I Find Sanity at the YMCA

I joined the local YMCA this past January to try to lose the last pounds of baby weight. Walking, which is my exercise of choice, was just not going to be enough help me burn more calories.

I have never been a "gym" person. In college, I frequented Ramsey occassionally, but never really understood how to use the machines and was too scared to take an exercise class like step or spin. Besides, I enjoyed walking outside in Athen's great weather and beautiful neighborhoods. When I graduated college, I may not have known what an elliptical machine was, but I knew every back road to get me around Athens!

When I became a member of the Y in January, I was joining to lose weight, get out of the house, rev up my endorphins, get in shape, maybe build some muscle tone. And, hey, they have a nursery for Andrew.

Fast forward 10 months. Do you know why I go to the gym now? Why I rarely miss a week day and sometimes even go on Saturdays?

It is not to burn 500 calories in one 45 minute spin class; it is not to build muscle strength by lifting weights; it is not to run a seven minute mile; or even to release endorphins in my brain for a quick pick me up (that is what caffeine is for, people).

No. I go to the gym for the NURSERY. You heard (read) me right. I frequent the Y not for my physical well-being, but for my emotional/spritual/sanity well being. Did I mention that Andrew is 16 months?!

The nursery at the Y is an $8 a month babysitting service that I use for at least one hour every day. I'm no math major, but that is a CHEAP babysitter. This is a real deal, ya'll. I get a workout; Andrew gets to play with new toys and friends; and we both get a break from each other.

I look forward to going to the gym. And not for a great sweat or rush of feel-goodness. But for a chance to have someone else watch my wild man and maybe to talk to other adults. I need the nursery at the Y. For my sanity.

Rarely does an event occur that causes us to miss going to the Y. It is a daily priority. Schedule an appointment? They can wait till after our morning workout. Raining? Grab an umbrella. Cold? Put on an extra layer of clothes. I even lugged Andrew out to the Y when tornadoes watches were covering Dougherty County. I figured we were probably safer in their concrete building anyway.

And, do know what I just found out?? For a few extra bucks a month, I can take a SHOWER at the YMCA!!! I am kinda excited about this possibility. After Andrew dropped his morning nap, showers had to be taken when he was napping at 1pm. Morning showers have been non-existent for about 3 months. You do not know how many errands I have run or lunches I have eaten with my hair still in a ponytail and lot's of deodorant! (Thank you inventors of Dove deo!).

Of course, showers have never really been a priority of mine, so I am not sure if I will actually take advantage of this offer. But, it would be nice to buy groceries with my hair "fixed" every once in a while.