Monday, March 31, 2008

"Y" Not?

Yesterday, the Hubster and I took the girls to our local YMCA and became members. We dropped Little Sister off at the daycare, and the rest of us headed upstairs to check it out. (Big Sister went there a few times over the summer before the membership her mom carried on her was cancelled, so she graciously showed us around.) She and I tried out some recumbent bikes while the Hubster tried to prove just how macho he is with the dudes working the weight machines.

After that, we all walked a lap, then ran a lap...okay, Big Sis and Hubster ran a lap while I ran about 3/4 of one. (My chest was killing me...maybe after I find a better sports bra.) Then I decided to test some of the weight machines...I've been looking for some major arm work. I last three reps on the triceps machine with the minimum weight--five pounds. My triceps were burning, they hurt so bad. (My mom told me to look on the bright side, and try and do it four times next time. We'll see.)

Later, we picked up Little Sis and all of us went to the pool. We took turns watching her--that girl seriously needs some swimming lessons, it's next on my list, I swear!--while the rest of us played, Big Sis did the rope swing, and the Hubster and I swam laps. He made it 3, and I forced myself to do 10. I almost died after the first one--it's a LONG pool!--but I made it. My arms are feeling it today. 33 laps makes a mile, so maybe next time, I'll do 15...then 20...then 30...THEN 33. (I don't think I need to do more than that, really. Yikes!)


Tonight, instead of sitting down to write, I made myself get some exercise first. The great Tanya Little (Oops! I meant Tony, of course! The hair always throws me...) recommends just 5 minutes every other day on his new toy for beginners. I've had it since we got back into town on Thursday, and I've faithfully done my 5 minutes every other day since. So it's only been 3 times that I've used it, but I swear I feel my legs getting stronger already.

I'm such a sucker for infomercials, though I can usually will myself away from the phone or the computer. I happened upon Ms. Little on HSN one night, and couldn't seem to stop watching. My first thought was "that looks like something I would fall off." But as I watched more and more, I just became more interested. I mean, FREE shipping, for goodness' sake. And FLEX pay options! I was hooked. When they set up with the "first time users," I told the Hubster, "If they show a fat lady doing it, I'm buying it." Well, the third lady in was fat enough, so I hopped out of bed and bought it in a flash. The next day, I read the not-so-stellar reviews and started having second thoughts, but I figured I would give it a flash. People complained about the smell--which was awful at first, but went away very quickly. They also complained about it moving across the carpet--which I haven't had a problem with, and also about it squeaking--which again, I haven't experienced. Whatever, right? It's a fun little thing that we all can and will use. Totally worth it, in my opinion. (I plan on adding my review, soon...just wanted a few more sessions to get acquainted with it!)