Today I want to talk a little bit about my decision to join the YMCA. It all started when I realized that I needed to work out. Not really to lose weight, or get a chiseled body, but to really feel healthy, and take care of my body.
I was hesitant at first to join the Y. I did not want to spend the $80 dollars a month on something I didn't know if I would use. But how would I know if I would use it if I didn't give it a chance? I struggled in the past with working out consistently. I tried work outs at home and was never really successful at being consistent. Usually my kids were right there interrupting my flow when I would try and do yoga poses. It was near impossible for me not to get frustrated, and quit.
I have tried running in the past with no success. I am not what you would call a morning person. In order for me to have to run. It would have had to be in the morning before everyone woke up. I would run once or twice but could never stick with it. I have tried a jogging stroller (which I would use occasionally.)
So one of the draws to the YMCA was they had a day care for the majority part of the day. This was huge for me. I could work out, and the kids could play happy while I was away. Instead of trying to interrupt me from my workout. This was a game changer for me.
After having read the book Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin I realized somethings about my personality. She talks about four different types of personalities. While I won't go into too much detail: The first is an Upholder, this person will keep commitments they make to themselves and to others. Then there are Obligers. I am an obliger. Obligers will keep commitments mostly if they make it with another person but not typically a commitment they make it to themselves. For example, If I tell myself I am going to run this morning, and then when the morning comes and I make up a list of excuses why I shouldn't. However, if I had called up my friend the night before and asked them if they wanted to meet up at the park and then go for a run, I would be way more apt to do this. It is all about accountability for me. Next there are the questioners who will question everything and everyone before they will do it. And then there are rebels who will make up their own rules and get others to follow along with it. I do think we probably all possess some of these traits at different times in our lives, but probably one is more dominant in our personality.
So the whole point I am writing this is because I feel like there are some women out there who would be exercising if they found what works for them. Not everyone needs to join a gym to exercise. But for some like me it is a good kick starter. If finding the motivation on your own isn't quite there yet.
I also felt that working out at the Y would give me some needed mental clarity that I just couldn't get at home with all the distraction of home and family. And always something to clean up;)
You can join the YMCA for a year at a time, or a month at at time, if you are not sure you want to take the big commitment right at first. Also they have an income based payment option if you are concerned about the cost.
So if you are thinking about joining the Y, I say Just Do It!
What has worked for you to motivate you to work out? What helps you to be consistent?
