It’s cold as heck. Omicron is ranging. I am still working from home.
Man I am just trying to keep it all together before I lose it. We’re in yet another deep freeze in Alberta. So I haven’t been running that much for weeks. And as you know, running is what keeps me sane.
Early last month I joined the community gym near my place. It’s less than a kilometre walk, so why not? I dropped my GoodLife fitness membership during the height of this COVID mess. I really missed the lifting, and so did my weak, chubby ass body.
I’ve been going regularly now for more than a month. Already I feel like some of my strength is returning. Because it is a community gym, it doesn’t have all the fancy machines or newest gadgets. Just the weights, ma’am. That’s fine with me because I prefer free weights.
The gym – the weights area – is rarely busy. And when it’s busy it’s usually me and three other people. This is perfect especially when I am tight on time and I have to move quickly. Right now I am working on a back-chest-shoulders split with legs every other day. Likely I will change it up because once the weather gets better I won’t be in the gym as much.
The cardio machine area is generally busier with more people walking on the treadmills or using the elliptical machines. I have no interest in pounding away on the treadmill so I usually spend about 30 minutes sweating it out on the Spin bike.
Diving into Aquacise
The community centre gym also has a pool. Between group lessons, private lessons and regular pool time, it is always busy. I used to love swimming even though I am not very good at it. I tried to book lessons but the spots filled up within an hour.
One day I was in the changing room after laps when I started chatting with a few women about the water classes. I was curious because they look like a ton of fun. I just needed a little encouragement to get me in the pool. So I took the plunge and I have been going to the classes twice a week for three weeks.
And it is so much fun. I don’t feel self-conscious at all. I was surprised at how much of a work out it can be – especially when we use the “weights.” My shoulders were on fire! I think the combination of weight training and the pool work has really helped in rehabing my recurring hamstring/hip issues. My chiro and physio would be so happy!
I haven’t felt any pain my hammie or hip for weeks – but I haven’t been running so who knows how long that will last.
One more thing
I have added jump rope to my fitness regime. Right now I am doing some easy tabata work – nothing too fancy – for about 15 minutes. My calves were burning for a few days until I changed my shoes and the surface. I bought a mat from Amazon so when it warms up I will be able to skip outside.
There have been days – like today – where I just want to stay inside and hide. But I know in the long run it is better to brave the cold for a few minutes to get to the gym for my own sanity and fitness. There hasn’t been a time yet where I regretted going to the gym. Still I am counting the days until spring is here or at least the weather breaks.
How are you keeping your sanity in this deep freeze? Are you running on the treadmill? Braving the outdoors? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
No real deep freeze here yet! Got down to -17 couple of nights ago but now it’s back up above freezing!? No running or anything too active, am scheduled for a hip replacement at the end of February. Hopefully more active after that!