Working Out is Definitely NOT as Awesome as Writing

I joined the Y yesterday. As in the YMCA. As in the place where I'll be going (hopefully) every day after work (and maybe some days before work instead, although that's really effing early) to get myself into seriously awesome shape. Or just be able to zip up my favorite jeans again.

While I was suffering through my 20 minutes on the Arc trainer this afternoon, I couldn't help but think about how working out is definitely not as fun or rewarding as writing. You see, I've already gone to the gym twice. Yesterday, I did 40 minutes of cardio and then some strength training. Today, I did 45 minutes of cardio and more strength stuff. And all I have to show for my efforts is sore arms and a slimmer bank account (those Y memberships aren't free, you know).  My thighs are still thunderous. My butt is still booty-licious. And that "Hey Sally" flap underneath my upper arms doesn't appear to have dissipated in the slightest.

But if I had spent that time writing, I would have actual, measurable results. Spending three hours total on my WIP at this point would probably get me about a chapter and a half, maybe even two chapters, nicely revised and sparkling like a Cullen on a sunny day. Maybe it would only get me a sentence, but it would be a darn good sentence. The flaws in that area of my MS would have faded away. Even if I was working on a new project, on a good day I can write 5,000 or more words in three hours. On a bad day I can still hit 2,500. Sure, if I looked at the project as a whole there would still be plenty of flaws, but every day that I write I see an actual result, while working out...well, the change is gradual. I don't like gradual. Plus when I write I can do nice things like sip coffee and munch chocolates and snuggle with my dogs. Working out just makes me sweaty.

Still, I guess there are some similarities between the two activities. Every day that you write you get better, and the same can definitely be said for working out - the more you exercise, the stronger you get. And both writers and exercisers set goals. Plus, getting into the habit of writing or working out every day is important, even if you're not feeling up to it - though I admit "not feeling up to working out" is a much more common occurrence 'round these parts than "not feeling up to writing."

I'm not sure that I'll ever love to exercise. Right now, I spend the whole workout listening to my book, wondering how much longer I have to stay in the gym before I can move on, go home, and turn on my computer. But even if I do get used to working out, develop the slim hips I want, and turn exercising from a chore into a "fun" task (I can't even imagine it will be fun in the future right now - hence the quotation marks), it will never, ever, be as awesome as writing.

Hey, guess what! Frankie also talks about exercising and writing sometimes!