I used to have a Bally's membership, but then I broke my hip in an
accident--and we also moved away from a Bally's location.  I had enjoyed
going, especially for the steam and dry saunas and the lap swim lanes.  The
hot tub at the end really kept down sore muscles.

Now a fitness club very similar to Bally's has opened near our home.  Has
everything but the steam sauna.

I'm from the South and didn't go anywhere without my makeup and hair done.
However, I have revised that recently---I'm 56 and not trying to win any
beauty contests and am also retired so not trying to impress any colleagues
or play politics.  I've been married 37 years and I'm not trying to impress
the opposite sex.  (And my DH won't be at the gym. :-)    How liberating
this time of life is.

So now I am able to just get up, get dressed in any old exercise clothes,
grab my gym bag already loaded with swimsuit etc., and walk out the door.  I
do not stop to do anything but wash my face and brush my teeth---and get a
couple of liters of water (one for the car there and back, and another for
inside the gym).  Oh yes, and grab something as a carb to eat in the car.

An important part is that my gym bag is already packed and my carb is just
something I can pick up and get out the door.

I really enjoy this--I am in no hurry these days and usually spend a couple
of hours or more.  First I do some reclined cycling---watching closed
caption TV or reading, then circuit type strength work, then cycling again.
Then I change for the dry sauna and stay there really relaxing.  I shower
there by the pool, do some laps, and then enjoy the jets on my back and feet
in the sauna whirlpool.  Then I shower and go home.

I am **no** athlete, never have been since junior high basketball (girls
played half-court then--anybody remember?).  Probably the way I exercise has
a lot to be desired.  I don't use heavy weights on the machines--am just
very gradually increasing the weight a little bit and increasing the
repetitions.  My laps are in my own style---on my back, not in any hurry.  I
don't have a goal for improvement---success is entirely based on my general
feeling of wellness related to flexibility, strength, and stamina.

I can also be faulted for not stopping to get a good breakfast.  But if I
did that, one thing would lead to another---I'd decide to check my e-mail,
check the news, etc.---and I would be less likely to go at all.

I'm not putting this up as any kind of model; I'm just adding my two cents
as to what seems to be helping me to exercise right now.

Best Wishes for the New Year---

Donna

Rain gear. (e.g. Gore-tex)
Waterproof boots. (e.g. Timberland)

I'll walk or run in anything but icy-underfoot. I just dress for it. I've
also run races that were halfway wading events; I just make sure to change
my shoes & socks as soon as possible (though that can be a couple of hours
depending on venue & transport).
bj