workout routines: our love/hate relationship

The world continues to threaten coming to an end, this morning.  Like I said yesterday- I hope not, because I have THINGS TO DO.  like take naps, watch Dexter, and consider my workout options.

Flashback to one year plus two months ago.  I began the P90X workout challenge, smirking inwardly at the fact that I was even attempting the damn thing.  It’s a ridiculous work out – as in whip-yo-ass-into-shape-mofo workout (yes, the slang among inner city schools has affected my vocabulary).  But I did it.  I woke up at 5am to work out for an hour every morning, alternating dvds and performing the following:  200 pull ups/push ups,  plyometrics (hardcore jumping routine for an hour), weightlifting,  kickboxing, 90 minute yoga, YOU NAME IT.

I was GOOD at this, after copious amounts of practice of course.  I love the routine.  I enjoyed it, even looked forward to it!

  And I have to admit, even after just 30 days I was one hundred times stronger.  It was normal for my girlfriends to ask me to lift heavy boxes.  It was normal for me to partake in arm wrestling matches at the local Irish pub.  Okay, not really – but you get the picture. 

Graduate school began, which then magically vacuumed all free time in my life.  Then I travelled to Edinburgh, and a few months later, New Orleans.  And somewhere between the stress and vacations I became a chronic lush.   Now? I'm simply trying to imagine sneaking in workouts here and there.

Not that I am complaining about my drinking technique.  In fact, these acquired skills impressed a pub full of Irish men just last week.  However.

It’s time to begin the workout routine again- somewhere between working, school, and life.  In order to aid in the process, I’ve begun researching gyms in Old Town and asking around for local opinions.  All I can say is – Jesus Christ on a Cracker gym membership is EXPENSIVE. 

Required qualifications:  Convenient distance.  Inexpensive- as in, less than $100 per month.  I’m sorry, but I am a mere teacher.  In this economy,  paying more for a gym membership is simply not an option.

1. Old Town Sport and Health.

Pros:  Only two blocks from my building, overlooking the Potomac.  Fairly typical gym involving machines, classes, and locker rooms.  Mostly clean (which is important!)

Cons: 2.5 stars on Yelp.  Terribly expensive at over $100 per month.  BOO.  I’ve also heard it’s impossible to escape a contract once you sign.  BOO.

2. LA Boxing. 

Pros:I’ve heard lots of fabulous things about this place.  They consistently have a promotion allowing you to take one free class before making a decision.  You burn 1,000 calories in a one hour workout (holy hell, that’s about 5 beers!)  Also, only .5 miles away.

Cons:  Contract.  I hear they offer month to month but at a terribly expensive price.  No lockers.  No changing area. 

3. Snap Fitness

       Pros:  Month to month membership at $50 per month! 

      Cons: This seems to consist as a tiny room filled with machines.  If all you want to do is sweat on the elliptical every day for an hour, this is the place for you.  No changing area.  1 mile away from home, which means driving and looking for street parking on King Street- which.. is unlikely.

After researching online, my positive attitude toward getting back on the workout wagon is slightly depleted.  Perhaps I should simply try running the trail by the Potomac?  Or perhaps I should attempt P90X in my tiny 380 square foot studio.  Perhaps my motivation will sneak out the window and disappear forever?  That would be a travesty.

I have yet to decide.  Taking a look in person at these places (at the very least) would probably be the best decision.

All this research/thinking/worrying makes me want to nap.