I am now officially a member of three different gyms. It's amazing how the needs in a gym can change while your energy level and exercise route gradually increase. Just January I started going to Curves three times a week and now it's the least effective of my workouts. I had been going to Curves for lunch during the week day...until now.
My latest gym join is at the Everett Community College right across the street from work. It's closed to the public, they only let students and faculty in. Thankfully, since we are a state agency, we are able to get in for the faculty rate. This gym is brand new and pretty spectacular! There is a rock wall, track, state of the art cardio equipment, one impressive weight lifting circuit, free weights and one pretty Basketball court! There are even showers and locker rooms available.
Although the college gym is...so sweet, it's not Emerald City Athletic (gym #2). ECA has a pool for one thing! It also has a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and some pretty good equipment. It's a lot busier than the college but nothing feels better than a soak after a tough work out! So, why join the college at all? Easy.. location. ECA is clear across town. I would have to go there either before work (5:30am arrival time- choke!!) or take an additional 40 minutes at lunch for driving making my lunch hour around two hours. Starting work at 7am and leaving at 5:30 each day is just not appealing to me at all! So.. going to the college saves driving time. My new work schedule will be 7-4 and I get a 45 minute work out in. Now that's what I'm talking about!
When you look for a gym.. my advise, make location part of your decision! Time is the most valuable asset we have! Spending it in the most effective way should be a goal for everyone. Curves is on the way home from work, the college is a 2 minute walk..but ECA is only $19/mo, cheaper than any other gym! So, each place I'm a current member of has a purpose in my routine and budget. Now, if I could get the college to add on a pool/jacuzzi/steam room.. the choice would be simple! :) Bottom line though, it doesn't matter where you burn the calories, only matters that you do!
I will likely continue to go to Curves on the way home when I can to boost my calorie burn, and I'm still doing P90X when I arrive on the days I have it scheduled. P90X, although giving me much definition, is not a huge calorie burning routine. So the extra 500 or so burn during lunch is really going to improve my weight loss. I will still go to my ole ECA fav on Friday nights and the weekends and when time isn't limited by the stupid work thing! hehe
I think that when my contract is up at Curves I will cancel it. I'm only going there now because I'm paying for it but I can do the same circuit training I get there but with more weight so keeping up with my level at the college and ECA. Curves was a great beginning and I recommend it to ANYONE who wants to really start a solid program and change their lives, but for me.. I just don't need it anymore. It's a good feeling :)
I am now on week 4 of P90X. I'm happy with my progress so far and have been enjoying the routines. Its going to be exciting to start week 5 as there are new routines to try! I've made it farther in the program than two guys I work with. To me, that's saying something! :) I am committed to my goal. This week I found out that my Ha1c has gone from 8 three months ago to 5.6. That made me smile all night and all day today! I'm normal.. normal! It's a proven tested fact.. ha! My resting heart rate has also improved going from around 87 to 79. Wow! My poor heart is finally getting a break and not having to work so hard when I'm doing nothing and my blood sugar levels will only get better as the weight comes off. That outta add a few of the wrinkly years to my life! :)
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