Friday, July 19, 2013

Thing #94: Join the Gym

If a tree falls in the woods and there is nobody around to hear it, does it make a sound?  If I join a gym, then never go, does it make any difference?  These two questions are essentially the same question, and the scientific answer is no.  It doesn’t make a sound.  It doesn’t make a difference.

It seems like it would though, right?

I was tempted, in order to support my argument, to do a ‘before and after’.  A photo of me before I signed up, and another one a few hours later, after I had parted with my membership fee;  a few pounds lighter… or a few euro at least.  I could have posed for the first sullen-faced in a tight, flesh-toned onesie, while nursing a particularly bad hangover.  For the second, I would put on a bra, some make-up and something black and flattering.  I’d smile toothily to prove how much happier I was about my body, and my life in general.

“How did you do it Thelma?”

“I joined the gym”

If only it were that easy.

€5 has been donated to UNICEF Ireland for the completion of this ‘thing’.  Click here if you too would like to donate online.

 

15 comments:

The Dainty Dolls House said...

I could never join a gym, I would get to bored. I like to exercise, but gyms just look boring to me, haha. And I rather spend my money on something else :)) x

The Dainty Dolls House said...

p.s. plus, I watched a show about all the zillions of germs that are in the gym & it put me off! :/

miss b said...

I like to exercise but prefer to take a class such as aerobics or Zumba as I'm more motivated in a group!
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

MARTA said...

It's not easy, but you can do it! The key is location... if the gym is nearby where you live, it will be more difficult to come up with excuses. In my gym they do a class called sh'bam from Les Mills program (high intensity dance movements)and i don't realise i'm working out. I also like pilates (the perfect class if you like to tone and stretch without getting huge). Having say that, even if you go two days a week you'll notice the difference in well being. So now you have no excuse ;)

em.me.ma said...

haha.. i joined the gym and went religiously for a month... then i started slacking :(

but it does make you feel a lot better, get the endorphins runnign around in your system.

em.me.ma said...

xheck out my giveaway :)

http://emmemablog.blogspot.ca/2013/06/giveaway.html

Unknown said...

haha come on.. that's not the attitude.. it will make a difference.. but only if you really give it a try.. if you don't like the gym that much then that's not for you... you must find an activity you enjoy doing.. and then it will all come naturally.. the weight loss or endorphin boost or whatever you are looking to get out of that.. trust me..I've done everything from ballet, tap, jazz to box, spinning, taebo, pilates, running, tennis.. etc.. until yoga came along and I love it and I've never been in a better shape.. and it's because I love doing it, and I don't feel myself "forced" into it... even long walks is good.. I'm very fond of running and walking so I definitely go out and stretch my legs when I feel like it.. maybe ride the bike? or if you want something with more fuel.. there's crossfit, bootcamps... look for the sport that you'll love, not because it's the best one to get you into shape, but because it's the one you'll enjoy.. and by that, you'll naturally do it more often, more hours, more enthusiast.. etc.. trust me.. uuuu how about swimming?? think "fun" not "fit"

littlemissandrea said...

I think it's really easy to sign up for the gym! Actually going is another hurdle, haha.

bbb said...

omg the trees in the wood story.. I discussed that in my philosophy class and I just cannot find any logic answer I totally accepted! hahaha :p

Matthew Spade said...

You know what you should do, join a pay as you go gym! I do that.

Unknown said...

Nice blog!
Hello from Italy
Nicky

www.mywishstyle.com

EMA said...

Maybe it would be helpful if you joined with a friend or even did hot yoga with a friend. It burns 500 calories per hour and is super fun!

http://www.themirroronthewall.com

Camila Faria said...

I'm a yoga girl and I have to say I started in a gym, so... You should go for it! But I really prefer exercising outdoors.

Unknown said...

I have actually just quit the gym after 2 years of never going - literally, never - and one year before that of very lacklustre efforts. Now I've joined a pool beside my work where I actually use and enjoy my membership xo

Thelma Frayne said...

Thanks everyone for the advice

... but really I'm just poking fun at myself for putting 'join the gym' on my Day Zero List, as if the mere act of signing up is going to have any kind of impact on my life.

I could have put 'Go to the gym at least twice a week' or something like that. It would have been smarter.

I actually really like the gym and go quite a bit.