That's not a typo: this is the second time that I have voluntarily called it quits on my gym membership. Before I had my child, I didn't have a membership because I was commuting a lot and had discovered the wonders of home workout videos. Prior to that, I had access via work, though really, I was running outdoors a lot and didn't really need it, anyway.
After I returned to work post-baby, I didn't work out for a while trying to balance everything, and I quickly started a new job. Once I got comfortable with that and was pumping fewer times at work than when I started, I joined the gym because I could use it during lunch hour -- my only break during those hectic days. By then, I was about six months postpartum and was only working out randomly at home sometimes. I think I went to the gym about three times a week after that point, which was gold.
As time went on, I started working from home more because I was transferred to a different department, and I found that less commuting meant I could make more time for workouts. My son grew older, and now his care during the day went from very inconvenient to extremely convenient. Ironically, I only made it to the gym once or twice a week. I think it was because I had made significant progress in my little "home gym" project and started to use that out of convenience. However, around the same time, I got into heavy lifting more, so I justified keeping my gym membership just for that.
The gym has been critical to me for two things besides weights. First, when I do come into the office, it's convenient for me to go very early to beat traffic and go to the nearby gym before work. I wouldn't be able to shower at home because that would wake everyone (yeah, ugh...). Second, since my kiddo is still very attached to me, sometimes going to the gym was the only way I'd get a workout and shower in without being noticed.
After my first year of gym membership, I got an e-mail saying that my rate was going up, at which point I said I would get a squat rack and quit the gym. That didn't happen. Now, another year went by, and I recently got this:
Although I thought I was getting a good deal initially, this was the second raise in two years, and who knows how many will follow? The gym was not improving at all. Equipment was still down too often, showers mediocre, and it was still too crowded for me to do what I wanted all the time. So the next day after I got the message, I called and cancelled my membership.
Where does this leave me? Well, I know I didn't mention it here, but several months ago, we finally took the plunge and got a treadmill for our garage gym. While I tend to run outdoors when I can, "The Ukrainian" often prefers the treadmill, and this opens up running during off-times. I've tripped too many times in the dark to trust myself from being that hardcore, plus, we live in an area where coyotes and other wildlife have been seen. Having an indoor treadmill also helps with cardio warm-ups for other workouts I might do.
I won't be able to work out anymore on the days I come into the office. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do about that. Maybe I will just do a lot of walking on those days, do some resistance training at my desk, or maybe even try working out at the home gym without showering?? Same for times when I need to get away -- I just need to work around my toddler's needs and maybe go without showering more often.
I still don't have that squat rack, though I think that is in my near future. It would pay for itself in about three months of not paying gym dues and another three months for the barbell. We have a smaller barbell that I can use for training in the meantime. Money isn't exactly an issue, but it's the principle... the same one that got me to quit the gym in the first place. Plus, I primarily do workout videos, anyway.
Anyway, I don't think this is going to be a huge deal, but if anyone in a similar position is thinking about quitting the gym, I thought I'd provide my perspective on making this kind of decision while still staying committed to regular exercise.
After I returned to work post-baby, I didn't work out for a while trying to balance everything, and I quickly started a new job. Once I got comfortable with that and was pumping fewer times at work than when I started, I joined the gym because I could use it during lunch hour -- my only break during those hectic days. By then, I was about six months postpartum and was only working out randomly at home sometimes. I think I went to the gym about three times a week after that point, which was gold.
As time went on, I started working from home more because I was transferred to a different department, and I found that less commuting meant I could make more time for workouts. My son grew older, and now his care during the day went from very inconvenient to extremely convenient. Ironically, I only made it to the gym once or twice a week. I think it was because I had made significant progress in my little "home gym" project and started to use that out of convenience. However, around the same time, I got into heavy lifting more, so I justified keeping my gym membership just for that.
The gym has been critical to me for two things besides weights. First, when I do come into the office, it's convenient for me to go very early to beat traffic and go to the nearby gym before work. I wouldn't be able to shower at home because that would wake everyone (yeah, ugh...). Second, since my kiddo is still very attached to me, sometimes going to the gym was the only way I'd get a workout and shower in without being noticed.
After my first year of gym membership, I got an e-mail saying that my rate was going up, at which point I said I would get a squat rack and quit the gym. That didn't happen. Now, another year went by, and I recently got this:
As your partner in
fitness we are proud to support your fitness goals, and we would like to
thank you for being a member of [GYM]. We work hard to provide you
with quality services, facilities and amenities that enable you to get the
most out of every workout.
|
 |
To ensure we're able
to continue to meet your needs, your membership rate will be increasing by
$1.57 per month. Effective July 2017, your new monthly dues rate will be
$XX.XX plus applicable taxes. We do our best to keep your rate as low as
possible while delivering you the best fitness experience at a great value.
|
Although I thought I was getting a good deal initially, this was the second raise in two years, and who knows how many will follow? The gym was not improving at all. Equipment was still down too often, showers mediocre, and it was still too crowded for me to do what I wanted all the time. So the next day after I got the message, I called and cancelled my membership.
Where does this leave me? Well, I know I didn't mention it here, but several months ago, we finally took the plunge and got a treadmill for our garage gym. While I tend to run outdoors when I can, "The Ukrainian" often prefers the treadmill, and this opens up running during off-times. I've tripped too many times in the dark to trust myself from being that hardcore, plus, we live in an area where coyotes and other wildlife have been seen. Having an indoor treadmill also helps with cardio warm-ups for other workouts I might do.
I won't be able to work out anymore on the days I come into the office. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do about that. Maybe I will just do a lot of walking on those days, do some resistance training at my desk, or maybe even try working out at the home gym without showering?? Same for times when I need to get away -- I just need to work around my toddler's needs and maybe go without showering more often.
I still don't have that squat rack, though I think that is in my near future. It would pay for itself in about three months of not paying gym dues and another three months for the barbell. We have a smaller barbell that I can use for training in the meantime. Money isn't exactly an issue, but it's the principle... the same one that got me to quit the gym in the first place. Plus, I primarily do workout videos, anyway.
Anyway, I don't think this is going to be a huge deal, but if anyone in a similar position is thinking about quitting the gym, I thought I'd provide my perspective on making this kind of decision while still staying committed to regular exercise.
I don't blame you, gyms are kind of money pits. We bought a garage set up and it was the best investment, especially as a mom. Good luck with figuring out your new routine.
ReplyDeleteIf you can't work out in the morning, what about when you get home from work? I've just accepted that I'll be doing a lot of double run days this summer (for marathon training...there's just no other good way to get the miles in, short of waking up at 4am) and shower a lot! As for the waking everyone while showering thing - kiddo is an early riser so I have no good advice there, but could you sort of shower as late as possible before leaving the house, and if he wakes up can your husband wrangle him for a few minutes?
ReplyDeleteI don't think you'll regret the quitting the gym. Some people really miss the social aspect of it though.
ReplyDelete