I work out 6-7 times a week now that I’m training for a 1/2 marathon but before that I worked out probably 5-6 times. I think 5 times is ideal really but somehow I’m always training for something or trying to fit into a wedding dress or something After the half, I’m looking forward to just doing whatever workout I feel like, almost every day, but not really sticking to any schedule. I think it will be somewhat liberating – not that I currently feel a slave to my workouts. Not yet at least. It may happen once my long runs get really long. Ok – workout clothes. I actually try to look cute because I feel like my workouts are better when I look good, especially workouts where I see myself in the mirror (weight lifting, spinning, etc.) I save the ugliest stuff for the treadmill because I don’t see myself when I run on it. Weirdly enough, my old gym used to have a mirror in front of one of the treadmills and I used to like it. It motivated me to see my body move so strongly. Am I weird? My favorite workout gear brand is lululemon. I think their stuff is cute but the most important thing is that it’s VERY comfortable! Perfect combo in my opinion. Ok, I think I wrote a novel now – signing off

I don’t actually belong to a gym proper. I belong to a yoga and Pilates studio and I go there for Pilates classes and more aerobic Pilates-based core fusion classes about 3 or 4 days a week. When I’m there I usually wear some kind of leggings and a fitted shirt, all probably purchased at Target or Old Navy.

Once a week (sometimes twice) I attend an outdoor boot camp, and there I wear some kind of pants and fitted shirt, again from Target or Old Navy. I prefer fitted clothes to big over-sized things because material flopping around gets in my way most of the time.

In my apartment building we have a gym and I use it to do my CrossFit workouts and/or run on bad weather days. For that I usually wear a pair of tiny shorts and a shirt (shorts from various college bookstores).

When I do go to the gym, what I head for first depends on what the CrossFit WOD says. Unless I’m just there to run, in which case I go to the treadmill.

As far as eye contact, when at the gym, I avoid it. I much prefer when there is nobody there and try to go on off-peak hours so I can be alone. Plus, those CrossFit workouts are brutal and I feel self conscious grunting and wheezing in front of others.

At Pilates, Core, and boot camp however, I am chatty. I’ve been going to those classes for a long time and I know most everyone who attends so I’m always talkative and welcoming new people. Although during the classes I don’t look at anyone at all. I try to keep my mind on what I’m doing and trying not to look like a boob.

As for clothing — cheap!!! Target and Kohl’s (clearance racks) have great workout clothes at really decent prices. My philosophy is that I’m going to get way sweaty and stinky and why spend lots of money when that is what is going to happen?!

I will confess — I bought a sports bra for $30odd dollars. Why? Well, I got fitted when I was training for the 5k. And let me tell ya, getting fitted for a sports bra best thing I ever did. The girls DO NOT MOVE at this point. Pretty awesome! And worth the investment!

I’m very interested in your songs. eatmovewriteATyahooDOTcom. Do tell.

I’ve been uber busy getting my consulting business off the ground, and I’ve been spending alot of time with my husband. The whole thing w/Jen and her sweet mother (may she rest in peace) has really forced me to look at the time I’m spending away from the people I love, ya know?…

I try to say hi and make eye contact with others at the gym, but not while they are actually working out because I know I don’t like to be gawked at while I am lifting.

3 other days a week I bike or run at home. Almost always bike with my hubby and I try to make it a point to say hello (first) to at least 5 people on the trail if we see them. My hubby calls it ‘karma points’ when I do that

To the gym I wear my bike shorts because they are very comfortable. Tight, yes – but I don’t care what people think all that much. If they don’t like the lumps – they are free to look elsewhere! The top is usually some type of technical shirt that wicks the sweat away.

Oddly enough, since I’ve been doing this I haven’t cheated on the other days, something I used to do all the time. This might be why my weight is staying the same when it never did in the past.

Not saying it will work for everyone, but I don’t think it’s a big deal if you have a giant cookie once in a while. Just enjoy it, you might as well, since you’re eating it anyway.

I used to go to the gym 5 times a week but it started to get REALLY boring. Now I mix it up with running & home exercises but I still whine whenever I go.