OK, maybe not the gym

[mizarchivist]

I rejoined the gym and it's just not a great notion for me these days. It is right there by work, but it turns out going more than twice a week is really never going to happen... going once is a victory of sorts. And that is NOT cost-effective, especially when it turns out you don't have a chance to go every week.
So, something else.
Thoughts I've had so far--

• Dance Complex in Cambridge


• Cambridge Center for Adult Ed.

um. That's it so far. Dance complex has stuff I'd be willing to try. CCAE? Nope. I tried tap classes which were held in the basement of the Regent theater in Arlington Center, but it never felt quite right.
I'm open to suggestions.

Comments

[42itous.livejournal.com]

Contra dancing? If you wanted to go with me, that would make me more likely to actually go.

[mizarchivist]

I know you go Tuesdays-- Maaaybe? Depends on when you go. Tuesday nights are when Jaime goes out, too, but K's home. We'll talk. :)
I would love to be social with you. And I've never done contra dancing before, so fits the parameters of outside my normal comfort zone.

[42itous.livejournal.com]

So there are two types of dancing I do. Tuesday is square dancing, where I feel more of a connection to the community (and you know other people there). But that's more of a time commitment, because you have to learn a lot of calls before you can dance with the club (they offer a thirteen-week class each semester). Still, you should come try it out at Beginners' Night in a month or so -- no commitment to take the class, just see if it's something you'd be interested in.

Contra dancing happens on Thursdays, Mondays, and occasional Saturdays and Fridays. It's often in Concord, although there are some closer venues too. For contras, you don't need to have any experience at all, just a willingness to learn a handful of calls and concepts. The caller walks everyone through each dance before the music starts, and if you have a partner who's familiar with contra dancing to push you in the right direction when you need it, then you'll do fine.

[randysmith]

Don't forget every other Sunday in Porter Square for contra dancing (http://bidadance.org/); very beginner friendly, good energy. I'd also say that contra dancing is better exercise than squares, though squares does count. If you (mizarchivist) would like people present that you know for first contra dancing (or beginner's night at squares, though as 42itous says, you probably already know several people there) let me know and I'm happy to show up.

[mizarchivist]

Thanks!

[majordomo.livejournal.com]

Jogging (after kid bedtime)? If you wanted to go with me, that would make me more likely to actually go.

[mizarchivist]

Lordy. Maybe. I have historically hated jogging, but if I went with you again... social! And also doesn't require a specific day of the week or actual cash. Maybe just new jogging shoes. Mine are old and busted. (Again) we should talk when you are on site. Realize I'm a crappy jogger right now and would be s-l-o-w for a long time.

[weegoddess.livejournal.com]

FWIW, I can put in a vote for jogging or walking with majordomo. My limited experience here says that he is a good, steady drama-free companion for such activities. If I lived more locally, I totally would take him up on it.

[mizarchivist]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. It feels like our households are always a visit or two shy from feeling like we see each other enough. It'll be nice to have a virtuous reason to do so.

[majordomo.livejournal.com]

I am also a crappy jogger. We can be crappy at the same time!

[mizarchivist]

I'm charmingly sold on the notion.

[42itous.livejournal.com]

No matter what you should get the new jogging shoes. Having new activity-specific shoes is bound to make you more enthusiastic about the activity in question (and comfy sneakers are good for dancing too).

[mizarchivist]

Agreed!

I missed the prelude to this

[drwex]

...but is it necessary that this be a group thing? Pygment really enjoys using various yoga DVDs, which she can do on her own pace and when the kids aren't around. The library even rents such things, limiting one's expenses. I'm told there are a lot of other workout-type DVDs one can rent if one isn't into yoga at the moment.

Re: I missed the prelude to this

[mizarchivist]

Lately I have found that I'm not particularly well-suited to it. I'm just not motivated in that way. Inevitably I get distracted or interrupted. There's also Youtube and cable, so yeah. I could. NMK :)

[noire.livejournal.com]

Green Street Studio--dance studio around the corner from Dance Complex where I study flamenco. Really great community with a lot o different styles of dance--though I don't think they have Bollywood, if you're looking...

[mizarchivist]

Oh right-- I used to go to Green Street quite a while ago. Thanks for reminding me!

[curly-chick.livejournal.com]

If you find something around where we work, I would totally be up for joining you.

[mizarchivist]

It pretty much boils down to time when it comes to gym time. But thank you!

[desiringsubject.livejournal.com]

Now that I am a member at the Cambridge Y, I can bring guests for $10. Anytime you would *like* access to a gym and I'm around, feel free to ping me!

Also, the gym at Karma Yoga on Mass Ave is $15 for a day pass, no guesting required. For periodic liftings of weights, it ends up cost effective if you're not going a lot.

[mizarchivist]

Good to know, thanks!