Fun Facts Friday - Pros/Cons of My Gym

Morning and Noon Workouts
This morning I managed to drag my lazy butt out of bed early enough to get in a solid 35 minute workout. I went with MMA Boxing. For whatever reason, it just flew by this morning and I felt super energized. I really do love it when I can get in cardio in the morning, sleep just tends to win out for me.

At lunch I finally did triceps from STS Meso 2, Disc 13. This completes the first week of Meso 2 upper body workouts for me. I hope to be able to do the leg work next week.

Flat bench triceps ext - 12, 10, 8, TF
Side leaning 1-arm overhead ext on ball - 12, 10, 8
Kickbacks - 12, 10, 8

It was a quick tricep workout that I followed up with abs from one of Cathe's latest DVDs called High Reps. I loved this ab workout. It's short but to the point. I think I will use weighted gloves the next time to add a little more intensity.

Fun Facts Friday - Pros/Cons of My Gym
Well, since I've been having to hit the gym again. I've noticed some pros/cons. Now we all know the annoyances of gyms: the Chatty Cathy on the phone while on the treadmill, the Super Jock flexing and grunting, the Nudist who parades around the locker room with not a stitch of clothing (or a towel).

What I'm talking about is the good points of hitting the gym and the bad points. Since I have the luxury of working out at home and running outdoors, hitting the gym may be a bit different for me. It's honestly harder for me to get excited about. I know some find motivation from stepping foot into gyms, but I get a sense of dread. Here's why:

The Cons

• I am totally inefficient at getting ready at the gym. Yesterday I put my top on and realized I had forgotten to take my sports bra into the changing stall with me. Sometimes I forget to bring in my socks or shorts...I clearly have no system in place.

• I cannot change the tv stations that are in front of the cardio equipment. There are 3: one is on ESPN, one is on CNN, and one is on TBS (?). 

• No fans. Well, that's a lie, there is one fan for each area. So only one fan for all cardio machines. I get freaking hot! I hate to feel like I'm suffocating and some people get really pissy if you turn on a fan period. 

• When doing weights, I don't have any way to micro load (unless I pack my weighted gloves and that's just one more thing to lug up there). 

• I hate to feel like I'm in the spotlight. It's mostly men lifting, and I feel like I'm being watched. This probably makes me sound like an egomaniac of course, but I can assure you I do not think I look hot at the gym (well, hot and sweaty I suppose).

• It's so much easier to be motivated when I'm at home to workout because I don't have to leave the house. Just march upstairs and get to it.

The Pros

• At the gym I at least have the ability to do pullups/chinups. 

• I can use a barbell (though I feel really timid about it b/c I don't have one at home and always think I'm doing something wrong). 

• I have access to an even wider range of weights. 

• My gym is diagonal to my office building, so it's super convenient at least. 

• Access to spin classes (only they don't have a wide range of times so this is partially a con I suppose).

• Great views of the river and city since it's on the 29th floor.

So what are the pros/cons of hitting your gym as opposed to a home workout or running outside? Do you prefer the gym?