I Join a Gym—And Get Inspired!

Everyone likes a splash in the pool during the summer! Credit: familymwr

So I haven’t belonged to a gym in a good long while. Since moving to New Jersey and being in my best shape ever, I’ll be the first to admit that joining a gym was not a priority. It’s been house projects, work, babies times two and throwing in some fitness here and there. Like Jessie Spano, whenever I considered a membership I’d think, “No time; there’s never any time!” Plus with my husband’s work schedule, coordinating child care was just too difficult to justify a membership.

But it’s summer. And I really enjoy a pool during the summer. Growing up, my brothers and I lived at the pool. My grandma’s condo had a swimming pool (with a diving board) that only we seemed to frequent. Maybe that’s because crazy kids like us frequented it. Regardless, summer isn’t summer without chlorine and sunshine. Plus, my daughter loves the water.

So when our neighbors told us about their gym, complete with outdoor pool, the hubs and I were willing to check it out. Well, it turned out that this gym was amazing. It has three pools, group exercise, including Zumba, an insane amount of machines and equipment, and seriously any amenity you could want. The kicker? They have child care included.

It’s definitely not a cheap gym. But it got us excited about stepping up our fit lifestyle. And with no family nearby, my husband and I get few breaks to do anything for ourselves. Date night on side-by-side ellipticals? It’s now on the agenda! (I’m only half kidding.) So we are pumped about our awesome new gym. Ready to get back in a fit groove, take some time for ourselves and, most importantly, have some fun!

My complimentary fit assessment is coming up, so I’m curious to see how my fitness ranks. I mean, I know I’ve got a ways to go, but hard numbers will definitely give me a needed push!

Do you belong to a gym? Has the newness worn off? When’s the last time you were pumped about getting pumped? —Erin