It’s OK, you can give up on that new year’s resolution now

Can we please talk about how the gym has been insanely busy after New Year’s? The gym fanatics at work told me it’d get better by February, as people start giving up, but so far I see no improvement. The coach at the gym said it usually gets better in March… we will see.

I’m happy to report that despite this, I’m still going twice a week like clockwork. *pats self on back* My plan has changed a bit since just before Christmas, where I’m doing some free weights (chest press, military press, and a super set for biceps/triceps – all with dumbbells (my choice)), and I’m doing a lat machine that is somewhere in-between (I mean, it’s still a machine, but one without a back-rest, so you have to provide core stability on your own). The goal is to move away from machines a bit at the time, which sounds good to me.

Inspired by Lisa‘s dual cellphone use, I’ve resurrected my old-old phone (hello HTC!), which I’m only using to run Daily Strength at the gym. Sure it’s a second device to charge, but I quite like that I feel very relaxed about handling it while working out (throw it on the floor, things like this), rather than constantly keeping an eye on the normal – rather expensive – phone.

So anyway. If you did a new year’s resolution to work out – feel free to stop now. I encourage it. That would mean I can stop going before work. Please let me snooze again 😦

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the times (well, the gym) are changing

As you may or may not know, we moved to a different city in May. The first 6 or so weeks, we were busy every weekend and did not prioritize going to the gym.* And then we were lazy. Three weeks ago was the first time my partner went to the gym, and yeah. We’re going to switch. The old gym (in old town) had a pool and relaxation area, which is why I thought it was fine to pay the fee we did every month. This new one does not, and it’s tiny, and they barely have any machines.

But next to my work (I’m not joking, it’s like 150 metres) there’s a gym. It’s pretty busy from what I’ve seen, but it’s new(ish) with up-to-date equipment and friendly staff. And a lower monthly fee than we used to pay, even with a “family discount”.

Yesterday I had an “intake” chat with one of the trainers. I could do a rant here, but I’ll cut it short and just say that after I insisted that I want to get stronger(!) and hence preferably not do 2 sets of 20 reps, he adjusted the plan for me to be 3 sets of each 8 reps, and 6 different machines. I know, I know, machines, but hear me out. The plan is 6 weeks with the machines to build some starting strength, then to move on to free weights (note: he said this, not I). I’m fine with it. Means I have time to get my socially anxious self used to the gym, and less intimidated by the machine-hogging males.

And the machines are super techy and keep track of your program (through a smart key) and how much weight and reps you should do. Once finished, it tells you the next machine you should go to according to your plan. I like it (yeah, yeah, after 1 time).

We shall see how it goes!

*I would like to point out that I was right though. I had already told my partner that I don’t like the location “our” gym has in this city. He is a man of rational thought and convinced me we should at least try it out.