Plenty Of Time To Think - Fitness

I joined our local YMCA about 4 years ago as a last ditch effort to improve my fitness. At that time I also got myself a Personal Trainer so I have several fitness routines written out. I was very dedicated at first and met with my Trainer monthly. Then I started thinking it was ridiculous to just have her stand there watching me do my routine. It felt like it was becoming more of a social hour as we chatted throughout the entire routine instead of her challenging me, encouraging me, inspiring me, etc. So I changed Trainers and got just what I was looking for. At first I met with her monthly until we got to know each other and set up a few new routines. Then I cut back to every other month trying to make my dollars stretch further. Then the pandemic set in and all fitness centers closed.

This past year has been difficult as we all know. I went from active to a slug bug couch potato. During the summer I did do outside gardening and walking, but those activities do not provide the same exertion level for me that the Cardio equipment at the Y provides. I was elated when the gyms were allowed to open back up. Or so I thought. Despite the Y's best efforts, some people are not following the rules and that makes me anxious. Group classes (I have 2 faves) have also been banned despite proper distancing guidelines.

The end result is that I have been very inconsistent in regards to my fitness. On one hand I seem to prefer to "just sit" , yet on the other hand I feel eager to "get moving"! I have been really struggling with these thoughts since mid-November. I still have 2 Trainer sessions paid for that I have not been able to use yet, but despite that I have had thoughts of letting my Y membership go by the wayside and trying it alone at home.

One of the big factors that brought me to the Y originally was the equipment. I have none at home. I could either invest in home equipment, which is very expensive, or use the Y's. Now a couple things are influencing my thoughts. One is our DD. On her Christmas list this year was 15# and 30# free weights and a Slam Ball. Wow! She is such an inspiration to me in so many ways! The other influence has been KALLISWALKER. In several of her blogs she has talked about her Y-tube Fitness Streak so I went to the internet to check it out. Have you seen all of the available options? OMG, there is a gazillion! ! ! Take a look.

I had surgery on my foot today and will need to stay off from it for at least 2 -3 weeks. Today I searched out a 10 minute Seated Upper Body video on Y-tube. It was great! I know that SP has a library of Seated Fitness Routines also that I can use. I'm still a bit nervous about giving up my Y membership because during the winter months I really depend on their Elliptical machines when it is just too dangerous for me to walk outside on the icy sidewalks/roads.

Just wondering what all of you think about using home vs fitness center. Which do you use? Do you feel like you get an adequate challenge? What equipment is your favorite? Anything else to consider?