Frozen Air

Winter is a fact of life in Utah, but just as the new year has gotten underway and my feet are itching to take to the sidewalks, streets, trails, paths, and other routes in this wonderful outdoors, the temperature has fallen to painful, even dangerous levels. These are the days when the air itself has a crystalline sheen from moisture particles freezing instantly, when children cannot safely play outside for long periods, when the existing snow develops a new ice coating each night as any ambient moisture adheres to its surface. One's nose and eyes feel the effects of instant ice, and uncovered skin gets bitterly chilled in just a few minutes, and will take twice as long to return to warmth once indoors again.

So how to keep walking and keep up with these goals when the more attractive outdoor options aren't options at all? Fortunately, I live only one-tenth of a mile from a gym where my family has a membership, and I'm a regular visitor. While it's interesting (and sarcastically ironic) to see the membership numbers swell this month, the crowds will gradually dwindle in the next few weeks. There are plenty of weights and cardio machines available, and I've not had any difficulty securing a treadmill for my walking goals. The one on the end was wobbly, and the one on the opposite end was too close to the fan and gave a stronger breeze to ruffle the magazine I'd brought along, but none were unusable. More importantly, all add steps and miles to my totals.

Too many people find easy excuses to avoid doing what they know they need. I could say it's too cold to walk to the gym in just sneakers and workout gear, or it's too crowded to be comfortable, or it's too boring to just use a treadmill and maybe I'll start in a few weeks when the weather cooperates. But those are only excuses, so what do I say?

It's time to go to the gym.