Why do these people look happy?!? Photo credit: http://crossfit-wod.com/workout-for-gym/

"You have to go. You promised." I muttered to myself as I got closer and closer to the security gate, leaving work for the day. Yes, I was conversing with myself inside my head. What of it??

The turn-off to go to the company gym was within sight as I sat in my car, waiting in line to scan out of the workplace. The road was taunting me from the other side of the fence line, mocking me with it's mocking "Employee Physical Fitness Center" sign, and it's mocking bicep curls... well, if roads had biceps that could do bicep curls that is.

I had been paying the activity center fee for the last couple months, but have yet to even drive down the road past the treeline where the fitness center was poised to pounce on me as soon as I approached. Again, if inanimate objects could pounce. But if they could, I'm sure that it would!

I passed my badge over the scanner and heard the "BEEP BEEP BEEEEEP* announcing to the world that I was leaving for the day. As my car inched forward, I felt the need to just keep driving past. But I had set the goal for myself that I would weight train again at least 2 days this week. I was supposed to go last week, but Sloth Julie talked me out of it.

Me: "Okay. I have my workout clothes, I have water. On to the gym!"

Sloth Julie: "But it's been such a long day. Will you really have a good workout without getting some rest first?"

Me: "That's true. It has been a long day. But I said that I would go twice this week. Tuesday and Thursday."

Sloth Julie:  "Yeah. But it's only TUESDAY. You have Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, even Sunday to do it. That's a lot of days."

Me: "Right, but wasn't I just saying to myself how much I missed being athletic and toned?"

Sloth Julie: "Sure. But you could do exercises at home. Remember how sore you were after you did that at-home Crossfit workout? That was good."

Me: "Yeah, that was good. But if I sit down, I won't get back up again."

Sloth Julie: "You won't sit down. I'll totally stay out of the way so you can do your exercises. Promise."

Sloth Julie lied.

Bitch.

So I'm back in the same spot, my car inching towards the fitness center turnoff. This time, I had duct taped Sloth Julie, put a sock in her mouth, and threw her in the trunk of my mind. But just like throwing a real person in the trunk of your car, you can still hear the muffled yelling and kicking.

I mean... not that I would know or anything. It's just what I've heard.

With a deep breath, I turned the car to go down the narrow lane, thankful that there isn't enough room on the road to do less than an 18-point u-turn. I know this seems melodramatic, but going to a new gym, a new gym that is guaranteed to be 100% men inside (big, burly, Texan men), it's intimidating.

I know what you are saying. "It isn't a big deal. Get over it." And yeah, when I was in shape and looked great, it wasn't a big deal. I could go into any gym and not get even a glance of pity. It was just accepted, "Of course she would be here. Look at her guns, she obviously knows how to work out." When you are fat, you get looks ranging from, "Awesome! Glad to see you here." to "You are so disgusting. I have to look at YOU while I work out? Geez, they let anyone in here these days."

And no, I'm not kidding. (So if you are at the gym, be the first person, not the asshole.)

I got to the "T" intersection at the end of the lane. I was pretty sure that I wasn't supposed to turn left into the clubhouse, so the only option was across a narrow bridge over a massive river..... and by massive river, I mean a stream that was only one foot wide. I took my chance and headed over the perilous bridge. (Okay, I might be exaggerating on the "perilous" part too. Work with me.)

As I crossed the massive expanse of the bridge (all of 10 whole feet!!!) .... AH HA!! I made it!

Not gonna lie, I was a little trepidatious as I pulled up to the building, labeled "Fitness Center." It wasn't glamorous or anything. Just a plane rectangular building with metal wall paneling in what used to be white, but now appeared to be a mossy, mildewy grey. There were no cars in the lot either (sweet!). This might not be as painful as I originally thought.

After checking my Facebook and Twitter one more time (Hey! Something really important might have happened.), I walked up to the building with my badge in one hand and my work out clothes in the other. I passed my badge over the reader, grabbed the door handle, and nothing. Still locked. I tried again. Nothing.

Sloth Julie: *muffled* "It's a sign!"
Me: "There's another door right there."

Tried the second door. Nothing.

Sloth Julie: *muffled* "See? If you were supposed to be here...."
Me: "Shut up."

There had to be another way in. As I turned the corner, I saw another door tucked in the back corner of the building. Passed my badge over the card reader.....

SUCCESS!!!

Sloth Julie: *still muffled* "Damnit."
Me: *snort*

The doors opened up directly onto a basketball court. On the long wall to my right were two weight rooms. Free weights, machines, treadmills, even an erg (rowing machine). Awesome.

On the one hand, it's really nice to have the place all to yourself. On the other hand, it's creepy as f***. The kind of creep that makes you jump when the door closes behind you. But! I wasn't alone for long.....

*cue creepy Halloween music*

JUST KIDDING! It was a really nice guy named Dave who welcomed me and asked me lots of questions about what I did at the plant. After a little bit, other people came in. I wasn't as comfortable with them so I hit the trail. AFTER having done an (albeit short) upper body workout and some time on the treadmill.

All in all, it was a good visit. And I'm pretty dang proud of myself to boot. YAY ME!

Question of the day: When you get off the treadmill/elliptical, and you have that kind of floating feeling, do you ever worry that you are going to fall flat on your face? :)



Workout Accomplishments This Week:

Monday: 69 minutes if cardio, 1 upper body/core workout (with a little bit of lower body) WOO!