# Augh—I'm back in gym class!!
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
**Created:** [February 2, 2000, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389 "2000-02-02T20:00:00Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/1 "2000-02-02T20:00:00Z")
I remember when I was a kid I’d think, “Gee, I can’t wait to be a grownup; I’ll never have to go to gym class again!”
So here I am, swimming 3x a week or thrashing about on those damn torture devices during lunchtime, trying to regain my Girlish Figure, and I hate it, Hate It, HATE IT. The only thing that keeps me there for 30 minutes is looking at the cute guys in their undies.
Do any of you go to the gym? Do any of you ENJOY it? I’m doing it for health reasons (my ticker and my cholesterol) and because Mr. Metabolism skidded to a halt about five years ago and I find it harder to squeeze into my skirts. But, jiminy, it’s like torture going to that place even 3x a week!
---
### Author:  [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/2 "2000-02-02T20:15:00Z")
Well, I’ve been doing the workout thing for about 6 years now… 3 years haphazardly and going on 3 years pretty much 2-5 times a week, depending on how motivated I am.
Do I like it? Sort of. I started seriously working out because of the health reasons, and because I wanted to lose some weight. I was one of those kids who hated gym, too - I would have MUCH rather had my nose in a book. I’ve finally, after 2+ years of regular exercise, found a good even spot where I can do a reasonably amount of exercise without being completely miserable. I can run for 4 miles, or bike for 20+ miles, or do any sort of aerobic type class and be reasonably happy.
That said, the main reason I keep going is because I can tell I’m “wrong” when I don’t go. Ie, food seems to stick in my stomach, I’m lethargic, etc. if I go more than 2-3 days without working out. I just don’t feel good, so I go work out even if I don’t feel like it. The benefits are what keeps me going, not the love of doing whatever exercise it happens to be.
---
### Author:  [@ChiefScott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChiefScott)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/3 "2000-02-02T20:17:00Z")
I’m in the Navy.
It’s a 24-7 gym class.
* * *
Current board events prohibit me from posting my sig line.
---
### Author:  [@Mullinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mullinator)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/4 "2000-02-02T20:22:00Z")
I like working out. That may be the remnants of being a high school jock and being 24 years old. It usually consists of things like roller-blading, hiking, basketball, and weight lifting.
I am trying to get in better shape after about 6 months of not doing too much (blame a little burnout for that one). I like being able to jump up to 12 feet, I like being able to run the 400 in 50 seconds, and I like feeling strong and fit enough to know that I can protect my wife in just about any situation.
I also had one grandpa playing centerfield on a softball team into his 60’s and another that could still walk 5 miles without breaking a sweat in his 70’s, so I have some tough stock to live up to.
* * *
Now, you too can become an Evil Ninja Assassin in the Self-Righteous Clique. Ask me how.
---
### Author:  [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/5 "2000-02-02T20:31:00Z")
I’ve never been very keen on doing endless repetitious-type exercises (particularly not in a room full of other sweaty people): up, down, up, down, left, right, stare at a blank wall, up, down, left, right, blah, blah, blah. BORING.
But not long ago I found a fabulous new exercise partner, and we’ve gotten really good at doing those repetitive movements in tandem (particularly those cool horizontal hip thrusts that build up your tush muscles) and we go at it for hours at a time. The sweating is still an issue, but I’ve started to like it…
* * *
**StoryTyler**
“Not everybody does it, but everybody should.”
[I Spy Ty.](http://sites.netscape.net/storytyler/homepage)
---
### Author:  [@Scout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scout)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/6 "2000-02-02T20:31:00Z")
I recently discovered a way to make the gym less torturous. Instead of listening to music or watching TV while I’m on the stationary bike, I read a book. It seems to make the time go much faster. And I designate that book as my “gym book” and don’t allow myself to read it in the evening or on my lunch hour. That way, I look forward to going to the gym so I can continue where I left off.
I don’t recommend trying to read while swimming, though.
---
### Author:  [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/7 "2000-02-02T20:37:00Z")
" . . .not long ago I found a fabulous new exercise partner, and we’ve gotten really good at doing those repetitive movements in tandem (particularly those cool horizontal hip thrusts that build up your tush muscles) and we go at it for hours at a time. The sweating is still an issue, but I’ve started to like it…"
—Do I have a dirty mind, or does this strike anyone else as a tortured euphemism?
Hmm, I can’t read while I’m working out, as I switch from machine to machine, and I can’t listen to music, because I just spent every cent in my bank account for this gym membership, so I can’t afford to buy a CD player. So I hum to myself and scope out the cute gym bunnies.
But I will have the satisfaction of looking better, being healthier, and knowing that I, too, can protect Mullinator’s wife in just about any situation.
---
### Author:  [@Mullinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mullinator)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/8 "2000-02-02T20:47:00Z")
I am sure she will appreciate that Eve.
---
### Author:  [@John\_Corrado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Corrado)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/9 "2000-02-02T20:52:00Z")
> [@](#):
>
> —Do I have a dirty mind, or does this strike anyone else as a tortured euphemism?
Er, Eve… given that in one of the other threads, StoryTyler was eaxing jubilant about having a boyfriend who actually gave her the ‘big O’ as it were, I think you’re euphemisizing what Ty intended to be completely obvious.
So rest assured, this doesn’t prove that you have a dirty mind.
There are plenty of other threads that do that.
* * *
JMCJ
This is not a sig.
---
### Author:  [@BunnyGirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BunnyGirl)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/10 "2000-02-02T20:55:00Z")
Well, ya know what Nike says…
Yeah, I won’t say it here, it’s old.
But anyway,what was the question? I run in the spring/summer/fall and have started Power Yoga for the freezing Michigan winters. No way I’m sticking my butt (or any other part of me for that matter) out on the streets to run in the snow.
---
### Author:  [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/11 "2000-02-02T21:11:00Z")
“Power Yoga?” Isn’t that an oxymoron?
Oops, I guess I was giving Ty more credit for being coy and ladylike than I should have . . .
I guess after I’ve been going to the gym for awhile longer and get to know some people there to chat and commiserate with, it won’t be so bad. Actually seeing some RESULTS will help, too.
Anyway, I guess the “question” I had was, does anyone else go to the gym, and do you hate it as much as I do?
---
### Author:  [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/12 "2000-02-02T21:12:00Z")
> [@](#):
>
> Originally posted by John Corrado:
> \*\* Er, Eve… given that in one of the other threads, StoryTyler was [w]axing jubilant about having a boyfriend who actually gave her the ‘big O’ as it were, I think you’re euphemisizing what Ty intended to be completely obvious. \*\*
Minor correction: The Big O happens all the time (in my sleep, even) - what my SO did was find my G-spot. Now THAT’S something new and exciting!
* * *
**StoryTyler**
“Not everybody does it, but everybody should.”
[I Spy Ty.](http://sites.netscape.net/storytyler/homepage)
---
### Author:  [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/13 "2000-02-02T21:15:00Z")
> [@](#):
>
> Oops, I guess I was giving Ty more credit for being coy and ladylike than I should have . . .
She don’t know me vewwy well, do she?
* * *
**StoryTyler**
“Not everybody does it, but everybody should.”
[I Spy Ty.](http://sites.netscape.net/storytyler/homepage)
---
### Author:  [@SeaDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDiver)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/14 "2000-02-02T21:19:00Z")
I have to work out or get used to looking and feeling bad. While I don’t necessarily enjoy every minute of it, I appreciate the results. I’m not hard-core about it, I just want to be in reasonably good shape and possibly become strong enough to carry two air tanks at a time.
---
### Author:  [@Catrandom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catrandom)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/15 "2000-02-02T21:28:00Z")
I used to swim five days a week, but moved away from the gym (which matters because I don’t drive.) Now I’m stuck walking and working out to ridiculous tapes every day, and as Eve put it, I hate it, Hate it, HATE IT! A low threshold for boredom is bad for someone who wants to get in shape, alas.
Catrandom
---
### Author:  [@Strainger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Strainger)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/16 "2000-02-02T21:30:00Z")
I started working out about 4 years ago after I got tired of how I looked and how I felt. I usually run and lift weights. I’m a lot more self-confident now and hold up well while backpacking, hiking (I _love_ hiking and backpacking), running 10Ks, etc. There are plenty of days when I just don’t want to be at the gym, but then I remember the rewards. On occasion, I’ll get off-track due to various circumstances but mostly I stick with it.
---
### Author:  [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/17 "2000-02-02T21:36:00Z")
“I just want to be in reasonably good shape and possibly become strong enough to carry two air tanks at a time.”
—Ah, SeaDiver, but can you carry those two air tanks WHILE protecting Mullinator’s wife in just about any situation at the same time?
---
### Author:  [@pluto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pluto)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/18 "2000-02-02T21:41:00Z")
I joined Weight Watchers recently (I only read the articles!) and they want you to exercise 20 minutes a day. One suggestion was to park 10 minutes from work and walk the rest of the way, which I now do.
Last time I went to the doctor he told me I should exercise more. I told him about my 20-minutes-a-day program and he told me to park half an hour away!
BTW, my metabolism wandered away on my thirtieth birthday and has never returned. I’m hoping it does one day. I’ll have a party. With LOTS of food!!
* * *
“pluto … a seriously demented but oddly addictive presence here.” – TVeblen
---
### Author:  [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/19 "2000-02-02T21:46:00Z")
> [@](#):
>
> Originally posted by Eve:
> \*\*“I just want to be in reasonably good shape and possibly become strong enough to carry two air tanks at a time.”
>
> —Ah, SeaDiver, but can you carry those two air tanks WHILE protecting Mullinator’s wife in just about any situation at the same time?\*\*
Eve,
Didn’t you ever see Jaws? Air tanks are a vital component of any self-defense program.
For the OP – I hate regimented exercise. I like exercise that is incidental to stuff I want to do – hiking, XC skiing, racquetball, or biking. Am I doing any of those things nowadays? No, alas.
---
### Author:  [@MadPoet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MadPoet)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2000, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389/20 "2000-02-02T21:49:00Z")
If you don’t like working out, I think the best advice is to find something aerobic that doesn’t feel like a workout. Personally, I like putting on a walkman and lifting, but stairmasters and bikes leave me bored. So I try to go out dancing as much as possible – I figure 4 hours on the dance floor beats 30 min on the stairmaster. Probably.
* * *
[http://www.madpoet.com](http://www.madpoet.com)
I’ve got a little black book with me poems in. I’ve got a bag, toothbrush, and a comb.
[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/augh-im-back-in-gym-class/13389.md?page=2)