Gym-ing

In an effort to get myself together, I am breaking down and getting a gym membership.

First, I had to work out the financial aspect of a gym membership. When all is said an done, the membership will cost about $700 a year. That's a pretty large chunk of change. But, think about how many other expenses equal $700 a year: 1 nice dinner out monthly; a haircut monthly; a pair of shoes monthly; 4 Starbucks cappuccinos weekly; eating lunch out 5 times a month. You get the point. The truth of the matter is, I don't seriously ponder spending during those individual situations, but they are probably costing me a lot more then my gym membership. Further, a gym membership has added bonuses that those expenses do not. One, a fitness plan is healthier and more rewarding then any of those purchases. Two, if I am spending time on the elliptical, I will have less time to spend money on dinner's out and shopping sprees.

Next, I researched what I needed to know before getting a gym membership. These are things I normally went to my mother to figure out, but we all have to grow up sometime.

Questions to Ask:

1. Is there a free trial membership available for those thinking about joining. I want to make sure that I enjoy the gym before making such a commitment: are the facilities up to my standards; is the staff helpful and friendly; is it too busy to enjoy a workout when I am available; etc?
   
2. What kind of a contract am I signing - 6 months, 1 year, 2 years? Are there savings for signing on for longer?
3. Are there get-out clauses? If I move to a different city can I get out of the contract without a penalty?
4. Can I suspend my membership if I become injured, sick, or take an extended vacation?
5. If interested in training, are the trainers certified?

Realistic Detox: Cleansing on a Budget and a Schedule

After celebrating the Phillies World Series win,  I thought a real, full-body detox would be a great way to "get right" and "back in order." Authorities suggest yearly detoxing to cleanse the system.  But, if you are feeling sluggish, unusually tired or are suffering from irritated skin, allergeis, bags under the eyes, or mental confusion, detox may also be warranted.  

For those of you who are unfamiliar with detox, some acknowledged benefits are: improving blood circulation; stimulating liver and organ function to flush and eliminate toxins; and restoring healthy nutrients in your body.  

When I looked into the process it was extremely time consuming, schedule limiting, and expensive. Unlike celebrities or Housewives of Orange County, I don't have the luxury of hiring someone to help me purge in tortuous and unpleasant ways.  The demands of a full detox program would be an extreme shock to my system and involved obligations that were grossly unrealistic considering all of my other social and professional commitments. And, I must add, most of them demand you give up coffee to which I say, no way! 

So, I've compiled a list of ways to realistically detox one day at a time

• Aim to drink 8 glasses of water at room temperature with added fresh lemon juice.
• Begin or get back into your fitness routine.  According to Body + Soul magazine,  an activity that creates a sweat "glow," for 15 minutes, but ideally 30 minutes a day is sufficient for detox purposes other sites required 1 hour. 
• Finish your morning shower with alternating between the hot and cold water.  The change stimulates circulation, which stimulates the lymphatic system.  
• Make an effort to remove stressful stimulus from your life
• Add  yoga and meditation (see previous blog) to your morning or evening routine. 
• Eat plenty of fiber rich foods. 
• Focus on your breathing  before you get out of bed, before you drive your car,  or whilst sitting at your computer during the day. 
• Stretch 10 minutes a day.

Good Luck!