Monday, January 5, 2009

Gym Rats

I joined the local gym on Saturday. I swear it isn't because of the new year. I just haven't been exercising in about 6 weeks due to the cold weather and a bunch of laziness, so it was time to join, and there was money in the account.

Our local gym is a no-name brand kind of gym. There is no pool. It is located in a run-down building. The walls are covered with this board with a bunch of holes because that is where the former owners used to display clothing/racks. Apparently the bathrooms are a complete dive, but I use the toilet at my house before I leave so I haven't had to step foot in there yet. The equipment is kind of dirty. And...the weight limit on the treadmills is 275. What the heck? So, ultra fat people don't need to use a treadmill? Seriously people, that is so lame! They should have at least one heavy-duty treadmill, don't you think? This is one of the reasons I hate gyms, they aren't made for people who REALLY need a gym.

Anyway. Harold and I descend upon the gym this morning bright and early, despite our lack of sleep from a 9 year old with a stomachache. I get my tired butt onto a treadmill and about 15 minutes into the workout the machine stops cold turkey. I was busy busting a move to my new "workout" playlist on H's iPod when all of a sudden, SLAM, BAM, Thank you Ma'am. The error code was E6. Do you think that means ultra-heavy chick has worn out the belt on the treadmill? I have no idea, I didn't ask, and I didn't like it.

So, I hop over to a different treadmill because there are plenty available because, despite this being the first Monday of the new year, apparently not very many people in Payson, Utah have resolved to exercise more this year (at least not at my gym). There I am, walking along on the second treadmill of the day, and it feels "off." Kinda of out of balance, leaning towards the right.

I don't know about you, but I have to SERIOUSLY concentrate when walking on a treadmill. If I don't, I'll go flying off and that would get pretty ugly. So my concentration has to be kicked up to a whole new level because of the leaning treadmill of pizza (yes, that is one of the reasons why I have to use the dang machine in the first place).

Thankfully, out of the other three people on the treadmills, two were overweight. This makes me feel a little bit better. But one of the guys did give me the "what did you do" look when my treadmill gave me the E6 error. Seriously dude, you are the same size as me, don't look at me that way! Maybe the E6 error means "hey girl, you aren't going to want to walk next to the dude on your right, when he gets his 30 minutes in on the treadmill he gets ultra stinky...move away...ASAP!" So there.

8 comments:

Holley said...

I have a love/hate relationship with treadmills. They are spoiled because everyone wants to use them. They are finicky and temperamental and have been known to fling off unsuspecting exercisers. Maybe that treadmill is going through menopause (my rant for the week) and just couldn't deal with working anymore...at least until the next hormone injection.

Good for you for getting in gear and exercising again! Good luck to both you and H. May you have a very healthy New Year!

Erin. said...

Yes, I too have a love/hate relationship with the gym. We get a free pass to the rec center with Kim's work. And, I too, have been slacking since Thanksgiving-ish...Why try and work it off when I have every intention of putting it right back on? I dread going back because everyone and their dog in Orem will be starting their resolves and the wait for machines is insane. I think they should have a rule that if you have not been there in 6 months, you have to be in a special room for new resolutions. That way the rest of us 'regulars' can still get done what we came to do. Besides, right about February, they all go home and stay there anyway!

mom/Janet said...

I hate the fact that men can be over weight and it just doesn't hold the same stigma as women. Maybe that's because we're harder on ourselves. Congratulations on the goal to get out there and make a difference.

Collette said...

I'm pretty sure that is what the E6 error message is!

Julie J. said...

Girl, you should try the eliptycal trainer. IT's hard at first, but it gets better and is so worth it.

mooney said...

The people watching at the gym is priceless. The Muscle Men kill me with their teeny, I borrowed my 5yr old's tank top on with matching short shorts.
What I am thinking about while on the treadmill is, those poor people behind me are stuck staring at my wobbly bits. That is a place where no sucking in of the tummy can stop the booty shake. Though I still try. It's so sad.

Anonymous said...

Morning exercise at home is more convenient than going to gym without provoking or disturbing the rest of the household. I prefer to do do easy workout with treadmill. Well, I have a Smooth Fitness treadmill.

Erin. said...

After reading Julie J.'s comment about the eliptical trainer....I ahve to agree. It is fabulous and gets easier, and much easier on your joints (gads! You know you're getting old when you are reffering to your joints!). If I could invest in one piece of workout equip, it would be that. Love it. Unfortunatley, so does everyone else at the Orem Rec Center.