Other than going to the gym to catch up on some TV viewing, I also meet up with a friend on a regular basis and we bitch and moan while we are on the elliptical trainer. The other option for me is the treadmill, where I join Michael, although we don't talk and socialize so much.
I find the gym experience a bit boring but also rather social in a nice way, since I'm apt to run into a colleague or a student from work. It's quite a change from the gym that we used to frequent (or non-frequent, really) in LA. It was in the heart of Hollywood, which sounds cool, perhaps, but was a nightmare. It fit the term "meat market" to a 'T'. Now, I don't mind so much that I'm a bit of a blob because there are plenty of normal people at this gym. I am running a bit on the treadmill, which feels good and painful at the same time. Ah, love that! It is actually nice to feel that I'm pushing myself a bit these days, even if it's to run for 5 minutes rather than 4.
Back to the experience yesterday... While I was watching the men's ski cross, they were also showing on another television "Keeping up with the Kardashians" or whatever-it's-called. I must admit that I knew about this family, but I had NEVER seen an episode until yesterday. It was like the proverbial carwreck - I couldn't help watching it! Seriously though, who ARE these people? And why is reality TV such a big draw? I do not understand our culture/society at times.
Anyway, that's it from the gym.
To be honest, I really prefer being out and about when/if I exercise. Despite loving sports and athletics and athletes, I'm more "active" than "athletic". I enjoy a challenge, but it doesn't necessarily have to be competitive. Rather, it can be that wonderful sensation that comes from a long, exhausting and exhilarating hike. Or the satisfaction of a backpacking trip (only short ones for me, unfortunately). Or the thrill of a bike ride with lots of hills thrown in.
I can't wait until I can actually DO half the stuff I've mentioned here, by the way!
Go Team USA, Go Me!
Good to hear about a positive gym experience :) Just the idea of gyms makes me cringe, but I think that's because I think of 24 Hour Fitness in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, with all the vanity-obsessed people on machines, like hamsters in wheels, running but not going anywhere. I think the gym could be a very peaceful time, good for small talk and watching mindless television (or the Olympics! That's good motivation). I like being active, and I'm always looking for new ways to get out of my routine, which is very much NOT communal!
ReplyDeleteI try to avoid going to the gym and doing stuff outside instead but it isn't always easy do to the cold, the darkness, and the safety factor. But I agree the social factor is sometimes nice.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you are not a "bit of a blob!"
I used to work out in the office gym with a coworker one night a week and I LOVED our weekly treadmill bitch fest. It made the time speed by!
ReplyDeleteI am like you - not really in it to be competitive - well, with others! I like to improve, but really just love the time to decompress.
Good for you for two days in a row!