Saving Money & (Hopefully) Losing Weight

Here it is . . . another "Heidi's trying to get in shape" post.

For years I've wanted a gym membership, but just haven't been able to make it work in the budget because other things have held a much higher priority.  In case you haven't noticed, gym memberships are expensive!  I knew I would probably only go (at best) a few times a week and couldn't see spending the money.   My last job before staying at home was working in the Corporate Office of a local chain of gyms.  I had no kids, a free membership and I still didn't go very often.

A few weeks ago I was looking at the local Parks & Rec catalog at all the classes the city offers.  I knew there was an aquatic center about a mile from my house (in the same parking lot as my son's school), but found out there's a full gym inside, too.  For less than the price of one month at the gym I was able to buy a pass for 30 visits to the center, which allows me access to the lap pool and the gym.   The card doesn't expire so I'm only paying for the times I actually GO instead of a gym where I'd pay the same high prices no matter how many times I did (or didn't) go.  By buying a 30 visit pass (they also come in 10 and 20 visit passes) I'm paying roughly $1.50 visit. 

Since my son is in school from 8:45-3:15 every day and my daughter is in preschool from 9-12:30 MWF I'm losing excuses for not going at least once a week! I'm going to aim for 2 visits a week, but am realisitc that I will still need my "free" time for things like doctor's appointments, errands, school holidays, volunteering at school, etc.

The good news is if I don't go I'm not wasting money buy paying for something I'm not using since I'm basically only charged per visit!

I'll still be using my free weights, Wii Fit, desk bike and doing other exercises at home, but this will give me access to equipment that I don't have at home :) Maybe one day I'll even be in shape enough to swim a few laps in the lap pool :)