To Gym or NOT to Gym...THAT is the question
I am a single mother to a 2-year-old, and I work 50+ hours/week. I've been working on sneaking in exercise into my day (run up the stairs at break, take a walk at lunch or after dinner, do 30-pound-leg-lifts/aka: airplane rides with my son, and workout DVDs after he goes to bed at night). I am considering joining a gym...and wondering if it will get me to actually LIKE working out, or if I can keep doing what I'm doing and get in enough exercise. Here are my gym options:
ClubA
Advantages: close to work, has weight equipment, treadmills, spinning, some classes, open 24-hours, can workout there before/after work and on lunchhours, ample free parking, childcare available
Disadvantages: far from home, no pool, son can go to childcare (for $15/month)--but not in the club, feels/smells "gymmie"
Cost: $48/month + $99 joining fee
ClubB (YMCA)
Advantages: close to home, brand-new facility, has a pool, classes, equipment & treadmills/elipticals, son would be a member too, childcare available and FREE
Disadvantages: far from work, very little free parking nearby, cost
Cost: $67/month (must join as a "family" even though single membership is just $47/month -- could get another adult to join with me as part of our "family") + $100 joining fee
My Dilemma:
I have VERY little time with my DS during the week (we are together about 2.5 hours/day when he is awake), and honestly, although the Y's childcare is supposed to be GREAT -- I feel really guilty about dropping him there for 30-60 minutes/day 3-5 times/week...that takes our normal 34.5 hours/week together down to about 29.5-33 hours/week. I KNOW it's good for me (and for him to see me working on being healthy), and we could spend time together in the pool after my workout -- BUT is it worth it? Will joining a gym make a SIGNIFICANT difference in my progress toward being healthier and more fit?
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