What Are Your Fitness Inspirations (WAYFI): The Great Outdoors

Having exposure to a fitness gym since I was just out of High School, has sometimes giving me a rather myopic view of where to work out. As an example, I recently saw an online article with the main title asking a question, "Where Do You Like To Workout"? Immediately I was, "Okay, the gym. Where else"? But I'm not really THAT limited in my thinking. The thought only lasted for a second or two before the light finally turned on. Sure, the gym was certainly one viable option, but there were many choices listed; the park, the beach, a country road. These were just a few of those listed. But I have to admit, this past Summer I've gotten better with doing things outside, especially when it comes to fitness. Close to where I work is a flight of steps I like to walk up and down. I recently bought a used bike and have been riding that around town. The park closest to where I live has also been a favorite of mine for running. I've never quite measured, but there is a pond I like to believe is one full mile around. I say 'like' to believe because I still have a problem running more than just a mile. Maybe there is a 'wall' I need to break through yet? Or is one mile seriously the limit of what I can do? Every once in a while I'll even jog/walk around the large block I live on, though I'd hardly say it's a favorite past time of mine. So the question is now thrown your way. Where do you like to workout?

The Great Outdoors: Pros vs Cons:
Pros: There is no feeling greater than being in the refreshingly open outdoors. In the park you'll likely see local flora and fauna. At the beach you can hear the waves crashing against the shore as you jog along. Spending time in the sun can do wonders for your well-being and demeanor. Perhaps you may even smell someone grilling out. Okay, food may not be the first thing you want to think about when working out, but you've gotta admit, nothing beats the smell of the grill.

Cons: As I discovered this weekend, it's no fun to run in the pouring rain. That's the biggest problem I have when it comes to working out, outdoors. Same can be said for when it's freezing cold or outrageously hot. Also you have to be creative to find new ways to motivate yourself. If you're not a creative person, you may find this challenging. One mans fallen log, is another mans Step Pilates. But one mans Step Pilates is just another mans fallen log.

What Are Your Fitness Inspirations (WAYFI): The Gym

One of the first things I ever did to try and keep physically fit, was to join a gym. Just out of High School, most of my friends belonged to Bally's. Back then there were many incentives to signing up your friends, and I took advantage of this. Or should I say one of my friends took advantage of this? Actually, I really enjoyed it. Spending time with friends as we 'pumped iron' seemed invigorating. Of course we were still young and I can recall a couple of incidents were someone was 'pants-ed'. Oddly enough, I don't recall that ever happening to me. Either I was lucky, or I've blocked it out.

I'm not sure about anyone else, but there's nothing else like the physically fit high you get after a workout is done. The mind feels invigorated and the body feels rejuvenated. I still get this feeling when I work out. However, between my post High School years and my marriage years, I stopped going to the gym. As a result of that, (mixed with other factors), I gained the major portion of my weight. Having returned to the gym has helped me in reducing the size of my waste line. Sure, the weight isn't melting off as fast as I'd like it, but at least I'm not gaining more weight.

The Gym: Pros vs Cons:
Pros:
Working at the local gym helps to motivate me. Being around others who (at least in part) have the same goals as me helps. Also, everything is right there. When I'm done, I can sit in the hot tub or steam room. I can run on the track or use the weights. When I'm done, I can shower right there and be ready for whatever else the day has provided for me.
Cons:
When the gym isn't picked up or cleaned properly, the locker room can get nasty. Also, what's the deal with older guys walking around a la Garden of Eden? Though it's nice to have a shower room readily available, I'm certainly not one for sharing the experience with others. Another con I can think of is sometimes having to wait for a machine that's being used. As I normally use the track more than anything, this isn't usually a problem for me. But last night I used Foursquare to check into Blast Fitness and found this con listed.
Anon. - "This is a fitness gym, not a pick-up joint".
I hadn't realized this was a problem. Ladies, is this truly a problem for you?

So what are your pros and cons regarding working out at the gym? Let me know and I'll include your thoughts.

What Are Your Fitness Inspirations?

There should be no secret that despite trying to maintain a fitness blog, I've got my own pounds to lose. A few years ago I lost 100 pounds, but somehow managed to gain most of it back. Now I'm trying again to lose it, and keep it off forever. There are a few things that factor into how easy (or hard) this can be for me. In an effort to continue my fitness blog, I'm going to endeavor to start a new series of articles focusing on different things that influence me both positively and negatively. With luck, this will help motivate and keep me focused. Some of the topics I'll be including are:

Working Out: Bally's/Blast Fitness, At Home, Out & About
TV: The Biggest Loser, Extreme Makeover - Weight Loss Edition
Dieting: Weight Watchers
Support: Family / Friends
Food: Super Market Shopping, Dining Out, Fast Food
Media: Social Networking
Games: Wii Fit, Zumba Fitness, Rock Band, Biggest Loser Challenge
Misc: Music, Summer Time, Winter Time


In all these topics, I want to highlight both the positive and the negatives. This isn't a final list, and I'm certain to find more topics as I go along. So the question I ask all my readers, what positively or negatively affects you? Also, would anyone be willing to voice their opinion on any of these topics for my articles?