I have said many many times that I have an aversion to going to the gym simply because I have this ridiculous preconceived notion that it will be full of huge muscle bound He-Men and I will feel super self-conscious. This has been my main barrier to actually going to the gym and the few times I have gone I have stuck with doing cardio and not even glanced at the weight machines or made eye contact with the guys there (muscle-bound or otherwise).
Over the past 5 weeks doing Thump Boxing, I have been attending a nice little council run sports centre that has a gym the size of my front room. Having been a few times to Thump and at other times to register, I have looking in on the gym and it’s always nice and quiet with just ‘normal’ people in. So I thought to myself that this is the gym I would attend! It’s small, not too flashy, the staff are great, it’s not too far from home and the membership benefits are great compared to my woefully underused current one. So as you know I cancelled my last membership and joined up.
So this week I had my gym induction. It took about 50 minutes but had to be conducted at one of the other gyms nearby which was fine as it was a similar set up if a little bigger…but not by much. The guy who did my induction was great as he showed me around, chatted about what I wanted out of it and we tried the various machines and some free weights. I even met one of the guys who also does Thump so we had a chat for a while afterwards too.
BUT, now I’ve had my induction will I actually go? That’s for another blog in a few weeks’ time.
So what else has been going on? My running has taken a back step lately. After Thump on a Thursday my legs are so incredibly sore that it’s difficult to walk never mind run! I know it will get better in time but I have a 5 mile trail run in July to prepare for and with only 250 people taking part I WILL NOT BE LAST!!!!! I have been continuing with my swimming and I’m on track for my mini target which is good. Eating seems to be a bit wobbly (like my stomach) at the minute. Must do better.
Things at work have calmed down & my stress levels are pretty low actually. Carers Week (the busiest week of the year for me), is in the next couple of weeks so although I will be busy then, all the prep is done and I can just get on with the daily routine.
So, it looks like the end of my home weights routine and a new set of programmes for me to do in the gym could very well be on the cards. I’ll still keep the weights at home in case it all goes pear shaped or I can’t make the gym for whatever reason but I’m actually looking forward to this next HUGE step. Going to the gym is one of my main goals and, fingers crossed, it’s about to happen.
Graham.
p.s. the picture isn't me! My biceps are not that big haha.
