Another Healthy Year

Once you live on your own, it seems like every month your expenses become greater and greater. First you’re only paying for groceries and rent, then the utility bills are due, then you’re paying for dinner a few nights a week, a cab here and there will cost you, a monthly metro card (higher fees and all) is a necessity, that pesky Netflix bills seems larger, a new college loan bill begins dinging your account, you think about joining weightwatchers online, then you buy new running shoes, new work clothes, spring is coming so it’s time for the new anorak jacket you’ve had your eyes on and before you know it, you really need your internship to go full time before your savings runs out…and you didn’t even purchase the Chloe perfume you were so gung-ho on buying at Christmas.

Then there’s the gym membership that you tried so hard to put off. The other night, I joined the New York Sports Club. My bank account has suffered another fatal blow. Running in the freezing cold until my lungs couldn’t take anymore and taking two hour walks around town bundled up from my nose to my toes wasn’t cutting it. I could not stop the inevitable. I had to join a gym. I missed kickboxing classes and elliptical machines. I even missed my dreaded treadmill. But most of all, I missed feeling my phalanges while working out, so I handed over my credit card, took one long deep breath, and slipped on my running shoes.

My reaction to my new gym is the same as my reaction to any new experience that I have yet to embark on…sheer terror. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to show my sweaty, panting face at a place where everyone, even the old guy on the elliptical next to me, is in better shape than I am. This is New York after all. Models and actors walk among us normal people everyday. Actually, I think one was using the kettle ball across the room. I decided to take it slow and get used to my new surroundings. The gym was crowded, but what location isn’t in NYC? My membership allows me to use any NYSC in New York, so my first venture was to 73rd and Central Park West – it had the best reviews. My first ever spinning class tomorrow (that should be entertaining) will also be held there, but cardio kickboxing on Friday will be at 94th and Broadway. I’m all about getting the best value. One gym doesn’t do it for me. I need five within a 1 mile distance to choose from.

So this is it. The one year membership (really hope my job doesn’t relocate me somewhere else!) that will assist me in losing the 15 pounds I’ve been carrying around since I was 13. It won’t be easy. I’ve only ever been about 3 pounds lighter than I am right now since I became a teenager! Unlike some who put on a ton of weight and then work to lose it, I’ve never known myself as an adult any lighter than I am right now. It will be fun to see my transformation, and it will take a lot of time, dedication and discipline. So here’s hoping that the new gym is the final gigantic step I need to take to finally get to exactly where I want to be. Wish me luck at Spin tomorrow…I’ll need it!