Why I Broke Up With Gym

2

We finally ended it a few months ago.  I just had to come clean and say, “Can we just be friends? It’s not you it’s me….” It wasn’t easy, but I think we’re both better for it. Here’s my break up story:

One of my favorite things about the community of Scottsdale, is that so many people here are dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle. I love our plethora of healthy grocery stores (I love you TJ’s), amazing eateries (I think I’m addicted to True Food), and of course a vast array of places promising to get my body into shape.  We’ve got boot camps, hot yoga, fit yoga, holy yoga, ballet barre, Cactus Crossfit, small gyms, large country club style gyms- no doubt, there are places to work out.

At one time our family had three gym memberships. THREE, yes, simultaneously. You’d think I’d have been rocking a hard Jillian Michaels body (of course, you’d be wrong.) Let’s just say, we liked to play the field, you know, keep our options open.

Then one day I walked in, and I really thought it was love at first sight. This place had everything I ever dreamed of, and more. It had all my checklist items (yes, I’m one of those girls).  I thought I’d finally found the one! I could see us being happy together for a long time.  Then things started to go south…

You see, I have a very active 2 year old.  If Curious George took on human form, he would be my son.  Sweet, bright…just very, well, curious.  My Gym offered fantastic childcare. In fact, my two older kids thrived, and begged to go!  But I found that my workouts kept getting cut short. I would be working up a sweat on the elliptical, and I’d hear my name be called.  I’d rush down to the childcare room expecting to change a dirty diaper or something simple like that.  I should have known better.

Instead, my son would be dripping wet from head to toe. He’d found a way to climb under the bathroom door, climb into the sink and give himself a bath.  We did the walk of shame out of the gym and headed home. (If I remember correctly, I only burned 43 calories that day…)

This happened more than once.

Then there was the time he decided to climb into the tunnel system and remove his clothing. I got called so often, I found myself praying that I’d get a good 30 minutes in before I’d hear my name.  Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t Gym’s fault. They had plenty of workers, and kept a good eye on things. It was just my kid. It was too big, too much, too many options for his curious little mind.

That’s when I knew I had to end it. I loved Gym, or at least the idea of Gym- but it just wasn’t working for me.  So we broke up and yes I’ve put on a few pounds since then.  But I have learned a valuable lesson: when it comes to getting in shape, we each have different needs- timing, types of activities, girlfriend support, and yes…childcare. Understanding our personal obstacles and needs will help us find an activity that we can actually do.  And after all, isn’t that what really counts any way?

So, my new Gym doesn’t have every single thing on my checklist, but it does seem to be a safe and happy place for my little monkey.  And right now, that is just what I need.

What about you, how is your love affair with Gym?

 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Noelle Larson is a mom still searching to find the “balance” between her spiritual journey, family, ambition, inner peace, world peace…all while trying not to blink so she doesn’t miss one minute of her beautiful, messy life.  Noelle writes at metromom.org where she journals her crazy days chasing after her kids and husband, deep thoughts, and captures her latest adventures.

Previous articleAZ Moms Night Out Recap in Pictures!
Next articleElby the Love Bus!
noellelarson
Noelle Larson is a mom still searching to find the “balance” between her spiritual journey, family, ambition, inner peace, world peace…all while trying not to blink so she doesn’t miss one minute of her beautiful, messy life. Noelle writes at metromom.org where she journals her crazy days chasing after her kids and husband, deep thoughts, and captures her latest adventures.

2 COMMENTS

  1. I recommend that you follow Jack around for an entire day and do exactly everything he does a the same pace, words, actions, etc. I think you’ll find you’ve burned enough calories for a month! Ha Ha!

Comments are closed.