The booty

[dancerjodi]

I'm trying to be good about time management this semester. Everyone I've talked to that worked full time and took 2 grad classes said that though it was do-able they were insane for most of the time and never saw their friends of family - I DO NOT want this to be me. I'm seeing how that could be really feasible - I mean, there is A LOT more work in a grad class than there was in undergrad. And I guess 2 classes is more than half-time (since 3 classes is full time).

I keep thinking of where to cut corners in time (and B has been doing a lot of stuff at home that I usually do, like cleaning and cooking) - so that helps too. The issue is, I don't see how I'm going to get to the gym.

I skipped on Tuesday because I had to do laundry, go food shopping and do a bunch of homework. I did bring my clothes today but I really just want to go home and get in some time at my computer doing some research (since I have to submit a research proposal next Wednesday and need time to do a literature review beforehand, on top of regular homework). Its also getting to be a money issue. I'm not poor, I can afford to pay my gym membership each month - but if I'm going to go there very rarely AND have access to a free gym at school and with B via his work . . . it would be really nice to have that bit of extra cash.

But I'm having issues with setting myself up to be inactive. I think even if I weighed 100 lbs I'd think of myself as the pudgy kid that I was when I was in elementary school. And I'm getting older - to the time where metabolism slows down and you need to work harder to stay at the same level. I've pretty much been the same size since I was 14 (plus or minus some inches or pounds here or there) but I don't want to "let myself go". I don't want to finish Grad School in a couple of years and have way too more of a booty than I'd be happy with.

I don't really know what to do. I want to exercise, want to keep fit (actually what I'd really like to do is take some dance classes - there just isn't time).

Or, perhaps if I left the gym there would be time, sometimes, to do a walk-in dance class. I like the idea of taking evening walks with my husband around the new 'hood. And setting up some time with Ro to ask about fixing up my old bike that's now sitting in the shed (it used to belong to Nepenthe). I mean, we own a fricken weight machine that we paid $450 for over a year ago (in addition to some freeweights) - its in pieces in our basement but soon (after renting another dumpster) we'll be able to clean that area up and put the thing together. And I have lots of workout videos at home that I LOVE in yoga, pilates and ballet.

If I go down there today and cancel (or freeze) my membership I'll feel like such a slacker. But the alternative will be not spending as much time as I'd *like* to on my studies.

Grrrrrrr . . . .

This time last year I was spending time applying to Umass, taking the GREs and having dance practice for the Reagle Players Christmas Show. At the time I thought I was too busy (well, I was) but those things at least were a challenge to my mind and my body.

God I miss dancing and performing!

Comments

[dawntreader]

i know exactly what you mean. during faire season, i'm so busy on the weekends, and tired during the week, that i can't seem to get to the gym. so i rationalize by saying "but 8 hours for 2 days each weekend has GOT to be decent exercise!"

i was always small in high school, and even college. then i got out of my running around job, and took a desk job, and gained 10 pounds a year for 3-4 years. i panicked and joined a gym.

and i still steadily (slowly) gain cuz i keep skipping it. argh. why this obsession and desire to be 'a perfect weight' got started, i'll never know. if we LIVED in the renaissance, i'd probably be considered too skinny! voluptuous was in, then. oh to have those days back :)

anyway... i totally empathize with everything you said. and i'm right there with you. more time at the gym? or more time actually enjoying life and doing things you want to do? either way, there's an amount of guilt involved. blah!

thanks for sharing your thoughts.

*pout*

[tiamatlady]

I like your booty the way it is. *sigh*
At least you go or feel guilty. My schedule is so f-ed I can't even consider joining one. Especially since all I want is a treadmill right now. I need new shoes. (That has a point, I could walk about IF I had comfy shoes)

[nepenthedreams]

Hmmm...I know I've read articles on how to get workouts done in 15 minutes. they usually come out around the holidays, but maybe you could learn to get the most out of short intense workouts to save time. Or, you could stop going to the gym but try to get more general activity out of life by parking further away, stuff like that. You suggest that above, taking walks with Brian, fixing up your bike. And I like the dance class idea- I've heard that the Dance Complex has a pay-per-class system and I was thinking about taking some dance classes there myself. Sounds like you have a good plan for physical activity without needing to belong to a gym right now.

It's really hard to fit in working out, I know. That's why I'm only taking one class next semester.

[grovegoddess.livejournal.com]

Finding 30 minutes to do a workout isn't as much the problem maybe as the logistics of doing it. I mean even if the gym is directly in line between work and home and school you still have to park the car, check in at the gym, get changed, workout, then undress, shower & redress before getting back to car and moving on. Its the other stuff that takes the time.

I think in the busy, busy lifestyles we've created for ourselves the only hope is to workout at home. The trick here though is that you have to really stick to the time you've scheduled. I've been looking into these tapes specifically designed for and by mother's. They are short I think 20 minutes but they have several tapes and a rotating schedule so you don't get bored.

You know we, humans that is, didn't use to have to worry about our weight. We actually worked for a living instead of sitting and typing for one.

[nepenthedreams]

Finding 30 minutes to do a workout isn't as much the problem maybe as the logistics of doing it. I mean even if the gym is directly in line between work and home and school you still have to park the car, check in at the gym, get changed, workout, then undress, shower & redress before getting back to car and moving on. Its the other stuff that takes the time.


That's so right on. This is why gyms need to be convenient. Since I moved further away from Healthworks, it has become a real operation to go there and I only do it if I'm going to a scheduled class. Otherwise I'll do a video at home or walk. And I'd work out during my lunch hour if only we had a shower/place to change and all that. I used to work out during lunch but I stopped going because I hated that particular gym (a whole 'nother issue).

jogging?

[ejay.livejournal.com]

you could just try jogging. just wake up 30 minutes earliar every morning and go out for 10-20 minutes.

thats what i try to do (every day/other day), and it keeps me in shape. i only do it for about 10-15 minutes (1-2 miles each time)