The weather's warming up (yes, I'm ever the optimist) which removes one of those excuses I sometimes drum up for not exercising.
Another of my anti-exercise excuses - I'm giving all my secrets to you now - is perceived tiredness. But these longer evenings work wonders for my self-diagnosed Very Acute Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder (VASAD). Spring appears and I have to be held back from sprinting to the next lamp post, which makes me long for summer all year round, kind of like a reverse Narnia. Give me this and I'll beat Paula Radcliffe.
The third thing that keeps me on the sofa is other people - or rather the lack of them. If I've agreed to meet a friend in Richmond Park for a ride, my bike would need to snap in half for me not to get there. Let me be honest: the odds of me hitting the gym tonight are far lower.
This is why I'm a Serial Sports Club Member. I've lost count of the number of clubs I've joined and I'm forever on the lookout for a new one. Last summer, I was introduced to Spogo.co.uk, a lottery-funded site that crunches all of the club data that sport governing bodies and local authorities had been keeping to themselves. Thanks to Spogo, I now know there's a ridiculous number of archery clubs and Nordic walking coaches in my local area. Who knew!
You may think that you need to be an athlete to join a sports club, and if you're eyeing up Team Sky then I'd say yes, you do. But the majority of sports clubs actively recruit complete beginners - kids and adults alike.
A year ago, my barely-buoyant front crawl and I joined a swimming club. One year on and we're no longer the slowest in the slowest lane, and I just can't stop showing off my tumble turn. And you think I'm exaggerating.
If you're tempted by a sports club, 'tis the season to join.
Three reasons for not exercising... And Spogo
Capital of Sport
Posted Date
May 9, 2013 in Capital of Sport by Rachel Thom
May 9, 2013 in Capital of Sport by Rachel Thom