I've been looking for ways to spend my evenings other than watching tv or on the internet. I've also been looking for ways to increase my physical activity.
I had thought about hiring a personal trainer for a one or two sessions a month - but the least expensive I could find was a mininum of $75 per session, IF you bought a whole bunch of sessions. Ummm . . . no.
I thought about joining a gym, but there again it would cost a lot more than I really want to/can afford to spend. Plus, I can't be 100% positive that I would get myself there enough to make up for the cost.
So .... I found a physical education class at my local community college. It meets twice a week for an hour and a half. They do a physical/fitness accessement at the beginning and end of the semester. It includes aerobics, strength training, and flexibility. There are a total of 32 sessions. The cost? $39 tuition + textbook $?.
The college is about an 8 minute drive from where I work/live even in the 5:30 p.m. traffic, so by 6:40 or so when I would need to leave to get there, traffic should be no problem.
Anyway, tonight I went to register. Because this is a credit class, I had to fill out an application for admission. A few years ago I had actually taken an Excell course and Intro to Computers course online through this college --- but for some reason they didn't retain copies of my transcripts. So, I was granted "conditional" admidtance (sp?) until I had my official transcripts. Fine, whatever.
I then went to the place you register for your class. The guy at the desk tells me that my degree (B.S. Elementary Ed) makes it so I don't have to take the reading test, but without official transcripts, I would have to take the math and writing tests!!!
I'm sorry, but I haven't had to use any higher level math in nearly 10 years! I took Statistics in college (UGH!) and barely passed it. I'm not exactly planning on taking any math classes anytime soon - if ever!
So, I ask him if that really is necessary for taking a physical education class. He goes, "Why didn't you say that in the first place?" I didn't say this - but I sure was thinking it -- YOU DIDN"T ASK ME! -- or furthermore -- Did you look at WHY I'm applying? Do you not see the field "Personal Interest" marked at least 4 times?!
Oy Vey!
At any rate, I am now registered for the class. It starts mid-January. I think I took a similar class to this my Junior year of college from a Dr. H. I couldn't stand her as a teacher, but I enjoyed the class - especially when I was able to chest press more weight than any other girl in the class.
I'm going to have to see how much of a workout I actually get from this class, and then readjust my own workout schedule.
There is a second level to this class, so if I really get a lot from it, I'll take the second level during the summer session.
I'm hoping my then 31 year old self will be able to keep up with the late teens/early 20's kids in the class. Although, since it is a night class, maybe there'll be some other adults in it.
I wish though I could find a class for simple car maintanance or an on site class about computer repair/upgrading.
It would be nice also to find a class that teaches healthy, low cost cooking for one (vegetarian style preferred!)
You would think in a city as large as this that there would be more options available for adult education classes
I bought a copy of Mastercook recently and entered about 30 items into my "pantry". Then clicked on the "What can I make?" button. It came up with syrup and caramel drops. Some of the items I listed: flour, bread, milk, cottage cheese, veggie franks, brocolli, mixed veggies, water, sugar, veggie meat crumbs, veggie chili . . etc.
I'm not so sure I want to keep this. I was kind of hoping it would help me figure out how to use the stuff in my pantry. I've been eating way too many frozen dinners and other stuff out of boxes.
No Spend days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Monday Spending:
Walmart - $5.31 groceries (fruit, canned veggies, small treat)
You want me to do what?
November 28th, 2006 at 03:41 am
November 28th, 2006 at 05:31 am 1164691870
November 28th, 2006 at 11:08 am 1164712093
November 28th, 2006 at 01:27 pm 1164720443
Baselle: Thanks! I looked into the YMCA. The closest one to me is about a 20 minute+ drive, and the monthly fee is as much as I'd pay for any other gym. In other words, way more than I can afford.
November 28th, 2006 at 01:36 pm 1164721001
I'm glad you found cheaper alternatives. Once you get the hang of it, it'll become even cheaper because you won't need to pay for any more instructions to keep yourself healthy.
Incidentally, you might want to check out http://www.thatsfit.com/. It's a fitness blog... written most by women for women I think. I don't really read it though, so I can't be sure.
Please don't forget the most important thing in exercising: Have fun!