So it’s Thursday today and I finally made it to the gym for the first time this week. It’s actually a little more pathetic than that. I joined a gym last week and had an initial training session with a personal trainer. That was one week ago today and my goal is three times a week…Yeah, that would be a big “F” for me!
I joined Anytime Fitness which is a smaller gym – no pool, tennis courts, racquetball, basketball, sauna, or any other little luxury. It’s just a good, quality gym with great equipment, a convenient location and a laid back environment. I love that they open the huge garage-like doors so you’re working out and feeling like you’re almost in the park across the street. I was even impressed with the trainer I saw for my complimentary training session. I admit, I have almost zero confidence in some of the so-called trainers at clubs like LA Fitness. This trainer listened to my needs and then he met them. I asked him for a strength training program from beginning to end. He worked with me to create a program that would be challenging, but realistic. Today was Day 1 on my own and I think it’s a good fit.
My biggest issue is finding the time to get to the gym. Between my after work physical therapy appointments, chauffeuring my teen around town, grocery shopping, dinner at the in-laws, dog grooming appointments and maybe seeing my husband for a couple of minutes before dreamland, I don’t know how to find more time in the day. There’s always the option of getting up earlier and hitting the gym before work. Although just the thought of getting up any earlier than my already 5:30 am wake up call almost sends me into a panic.
How? How do I do this? How do I make time when there is no more to be had? What can I cut out of my schedule when it all seems like high priority tasks? I know I’m not the only mom who struggles with this and in a way, that’s comforting. I can be a wife and mom who let’s everything else be more important or I can get my ass to the gym. I know there are moms who, although they struggle with the same issues, are juggling life and making it work. I know there are moms who make it work because I actually see them at the gym. So that’s what I’m striving for right now, just finding a stride I can live with. If anyone has any advice on how to fit the gym into an already hectic schedule, please let me know!
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I think you are doing wonderful! You MUST integrate the gym into your schedule just as you include the running around, cooking, cleaning, driving, shopping. You do not have to go everyday. Start out with a 3 to 4 day a week committment. If something comes up and you cannot make it on a certain day-go the following day. Do not beat yourself up over it. As I said you are doing great.