LuckyShot’s BodyBlog

Good great quote, and oh so true! I’m working on getting started (yes, still). Had some set backs this week… ok, no set backs. I was very lazy this week but disguised the laziness with claims such as "my change in work schedule threw me off" and "I need a firm action plan before I can start," and "I need to decide if I am going to try to work out at home or at a gym," and the list goes on! All excuses, excuses. In all honesty, I am not at all a morning person and so the changes to my work schedule this week (earlier hours) made the week a bit of an interesting challenge. And I am a bit obsessed with planning so having a firm action plan (aka how many days/week will I lift, will I run on lifting days or non-lifting days, will I work out here at home or join a gym again) IS something that will bogg me down until it’s done. Ah, decisions, decisions!

 So let’s discuss these "issues" so I can move past them and into the grand world of sweaty workouts!

 The biggest issue: gym membership or home gym? Let’s face it, I am a fickle person. Sometimes it’s 11:30 at night and I feel like working out. I almost never feel like working out in the morning, and sad to say most gyms cater toward the morning crowd over the late crowd. There are 2 24 hour gyms between my house and work - something to consider, I suppose. The only thing about 24 hour gyms is that they seem much less extensive than the real deal. For example, there is a "fitness club" about 2 minutes down the road which offers a pool, sauna, indoor track, and just about every piece of fitness machinery/free weight I could dream of. It’s like comparing a Riverfront Hilton to a basic Holiday Inn. Of course this fitness club carries a much longer contract (I think no less than 3 years) whereas the 24 hour gym can be decided monthly. For a person like me who changes her mind like I change socks (a lot) the ability to hop from gym to gym is appealing. Further, the 24 hour contract-free gym can be utilized when home training is becoming redundant and variety is needed. Very nice. I suppose it should also be said that when facing timing issues on top of motivational issues (read "I just don’t have time to go to the gym before work") I am MUCH more likely to squeeze in a home workout where i can shower and make breakfast in the comfort of my home than I am to drive to the gym, shower there, and probably buy breakfast (a big no-no - money and calorie counting!). So here’s my biggest issue: do I have enough equiptment to work out at home? We currently have a standard-size weight bench (flat only) and I can quickly add dumbbells to the collection for other exercises. I could also replace that stupid bench (it’s been hit with a serious case of the early 90s and has a comically dangerous wobble to it, aka, don’t shift your body weight from side to side or you go overboard) with an adjustable bench that can be used for incline/decline exercises as well. I have the swiss ball, 3 different pilates/stretching bands and a plethora of yoga dvds (take back that eye roll - stretching is my friend). My concerns with this "home gym"…. first, I can squat more than I can safely lift onto my shoulders (probably a lot more) and there is absolutely no way around squats! Second, where is my lat pull down? And is there a suitable home-gym-style alternative for lat pull downs? Same questions apply for the seated row, the tricep pull down, and the list goes on. Where’s the flexibility?!? So to those of you who work out at home, please help. Please give me your feedback. Can I make do? What is absolutely "essential" for a home gym?

 Thanks for reading.

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