Turning point

Wow, welcome back. This is addressed to me. I don't know where I've been for the past three weeks. Not blogging, that's for sure!

Well, I have my fingers crossed (and all my toes) that today marked a turning point in my series of failed attempts at getting back into a moderately fit lifestyle. Since I moved to Montreal, it's been incredibly hard to do any exercise on a regular basis. First, there was all the traveling. I know, that's not necessarily an excuse, but the gym at the hotel where I was staying was lamentable. Then, there was the cold. My poor body was trying to adjust to the freezing weather and NOT motivated to step out unless I needed to work or feed myself. At one point, I actually made it to Allez Up, a climbing gym along the canal, to check out the facility and ask about their prices. I wasn't fond of the area where the gym was located, but there was a bus that could take me there. Unfortunately, I hurt my wrist and you kind of need two hands to climb. Finally, last week, I visited the YMCA downtown and signed up on the spot for a year. I like the facility, it's enormous, has a large gym, a pool, lots of classes... Two days later, my gym bag waiting for me by the door, I catch a nasty cold. Why, or why (she pleads with open hands, looking at the sky).

I am determined to make today a turning point. I walked to work, something I intend to do a lot more. I don't even plan to buy a bus pass in April. At 6:30 a.m., it was still dark(ish), a bit cold and windy, but I was bundled up and ready to hit the elliptical machine. I did a light workout, mainly cardio, stretching and abs. No need getting sick again. I was showered, dressed, and on my way to work by 8:20, in the office before the rest of my colleagues who usually trickle in after 9. Very cool.

In the morning, the downtown Y is great, busy but not packed and the crowd is older. The afternoon I signed up, I visited the gym and was a bit turned off by the packed gym area. The gentleman giving me the tour said to avoid the place between 5-8 p.m. because it was always super busy. Duly noted. I am going to try the spinning classes early morning a few times per week, maybe even get a programme started (the membership allows you to get an appointment with an instructor for the gym every six weeks, for free!).

I feel better.