I have never been a "gym rat" and do almost all of my outdoor running on my own or with the kids. I actually do most of my miles on the treadmill at home, while the kids are playing around me.Running while others are watching me, listening to me, and even smelling me (!!) is all a new experience for me. But, I like it. I enjoy being surrounded by like-minded individuals. Some are new to exercise and some have made it a life-long habit. It feels so good to working out with others that have made exercise a priority in their lives. Even if it is a temporary lifestyle change, due to New Year's resolutions, a recent health scare or an opportunity to drop a few quick pounds ... everyone seems excited to be there.
I love running in between a middle aged woman to my left that is holding onto the treadmill as she trots along at a 5.0 MPH pace; while there is a young stud to my right who is clipping along at 9.5 MPH for four consecutive miles. I love when my footsteps coincide with someone next to me; when we get into a rhythm and the beat keeps me moving along. I get a kick out of the guy three treadmills down who grunts after every .1 mile and clears his throat. I love looking at the door every time it opens to see who my next "competition" is on the empty treadmill. I love how everytime someone hops on the treadmill next to me, it motivates me to go just one more mile.
And that's what happened today. 3 miles turned into 4 and 4 turned into 5. I could have gone further, but I have a race on Saturday, remember?!
What are some of your
favorite experiences
at the gym?!
Gyms are interesting. I agree with the matching cadences with your neighbor it's kind of fun. It's also fun to have non verbal speed and/or distance battles with your fellow treadmill neighbors.
ReplyDeleteI don't belong to the gym any more, but my treadmill at home gets used quite a bit.
I am so jealous of your gym's pink treadmill! How awesome!
ReplyDeleteMy fave gym experiences are the ones where someone on a treadmill behind me will say they were racing against me the whole time they were running, using me as inspiration and then them telling me they never were able to keep up with me or catch me. Boosts my running confidence for sure!
One of my favorite gym moments was when a woman a couple of treadmills away, broke into song. She had her earbuds in and I guess it was a really good song and she started singing out loud. Pretty funny :)
ReplyDeleteLast year, our local YMCA had a breast cancer awareness fundraiser and raffled off that pink cybex treadmill. And guess what....I WON!!! It is in my basement and I love it! If you ever make it out to the pacific northwest I'd let you take a spin on it!
ReplyDeleteHere is my blog entry that tells the story and gives a pic of our "Pink Lady". http://carpcorner.blogspot.com/2010/01/pink-lady.html
ReplyDeleteNice turning the 3 into 5! And a PiNk treadmill...ahhh so YOU!
ReplyDeleteI work out at a gym and I love it when there are other runners there too. It helps push me when I'm thinking about giving up.
ReplyDeleteI love love love to people watch at the gym. The things people do are so interesting! Hahaha...
ReplyDeleteMy husband always jokes with me when I come home from the gym by asking "so, who'd you race today?" It's just something I can't help.
ReplyDeleteI've been at my home gym a lot recently, but today for the first time since middle school, I ran tempo runs and got one mile down to 8:59! That's super huge for me. I totally cried. :)
I love people-watching at the Y! The thing that makes me giggle the most are tall, lanky men that are running extra-slow on the treadmill. I am vertically challenged, and there's no way I should be moving faster than them, yet I am. :) I don't know why I think that's so funny, but I really do.
ReplyDeleteI am still at the stage where I am so self conscious I HATE going to the gym.. I want to be faster- hate that I am So slow then I don't go.. So I stopped my membership and do my walk/running outside myself..
ReplyDeleteBut the idea that one day I will push myself more by being around others- I like it!
That pink treadmill is AWESOME! Seriously jealous of Michelle! :)
There is a guy at mine who gets on the best treadmill and then walks, reads the paper, and drinks coffee.
ReplyDeleteJust became a fan of your blog, while looking for images that had nothing to do with pink treadmills I found your picture of the pink mil and fell in love. Ha so much I placed a link so my readers cound see the pink treadmill for themselves. Awesome Blog!
ReplyDeleteThat would be a great addition to all
ReplyDeletehome gyms!
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ReplyDeleteTribute Boxing & Fitness offers boxing and gym classes with one on one training sessions for beginner Abbotsford, Docklands, Richmond & Melbourne.
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