New Faces at the Gym

GO HOME! WE DON'T WANT YOU AT OUR GYM!

Damn it was busy at the Del this morning. Of course, not at 5:00 as there were just the regular foolz when the Del opened. However, by 6:30 the place looked like JC's mom's house during fleet week (sorry, that goes back to college, and now his mom really has died so makes it even more tasteless, and not just the ultimate response to a mom joke - sorry JC). It was busy like I envision one of those cheap gyms (24 Hour) at about 6:00 PM. Anyway, it was busy. All kinds of new faces in there, looking confused, and hogging machines. Luckily they don't work out long and they won't be there by the time I turn 40 in mid-February. I had a few words with some of the regulars and though disgruntled we know these people won't last long. I could give the magic recipe for keeping up the morning workout beyond February... but not sure I want the secret getting out.

The SacTownGuy has been doing the morning workout routine since about 1998. About the time BIG Drew moved to NYC, and thus halting our afternoon basketball games at the Y, I started hitting the gym in the morning. Back then I had the SacClub. Ohhhhhhh, that was a sweet deal. It was about $75 a month and included a FULL breakfast each morning after my workout; omelet, smoothie, french toast, fresh fruit, etc... EVERY morning. I think that may have defeated the value of the workout!? Anyway, the SacClub is long out of business (big shock with that business model) but I have continued with the morning workouts. Primarily alternating between the Racquet Club, the Del and the Ranch. It has become a way of life. It has become a mandatory start for me each work day and many weekend days as well. I hit the wall about 3:30 in the afternoon if I don't workout in the morning. That doesn't answer the big question though. How does one happily drag himself out of bed at 4:20 to go to the gym?

Is it because you know it is good for you? No.

Is it because you know you get to eat more food by working out? No.

Is it the camaraderie of the others at 5:00 AM? No.

Is it the joy of cranking the car heater each morning? No.

Is it the enjoyment of listening to XM radio on the way to the gym and the Ipod at the gym? No.

What is the magic secret recipe that keeps me going back?

It's actually quite simple... just go to bed early and the rest will follow.

I hope all your new year's resolutions are met! Peace