Adjusting to the Gym
Updated: Apr 8, 2021
Last week I worked out at my local gym. Super proud of myself for attending the gym frequently. My motivation, summertime is around the corner. It's time to start working on my summer body. I gave myself the pep talk prior. " Ebony it is crunch time, no excuses!" The reality is setting in that I have less than three months to get back in shape. Fifty-seven weeks I spent slacking when it came to working out, eating whatever I wanted. It was easy to blame quarantine for my excessive weight gain. For 25 yrs I was between 130-140. After giving birth, I weighted 155 for years. Today my weight 178, the same as when I was nine months pregnant. This is not my first time back in the gym since the pandemic. It was the first time it hit me how much things have changed. That brief workout made me appreciate the little things I once took for granted. Which was social interaction, social- interaction is very crucial because it impacts your mood. Working in a group has a lot of pros. One of the pros is it reassures you that you are not alone. You have a bigger support group than you know. You have your own personal group of cheerleaders to make you go harder. People who share a common interest. The same goals as you; to lose weight and feel great. I know this sounds like a commercial, but it is the truth. Plus, everyone wants to look cute in the latest summer styles. That yummy tummy you had during the quarantine, let's say goodbye. This time at the gym, I constantly looked at the clock. My focus was not on cardio or losing my stomach, but to make a quick exit from the gym. I just wanted this workout to speed up. Every minute felt like a battle, I was struggling to complete each set. In my head, I was thinking of excuses to leave and not feel guilty. At that moment, I realized, maybe I should cancel my gym membership because it was a waste of time and money. The motivation wasn't there anymore. The question I had to asks myself was why wasn't it fun anymore? Did the pandemic make me lose my motivation? Of course, I want to lose this weight, but how?
Before the pandemic, I was a member of three gyms. I know; what a waste of money. My logic at the time was that each gym served a purpose. It didn't matter, I was spending a little over 250 a month. I thought my needs were being met. The gyms I attended were the YMCA, Planet Fitness, and Yoga works. PF was local, inexpensive, and 24hrs. I am a night person, late-night gym sessions were convenient. I am a teacher and mom, which means my day starts early. When I come home from work some days I have to cook. Every day, I like to unwind and have some me-time. I love doing things on my time. Planet Fitness is perfect for people who love to work out during the night and early mornings. The Y was a convenient place for me and my son to work out together. My son doesn't like the outdoors. If it was up to him he would play video games and watch tv all day. The Y was a place to get him out of the house and staying active. Staying active is a struggle for most kids. We both enjoyed mommy and me classes along with swimming. The Y had so many activities to choose from. We took advantage of every one of them. My son was the best workout partner, personal trainer, and coach. At nine years old, he understood the importance of working out and how beneficial it was. Exercising was fun, It didn't feel like work or time passing. The Y bought us closer. I found the Y fun and a great way to spend quality time with my son. The YMCA helped me maintain my weight. When I looked back at my pictures, I noticed that I was in the best shape. Growing up, I always struggle with belly fat. When I went to the gym regularly, I didn't have that problem. I highly recommend the Y for families looking for activities to do together. My son was very fond of child watch. Child watch is a place kids attend to play board games, draw, solve puzzles, and interact with children their age. While my son attends child watch, I would attend adult classes such as total body sculpt classes and spin. Last, was Yoga works. I missed attending Yoga works. YW was my peace. It allowed me to unwind and mentally prepare my mind, body, and soul for the week. It was a little pricey, but it was so worth it. The ambiance was breathtaking. When I w
anted to get away and focus on myself, Yoga works was the place. The members were a lot older than me. I was very impressed at how physically in shape they were. Their endurance and strength were staggering. There were times I looked horrible because they were twice my age and I was the one struggling. I took more breaks and had to modify a lot of my exercise. While each workout was easy. The members at YW motivated me to go harder. Due to the pandemic, Yoga works no longer has in-person classes. Only online classes are available. Before paying for online classes, I will utilize youtube.
What worked for me before the pandemic?
Setting goals, what do I want to work on? Thinking, how can I reach these goals? Are my goals realistic and practical?
Having an idea of what I want my body image to be. I know my ideal weight.
How can I get the best results? Knowing my body is a prime factor in getting the best results. Exercising is great, but what I eat and the time I eat plays a vital role.
How can I make my workout fun? Exercising should not be torture. I love music, and I love hanging out with my friends. Why not incorporate the two.
Understanding there are no shortcuts, results do not happen overnight. Acknowledge the baby steps that I am taking, staying optimistic. Eventually, I am going to see results. Remember, Rome wasn't built in one day.
Scheduling a day and time to work out. Holding myself accountable. That means sticking to it and not putting off what I can do today for tomorrow.
I have three months to achieve my my weight goal. Also, stay consistent and intentional in my workout. I will keep you posted on my Journey.