In high school I was on the soccer team for two years, track for two years and swim team for three years, as well as taking some sort of gym class every year. Needless to say, I was pretty active. But I never actually worked out in a gym. I always counted on my coaches to tell me what to do and just playing the sport was active enough. I came to college and my first semester took my fitness class but since then I have not be able to keep as active a lifestyle as I would like. I am the type of person that does get a high after working out but actually getting me to the gym was a task in itself. Once at the gym I would not know what to do well, I knew the bike and the stair master. I would not touch a treadmill for the fear of falling and then the elliptical gave me shin splints.
So last semester I joined CHAARG. This is a group for women in college to find their fit and get off the elliptical. I have been able to at least get to the gym once a week for our small group workouts. The accountability of having to go to the small group keeps me going, although I completely have no requirement to go, but having that scheduled allows me to make time. Also having these workouts makes it more interesting than just the two machines at the gym, so I dread it less since I know I will not be bored.
These small groups also help push me since I am someone who likes to look like I can do everything and everything comes easy to me — although I cannot do everything. Since there are girls working out with me, it helps push me since I don't want to look weak. I know there is no judgement and that they are all probably focused on themselves, and it helps me that there are others around. Not only for trying to look strong, but since I am an extreme extrovert working out with others allows me to get energy from those around me! Having both of these pushing factors has allowed me to really get through these work outs, and after I work out I have that post-workout high.
My roommate also made me go to the spin/cycling class that Salisbury offers. I of course was saying I don't want to go and when we first started I hated every part of the class. But once I lowered my seat even more it became more bearable. I have now become obsessed with Spin but of course next Friday when it is time to go I will probably be dreading it but the feeling I get after always makes it worth it.
