I look like a human torpedo in a swimcap

So, I've been thinking about cardio workouts and have come to the conclusion that I really don't love the treadmill. I'm just not a natural runner. I DO it, but running is just something I kinda do as a means to an end (a tighter booty) ...or if I'm being chased. I mean, it's a great workout... but I've just never LOVED it. I also don't dig spin class. I mean, you're not going anywhere, but the teacher just keeps yelling to go faster and turn up resistance... I don't get it. I especially don't like it when the teacher is one who exclaims things like "visualize climbing the mountain!" Newsflash: There is no mountain. I visualize the clock reflecting in the mirror and how much longer I have to endure the instructor bouncing around on her bike while I contemplate throwing my water bottle at her. (But only b/c she's totally k*cking my butt since I'm out of shape!) And my butt hurts afterward like someone beat me with a stick. I know tons of people LOVE running and spinning...and I could definitely give it a chance, stick with it awhile, and likely learn to enjoy it more. I know that. But... I got to thinking...why do that, when I could do something I already know I really do love?

Swimming!

Swim caps. Goggles. Lane ropes.

I dig it.

I feel the same way about swimming that some people feel about running. It's relaxing, clears my head, and it's a great cardio workout. I don't even mind smelling like chlorine or bruises on my arms from accidentally bumping the lane rope... :) I swam competitively back in my high school days, have taught swim lessons, and my summer job as a teen was lifeguarding. In short, I like pools. :)

So, I've begun my quest for a gym with a great lap pool. In Tulsa, that's a challenge b/c swimming just isn't a big thing here. Two gyms decently close to my house have pools. One is kept at approximately boiling (overdramatic=me) so as to not freeze out the aquacise participants. Yeah. Not exactly workout-friendly.

The next gym is actually quite awesome and has a pool open for lap swimming at almost all hours of day. And the non-pool part of the gym has a zillion classes! I puffy heart classes. :) I just have to go check it out soon! :) The only downfall=half the professionals I know work out at that gym (again, likely being overdramatic). Not a big deal; I know I know... But really, I like to keep working out kinda private...or at least semi anonymous. And I prefer my current all-chick gym b/c I don't like working out with dudes because they grunt a lot, sweat profusely, and intimidate me on the hand weights for some reason. But, if my little gym isn't meeting my needs, it's just not. Soooo time to buck up on my end for the purpose of bettering of my backside (and other sides as well)....haha.... :)  So, headed to check it out this week. Guest pass here I come!

I just really want my workout to be something I enjoy doing. *shrugs* What about you? Is working out just a means to an end? Do you really like your workout? Thoughts on your gym? Do you like classes or just working out on your own? Are you a morning worker-outer or an evening? (I'm totally evening).

Welp, that was really random... *shrugs* It's a Monday. Random always works for a Monday...haha.. :) Hope the week has started off well for you, friends....

Oh also! I wanted to take a moment and introduce my friend, Maria! She's the one who set up the fun photoshoot over the weekend that I posted about. :) She just posted her first blog entry today and I'm excited for her to be joining the blogger world! She's also the one who set up that fun hip hop class I'm taking that I've blogged about. In short, she's a cool chick and I've talked her ear off about how awesome blogging is. If you have a moment to follow her Hijinks and High Heels (how cute is that name?!) or pop over and welcome her, I'm sure she'd totally love it! :)

Maria at the photoshoot...with a raspberry flavored beer and a curly straw...haha! Love it! 

Happy Monday, friends!