Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Question Numero Uno
I have a question to pose...How do you pack for the gym as a working girl? I am a full make-up for work kind of gal (most days) and it is very time consuming for me to pack a bag, change, take off make-up, etc. when working out after work. I have a fear of working out with make-up on...breakout reasons. I loved the "working on my masters" days when I would go to the gym about 9am and get to come home to my own shower then move on with my day. That is not happening any longer. I need some advice on the best way to pack and juggle getting there when the drive to the gym is approximately 25 minutes from home, 10 minutes from work and a closer gym is not an option. As anyone who has ever traveled with me knows, I am an overpacker, and it is so deeply ingrained that I don't know if I can change (I HAVE to have my hairdryer for my unruley locks). I could rent a full sized locker for $16 a month, but I'm not sure I want to spend the money. There are lots of evening yoga/pilates/swim classes that I would like to take, but the lazy struggle to do the whole change thing gets me every time. V gave me a link to a great bag. But, I am looking for some guidance on makeing it all feel easier. Or, your knowledge that this process is never really easy and that I simply need to get over it.
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5 comments:
I can't really speak of this from personal experience since my serious exercise has only taken place during my stay-at-home-mom years. But I have some suggestions that I've read about or seen.
If you absolutely can't stand to get ready in the locker room (which I can't), I suggest doing the evening thing. It's harder in my opinion, but as long as you're not exercising so late that it interferes with your sleep, then you'll be good. It also might make you have to shower twice a day if you absolutely need a shower in the morning, but I'm a night bather so it actually works out better for me.
I wouldn't worry about the makeup thing. I've never broken out from that--it's all hormones. And if you're like me, by the end of the day all my makeup has worn off anyway. If it makes you feel better, just wash your foundation off. You're not going to break out from eye or lip makeup.
I noticed that all the female soldiers rent lockers and keep seconds of everything they need in there. They still have to get ready at the gym, but they only have to bring their uniform with them. Toiletries, brushes, hairdryer, etc are stored there. This would cost a little more, but might be worth it to avoid hauling your stuff back and forth.
I recommend the locker option, especially if you don't mind getting up early to go to the gym. Good luck!
It takes practice, but if you are organized (which I believe you are) you will get it down to a science.
What has worked best for me: Whether you workout before work or after pack your bag the night before and have it ready in your car. That way you won't get distracted and run out of time to get your bag ready for the gym before you leave the house.
As soon as you get to the gym, get a locker or two and unpack your bags. Your locker should be packed so that when you are done working out the things closest to you are what you use first, ie a towel and shampoo, behind that your bra and undies, lotion, deorderant, followed by your hair care products and lastly your make-up.
I agree with E you really need two of everything so you can just keep your bag packed. It makes life so much easier.
I always take along a wal-mart bag to put my dirty towel and clothes in (work clothes are on a hanger) so when I get home I can take just that out and the bag is already to go for the next day as soon as I put in clean clothes and a towel.
For a quick make-up remover I really like those cleansing facial clothes, throw a pack in your bag and do a quick wipe before you work-out your face will feel much better just by doing that.
I also recommend packing a cooler with healthly snacks for your car so if you are starving before or right after you workout you eat that instead of being tempted driving past all those tasty but not healthly places along the way.
It may take some time but once you get a system that works for you please share.
Rachel and E have listed everything I would tell you. I prefer the after work workout. When I did early morning training, I still had to go home and get the kids up. If I had a late day and could work out before work, I never really did my hair like I would like to. I am sure no one cared, a french twist is perfectly acceptable, but I always felt like I wasn't quite put together.
The bag I have is really great and very organized. Most important for me is that it is packed all the time. Mmm...maybe I should share that link with all. I even keep an extra sports bra, shorts and socks and protein bar in it at all times. Practice and consistency will make it easier.
Other than that...
The process is not easy...get over it ...rent the locker...buy 2 of everything and get your ass to the gym.
Another idea is to change at work before you leave. I found in Vilseck that the bathroom at work was much less crowded than the locker room at the gym. Then you can leave everything in your car and are less likely to talk ourself out of going on the way there.
And...other people will know that you are going to the gym so you can't back out.
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