Courageous Joy

"Do Your Research"

Mike has trained us all well. We have heard the above phrase often. When any of us need to make a decision, want to buy something new, whatever...we know....before we'll get much committment from Mike in the way of an opinion we must "do our research".

I've not been happy with a few things about the base gym. I got over the intimidation factor. I mean so THEY are young and buff...I used to be....and if I let THEM intimidate me I'll never get off the couch. ::snort:: I have been happy to see that I CAN be committed enough to MAKE a work out happen at a gym....it seemed impossible in Jan. Mike has been incredibly supportive - almost a slave driver really - it seems that he really wants me to grow old with him. LOL

The things I did NOT like at the base gym are:
1. I cannot go EARLY in the a.m. because it is FULL at that time with all the active duty members and you can't find a machine or weights to use.

2. It's a 25 min drive - so takes 50 min out of my day each day just to drive to the gym and then at least 60 mins of cardio - two hours 5 - 6 days a week - time that has to come after 8:30 - prime schooling time.

3. It is costing us lots of gas $ as gas has risen $1 since I began tracking it.....

I did my research. I got passes from all the local gyms and tried them all (except Gold's and the YMCA). I know which ones I like to work out in and why. I've tried their machines. I've talked with their directors. I've made a chart. I know many of you laughed about my Cholesterol meds chart when I needed to have some peace with that decision...but for me THIS is part of doing my research, of making a decision. It really doesn't take much time and things clear up when they are listed out. Just in case you can't believe this entry - click HERE to see my chart. ::Snort:: Keep in mind - this is using MY distance, MY gas mileage, My military discount prices et al. No, this did NOT take me a lot of time. I'm a master chart maker/list composer. LOL

It will SAVE us money for me not to use the free gym and use the one close to us. This will reduce our gas budget significantly and increase the misc a tad...but not really as the gas $ was sucking the misc category anyway. ::snort:: We will be able to get a family membership which will have the added beneift of an indoor pool for all....and a basketball court to teach the littles some basics. The Y would be the same thing and the membership would be $10 cheaper I think....but it's on the other side of town - it would cost the same for gas as I currently pay to go to the base.

And....so....I did the research, showed Mike the chart when I dropped off Jared, and tomorrow I'll go sign us up for a family membership to Community. I would have done it tonight...but I want to get a wheat sock , drink a quart of water, and rest my head.