Good morning Lords and Ladies. I write to you with a sad heart this AM. The gym that I have been a member of for the last 10 years (with a year or so of absence in the middle of things when I let the membership expire because it was too pricey) is closing. It’s not the only one, as Bally Total Fitness Gyms nationwide are closing like crazy, including two in the Indy area. I am so bummed for a number of reasons among them the fact that I was paying around $8.50 a month for my membership which is probably why they’re closing. I think I’ve found an equally frugal facility to join but still it means that I’ll be the new kid on the block (and not in Joey McIntyre sort of way) in classes and at the facility. I’m used to knowing people and them knowing me. Change is stinky.
In other workout news, I have been bitten by the 30 Day Shred Bug. Several of my Twitter friends have been enamored with the workout DVD by trainer Jillian Michaels of The Biggest Loser fame and I finally used some gift card $ I had at Amazon to buy it (for only 8.99 mind you). I’m up to day 6 and I LOVE it. It’s circuit training and has 3 circuits of 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio, and 1 minute abs. So it’s only about 22 minutes in length once you count the 2 minute warm up and cool down, 27 when you add in her chattering at the beginning. And there are three levels so once you feel like you’ve mastered one, you move up to a progressively harder level. I give it 2 thumbs up for several reasons but the best one is that I’m done in less than a half hour. I definitely feel like I can fit it into my schedule/day no matter what or how busy we are. You only need handweights with it and a mat if you’re working out on a hard surface. Michaels is motivating without being obnoxious. She does use the word a** once during level 1’s workout so if you are easily offended by that word you might want to avoid it (or avoid doing it with your kids in earshot).
At the same time I ordered this DVD for myself, I got one for the Eldest Princess. I was actually looking for a good, non cheesy yoga video for kids because she is super bendy but instead found Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo Kicks. We’ve only done it once but it’s great. It’s easy for her to do on her own, features both boys and girls in a variety of fitness levels, and adults too. It’s something that we will also have fun doing together! Blanks is motivational and would make a good singer according to the Princess. Of course, she insisted in working out in a tank top (appropriate), a jean skirt (ok), and faux pearls (because that’s how she rolls). It was fun to watch, needless to say. She kept moving for the entire 39 minutes which is awesome for a rainy day and to build some fitness lifeskills in her world. 🙂 We both rate it high. And the cost is low again, around $10.99.
Hope that these videos might provide you with some fitness inspiration, too. I’m going to my last spin class ever tonight at Bally. Sniff, sniff. It will be hard to say goodbye to my gym friends and a place that has been a big part of my world for the last 10 years. I’ve had 2 kids in the time I’ve been there, lost a decent amount of weight (gained it back when pregnant, lost some of it again), learned great fitness skills, and had a stinkin’ good time. Best of all, I’ve been blessed with some great friends who I will miss greatly!
www.queenoffree.net
Have you check out the gym at Mount Pleasant Christian Church out by 37? The rates are phenomenal and the facilities are nice and you don’t have to be a member of the church to join the gym.
Funny that you mention it Lady Stacy. It is my #1 pick! 🙂 I just have to check out their spin classes and see how much extra they cost.
The lady at the front desk told me it was $2 per class
Thanks so much (it’s Lady Kristen, right?). I’m still at a point of frustration because if I take even just twice a week, that adds up over the course of a year. *le sigh* I really want to be able to go for free 5 minutes away from my house where I know everyone. I need to move on but I’m having a hard time!