I went pretty faithfully for awhile. I wasn't committed to dropping pounds, but wanted to get in better shape, and if I lost some weight, it would be a nice bonus. I stopped going before I was pregnant (so I can't blame the laziness on that) and I haven't darkened the gym door since.
Last weekend I considered putting my membership to use. Our plumbing had backed up. It wasn't an emergency kind of backup, so we decided to wait until Monday to call a plumber. I was gonna go to the gym to use the shower.
The thought of getting on the treadmill before hitting the locker room never once crossed my mind.
There are a couple reasons why I'm not concerned about my Unused Gym Membership.
Reason #1: I could throw away $16 a month on dumber things. For example:
- I don't get designer coffee any more. I got off the caffeine wagon when I was pregnant and haven't gotten back on. (The alcohol wagon, yes. Caffeine? Oh no, caffeine is the Devil's beverage.) That daily buck-fifty alone is worth twice the UGM.
- I don't hit happy hours any more, where I could throw away $16 on two drinks (or less).
Reason #2: Shooting all this milk from my chest has really melted away the lbs.
I'm not telling anyone to buy the line about "nursing will help you get back your pre-pregnancy figure." That's crap. Pre-pregnancy figures don't return without surgery.
But . . . burning extra calories a day + the absence of oral contraceptives = rapid weight loss. Add "drinking in moderation" (as opposed to what I used to do) and you've got yourself the prescription for a 60-pound weight reduction from the day Lumpyhead emerged. I'm down to my college weight. Of course, everything has shifted to different places.
Added Bonus: I can eat like a linebacker.
Bump decreed that my body has decided it's done losing weight, and now wants me to maintain, so ramped up the appetite. I can consume comical amounts of food and still be hungry.
Big Down Side: none of my clothes fit.
I hate to shop. Shopping for clothes is like some sort of punishment. Plus, buying an entire new wardrobe is not really in the budget - the total UGM wouldn't cover more than a couple cheap suits.
My colleagues are not charitable about my clothing. This ridicule is much-deserved, as Bump will often ask gently if I'm really wearing that. If I manage to escape the house without Bump's critique, I'll get it at work. Over the past five months I've actually been told:
"You look like you're wearing your mom's suit."These comments spur me to acquire clothing that doesn't look silly. I know this because when I come to work looking even slightly foolish, I'm told, quite candidly, that I look like a clown.
"Those pants are waaaay too big for you."
"You really can't wear that any more."
"Fuck you, you skinny mini." (from the woman who's always on a diet. I actually hear that last one a lot.)
So back to the UGM, which I'm not cancelling. I like to think that on the great "someday," I'll start going again. Someday when I decide to turn this new skinnier-but-flabbier me into a MILF. Someday when I no longer equate "every minute not at work" with "time to spend with Lumpyhead."
Besides, $16 is worth the peace-of-mind that I've got an alternative place to shower.
In the end I didn't use the gym shower. I just went to work on Monday kinda stinky. I don't think anyone noticed; I was wearing new pants.
4 comments:
I don't mean to alarm you, but if you want your clothes to fit again, all you have to do is wean.
I apologize for bringing this to your attention. It is the terrible, terrible truth.
We donate to our local gym every month too. I am not really a gym user (I like running outside more) but Brian was very committed to the gym in the beginning. Now, not so much. It is only $19/month, so I think of it as doing our part to support local businesses (it isn't a chain gym).
I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but not my pre-pregnancy body as well. I have it easier than you because t-shirts are cheaper than suits. But still, it is hard to justify buying clothes with one salary. Maybe you can find a cheap alterations place?
Funny sometimes how people compliment women on losing the pregnancy weight, because I don't feel like I did anything other than nurse and walk the dog. Guess it sticks to some women more.
Even now (and I have had a year and a half to lose and gain and lose and gain again) I am under my pre-pregnancy weight, but I agree with you guys - I DO NOT have a pre-pregnancy figure.
My stomach will never be showable again.
I am under no illusions that I will maintain this weight - which makes me all the more bitter about buying new clothes. I'm keeping the old ones, because I know that when I'm no longer lactating I'll wonder where those pants with the hidden elastic waist are.
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