The bunny within

When I first got pain in my heel (way back in September, yes it's been over 5 months now), I turned to cycling to maintain my fitness. When I found that I didn't have time to do enough cycling to keep as fit as with running, I turned to Jillian and her DVD.

For the moment, Ms Physio has banned me from various exercises which involve twisting my torso or putting strain on my lower back, so much of the DVD is no longer an option. But now I have found something else. I have joined a gym for the first time in my life, and I have turned into a total gym bunny!




















The last time I used most of those machines was when I was at school, although I've been to gyms about twice since then to run on a treadmill. Apart from that I was a novice until last week. I always knew I'd like it, but there are so many reasons why I chose running instead; it's free, it's easier to fit around life, you can do it anywhere etc etc, so I've always preferred that.

Last Monday though, as the rain came pouring down and we even had a few minutes of snow, it was lovely to put on a t-shirt and capri shorts, get in the gym and enjoy a workout without getting wet - apart from the sweat of course. The sky is so grey and gloomy these days, there is little pleasure in the great outdoors most of the time, so it's great to have an alternative.

The gym I've been going to is council run, so it's not hideously expensive (although it's not cheap either), and the clientele is not remotely intimidating. It mainly consists of the over-sixties, which is quite inspiring to see, with just the occasional poseur in a marathon t-shirt (I've got the same one at home so there).

I've only been 3 times so far, but I always get really excited about going. The first couple of times I felt really nervous about going through the doors, but I'm trying to act like a veteran gym bunny now. I've even splashed out on some gym gear - a kit bag!




















When the weather gets better and whenever I get back to running, I might cut back on it, but I still think the gym will be a good way to complement running and provide a bit of variety. I'll keep hopping off to the gym for a while yet...