So I was thinking today about how I kind of hated the Y at first, but it's really not that bad, and if it was WAY cheaper than my gym I would be fine joining it. So I did some research. Regular membership is $65/month. So if you include the fact that I pay $15/month for locker and laundry service, I'd only save $180/year by joining the Y. Not enough. And then I found the "Center City Young Adult Membership" for people ages 16-29. That is $39/month. And would therefore save me about $550/year. THAT is a lot.
Considering that I only go to the gym to do cardio 4-5 times a week, this might be worth looking into. But I don't know how I can leave everything that I love about the fancy gym. I think I'm going to wait and see just how fancy the renovations make the fancy gym before I make my decision. Really though, I don't know if it matters if I'm only using it for cardio purposes. I really could use that $550/year for other stuff. And it would annoy me less when I'm out of town for months at a time that I'm being charged $40/month rather than $85. What to do?
I would probably do this right now if I didn't REALLY want to see the renovations to the fancy gym.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
ok. time for a break.
I'm freaking exhausted. I went to the gym this afternoon, and it was fine, but I am just SO TIRED that I'm going to skip yoga tonight. I think that's acceptable.
Also, is it possible that I have some kind of weather-related Seasonal Affective Disorder or whatever it's called? Because it is super shitty outside, and I'm super tired.
As much as I like my Thursday night yoga class, I think that when I'm dragging ass like I am today, I have to give myself a break. Otherwise my body is going to revolt against me.
If this happens again next week, and I'm physically incapable of getting my butt to yoga more than twice a week, I may abandon the Tuesday night class so that I can keep going on Thursday and Sunday...because I like those classes better.
That is all. Is it bed time yet?
Also, is it possible that I have some kind of weather-related Seasonal Affective Disorder or whatever it's called? Because it is super shitty outside, and I'm super tired.
As much as I like my Thursday night yoga class, I think that when I'm dragging ass like I am today, I have to give myself a break. Otherwise my body is going to revolt against me.
If this happens again next week, and I'm physically incapable of getting my butt to yoga more than twice a week, I may abandon the Tuesday night class so that I can keep going on Thursday and Sunday...because I like those classes better.
That is all. Is it bed time yet?
Busy week
Between the 'getting used to the Y' thing, and the fact that this is the first week since I started taking hot yoga that the yoga and pilates studies are fully functioning AND I'm in town, I've been pretty busy this week. The way I have my schedule worked out, I've been going to pilates or yoga Monday - Thursday and then again Saturday and Sunday. It's kind of a lot. While I like having something to do after work other than sitting on my ass watching TV, I'm starting to get a bit burned out I think. Also I've been sleeping like crap this week for some reason. So that's not helping.
Anyway, sadly, because I'm trying to conserve vacation time, I actually have to work this Friday. I know, what? That's crazy. And it's going to suck. Luckily, the partners and managers all have a meeting all day, so no one will notice if/when I bounce a little early. Saturday I have pilates and a lot of cleaning and errands to do; Sunday I have yoga and then the annual Christmas Cookie Making Day at Kristin's. Good times. I can't believe that I'm going home for Christmas a week from Saturday. It's crazy! It is, however, kickass that next Friday is the last day that I have to work untl Jaunary 5. Yay.
Ok I'm going to take my tired butt to the gym now. I don't think my mood is at all enhanced by the fact that it's been all gross and rainy for the past two days. Boo.
Anyway, sadly, because I'm trying to conserve vacation time, I actually have to work this Friday. I know, what? That's crazy. And it's going to suck. Luckily, the partners and managers all have a meeting all day, so no one will notice if/when I bounce a little early. Saturday I have pilates and a lot of cleaning and errands to do; Sunday I have yoga and then the annual Christmas Cookie Making Day at Kristin's. Good times. I can't believe that I'm going home for Christmas a week from Saturday. It's crazy! It is, however, kickass that next Friday is the last day that I have to work untl Jaunary 5. Yay.
Ok I'm going to take my tired butt to the gym now. I don't think my mood is at all enhanced by the fact that it's been all gross and rainy for the past two days. Boo.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
My Gym Might Spoil Me: Update
Ok, so I just went to the Y again...today I went at 1:15 instead of 11:30 and it was MUCH better. I virtually had my pick of cardio equipment and was able to get an elliptical that didn't look like a hotel gym reject. It did look like it might have been bought used at a garage sale, but it was at one time a quality machine. After my (stupid) 30 minute routine, I got on a bike. This was a far more successful outing today (also compounded by the fact that I don't have a lock for a locker yet, so I left all of my valuables locked in my drawer at the office...yesterday I may have spent 45 minutes worrying if my wallet would be stolen).
So it's not so bad. Also, I did not notice this yesterday, but there is a large indoor track in the upstairs region of the Y, which I suppose would be nice if I liked to run in a non-treadmill situation. I can tolerate this until January 5. But hopefully no later. I miss being spoiled.
Speaking of spoiled, I'm off to yoga tonight, and I'm still a bit sore from Sunday. Hopefully that will work itself out. It's only a 60 minute class today instead of the regular 90, so that should help things. It may not leave time for me to play with my headstand though.
So it's not so bad. Also, I did not notice this yesterday, but there is a large indoor track in the upstairs region of the Y, which I suppose would be nice if I liked to run in a non-treadmill situation. I can tolerate this until January 5. But hopefully no later. I miss being spoiled.
Speaking of spoiled, I'm off to yoga tonight, and I'm still a bit sore from Sunday. Hopefully that will work itself out. It's only a 60 minute class today instead of the regular 90, so that should help things. It may not leave time for me to play with my headstand though.
My Gym Might Spoil Me
That was the most PC way I could find to express what I WANTED to title this post: The Y is for Poor People.
So as I've mentioned, I have to go to the uptown YMCA until January 5th because my gym is undergoing renovations (which HAD BETTER BE DONE ON TIME). I went for the first time yesterday. And oh my god. I hated every second of it. EVERY SECOND. Below is a list that you can read two ways: "What is Wrong with the Y" or "How the Charlotte Athletic Club Spoils Jen."
CAC: The locker room has beautiful wood lockers and leather benches to sit on while getting dressed. The showers are stocked with good shampoo, conditioner, and soap; there are hair dryers, straight irons, curling irons, deodorant, hairspray, hair ties, and everything else you might require to work out and clean off afterwards.
Y: The locker room looks like the one in my high school (pre-renovation). It has an endless maze of gross metal lockers, a small area with about 3 hair dryers if you need them, and showers which I was afraid to use.
CAC: I have my own permanent locker with my name on a silver plaque; every day when I finish my workout, I put my gym clothes on a numbered lanyard and the next day when I come back to the gym, the clothes have been laundered and returned to my locker.
Y: There are signs literally EVERYWHERE warning you against not locking up your shit. There appear to be permanent lockers available but they are small, metal, and have your name on a piece of printer paper across the top. There is no laundry service. Because I'm only a temporary member, I now have to go buy a padlock, drag all of my shit to work, the gym, and back every day, and I have a shitload of laundry every weekend because they won't wash my clothes.
CAC: Restricted membership. As in there is a waiting list to get in so that it's never too crowded for you to do what you want when you want.
Y: Do not enter with any premeditated plans about what you want to do for cardio today. You will use whatever machine is available, and in the event that nothing is available, you have to wait.
CAC: The cardio equipment is of the highest quality, and all of the treadmills and ellipticals have TVs with full cable attached to them.
Y: The cardio equipment is similar to the kind that I see in hotel gyms, there are 5 TVs hanging on the wall but you can only hear sound if you have some kind of radio frequency listening device (does anyone have those anymore? I don't understand). Also, you can't do more than 30 minutes of cardio on one machine. It won't let you set it for more than 30 minutes. Seriously.
CAC: The few times I have taken classes, the room is beautiful, and in a secluded area. All of the basketball courts and handball/squash areas are upstairs, away from the cardio and lifting areas.
Y: In the middle of the downstairs region, between the cardio area and lifting area, are basketball courts which are divided from the cardio/lifting areas and from each other by mesh fabric hung from the wall. So that when you're running, you can watch AND HEAR people playing basketball AND a step class going on in front of you.
CAC: 4 blocks from office.
Y: 7 blocks from office.
(And, because it wouldn't be fair for me to not acknowledge the one positive element of the Y):
CAC: Full use of the Omni Hotel's rooftop pool (not a lap pool, but it has lounge chairs).
Y: Large lap pool. If I had any desire to start swimming, I guess I could.
I literally can't believe that I only pay $15 more to be a CAC member rather than a member of the Y. I mean I got in right when the gym opened, so it's a bit more expensive now, but still.
Ok. End rant. Until I find something else to complain about (likely tomorrow). Am I just unusually spoiled, or does the Y truly suck? You be the judge.
So as I've mentioned, I have to go to the uptown YMCA until January 5th because my gym is undergoing renovations (which HAD BETTER BE DONE ON TIME). I went for the first time yesterday. And oh my god. I hated every second of it. EVERY SECOND. Below is a list that you can read two ways: "What is Wrong with the Y" or "How the Charlotte Athletic Club Spoils Jen."
CAC: The locker room has beautiful wood lockers and leather benches to sit on while getting dressed. The showers are stocked with good shampoo, conditioner, and soap; there are hair dryers, straight irons, curling irons, deodorant, hairspray, hair ties, and everything else you might require to work out and clean off afterwards.
Y: The locker room looks like the one in my high school (pre-renovation). It has an endless maze of gross metal lockers, a small area with about 3 hair dryers if you need them, and showers which I was afraid to use.
CAC: I have my own permanent locker with my name on a silver plaque; every day when I finish my workout, I put my gym clothes on a numbered lanyard and the next day when I come back to the gym, the clothes have been laundered and returned to my locker.
Y: There are signs literally EVERYWHERE warning you against not locking up your shit. There appear to be permanent lockers available but they are small, metal, and have your name on a piece of printer paper across the top. There is no laundry service. Because I'm only a temporary member, I now have to go buy a padlock, drag all of my shit to work, the gym, and back every day, and I have a shitload of laundry every weekend because they won't wash my clothes.
CAC: Restricted membership. As in there is a waiting list to get in so that it's never too crowded for you to do what you want when you want.
Y: Do not enter with any premeditated plans about what you want to do for cardio today. You will use whatever machine is available, and in the event that nothing is available, you have to wait.
CAC: The cardio equipment is of the highest quality, and all of the treadmills and ellipticals have TVs with full cable attached to them.
Y: The cardio equipment is similar to the kind that I see in hotel gyms, there are 5 TVs hanging on the wall but you can only hear sound if you have some kind of radio frequency listening device (does anyone have those anymore? I don't understand). Also, you can't do more than 30 minutes of cardio on one machine. It won't let you set it for more than 30 minutes. Seriously.
CAC: The few times I have taken classes, the room is beautiful, and in a secluded area. All of the basketball courts and handball/squash areas are upstairs, away from the cardio and lifting areas.
Y: In the middle of the downstairs region, between the cardio area and lifting area, are basketball courts which are divided from the cardio/lifting areas and from each other by mesh fabric hung from the wall. So that when you're running, you can watch AND HEAR people playing basketball AND a step class going on in front of you.
CAC: 4 blocks from office.
Y: 7 blocks from office.
(And, because it wouldn't be fair for me to not acknowledge the one positive element of the Y):
CAC: Full use of the Omni Hotel's rooftop pool (not a lap pool, but it has lounge chairs).
Y: Large lap pool. If I had any desire to start swimming, I guess I could.
I literally can't believe that I only pay $15 more to be a CAC member rather than a member of the Y. I mean I got in right when the gym opened, so it's a bit more expensive now, but still.
Ok. End rant. Until I find something else to complain about (likely tomorrow). Am I just unusually spoiled, or does the Y truly suck? You be the judge.
Monday, December 8, 2008
I'm back in the CLT
I'm back in Charlotte this week, and next week, and then I go home for a week for Christmas! I can't believe it's Christmas already. It's crazy.
The only exciting Dallas incident occurred on Thursday night. Several of the people I was with insisted on going to a "country bar" so we went to Red River, which was quite a show. There was a live country band (I recognized approximately 3 of the songs the entire night, all of which were old school Garth) and this dance floor ring that looked like a track that people were twirling around all up in doing fancy country partner dancing moves. There were naturally a lot of bars and also a mechanical bull. And a shitload of people wearing cowboy hats, boots, and giant belt buckles. I felt a bit out of place. It was Ladies Night, so the girls got in free, and then at 11 they did a balloon drop which was madness because they put money in the balloons. Susan, Megan and I got a total of $5. Which we used to support the bull riding efforts of Horrocks, Cory, and Cristi. Good times. Also, during the balloon drop, they played about 15 minutes of Top 40 Rap, and then went back to country music. It was so weird. But fun.
Friday we had an early flight back to Charlotte and I was SO TIRED. Fortunately I got upgraded to first class for the flight, but I couldn't sleep. When we landed I had to go pick up my dress from the alterations place and I was exhausted. So I then took a nap before I had to get ready for the Christmas party. AJ came over early and we started drinking. We then met people at a pregaming bar and headed to the party itself, which was at Roof with a View. We got there like 20 minutes before they stopped serving food, THANK GOD, because we were hungry and the last time I drank heavily but didn't eat at a Christmas party, I wound up vomiting. Unfortunately, AJ did not heed these warnings, and refused to eat, and so she vomited. I did fine, and we rolled about 30 deep to the Breakfast Club afterwards, which, as always, was a great time.
Saturday I felt a bit like ass (this was the first time I'd drank vodka in probably two years...but my tolerance remains somehow), so I had to skip pilates. I basically sat around all day. I didn't even leave the house. I did some stuff around the house and made a cake because I felt like it. That was about it.
Yesterday things were back to normal for the most part. I got up, started laundry, lifted, went to church, did the errands, and went to yoga. I also made dinner. I should have cleaned the kitchen but I had to work in some relaxing time. I'll have to do that this week at some point.
Yoga was awesome last night. The normal teacher was out, and my favorite teacher was subbing, so it was great. I've noticed that the temperature in the room varies greatly depending on the teacher, and I do best with Christine because she keeps the heaters on before class and then turns them off when class starts. So it's only between 80-90 degrees in there for class. When I'm not worrying so much about sweating, I can do a lot more stuff. Sally (the Tuesday night teacher) sometimes keeps it around 90 but on Thanksgiving day almost killed me, and Daniel (the normal Sunday guy) usually keeps it close to 100 which is also difficult. I guess I have to get used to it. I felt like I got a lot more out of my practice yesterday, but that could have been because I'd missed a full week so I was really ready to go.
That's about it I guess. I'm back to normal for the next two weeks. Pilates lesson tonight. I do have to go to a different gym for these two weeks because my gym is doing renovations (pictures here) so that's going to be lame today. It's a few blocks further from the office, so it'll take a bit longer. Oh well. It's only two weeks (god willing).
Hope you all have a good week, and I'll update again soon!
The only exciting Dallas incident occurred on Thursday night. Several of the people I was with insisted on going to a "country bar" so we went to Red River, which was quite a show. There was a live country band (I recognized approximately 3 of the songs the entire night, all of which were old school Garth) and this dance floor ring that looked like a track that people were twirling around all up in doing fancy country partner dancing moves. There were naturally a lot of bars and also a mechanical bull. And a shitload of people wearing cowboy hats, boots, and giant belt buckles. I felt a bit out of place. It was Ladies Night, so the girls got in free, and then at 11 they did a balloon drop which was madness because they put money in the balloons. Susan, Megan and I got a total of $5. Which we used to support the bull riding efforts of Horrocks, Cory, and Cristi. Good times. Also, during the balloon drop, they played about 15 minutes of Top 40 Rap, and then went back to country music. It was so weird. But fun.
Friday we had an early flight back to Charlotte and I was SO TIRED. Fortunately I got upgraded to first class for the flight, but I couldn't sleep. When we landed I had to go pick up my dress from the alterations place and I was exhausted. So I then took a nap before I had to get ready for the Christmas party. AJ came over early and we started drinking. We then met people at a pregaming bar and headed to the party itself, which was at Roof with a View. We got there like 20 minutes before they stopped serving food, THANK GOD, because we were hungry and the last time I drank heavily but didn't eat at a Christmas party, I wound up vomiting. Unfortunately, AJ did not heed these warnings, and refused to eat, and so she vomited. I did fine, and we rolled about 30 deep to the Breakfast Club afterwards, which, as always, was a great time.
Saturday I felt a bit like ass (this was the first time I'd drank vodka in probably two years...but my tolerance remains somehow), so I had to skip pilates. I basically sat around all day. I didn't even leave the house. I did some stuff around the house and made a cake because I felt like it. That was about it.
Yesterday things were back to normal for the most part. I got up, started laundry, lifted, went to church, did the errands, and went to yoga. I also made dinner. I should have cleaned the kitchen but I had to work in some relaxing time. I'll have to do that this week at some point.
Yoga was awesome last night. The normal teacher was out, and my favorite teacher was subbing, so it was great. I've noticed that the temperature in the room varies greatly depending on the teacher, and I do best with Christine because she keeps the heaters on before class and then turns them off when class starts. So it's only between 80-90 degrees in there for class. When I'm not worrying so much about sweating, I can do a lot more stuff. Sally (the Tuesday night teacher) sometimes keeps it around 90 but on Thanksgiving day almost killed me, and Daniel (the normal Sunday guy) usually keeps it close to 100 which is also difficult. I guess I have to get used to it. I felt like I got a lot more out of my practice yesterday, but that could have been because I'd missed a full week so I was really ready to go.
That's about it I guess. I'm back to normal for the next two weeks. Pilates lesson tonight. I do have to go to a different gym for these two weeks because my gym is doing renovations (pictures here) so that's going to be lame today. It's a few blocks further from the office, so it'll take a bit longer. Oh well. It's only two weeks (god willing).
Hope you all have a good week, and I'll update again soon!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Hi from Dallas
I had forgotten how much it totally sucks to have to travel for work all the time because I haven't had to do it in a few months. Also, our Christmas party is Friday, and we got word last night that there's a whole sketchy booze situation so we can't even get drunk. It's like management has decided to forge a battle against fun. And the economy is so bad that we all have to deal with it, because right now public accounting is one of the only reasonably secure jobs in the financial world. Awesome.
Anyway, after my shopping victory Friday, Dan and Leeann came to town so we got some dinner and then I picked up Blake from the airport. Saturday morning I went to yoga and then baked some focaccia before the football game. I've decided to avoid early morning yoga at all costs in the future. It's hard because I can't really eat first because I'll feel like I'm going to vomit. So I just have a protein shake to fill me up during class. But I still felt awful. It was similar on Thursday morning. I think I'll be avoiding all classes before noon from now on. I need something real in my belly before working out.
The football game was horrible...it was freezing cold and raining the whole time. The students were all home for Thanksgiving and most "fans" only come when we're winning, so it was almost empty, which was sad. At least we won. If we hadn't, we might have all killed ourselves. Worst conditions ever. Now we just wait to see which bowl game we'll wind up going to. But I probably won't be going to it unless it's in Charlotte because I don't want to throw down a bunch of cash to go to a sub-par bowl. And we deserve only a sub-par bowl this year.
Other than my Saturday yoga, I haven't done much working out. I didn't have time to do anything Sunday between the cleaning and laundry and packing, and we got in too late last night for me to run this morning. I did do about 20 minutes of pilates mat exercises when I got up though. I get my fat butt back to the gym tomorrow morning. I eat way too much when I'm out of town to not be working out at least once a day.
That's about it. There probably won't be much updating this week because nothing exciting really happens when I'm out of town. In fact, it's 9pm right now and I'm thinking about going to bed. I'm pretty lame on the road. But I have to get up early to get a solid workout in, so that's what happens. Hopefully between work and dinner tomorrow night, I can also get a lifting session in because I skipped that on Sunday. Good times.
Have a good week everyone.
Anyway, after my shopping victory Friday, Dan and Leeann came to town so we got some dinner and then I picked up Blake from the airport. Saturday morning I went to yoga and then baked some focaccia before the football game. I've decided to avoid early morning yoga at all costs in the future. It's hard because I can't really eat first because I'll feel like I'm going to vomit. So I just have a protein shake to fill me up during class. But I still felt awful. It was similar on Thursday morning. I think I'll be avoiding all classes before noon from now on. I need something real in my belly before working out.
The football game was horrible...it was freezing cold and raining the whole time. The students were all home for Thanksgiving and most "fans" only come when we're winning, so it was almost empty, which was sad. At least we won. If we hadn't, we might have all killed ourselves. Worst conditions ever. Now we just wait to see which bowl game we'll wind up going to. But I probably won't be going to it unless it's in Charlotte because I don't want to throw down a bunch of cash to go to a sub-par bowl. And we deserve only a sub-par bowl this year.
Other than my Saturday yoga, I haven't done much working out. I didn't have time to do anything Sunday between the cleaning and laundry and packing, and we got in too late last night for me to run this morning. I did do about 20 minutes of pilates mat exercises when I got up though. I get my fat butt back to the gym tomorrow morning. I eat way too much when I'm out of town to not be working out at least once a day.
That's about it. There probably won't be much updating this week because nothing exciting really happens when I'm out of town. In fact, it's 9pm right now and I'm thinking about going to bed. I'm pretty lame on the road. But I have to get up early to get a solid workout in, so that's what happens. Hopefully between work and dinner tomorrow night, I can also get a lifting session in because I skipped that on Sunday. Good times.
Have a good week everyone.
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