Sleep, adverbs, and suchlike.

[squeequeg]

First week at ConHugeCo seems to have gone well, though slowly. There's a delay in getting me onto the appropriate systems, so I can only do a little until that happens. Still, I've been advised to be patient and enjoy the slow time I have now.

The schedule of writing in the morning has worked, though there are problems. The first is that I need to swear off LiveJournal in the mornings, or I cut a chunk out of my writing time. So I'll be disappearing even more. The second is that although I got up at 6:15-6:30 for my old job regularly, I seem to be incapable of getting up until 7:00 now. I hit the snooze button and then don't hear it recur -- and this is the sort of alarm that's supposed to go off for a full minute before it shuts down. So either that's broken, or I'm sleeping through a full minute of beeps. I may switch alarm clocks and see what happens.

I'm looking into getting a gym membership, since I'll be walking less with the shorter commute. Any advice from Boston people on a good gym for an overweight woman with body self-image issues?

And now I'm going to read through the novel, decide whether I've fixed the major problems, and begin a polishing edit. I've already played a merry game of "cull the adverbs" with half of the draft. Here, little adverb, let me find you so I can STOMP ON YOU!

Comments

[laobscuridad.livejournal.com]

Back when I lived in the area, I went to FitCorp for a little bit, and they seemed pretty good. You can meet with a personal trainer who will talk with you about your goals and put together a workout plan for you. They were really nice. I don't know about cost, though, since I had a discounted Harvard-based membership at the time. Check with your Member Benefits office - ConHugeCo may have discounted membership rates for a local gym.

[laobscuridad.livejournal.com]

"Fitness Reimbursement Program
Recognizing the importance of fitness and good health, ConHugeCoprovides eligible employees an annual reimbursement for a fitness center membership or a qualified fitness-related expense. Employees may participate in the Fitness Reimbursement Program in addition to receiving any discounts or reimbursements that may be offered by the medical coverage options."

[laobscuridad.livejournal.com]

*sigh*....and of course, you already have this information. Doh!

[stealthmuffin.livejournal.com]

That's why I'm now considering it. I might actually be able to afford a gym membership now.

I think FitCorp is affiliated with ConHugeCo as well, which means that I get a discounted membership, but am not allowed to request reimbursement. And they looked quite expensive (though quite, quite nice).

[2h2o.livejournal.com]

Just pick a gym you like. I know it's easy to feel self-conscious about the hyper-fit individuals you'll see, but people aren't there to judge you, and you might be surprised to see the state of some regulars. The gym I've been going to recently has a lot of fat white-haired men, for example.

I'd suggest going running with your twin, but the image scares me too much. How about this instead: The Ronaldympics. We'll make you face off in a series of physical challenges for the fate of mankind. That should be motivating.

[stealthmuffin.livejournal.com]

Only if one of the challenges is Being Born First.

[sal-sal.livejournal.com]

Not fair!

[stealthmuffin.livejournal.com]

Well, seeing as you'd kick my ass in most other physical challenges, I need to take my advantages where I find them.

Besides, you've got the Being Youngest challenge down pat.

[sigerson.livejournal.com]

What happens if I win?
What happens if either one of them wins?

I think we should compete for the freight of mankind.

[stealthmuffin.livejournal.com]

I think we should compete for pie.

[mjhamilton.livejournal.com]

If you are dealing with body image issues, I would pick a gym with a women-only area. The gym I (infrequently) use in Arlington has one, and it generally populated with women with imperfect bodies. Although, the skinny girls aren't exactly banned and do show up sometimes.

[cycon.livejournal.com]

Skinny is imperfect too.

[laobscuridad.livejournal.com]

Or a women-only gym - my mom goes to Curves, and she loves it.

[stealthmuffin.livejournal.com]

I'd been looking at HealthWorks a bit, but they're a little out of my way. Still, they seem like a good place.

[jenwrites.livejournal.com]

I really liked Healthworks back when I worked a few blocks away from it, but it has lots of Women With Perfect Bodies (TM) at it, which could be frustrating some times. But it was a good gym.

[silvarwyrm.livejournal.com]

I'm happy with my gym, Boston Sports Club (I go to the one in Central). The people there run the full gamut of fitness levels so I've never felt embarrassed about my own body type. There seem to be a lot of young working types, which makes me feel like I fit in. Rather than a competitive atmosphere I find it's just a bunch of people working out. It's quite expensive though. :/

Atmosphere is important, but also be sure to find a place that works for you. Doing only elliptical or treadmill machines is very boring for me, and I can't be bothered to do actual iron-pumping stuff, so a variety of machines and instructor-led classes was important for me in choosing a place.

Also remember to get a good location - it has to be convenient enough that you can and will go there as often as you need/want to...

So yeah. Other suggestions & comments: I've heard good things about Curves and Arlington Health & Fitness near me is super cheap and unintimidating (although perhaps too far for you?). Lida didn't like the Bally's in Porter - said it was too intimidating.

Good luck....

[ellinor.livejournal.com]

Uhm, I don't have any gym recommendations, but I am wondering on whose behalf you're asking. Overweight? You? Not seeing it. Clearly the body image issues have overtaken the truth.

But good luck finding a gym - exercise is a great idea regardless.

::hugs::

[stealthmuffin.livejournal.com]

Body image is some. Some of it's also the feeling of being out of shape, rather than the looks. Sitting for so long leaves me feeling spanked by gravity.

I also attribute any times that I look in shape to the fashion sense of others. I wouldn't look this good if it weren't for sigerson.

[lavacasefue.livejournal.com]

Got over here from ltlbird's journal...hope you don't mind my chiming in. Last I checked, Curves was highly pro-Republican and gave financial support to anti-abortion groups. YMCAs can often be a good choice. The one in Central Square in Cambridge is not bad at all, and pretty reasonably priced as gyms go. And people of all shapes and sizes attend.

[stealthmuffin.livejournal.com]

Chime away. Yeah, that's why I'm not going with Curves; while the CEO can give his money to whoever he wants, I don't want to give it to him. I'll check out the YMCA.