Monday, November 7, 2016

Why I Never Go to the Gym. Plus, a $25 Dick's Gift Card Giveaway (Courtesy of XShadyside 24 hour gyms Pittsburgh)

Confession: I love to workout but I'm not a member of a gym or fitness place. I don't go to spin classes, yoga classes or anything else. I basically run outside year round, ride my bike when I can, occasionally swim at the local rec center with the geriatric crowd and do core work on the floor of my living room (as if I do core work, right).

The whole gym thing is just not for me, mostly because:
  • I'm cheap
  • I don't want to drive there
  • I like being outside even if it's a snowing/raining/gusting
  • Sometimes gyms, well, they smell (BO, too much perfume, farts)
  • I don't like grunting people lifting weights
  •  I tend to fall off the equipment
My gym

Not so say the gym is a bad idea. It's just not for me. I used to go to a gym - mostly to do yoga and simply for the company of people. Maybe I'm becoming anti social in my older age.

That said, I know that there are countless reasons people love to hang at the gym.
  • Accountabilty - Your gym rat friends are waiting for you. Don't let them down.
  • Bathrooms nearby - Yeah, if I did go to the gym this would be reason #1. I've had far too many emergencies with not place to go.
  • Protection from the weather - Because it's always about 70 degrees and dry in the gym.
  • Force you to cross train - If you are paying x number of dollars a month for a gym membership, maybe you will actually cross train.
  • Meet people - If you're into that sort of thing
  • People watching - From fake boobs to bulges to perfect and imperfect bodies, it's all there.
  • Child Care - Huge bonus if you've got little ones. 

So, want to win $25 to Dick's Sporting Goods to get some new fancy workout gear (to wear to the gym or not, you decide. Or you could just get a golf shirt). Enter here. Giveaway ends 11/14. Open to US residents. You must enter a comment to enter. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SUAR

Giveaway is courtesy of 24 hours gyms Pittsburgh

135 comments:

  1. Yes I am! Having an option for childcare so I can run solo is my main reason

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  2. No gym for me! I don't even own a treadmill. It's running outside for me.

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  3. I'm with you on gyms! Although I love that they keep people accountable, they are often so intimidating! And, if you don't go in with a plan regarding weights, you often have no idea what to do. Home gyms and outdoor runs are where it's at!

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  4. Too cheap to join a gym, plus I prefer to be outdoors.

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  5. Love the gym!!! But, I'm military. So it's free. :)

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  6. I'm not a fan of gyms either, I prefer to not worry if anyone is looking at me

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  7. Funny- I used to be all about the gym. Then we moved further away from our closest gym (now it's about 15 minutes away) and I never go. So I'm paying for a membership I never use. I think next year we will just upgrade the home gym and forgo the fancy membership.

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  8. Not a member right now. They're opening a new one near me though, so maybe I'll give that one a try.

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  9. I have a membership to Planet Fitness and maybe use it monthly. I much prefer being outside as well. I want to actually incorporate some strength training after this 50k, so hopefully I'll be back!

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  10. I quit the gym years ago...best decision I've ever made.

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  11. No gym membership for me! I don't even own a treadmill.

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  12. No gym for me! I bought a treadmill so I can workout whenever I want to.

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  13. I do have a gym membership but like you, I prefer being outdoors running and hold off to go to the gym during the winter or random hurricane...

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  14. I like gyms for the strength training classes but don't belong to one currently since it's inconvenient and have a local college fitness center I can use for free.

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  15. I like variety (even when I am seriously training for something, the cross training keeps me sane...and as it turns out, uninjured---go figure) so I currently belong to 2 gyms (*ducks*). I have an unlimited membership at a Pure Barre studio and I just picked up a package at Orange Theory (4 sessions/month). There is a huge social component in this for me because I often tend to run solo .

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  16. I belong to a Crossfit gym. It holds me accountable to get cross training in.

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  17. I'm super cheap. Plus, all I did when I did go to a gym was run on the treadmill...and only if there was ice outside!

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  18. I have a membership, but I never go. It was great for me when I needed accountability. But I'm much better at getting outside and getting my workout done on my own.

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  19. I teach once class a week at the gym for: A. free membership B. strength training and C. use of treadmill if the weather is just too hideous outside. I'm with you though . . . wold much rather be running outside :-D

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  20. YYEEEESSSSS!!! I like using weight machines so I don't drop barbells on myself, plus the childcare option is crucial.

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  22. Yes, because I get a free membership for teaching spin!

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  23. I didn't go to the gym for over 15 years but after experiencing injury after injury running, I decided it was time to up my core strength and put some stress on my ligaments and tendons. HUGE improvement in my running health. I go to a gym that has HIIT classes. In and out, they tell me what to do and I'm done. Then I can think when I'm running :-)

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  24. Gym membership is the first expense to go when you are trying to save money. Though I'd probably still be a member if the child care times at the nearby gym worked for me, but they don't.

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  25. I was having better luck with Orange Theory, but now I've fallen off that wagon too...for no good reason other than laziness. It was totally helping me get stronger and faster (and, oh yeah, also giving me IT band troubles).

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  26. I love my gym membership for when I wimp out during a cold weather run!

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  27. No. I live in the middle of nowhere and the nearest gym is 15 miles away. Ambition to drive that far to workout? ha ha NO. We set up our basement with treadmills, weights, and a giant TV to watch trash TV while pounding out the miles instead.

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  28. No gym membership for me! Too cheap. But I love the stationary bike and could just ride for hours (not heavy workout, but at a decent speed) if I could read/watch tv while doing it. So I've thought about buying one for my house. or not... :) because running is way better. hahaha!

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  29. Not a member of a gym. Too pricey and with all the resources available online and outdoors there isn't a need for me.

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  30. I have a gym membership and LOVE it! I go 5 days a week, in addition to running 7 days a week. I lift weights, go to TRX classes and yoga classes.

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  31. I am not a gym member, too expensive for my student budget. I run, bike, and attempt to lift weights while watching netflix (I usually do 3 reps and forget I am supposed to be working out).

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  32. I'm a member, but never go. Run outside and do workouts at home.

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  33. Yeah I'm a gym rat......
    Or used to be. You made me realize I've got to do a better job at cross training!

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  34. I joined a gym when I moved house & thought I might get lost whilst out running! I only ever used the treadmill as the other machines scared the hell out of me! Anyway one Sunday I was running on the machine, it was a beautiful spring day & as I ran I looked longingly out of the window & thought for goodness sake buy a bloody street map woman! I did, I still got lost but I never set foot in the gym again! And another thing I actually prefer running in downright adverse weather cos I think I'm a bit strange! They've just forecast snow here in the U.K. So here's hoping!!

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  35. I was a gym member and never renewed my 6 month registration. I have to get a membership because I don't like dripping sweat in my living room.

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  36. I am a member of a gym because 1) it's cheap for me (milking that student discount!), 2) I've had enough injuries/physical limitations that having access to non-impact cardio is a must, and 3) I'm really stupid lazy about doing strength training unless I feel obligated to do it because of the gym membership. Plus there's a sauna, and my gosh that feels nice sometimes!

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  37. Not a member of a gym. I live in Louisiana and can run outside throughout the year.

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  38. I'm in total agreement. Last time I joined a class I tore out my knee doing improper lunges! Plus when you are outside or alone, no one is paying attention to your B.O or farts!

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  39. I go to LA Fitness. It's across the street from work so it's very convenient to take a spin class or swim at lunchtime or before work. My runs are outside the majority of the time and I even run past XShadyside every now and then although I have never noticed it. I'm too busy taking in all of the sights I guess. I used to do more treadmill running but I now avoid it in lieu of getting outside.

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  40. It isn't the gym so much. It's the locker room. It's isn't just the women with perfume. I've been swimming a little later (that retired thing) and one guy is awash with some foul smelling perfume. I actually went back out and revisited the hot tub till he was gone. There's another one with bad BO and that's after he gets out of the pool and showers. And stale cigarette smoke, don't get me started.

    And yes, I know I can't win. But tell you what. Put me in the draw. If I win I'll generously gift it to you or one of your buddies.

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  41. I'm a faithful gym rat. Although I do run outside 95% of the time.

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  42. I am pretty good about going to my gym for weights. My saggy skin would look REALLY saggy if I didn't do weights at least once a week.

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  43. I used to be a faithful gym-goer until I started running. Now I HATE the days I am stuck inside to workout because it is unsafe outside (icy, dodging snow plows, lightning and thunder, etc.)
    I blame my job for making me anti-social, I hate going places and having people ask me about city business.

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  44. Hate to say it, but I have a gym membership and still don't cross train. Ha. Only go for the group training runs!

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  45. I have a free gym membership through my college but I mainly use it for free weights and the stretching equipment. They have different sized foam rollers and massage balls that are really helpful for running and I like the ability to cross train with weights.

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  46. I belong! lol, I like the classes offered and weight training :) plus PEOPLE WATCHING

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  47. I'm not a member of a gym because I prefer to exercise alone.

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  48. I'm also too cheap to have a membership to the gym. I have a punch card to the local rec center that I've had for 5 plus years for that occasional run on the treadmill when the snow is super deep. That's usually the only day I lift weights too :)

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  49. I work at a physical therapy office, so I get to work out for free!

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  50. I am a member at a gym, but haven't used it much lately. I have a broken foot, so that makes it hard! We also have to be members because my daughter swims at the gym we belong to.

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  51. I *am* a member of a gym for about 5 years now! I find running on a treadmill next to others very motivating and makes me run a little further or a little faster!

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  52. The ONLY reason I go to a gym is because my local Y is open at 5 a.m., is super-cheap, has an immaculate locker room & showers so I can work out or run before work and then get ready for work without going back home.

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  53. I'm not a member of a gym, I like working out for free.

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  54. Not a fan of gyms, but I live in an apt and take advantage of their gym...running at 5am means the treadmill many days unfortunately

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  55. I like to kill two birds with one stone, and lift weights in the teeny tiny weight room at the pool.

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  56. I am not a member of a gym. Outside running or cycling, all the time. Zero strength training.

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  57. I built a gym in my garage thanks to craigslist. My body thanks me for the cross training days... or at least I think it does.

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  59. I do because...
    I don't have a treadmill or much of anything else at home.
    I like the classes offered.
    It's close by.
    It's really cheap for my family of three.
    Winters here can be brutal, sometimes eliminating outside walking/hiking/running.

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  60. Yeah, gyms. I just can't. So many reasons....besides the smells (farts, BO, perfume)...the icky lighting...the carpet that I am sure was never ever vacuumed or cleaned...the creepy man who would swim in my lane no matter how many were open...the idle chit chat (is this a social club?!?!?).
    I am thankful and consider myself blessed that I have my running and biking and don't get discouraged from heading out in the cold/wind/rain/heat.
    I do belong to a yoga studio that also has barre and boxing classes (and is the most immaculate place I've ever been to). So I get the cross training I need. But yeah...I'm with you on gyms.

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  61. I love the gym! Here in the PNW, it rains a lot, so the gym is the place for me.

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  62. No to the gym... I want to, but I just can't.

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  63. I pay for a gym and workout at hone /boggle

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  64. Joined a gym at the urging of my teenager. Never though I'd like a treadmill but it's easy for planning and no worried about weather. It is always too hot though. Still love the trail best.

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  65. I belong to a gym for the cross training! Mainly because I'm not accountable enough to do that on my own, and classes solve that.

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  66. I really enjoy attending bootcamp class at my gym to cross train. I also like having the option to run on the treadmill even though I don't use it too often.

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  67. I go to boot camp at the local rec center for $3 per class but no membership to a gym!

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  68. I am not a member of a gym currently but I would like to be! I love the classes.

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  69. Yes, for weight lifting purposes (BodyPump). If I didn't do this in a group fitness class, I probably wouldn't do it.....

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  70. I'm a member of the Y so if I don't go, I don't feel bad about paying my dues anyway because it helps kids programs. 99% of the time I go it's to swim, but I will pop in now and then just to take a shower if I am out running and don't want to go all the way back home!

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  71. I'm a 24 hour fitness member. I absolutely love the gym for my weight lifting workouts.

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  72. I am too cheap to belong to a gym. Just push me out the door and I will get a good workout in outside!

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  73. I don't belong to a gym either. I prefer to be outside exercising. I do have a treadmill in my basement that I resort to if it icy but prefer the great outdoors!

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  74. My workplace has a gym. Yay!!! I normally go about 3x a week for resistance training. I don't run on the treadmill - I prefer running outside. Confession, I haven't been to the gym in a few weeks because I've been super busy with work and I'm also taking a couple of classes. Not a great excuse, but it is true. I plan on going back regularly when this semester is over.

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  75. I am not a member of a gym because I prefer to exercise outdoors.

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  76. I have a community center pass, which I guess technically is a gym membership, but it's definitely not your stereotypical gym, and sometimes it has the equipment I want and sometimes it doesn't. It works for what I need, though. Hoping to have my own home gym in the future because I also hate driving there.

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  77. I'm not a gym person...I prefer to exercise outdoors year round in Wisconsin. I can't imagine having an audience for it. Someone always feels the need to point out how red my face is. Why do people do that?!

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  78. I am not. Basically for all the reasons you listed. I have quite the home gym though!

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  79. I have a membership to the cheapest gym in the area - $10 per month. But I never go. I got it for when the weather is SUPER bad. But I figure if I don't want to run in it, then I probably shouldn't be driving in it either. So... yeah, I'll probably be canceling the membership.

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  80. yes I am. Mostly because drivers in Michigan in winter are pricks. I like living so find it helpful to have a place to run wherein I will not get hit by a large motorized vehicle. And, because running makes me poop and I like to have a bathroom close so I don't shat myself.

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  81. Gym membership for me - its for peace of mind knowing if I don't have time to run when its safe outside I can safely run inside. I can use weights that I have no way to store at home and machinery that pushes me to become stronger and better. I like having the flexibility and "safety net" that is the gym. I go at least 3 times a week, there is a pool, and I like the people I meet and learn from there.

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  82. I'm a member of a gym and my husband forces me to go with him at least once a week. I'm with you, I prefer to just run outside.

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  83. I used to love the gym when I was younger, but now I greatly prefer to work out at home (we have a weight set), or run, bike or hike outside. I also LOVE finding new workout videos on YouTube - so many options, you can never get bored.

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  84. I agree! BO, farts and perfume concoction...no thanks! LOL

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  85. I have a membership, but since it takes me half an hour to drive there (and this is the closest one to home) I do not go often. I do go on Sundays with my husband since after 24 years of marriage, apparently the gym with grocery shopping afterwards is considered a date.

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  86. I have a gym membership and use it for the strength classes & child care. Since I started strength training, it has helped tremendously with my running!

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  87. I'm a member of a gym because I like options. Like you, I prefer the great outdoors. However, I always need a back up plan.

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  88. I don't belong to a gym. I like to do all my running outside because it's free.

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  89. I have two gym memberships. One for the pool and one for the weight room. I don't like the weight room at the gym with the pool. It's way to crowded. Lifting heavy things is a great stress reliever for me....more so than any cardio

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  90. I have a boot camp membership, but I do a lot of "BodyFit by Amy" videos at home for strength training between runs. Replacing some runs with strength workouts got me out of my "only running" rut.

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  91. We are a paying member to our rec center but now I get it free, I became a lifeguard. Sometimes you just need to see some other four walls. We do have a treadmill and at times, I do use the child care to get the workout in, winning!

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  92. I belong to one of those $10/month gyms because I'm a big baby and hate to run outside if it's too hot or too cold! :)

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  93. I'm not a member of a gym for probably the same reasons you aren't: I'm cheap, mostly, and I don't like being around people.

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  94. I don't have a gym membership but I do use the gym in my apartment building occasionally. It's nice to have that option when it is raining...and it rains a lot here in the Pacific NW!

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  95. This is so awesome. I am currently not enrolled in a membership because this year has been pretty horrible since I lost my precious Nana. To be honest I am currently getting myself back on a jogging routine first and then I will re join a gym! starla.batesATyahoo.com

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  96. I have a gym membership. i like to spin and use the weight machines.

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  97. i belong to the YMCA.. mostly for the pool!

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  98. I have a cheap gym membership only so I can run if its crazy icy out, and so I have someplace to shower when I lose power, which seems to happen at least once a winter.

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  99. I'm too self conscious to go to the gym so I'll do my exercising in the privacy of my own home!

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  100. I haven't belonged to a gym for about 6 years, mostly because I am too cheap, but also because of the convenience of working out at home. And I love being outside when I can!

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  101. I don't go. I want to be outside.
    I love your blog. I always laugh!

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  102. The fact that I spent money for a membership motivates me to get to the gym. I also run outside year round but I have become a fair weather friend as I get older.

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  103. I'm not a member of a gym because I prefer to exercise alone.

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  104. Not a member of a gym. I have a treadmill at home and free weights so don't need a gym. Plus I am super cheap :)

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  105. I wish I could get a gym membership just for the winter. The outdoors is great until its -10*

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  106. Yes and no.

    I work at a college and part of the "perks" is that I can use the campus gym for free. I come to work in my workout gear and take my shower in the locker room. I used to run outside, but then... I got to be a bit of a wimp about the weather and worried about running in the wee hours alone. I drifted inside and ran the treadmill with a couple of heavy weights days mixed in, then I started having issues with my hip.

    Some physical therapy and rest from running later, I mostly have licked the hip issue (my left SI joint still gets a bit cranky and slightly stabby at times), I run about one day a week. I've sort of slid over to three days of heavy weights a week, because oddly, only running seemed to make my hip worse. I could throw a hundred pounds on my back and squat and it didn't seem to bother anything. Now I mostly look longingly at running blogs and try to keep a hand in with a mile or mile and a half of intervals every Thursday.

    But, hey, between doing Big Six and Stronglifts 5x5, I can now proudly squat 125 pounds for 5 sets of 5 reps and deadlift 175 for 5 reps on a good day!

    I don't grunt loudly or do that obnoxious thing where you deliberately drop weights, though.

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  107. I was a long time gym rat and loved it. I went to the classes and learned about form and function, but as life happens, scheduling conflicts occur, instructors leave, equipment breaks down. So I stopped paying and going. I now workout a few times a week with friend led bootcamps, run, and train in my garage. Getting the equipment to have a home gym was cheaper than a years membership and is always available.

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  108. Once a week at the gym on the treadmill for speedwork. Keeps me honest about pace!

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  109. I belong to a tiny family-run gym. Love it because a) showing up for my gym peeps keeps me accountable b) I don't have to think about programming my workout: if I show up and get through it, voila, I'm cross-trained c) found many sometimes-running partners there. My husband doesn't currently enjoy running, so it's great to find the getting-the-miles-in camaraderie elsewhere.

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  110. On and off as I can afford it. Would sure love one to help get through this winter's Boston Marathon training!

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  111. I've never been to the gym, but I prefer to run and olahraga2 ainnya like football and so on ..

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  112. I found a great new gym nearby! It's super clean, has a nice pool and best of all I pay 10$ a month! I get a great law enforcement discount. It does force me to do a little bit of cross training once in awhile!

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  113. I belong to a gym and use it 6 days a week. Train with a trainer 2x a week.

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  114. I just started kick boxing a couple months ago and really love it. Although I have to say, everyone is always dressed so cute in their workout clothes. I need to check out what Dicks has!

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  115. Yes! Gotta have the childcare. It was the only way I could have ever done a marathon.

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  116. I go to the gym so that I can safely run in the early mornings. It keeps me consistent!

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  117. Living in FL, I loved doing outdoor activities (sprint triathlons) and decided that I hated the gym atmosphere. Recently, I moved several states north and joined a gym because it was summer and I needed childcare. At first, I did only spin classes (it's dark and not too social). What a surprise that I now enjoy the gym! I work hard in the classes, have an amazing indoor pool, and can be as social or unsocial as I want. It's nice to discover that you can redefine your workout self.

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  118. I am a member of a hit gym which is just a quick circuit of high interval training! I love it since it gives me a total body workout, otherwise I never know what to do besides run lol

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  119. I enjoy group exercise classes but my schedule doesn't allow for that much. I have a meager home gym and tons of DVDs that I use daily along with running outside.

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  120. Yes, I'm a member at my local YMCA, mostly for the discount on swimming lessons for my boys. As it seems like I'm always injured, I have been taking advantage of the stationary bikes.

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  121. I'm a member of the YMCA but only work out there maybe once a month, in a good month!

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  122. I haven't been a gym member for money and transportation reasons for a long time. Most of my running is done right out of my front door even though I really wish I could get out to the nice trails and off the shoulder of the road. I'd like to join a gym again someday, maybe when my daughter is in 1st grade and I have some me time again!

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  123. I'm not a member of a gym, we live in a rural area, like you, I enjoy running outside all year.

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  124. I'm not currently a member of a gym. I have been previously, but I didn't go for like 9 months so I cancelled it. I also prefer to run outside and hate the gym for all the reasons you listed (things that make you go "ewww").

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  125. Yes, I try to plan to go the YMCA a couple of times a week, mainly for strength training. I tend not to do any strength training if left to my own devices, so I take a couple of classes at the Y. These classes are taught by the coolest 67-year old woman I know.
    If it is very cold or hot or windy outside, I also will go to the Y or the nearest rec center and run on the treadmill or the inside track.

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  126. I love being outside too, but sometimes my home gym is nice!

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  127. No gym for me either. My reasons: to save money I run outside (year round - in Iowa) and the classes at my local gym aren't offered at times that would work for my schedule.

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  128. Why I always go to the gym - classes. TRX class. Spin class. All the classes. Great cross-training to enhance running performance.

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  129. I'm too broke for a gym membership at the moment. I'd totally do yoga though.

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  130. I don't belong to a gym for all the reasons you state. I find that if I use up LOTS of willpower to go the gym, MAKE myself do it, I have absolutely none left over for the other things that I need to make myself do - run in the evenings when I'm tired, eat well, etc :). So...as it is I have just enough left over to sometimes make myself do core work on my living room floor occasionally.....but I run a LOT and I'm very happy with that.

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