With the turn of a new year, often new resolutions are made, generally centered around being a more disciplined person. Common ones are family-oriented, personal reading goals, financial goals, diet changes or fitness related. While I didn’t intend this to become a goal of mine, I became more disciplined in my fitness journey. I joined a gym around this time two years ago, as this happens to be the time I became a stay-at-home mom and it was honestly the best thing I could have done for myself.
Having worked my whole life so far, not earning an income myself was quite the adjustment. I couldn’t imagine finally spending money on myself to join a gym. But I found myself signing up for a gym membership at Club4Fitness two years ago to take advantage of the no signup fee costs. Truly, it’s one of the best things I’ve done for myself!
I browsed several gym options but a huge selling point at this particular gym was the included cost of childcare for 2 kids. Realistically, I had two toddlers in tow and I was not about to wake up extra early given the little sleep I got with my 4-month-old as is just to go workout. For the premium plus membership, which is just $35 a month, I could bring my two kids with me to go work out EVERYDAY for up to 2 hours a day!
Just over a dollar a day y’all and they watched my kids!
Let me add a disclaimer now though: Kid Care is open from 8 am-12 pm Monday-Sunday and 4 pm-8 pm Monday-Thursday.
The first time I dropped my kids off, and walked to the locker room, I felt so free. Having never paid for childcare before, it was so exhilarating. I marched myself over to the treadmills and watched my kids play through the glass doors. My then 2-year-old looked like she was having fun playing with the other kids and all the toys they had available. I saw they got a swing out to put my 4 months old in and he was perfectly content. Relieved that all was going well, I plugged my headphones into my phone and watched an episode of reality tv. Not believing my new reality and after a nice 30-minute walk, I decided to try out the hydro massage chair. For the entire 10-minute massage, I felt like I was pampering myself. Then I walked back and picked up my kids. My 2-year-old didn’t want to leave and begged me to stay. After promising her we would return tomorrow, she happily handed me the pictures she colored while I was gone. And the next day we were back.
I eventually became more adventurous and tried several of the group fitness classes. I had never lifted a barbell until I tried LesMills BodyPump and I was sore for days afterward. Yoga was relaxing, especially on the days after a big workout. And I even ventured to the 360 classes (working out in a smaller group setting led by a personal trainer). I was coached on how to hold proper posture with lifting and found out exactly how much I could lift in some of these classes.
I quickly found myself going every day of the week. Sometimes just for a 30-minute walk, and other times, I felt I maxed out my 2-hour limit between the workout, massage, and a shower. Honestly, I think I showered at the gym more than at my own house. Yes, it meant I had to bring my own towel, but it also meant I didn’t have to cut into my afternoon “me” time while the kids were napping to shower when Kid Care would happily watch them. Going to the gym became a way to reset for us all when we needed it.
After a few months, I was the strongest I had ever been. I could actually see muscle in my arms. I was in better shape after having 2 kids than I ever was before. I was proud of myself for my accomplishments. Having recently had a third child, I am eager to start going to the gym consistently again. I do pay an extra $15 a month to include my 3rd child in Kid Care, but joining Club4Fitness has been worth every penny.
Additional things we love about Club4Fitness:
- themed holiday decor in KidCare
- treasure chest days on Tuesday and Thursday
- option of tanning beds
- my children see me taking care of myself
