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“You are only one workout away from a good mood”.
(Unknown)
Decided to test the waters and get back into LA Fitness to jump start my weight training program again. I started putting extra emphasis on my running program in 2019 but I was still getting in four days of weight training while increasing my mileage. I still made it to Momentum Fitness in Tallahassee in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stopped going completely as the pandemic started to get worse in mid-March and switched to home body workouts until it was time to move to Fort Pierce, Florida in April.
I maintained my distance from the gym during my first two and a half months in Fort Pierce because I did not feel comfortable being around people in a confined space. Note, I am still not completely comfortable but have allowed for limited time around people with proper physical distancing.
My new workplace has a small workout room, but I do not consider it a gym. The weights and cardio equipment are in great condition but there are limited weightlifting options. I ventured to this location a few times on the weekends just for limited workouts (cardio, legs). Had this location to myself each time I went in so think I got a bit of confidence to explore a larger facility.
My new habit is to carry Clorox wipes with me everywhere I go so I can wipe down everything myself prior to touching it. Never thought I would be that guy, but yes, I have a pack of Clorox wipes in my gym bag and do not see this changing anytime soon. A new normal for the gym has been born. 😊
LA Fitness
My history with LA Fitness began during my time living in Oviedo, Florida. Really enjoyed the multiple cardio, weightlifting, basketball, spinning and yoga class options available at LA Fitness. All these things were part of the regular membership and made the facility popular with my folks in East Orlando. My experience prior to joining LA Fitness centered on fitness centers on military installations. Always had what I needed in these facilities and never had to pay to get in a workout.
I decided to test out LA Fitness because I felt limited with the other workout options in Orlando. Was able to get a great rate with a military discount and spent as much time in the facility as possible. Made some great friends in LA Fitness and got myself in fantastic shape with all the options there. So, as you can see, I have a fondness for the LA Fitness brand.
There are two LA Fitness locations in Port St. Lucie, Florida and I finally got comfortable enough to want to venture in to enhance my weight training. Went on-line and signed up for a free guest membership which gave me access to the facility without having to commit or join. Leveraged the pass to see how the facility was maintained and what protocols they had to combat COVID-19. Was a bit surprised how clean they kept the facility and was happy there were not large crowds working out. Made sure to only use equipment where physical distancing was possible and moved if anyone got too close to where I was working out. Felt funny doing that but decided to air on the side of caution.
Waited a couple weeks and signed up for another free guest pass for the second LA Fitness location. Wanted to see if there was a different vibe there and I was not eligible to get another guest past at the first location. You are supposed to wait 6 months between passes at the same location, so I just moved down the road a bit for my workouts. I liked the second location best because the shopping complex it is in has more options for me when I am done with my workout. The equipment was the same, but the setup was a bit different–both locations were maintained with an eye towards maintaining physical distancing and cleanliness.
Quickly found out my home pushup routine was not the same to lifting weights. Got a new level of soreness from lifting but it felt good to be back in a weightlifting routine. Do not think I will ever lift heavy weights again but want to keep lifting for definition and to feel good. Got several good workouts in utilizing the free passes and I am seriously thinking about joining the LA Fitness family again. Will evaluate each location again to see which one makes the most sense for me to join. I could sign up for a membership which gives me multiple location privileges but that may be a waste of money—we will see.
Look forward to sharing more of my workout journey in the future—back to LA Fitness and enjoying it! 😊
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going”.
(Jim Ryin)
Walk Into the Future 