Why I Became a Gym Rat Mom
by Lena Vogelgesang
Jan 22, 2017
After my first baby was born, I soon realized that I needed assistance in being proactive to lose the baby weight.
I was not motivated to work out on my own at home. It was too easy to simply take a nap, or binge watch a TV show rather than pop in a work out DVD. I needed a support system, so I looked for a gym to join.
But I have a child now and I can't just go to the gym at the drop of a hat and leave him unattended. Thankfully, there are a few gyms out there that recognize the need to provide a child-care service.
I discovered the YMCA is a great choice for a gym for young moms and typically offer one hour of free childcare per day. It sure made it convenient to drop my baby off and get a solid 45 minute work out in.
Article Continues Below Advertisement
This is what I found waiting for me with my gym membership:
TIME TO YOURSELF
Whether it is an hour in the middle of the day or at the bookends, getting that endorphin high is well worth it. To be alone with no one requiring anything of me was bliss. Even if it's to wrestle through the meal plan for the next week while in the middle of a crunch, or planning the next birthday event, it is amazing what one can think through and process in one hour while in the midst of a good cardio regime.
CLASSES
Zumba? Body Sculpt? Spin Class? Yoga? Water Aerobics? I say try them all! Do you thrive when someone else shows you what to do? A new activity can be riveting. It not only challenges new muscles groups, it can also give you an opportunity to have adult conversations while keeping your heart rate up. Also, you never know what you might be incredibly good at, until you try it.
ACCOUNTABILITY
You become a big deal in the gym. People will look for you, expect to see you and ask you where you were if you don't show up. It is lovely to be expected and missed. No matter what your personality type is like, over time you find your niche and realize that the people at the gym are on your side to help you reach your fitness goals.
Article Continues Below Advertisement
Take a minute, Google " gyms near me", and see what you find. There may be a YMCA or similar center near you. Many gyms are offering special sign-up deals for the New Year. I found it well worth the money and have enjoyed the fitness community offered at a family friendly gym.
Lena Vogelgesang
Lena likes to define herself by the Seven C’s: Christ, Chris, Children, Comrades, Coffee, Cheese, & Cardio. Due to her love of coffee and cheese, she must also have a relationship with increasing her heart rate. The Lord has given her a wonderful husband in Chris and they have two young boys.
