Yesterday, one of my co-workers asked me how much I paid for my TML Fitness membership. I replied with "$100 a month unlimited access with a 3-month commitment." He then said for $30 a month I could join one of the gyms he teaches at. I thought about it for only a second and this was my reply:
Do they have an array of class options that will keep my interest (I have a short attention span and when bored will move on)? (still waiting for an answer)
Do your gyms offer a specialized boot camp to prepare me for basic pole dancing? No.
Do they offer pole dancing? Don't think so...
Do they offer any cardio classes other than Zumba and Spinning such as Booty Beat? Nah.
Do they offer specific area classes like Glute Camp? Ahhhhh-NO!
Do they have a Bendy/Flexy class that helps my flexibility whether its on a pole or on the ground? Nope.
Well, do they at least have a class to help me feel good about the skin I'm in like TML Sexy Camp Pole Burlesque or Sexy Fundamentals Progressive Pole? I don't think so...They will never have Chair-to-Pole, Hip-Hop Pole, Twerk It or Pilates Pole Fusion (which I won't be taking anytime soon).
Do these gyms have owners who get to know their patrons and do they take that extra step to help them achieve their goals? Do the owners work out with their patrons, encouraging them daily; calling them when they are not there to make sure everything is all right? I'm thinking no...Do these owners take a personal interest in their patrons and staff alike? Is it a family atmosphere? Do they make the size 26 female feel as good about herself as they do the size 6 female? Do they gawk and stare at the BBW as she struggles to work out her body and mind or do they encourage her and offer different avenues for achieving her goals? Do these said owners/mgrs try to manipulate the weight-challenged individuals into buying personal training packages up front knowing the "trainer" will be devoting your paid time to you and her and her and her...?
So I go to TML Fitness because of the atmosphere, attitude and array of offerings. I may complain about the workouts but I do them to the best of my ability. I refuse to give up on myself especially when I have a group of women who won't give up on me. I will not disappoint them or myself. I like the all-women atmosphere. I am comfortable there - its not a competition. You don't have to worry about who is looking at you or whether I look ridiculous (we all look ridiculous)...its not a fashion show and you are not there to impress. We are all sweaty and funky and its OK! My paid PT time is mine even when I want her to help someone else and look the other way so I can continue with creative counting (1-2-3-6-9-15-20).
I don't mind paying for TML Fitness because I am reaping on the return tenfold. I have lost 23lbs and 16.5 inches since May. More importantly, I feel great. My self-esteem is better than ever. I have new life-long relationships with women of all races, ages and sizes (yeah, even skinny bitches...lol)...
In my "Journey Back To Me", TML Fitness allows me to encourage others while they encourage me...Thanks Cassandra, Chriss, Laura, Karen and Candice!!!
Oh so lovin' the skin I'm in....
