Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The gym

As I mentioned here before, I began working out once a week with a personal trainer (our friend Rick) in Sept 07. Unlike most gay men, I'd never had a gym membership or worked out before. Ever. Its been a learning experience, but a fun one, and I've come to look forward to my weekly work out.

Spouse also has a weekly personal training session with Rick, and I occasionally go with him so I can do cardio and other exercises on my own while Spouse is getting trained. This has been good for me too, but I'm not able to go with him every week, due to occasional evening appointments on his training night.

Just before Thanksgiving Spouse & I talked about the possibility of joining the gym that's near our house. What's surprising is that, for being a small town, there are at least 6 gyms within 5 miles of us! Our weekly personal training is great, but in order to make a visible difference in our bodies within our lifetime, we know we need to do more than train for an hour once a week.

We thought it would be good if we could get into a routine of going to the gym together after work a few days a week, and possibly on the weekend too. But we decided that joining a gym just before the holidays wasn't smart for us.

Last week we talked about it again and shared our commitment to developing that routine of going several times a week. We both know how exercise makes you feel better, more energetic, and can even elevate your mood. I stopped by the gym and picked up some info and applications. Then last Thurs we joined.

The guy at the desk talked to us about the different membership levels and prices (individual, senior and student discounts, punch card plans, etc.) but didn't mention the family plan. So I looked him in the eye and said "Can we have the family plan? We're a family."

He paused for just a second, presumably to process what I'd asked, and then said "Sure. Actually, the family plan is the most economical."

Duh.

He was very nice, actually, so we set up our membership (which we can cancel at any time without penalty) and chose electronic payment to keep it simple, and then we worked out. We went back again on Sat. I had my personal training last night, but we're going to the gym together tonight after word. So far, so good.

The gym has lots and lots of machines and equipment, but not much in the way of 'amenities'. No pool, no sauna, no steam room. It really doesn't have a locker room per se, but the bathroom has 2 individual shower stalls in it. So I'm afraid I won't be able to titillate you with any stories of checking out completely beautiful, naked men taking showers at the gym. I'll leave that to you single guys with memberships to fancy gyms.

Crush du Jour: Fouad Abiad

6 comments:

A Lewis said...

I couldn't be happier for you both! I'm very very proud of anyone who does things to enrich their lives and their bodies. Yeah!!!

Anonymous said...

When I was in my mid 20's I worked out pretty much every other day. I remember visiting my ex one day and it was commented that I was bulking out a bit.

Of course the 30's hit, career and relationship kind of took center stage and well, I could lose about 30lbs.

Planet Fitness has a $10 a month deal. I might just do it. Thing is, I get plenty of cardio because I walk/run everywhere.

Anonymous said...

When I was in my mid 20's I worked out pretty much every other day. I remember visiting my ex one day and it was commented that I was bulking out a bit.

Of course the 30's hit, career and relationship kind of took center stage and well, I could lose about 30lbs.

Planet Fitness has a $10 a month deal. I might just do it. Thing is, I get plenty of cardio because I walk/run everywhere.

cb said...

With a name like "fouad" it has to be good!

And have fun with the gym thing. It is a good motivator knowing that you are paying for it so you had better be using it.

Anonymous said...

If I was that employee who didn't ask if you wanted the family package, I think he thought this was the safest way to go rather than the alternative. You and the husband could have been these "tough dudes" who would have punched his lights out if he had asked that question. ;-)

tornwordo said...

I wish I could get spouse to workout with me. He's still stubbornly smoking too. Good for you for doing this!