Progress

I've been going to the gym on a regular basis and have been seeing my personal trainer, Aaron.  It's a slow process, but slow is good.

I'm learning how to use the circuit properly and I'm pushing the limit.  I'd normally give up but I paid for this and, damnit, I'm going to do it. And when it's over, I'll keep doing it because, damnit, I paid the money to get started and will keep it up.

We've been focusing on resistance and core training because that'll help with endurance and energy.  We also did calculations of body fat and weight.

My current weight is 169 and change. I was 164 before having the baby. My goal is 155.

And I'd like to lose fat and gain muscle, so it'll definitely be something of a journey.

Holy smoke

My god, so sore :O

I joined a gym

I decided to do a bit of gym shopping because I really want to get back on track.  I was very happy when my husband also expressed interest in joining one.  His interest may have limited the number of gyms I could've visited but at least he'll join me. I'd rather do things together.

I took a look at three separate gyms and will compare the major points of each.  Sadly, I didn't look at the city community centre gyms because they were all too far. There's no way I'm going to drive through rush hour traffic for an hour to get to a gym with my husband when I can go to one that's closer and less of a headache to reach.

Koko Fitness

Pros

• Digital personal trainer to help you along and monitor your progress. Has a postpartum program.
• 1 km from my house
• No contract

Cons

• The location in Oakville is literally a store space with a dozen close together machines
• $59/mo per person
• No family packages - you can only get the $59 package
• No childcare

LA Fitness

Pros

• Least expensive gym to join
• Lots of room
• Lots of machines
• Child Care
• Classes
• Female only workout area

Cons

• Screwed my neighbour over for his contract -- made promises and went back on them
• Very expensive enrolment fee
• You pay each time you use the child care
• Parking is atrocious
• Contract

Goodlife Fitness

Pros

• The gym is very clean
• Discount rate to use only the gyms in my city
• Lots of machines
• Daycare with discounted price for two kids - unlimited use, 2 hour window per visit
• Plenty of parking
• Gym provides blow dryers, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion
• Private showers and changing areas if you're self-conscious
• Lots of locations I can visit -- I can drop the kids off at one of the Loblaws location and even do  my groceries!
• Classes - lots of classes

Cons

• The mall in which this is located is gross and ghetto
• Contract

So, we joined Goodlife.  I did my first workout today and am tired but feel good. It's a bit more expensive but I feel like it's going to be worth it.  The dealbreaker was essentially the childcare and not supporting a gym that screwed over our neighbours.

I hope to keep it up. I can go everyday and not worry about the kids. Awesome.

I ran today.

So, I went for my first run since before I was pregnant. It’s actually been about a year, now. The baby is 10 weeks old now and I had a bad day. A really bad day.
And so, after getting home from taking my 3 year old to swimming lessons, I just threw all my stuff down, pulled my new zigzag reeboks on, and went outside, with full intent to just go for a 2.5km walk.
Almost immediately after I was out the door I began to run. I ran the whole 2.5k without a break, without walking, and without overheating.
I ran the 2.5km in my jeans, a long maternity tshirt, and a yoga jacket, as it’s getting a bit chilly in Toronto this time of year.
I ran the entire 2.5km with blaring music, pounding heart, and sweat bathing my face.
And I feel fantastic.
The day doesn’t seem quite as bad anymore and even though I’ll likely regret it when I wake up tomorrow, it helped now and I think I want to do it again tomorrow.
Next week, after Thanksgiving and after my mother in law goes home, it’s to the gym to try to get back into shape and I think I’ll begin my very slow and gradual recovery training towards a 2012 half marathon.