Friday, April 10, 2009

Mommy only fitness

Today I joined a women's only fitness club. Mostly because it was a great price and my 2 year old likes the child care. I got a 30 day pass first and tried it out. I've been going to a gym of some sort for over 20 years and thoroughly enjoy working out with my husband. I think I've always liked the challenge of competing with men too. Goes back to 6th grade when the boy I had a crush on was chasing me for a football and I realized I was faster than him. I wonderered for a second if I should let him catch me and decided against it. My husband is much faster than me, but does not choose to run more than 6 miles (he says he likes his knees). He thoroughly supports any working out regimen I choose to include 20 mile runs on Saturdays while he takes care of 4 children. He's a gem. I'm not sure how long this gym will work for me because my husband is not welcome. I may have to pay more and go back to a gym that takes men.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I used to teach aerobics (very briefly) at a club like that. The members tended to be women fairly new to working out. I would think that a seasoned athlete, such as yourself, would inspire the women who have difficulty envisioning REAL RESULTS from their effort. Stay in there for them!

renae said...

The classes I take at my local rec center are always full of women only which I like. When I go into the general workout area to get some cardio in, that is where you find all the men. Doesn't bother me and like you, I get a kick out of competing (if only in my head!) with a guy on the treadmill next to me. However, I think I would take advantage of the weights if it were a women-only facility. I'm 100% sure (again, probably in my head!) that I'm going to look like a fool in front of them.

Greg said...

It is most important that mothers keep themselves fit these days and joining women only gyms is a great. But mothers should also ensure they spend time with their kids, taking them out for walks in the stroller or even runs using a jogging stroller. Great way to keep fit and make sure you can handle taking care of your kids. If you lead by example, then your kids will follow suite.

Trice said...

Hi Greg-- this is my 4th child. I've owned at least 4 running strollers from a double to several singles. My kids are a huge part of our exercise life. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

It is disappointing that some men think they know more about mothering than mothers themselves. However, after following Greg's link, I understand that it is his intention to support mothers.

Crumbs said...

@Trice - :)

Trice said...

Hi Again, I did not want to sound snide to Greg. He does not know me or that I have so many kids. We've been homeschooling for the past 6 years and an Army family who works out together a lot--the whole women's fitness thing was a cheap price gym and out of my ordinary sphere, which is why I blogged about it. Being 44 with a 2 year old I need quick runs that leave me time and in hot Houston a gym is a must.

I've noticed at this gym that people meet each other's eyes unlike a coed gym. I'm the one in the crowd who usually tries to make the men feel comfortable around all women groups. I was in the Army and the only woman assigned to a large Infantry Brigade. I've always been coed :) So it was natural for me to think a women's only gym would not be for me. We're retired now and no free military gyms around. Signing off with a smile, Trice.

runningfor3 said...

I'm also wondering - Greg - how many miles/week do you push your kids in a jogging stroller? Or are you just trying to sell your products?

I think that it is really important for Moms to get a little alone time and that might just be while working out b/c I'm a better and more attentive mom when I only have to do it 23 hours a day.

Trice said...

I think Greg is British. Wonder if that accounts for his demeanor?