The DREADMILL

I wanted to call this post "Why I hate the GYM" but I felt that while I am not the biggest fan of going to the gym, I don't hate it, and it has many wonderful qualities that I just don't take advantage of.

However, for ME the gym is not my favorite place.  When I go I have to make sure I have ALL my crap with me, then I have to bundle up (at least at this time of year), take the time to drive there, put all my stuff somewhere, and THEN I can start my workout.  On top of that I tend to have a very competitive personality so I always want to be doing at least as good at, if not better, than the people around me.  THIS IS MY PROBLEM, and I know not everyone is like that.  But I am, so I have to deal with it every time I go.

The other thing I am not a fan of is having to run on the dreaded treadmill.  Don't get me wrong, there are definitely great things about the treadmill.  I can keep my pace consistent.  I can watch myself and push to go faster for a specific length of time.  I can set it up to do inclines or stay flat, go as long or as short as I want, go a certain distance, etc.
But when you are a slow runner like me, trying to get in a 5k at least 3 times a week (which takes 45-50min), IT IS SO BORING!!!  I don't really want to watch TV while I'm running because it doesn't really help me stay in the zone...not to mention that at my gym the TVs are programmed to have the Audio broadcast through a specific radio station and I haven't figured out (or bothered to try really) how to do that on my phone.  I much prefer to listen to music anyway because it keeps me going.
But the absolute worst part about the treadmill for me is that there is nothing to look at except the TVs, the wall, or out the same window at the same scene for 45 minutes!

ACK!  Seriously, as much as I actually do love winter (for a while) I really can't wait for it to warm up enough so that I don't have to go to the gym and use their treadmill anymore.  I love to run OUTSIDE!  Plus it never hurts to get all that extra Vitamin D.  ;)

So that's my gripe.  It's totally a personal one and I am definitely not saying there is anything wrong with the gym.  For some people having the machines, the free weights, the pool, etc all in one place where they can just go and do their thing and then leave it behind them is great.  Plus I know a LOT of people prefer to workout in the big classes because they like to have all that extra support and camaraderie.  I'd probably like that too (except for the comparing thing...).

For me, I just like being able to get up and go whenever the mood strikes me.

Where do you prefer to workout?