always the ones that find the dead body. You never find a dead body sitting at home eating ice cream and watching porn, do you?"

[Mr Scorpio]

That's a fair point actually, but there are many sports you can also do indoors, that will probably hold your interest for much longer than simply running on the spot. Many people get bored of the repetitive nature of exercise, but a sport can hold your interest for life.

 

Very true. If I had the option, I'd much rather play a few games of pickup basketball than run in place. Unfortunately my gym doesn't have a basketball court and it wouldn't matter if my gym did have one, because I have zero athletic ability.

[FitChick]

I've never set foot in a gym. I have my own weights and Perfect Pushups and dozens of DVDs. You don't even need weights -- just do body weight exercises. You don't need DVDs because there are so many free workouts on youtube. You don't need cute outfits because you can work out naked at home.

 

No excuses!