Mandy -- TOTALLY.

Tonight I almost texted my fitness partner to tell her that the baby had not napped so I couldn't go but I realized the baby was going to cry whether she was in the stroller or on my hip so might as well burn some calories. Thank goodness too because it made me feel SO GOOD.

Have you thought about joining an exercise class at the college? Frequently small colleges have classes that are held at the track or in the gym. I know you've been looking for a way to meet people. That would be great!

If they don't, maybe if the gym has a bulletin board you can post for a workout buddy. I am ALL about making it so that if I don't show up to exercise, I am letting someone down.

Also, I know you're dying for a schedule in your life right now. Make exercise a non-negotiable part of it. Like brushing your teeth. You don't talk yourself into picking up that toothbrush every morning so make a morning walk the same deal. Get to know the surrounding area in these months before the bad weather sets in.

i tend to go at least 3 times a week with the hubby, when his schedule allows it. i have a hard time going every day because of a lingering ankle injury that lets me know if i've pushed it too far.

i really wish they offered exercise classes here. there's no track, no athletics at all (unless you count the student organized flag football team). the number of people here (students, staff, spouses) is *maybe* 200. and the gym, like i said, is a modified L-shaped room, that i believe used to be a book store. it's definitely more function than fashion. a handful of cardio machines, even fewer strength training machines. a tv/dvd, a radio, and a water cooler. that's the extent of it. bare walls with bolt holes where the shelving used to be. heh.

i love the machines they have in there. i think a major part of my hang up is not being alone when i get there (if i'm alone, it's GREAT), and being judged by my husband's friends. so not *supposed* to happen as this is a private christian school... but STILL.

we didn't go today, because he was busy with school work and i decided to tackle the mess of a spare bedroom which was still littered with boxes we hadn't unpacked yet. it's much much better now. and i feel a lot better with it cleaned up. we're definitely going tomorrow, we've already discussed it. he doesn't have any late classes, and he'll be done for the day around 3:30 so we're going before dinner.

Pretend it's a job, you have to show up. I go every other day, can't say I look forward to anything but the Zumba classes, which are fantastic.

I can relate to this so much. I use to tell myself every night that I would work out and then something would come up or I would be too tired and the guilt would set in. It became a viscous cycle of guilt so I made the decision to get up an hour early to exercise. Has it been easy no! but every morning I get up and exercise I feel so proud of myself. I give myself no excuses, 5 days a week I am up and exercising. I do give myself the weekend off though.
I work out by myself and I am so uncoordinated that taking group classes intimidate me.

the 2 things that always help me: 'it is like brushing my teeth'. Have to do it even though i don't always feel like brushing my teeth, i still do it

- I tell myself that i only need to go there and work out for 5 minutes (or i only need to go for a run for 5 minutes). If i don't want to continue after that i am free to go home. Almost every time i finish my run or my workout!

good luck!

I think I'm worst than you on the getting going part. I have an exercise bike,weight bench,and treadmill in my home,but I have the same issue as you.When I get on it I feel so much better.Why do I fight it? Let me know if you find out what the answer is.