Last week I participated in my first Groupon - a one month membership to a fancy, women-only gym in Chestnut Hill. While I've maintained gym memberships in the past, committments aren't really my thing and therefore my participation dropped off in order to pursue more meaningful activities (mostly eating, drinking, and sleeping). I'm not sure whether it's the fact that I'm newly dedicated to losing 8 lbs or the fact that I know that I'm only on the hook for one month, but I actually find myself enjoying my time at the gym. Who know that pounding the elliptical was a much better stress reliever than a double of Glenlivet?

Nay's been a member of this particular gym for years and while she's starry eyed even talking about it, I seriously didn't expect much from a female-only gym. Not like I'm as badass of an athlete as this Ironmatron but I really didn't think much of an establishment that I assumed was filled with yoga freaks and ex-marching band members. Little did I know that those color guard girls would spend all of last week running my ass all over the gym. After spending almost an entire day fully immobile, I'm back on a tear. I want more sweat, more cardio, and way more conditioning.

I'm pumped up for more - at least until Memorial Day when my membership expires. While I think it's an excellent gym with top amenities, my work schedule simply does not allow me to schlep to Chestnut Hill the 3-4 times a week necessary to take full advantage of a gym membership. I do, however, have a new-found respect for single sex gyms, not to mention baton twirlers everywhere.