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Monday, September 24, 2007

Gym Rat

This afternoon I tested out the gym on campus, and I have to say: I don't know why I avoided it before. It is small (certainly, it's no Bally's or 24 Hour Fitness), but they have everything you need: treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes, and lots of weight equipment; and I did fear that I'd run into a student while I was sweaty and in my workout clothes, but overall, it works (and it's free!).

So, I did the elliptical for 35 minutes at various inclines and resistances, and I felt like I worked up a good sweat. Granted, it was boring staring at the wall for those 35 minutes with only my mp3 for company (seriously, all the elliptical machine and treadmills were lined up along the wall -- boh-ring!), but it got the job done. When I got home, I did my series of leg lifts (Jane Fonda-style), my stretches, and my core work and now I'm showered and done -- and it's not quite 5 pm yet!

Awesome to have that outta the way for the evening.

Tomorrow, I have another massage, and I usually walk on Tuesdays with my friend, Erin, so I plan to continue with that as my cross training for the day. Maybe on Wednesday, I'll try a short run and see how the IT feels about that.

16 comments:

MN Mom said...

Nothing to look at...I'm surprised there wasn't any hunky male teachers around to look at on campus during your workout.

Erin said...

Way to break the school gym fear :)

I was not a fan of the rec center when I was a student. I think I hate gyms for the same reason you do-boring as hell!

Anyhow, just let me know when you want to walk (pending the doomsday forecast of more thunderstorms and rain).

Marcy said...

Please tell me there was at least some hot man meat in there? ;-)

teacherwoman said...

I remember what the gym was like at UND before we got our new wellness center. they had about 10 treadmills that ran along the wall right until the tvs. You had to stare at the wall and if you tried to look up to see the tv 10 inches above your head, you'd probably fall off the treadmill.

Nice job on the run!

ws said...

I'm surprised you didn't bring a vampire novel. At least it functions for cross training for the next two weeks...

Ryan said...

I will frame a picture of me for the next time you go to the gym that you can attach to your noggin. Kinda like hangin a carrot in front of a donkey....

David said...

Wow, so they found a way to make the elyptical and dread mill more boring, by facing them toward the wall? That would drive me nuts. They could at least face them toward the room so you can people watch, and know when someone else is looking as you attempt to clear a rogue booger mid-run.

But good for you finding a nice little hidden gem! Always nice to have convenient options.

MNFirefly said...

Awesome job, Jess!

L*I*S*A said...

Can't beat a free workout!

Neese said...

Good for you Jess, I wouldn't worry about students seeing you sweaty and all, I think it sets a fine example of the importance of physical fitness! work it!

Anonymous said...

I Love free gyms.

Krista said...

Free gym with all the stuff you need - I'm jealous! Good luck with the IT band situation. It sounds like you've got a good plan; I'm sure you'll be fine for Chicago if you keep your promise to take it easy.

Mendy said...

Free gyms are always nice. Just got through getting all caught up on your weekend (I was gone all weekend with no internet access). Sorry to hear about your IT band, I agree that resting it along with some shorter runs would be better than attempting to continue your crazy running schedule. You're going to do fine and hope it heels up quite nicely.

I'm hitting the gym today or my own basement for some xtraining, was thinking elliptical too.

Nancy said...

It might be a little boring but it could really come in handy for you in a pinch. Hope the IT gives you a break.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like your gym is at least a little more manageable than mine. Mine is AWFUL! But yay for being free!!

J~Mom said...

I wonder if the school I go to has a gym? I need to check it out. Yeah for free!