So last week I bit the bullet and signed up for a YMCA membership. I'd been doing some research about gyms and found that the Y is basically the cheapest way to attend a gym, and it's also the best bang for your buck facilities- and services-wise.
Anyhow, today I finally went. I'd been hoping to get my free introductory consultation with a trainer, but all of today's slots were filled up (and apparently no trainers are in around noontime anyway). So I decided to do a fairly light workout instead and see how out of shape I actually am.
Apparently I am not all that out of shape because I had no trouble doing the whole "keep your heart rate at 150 for thirty minutes" thing on the stationary bike after I'd warmed up. Honestly most of what I know about doing exercise properly I learned from high school gym class, though, so talking to a real trainer will definitely help me. Especially with weightlifting. I did a little with the free weights today but I didn't really want to push it without getting professional advice. You can really hurt yourself weightlifting if you do it wrong.
One of the interesting side-effects of exercising is what is known as the "runner's high." It has been so long since I had hard, vigorous exercise that I had forgotten what it felt like to have your body totally flooded with endorphins. It's like all your muscles are vibrating with wild energy. I left the place feeling like I could strangle a lion.
Tomorrow morning I get to see the trainer. I have the whole week off for Thanksgiving, so I'm using that time to start myself in the habit of using that Y membership. I won't be satisfied until I can armwrestle Seth-Brundle-style.
Anyhow, today I finally went. I'd been hoping to get my free introductory consultation with a trainer, but all of today's slots were filled up (and apparently no trainers are in around noontime anyway). So I decided to do a fairly light workout instead and see how out of shape I actually am.
Apparently I am not all that out of shape because I had no trouble doing the whole "keep your heart rate at 150 for thirty minutes" thing on the stationary bike after I'd warmed up. Honestly most of what I know about doing exercise properly I learned from high school gym class, though, so talking to a real trainer will definitely help me. Especially with weightlifting. I did a little with the free weights today but I didn't really want to push it without getting professional advice. You can really hurt yourself weightlifting if you do it wrong.
One of the interesting side-effects of exercising is what is known as the "runner's high." It has been so long since I had hard, vigorous exercise that I had forgotten what it felt like to have your body totally flooded with endorphins. It's like all your muscles are vibrating with wild energy. I left the place feeling like I could strangle a lion.
Tomorrow morning I get to see the trainer. I have the whole week off for Thanksgiving, so I'm using that time to start myself in the habit of using that Y membership. I won't be satisfied until I can armwrestle Seth-Brundle-style.
