Going to the gym takes time, energy and effort. Just making it there can be a challenge and could, in some cases, be considered a workout in and of it self. On those days when I can only muster the energy to make it to the gym, there are five options I give myself to pass the time there so that I feel like I’ve accomplished something.
Eat a Meal – Even if your gym doesn’t offer a juice bar, chances are they sell Meal Replacement bars and energy drinks. (For the record, they should be called desperation bars and carbonated caffeine water that tastes like Smartees.) Nevertheless, while it’s not the best meal you’ll have all day, it will at least tide you over until you get home to have a proper meal or stop by the local gastro-pub on your way home to ensure no chance of accidental caloric deficit.
Sauna or Hot-Tub it – The nice thing about using the hot tub is that you’ll need to do a little planning ahead because you’ll need a bathing suit. Having this planning phase makes it feel a lot less like you’ve given up on working out. It’s more like you simply decided before you left that you weren’t “feeling it” and you’d be comfortable just soaking and steaming because, come on- sweat is sweat, my friend.
Take a Shower – Especially if your gym offers a full service shower facility. Not only can you save money on shampoos and soaps by showering at the gym but if you spent any time in that sauna or hot tub then it’s almost like you actually exercised. This is one of my favorite workout days: Soak, Steam, Shower.
Check e-mail and Facebook - Most gyms now offer a bank of computers, which are connected to the Internet and sometimes free Wi-Fi. The gym is a great place to check e-mail; it can make you feel like Charlie Sheen in “Wall Street” or like a high-powered trust fund baby who has made yourself so busy with self-aggrandizing semi-philanthropy that you can’t disconnect for an hour. Facebook is a good one to check while someone is waiting for the computer that you’re on. It lets them know that your time wasting is more important than their checking in for their flight. Besides, why are they using the Internet at the gym?
This last one might sound like a workout, but stick with me-
Walking on a Treadmill - Now, I know for some people a walk on a flat treadmill at any speed is a workout. But on average, a human can walk at 3mph undistracted and as slow as 1.5mph when, say, window-shopping. So as long as you’re under 3mph, you’ll stay away from the pesky fat burning zone. But if this seems like too much of a workout, there are two options:
1) If your gym offers that Wi-Fi, you can bring your laptop, connect and do some on-line shopping; bridging that gap between exercise and meandering.
2) Don’t forget that snack bar. Nothing says, “I’m not working out” like drinking a protein shake while walking slower than a Randy Newman ballad.