A gym is great.. also try to get outdoors. One reason I’m able to stay active is because im not at the gym all of the time.. i try to vary my routine with different paths to run, etc. I won’t workout if i get bored. I know its cold in Chicago so you may have to wait until Spring to do this.

Also I really don’t have much time, except on weekends to get outside. Unless I started running on my lunch hour which is a possibility. But because of my commute, I’m gone from 7:30am until at least 6pm each day.
Spring will bring more options yea.

A gym is a good idea if you are dedicated to it. As is the standard with most people, they’ll join, go a bunch at the beginning, then it drops to a few times a month and finally down to none. As long as you make it a routine and give yourself a schedule, I think it’s good.

I’ve been a member of a gym for about 5 years now and still go 2-3 times a week (schedule permitting). Lately it’s been tough as I’m in a couple leagues during the week, but still try to make it at least twice a week for cardio. It’s located right on my way home so I have no excuse as to why I can’t go once I’m off work. A few words of advice (if you want to have results and keep it):

1. Set a schedule of when you’re going to go, M-W-F, T-TH-SAT, etc. Don’t rely on some free time or you’re bored to go, make it a scheduled appointment and require something more important to cancel the gym time.

2. Try to schedule it while you’re out already. Whether it’s before you go to work or on your way home. Many people don’t go often because they will drive home after work and lose all motivation to pack things up, get back in the car and drive out again. If you bring your stuff with you to work and stop before / after, there is no excuse since you’re already out and about.

3. Track your progress and mix it up each time. Don’t just grab your same treadmill every time, set it for 30 minutes on level 4 and go … switch it up. Try out the elliptical machine, the stationary bike or the good ol track. Don’t let your body get accustomed to a certain exercise or level. The better shape you get in, the easier it will be to do said exercise, thus reducing the effectiveness. Up it to level 5 one day and go hard for 20 minutes instead of an easy 30 at level 4, etc.

Ok, that’s probably more than you were looking for, but once I get typing about that stuff, I kinda get carried away.

No that’s awesome Kev.. Thanks for all the advice. You’re totally right and I’ll have to stick to those suggestions when I start working out.

Which I’m hoping will be in the next couple of months. I’m tired of being tired. haha..

ahhhh…………..finally advice i can give you with no pre-statement of “i know exactly what you mean , i feel the same way, i am goin thru the same thing…….”
woman, when you are ready to commit, give me a call.