Time to Ex-tercise

I decided it was time for 15 pounds and I to part ways. I discovered that the gym has an area I can exercise and keep an eye on the kids, so I started actually going to the gym. Yeah, I know. I have my own elliptical machine (and it is actually better than the 2 I can use at the gym). Unfortunately, someone told the movers to put it in the garage, and all the false promises in the world are not going to get that monster up into my room. So, I go to the gym.

This morning Rylee and Delaney woke up at 5:30. Delaney can entertain herself and be quiet, but Rylee.... not so much. I thought today was going to be truly horrid, because I was going to go to the gym and then I had to go out. Since Rylee spent most of time crying, whining and needing to be held, I was not enthusiastic. Well, I was even less enthusiastic than usual. I had visions of Rylee making it impossible to get in any kind of workout. I usually try to stay 45 minutes and mix it up between the bike and elliptical. I made the wise decision to go for a walk instead. Since I had plenty of time to get everyone ready, we headed out with the kids to school, and kept on going.

Turns out a walk was the best idea ever!! Rylee loves the stroller and was very content to hang out there for an hour and she napped the last 30 minutes. I discovered I really can find a real place to run here and even kicked it up for 5 whole minutes and pounded pavement. Yep, one more reason I hate the gym. The treadmill makes me want to poke my eyes out and I can hardly stand to run on it for 30 seconds. However, out in the open air, running on the street, I ran a good deal further than I thought I could (seeing as how I haven't really run in over 2 years now.) So, I am feeling quite pleased with myself, and much more confident that I may get back into a running routine.

And with that, I shall leave you with my top 5 reasons for hating the gym:

1. So Boring! Well, mostly. Sometimes someone else has children even more poorly behaved than my own. Sometimes mine fight or cry and break up the monotony, but usually it just means I have to leave before I planned.

2. I don't want people to see me when I work out. I feel like an idiot and I look like a sweaty, red faced, gasping, heat-stroke victim. While I do not consider myself to be vain, I'm still not thrilled at being in public when I look that bad.

3. I never know who will be there. There are only 5 pieces of exercise equipment in the Mom Room, and depending on who is there depends on what you can do. That's why I usually do time on the bike. The ellipticals and treadmill are the hot commodities. And some moms have nicer kids than others. Thus, the quality of workout depends on who and how many other moms and kids are present. That's too much hassle in the morning!

4. I sweat. No glowing here, just monstrous amounts of sweat. None of the other moms seem to sweat- ever. Not even when they have been hogging the elliptical machine on hard-core for 45 minutes. I hate them.

5. I don't have the appropriate gear. I missed the dress code memo. I exercise because I have to. I don't plan or intend to look cute. I am perfectly happy to pull yesterday's T-shirt out of the laundry to wear because I'm only going to drench it with sweat anyway. Why mess up perfectly good, clean clothes when it's not necessary? However, I always feel inadequate when I show up in my plain old sweat shorts and T- shirt and the other moms look great in their tight tank tops and spandex.