Planet Fitness - Like
@slo , I also go to Planet Fitness. No, it is not the fanciest with all of the state of the art brand new stuff, but it does the job, it's affordable, their hours (especially if you have one that's 24/7) cannot be beat, and if you have a black membership... you have access to their spa and all gyms outside of your home gym. This summer, I was able to keep up with my gym goals with all of our travel simply because of PF. I visited four locations in Colorado, one in Georgia, three in California, and one in Montana... some multiple times.
Green Belts - I've mentioned them before, but I am so grateful for these well maintained paths through our woods. It keeps me from having to walk along busy streets, it helps me get back to nature, the tree cover provides enough shade that even summer distance walking is tolerable, it's allowed me to meet a number of people who live in the area...even if it's just basic pleasantries, and with the bodies of water in mix we even get some decent elevation changes for a relatively flat part of TX.
Health - I would not be back to where I am right now if it weren't for my health. Not that it's been perfect, but it's amazing to see where I am right now when you consider that I couldn't even wear shoes with a back at this time last year. Some of my current health also involves having the mental strength and dedication to push myself past my personal pity party y that led to major weight gain. The healthier I get from this process, the more I can do to make myself even better.
Honorable mentions...
1. Elliptical machines - They are my favorite and I take great joy in showing them who is boss! I've killed over 10 home ones over the years and I even broke one of the gym ones by using it so hard...at least, I like to give myself credit for it. This may sound crazy, but between the employees and the regulars, people apparently know me for my elliptical use. Some will hop on the one next to me to sort of challenge me to an endurance test, others approach me and ask about my settings-distance-speed because apparently I'm up there owning that thing, and even the employees seem to marvel. In any event...I cherish my elliptical time each day almost as much as my long walks.
2. Good running shoes - OK, so most of what I am doing is walking, but I go back and forth between two pairs of Brooks Glycerins. They are my difference makers. When I got back into walking back in January, I was averaging around 1.5-2 miles each morning. Now, I'm going at least 5 miles on most "short" distance days.
3. Protective Gear - With my distance increase and the changing of seasons, I am out walking in the dark a lot more. Last week, I unearthed two protective items I used to use when I was training for runDisney. I have been using my Noxgear LED vest (looks like I'm wearing a neon light show) and my Nathan hand torch. Absolute game changers in being seen in the dark.
4. Support - While support has been mixed at home, I have been getting a lot of outside support from other cheerleaders. Before my health issues, I was usually pretty fit. I may have done all of this too fast, but I've lost a whole person in body weight over the last 11 months and those who have really supported me have no idea how much they helped. The scale is at a bit of a plateau right now, but I was reminded to go back to pictures and measurements to see that my body is still making lots of good changes right now.
5. Food/Nutrition - It's not as much fun, but I feel like this is the bigger factor in my health journey. I am grateful for access to things that nourish me and help me meet goals. Sadly, there is an income gap when it comes to some dietary options. That's not to say that there aren't cheaper things, but eating beans and plain chicken for every meal gets old. I'm even going to thank my kitchen scale and measuring sets because that's the best way to know what you're really consuming.
6. Music- I'm talking about everything from the songs themselves to things like phones, earphones, itunes, and anything else that allows me to have music while I exercise. I don't even need playlists. I live in songs the same way I practice music. I could spend 10 miles in the same song if it's where my brain is at for the moment.
7. Socks and other gear - I have my favorite brand of socks and they usually help keep me blister and cramp free. I also have some compression gear...sleeves, pants and shorts that make for a much more comfortable experience.
8. Body Glide - Hey, chafing is real. I haven't had many issues since I went back to using the stuff...which makes it easier to go farther and longer.
I could go on, but that's enough...I think
