E.S.
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New York
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If money is not an issue, than why not???
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I want some opinions if my thinking is way off base here. I was considering joining Lifetime fitness. It's not that I need a gym (I have a great gym with childcare for $33 a month I use 3 times a week). But if I took them to the same gym more than 3 times a week they'd burn out. And for me, more than 3 times a week is ideal. I am simply looking for something in addition to do maybe twice a week that's appropriate for kids 1, 3, 4 and 6 (and I'm pregnant). Something different, fun and active. Play places are too hard to keep track of them and too noisy, and I would appreciate some "me time" while they are in the childcare area. So if I go twice a week it's about $11 a visit if you look at it that way. Too pricey? It'd be about $100 a month once baby #5 is added.
I love exercise so I'd work out or join a class (whatever is appropriate for my growing belly, lol). I think it'd be good for me.
I saw the childcare area. I'd worry my 1st grader would just sit at the computer the whole time? And can the toddler be with his siblings? It looked nice but there was mostly large motor stuff. Would they get bored? My kids like to paint, etc. and I didn't see that.
Are my reasons for considering joining this off base, and would I be better served with something else? I do feel it's pricey, but it's not easy to find something that is age-appropriate for 4 kids of their ages, let alone a mama who values being active in winter. The ice and snow plus the pregnancy mean I really do want indoor stuff. So Lifetime would be a way to get through the pregnancy.
So I was like, what else can I do with them, and Lifetime keeps popping up in my mind as perhaps a good option. But...opinions?
We did a trial and I'm lukewarm. 6-year-old didn't care to go back but said it was OK. Toddler screamed and had to stay in the toddler area. The services I thought would actually be nice to have there (haircut, lunch) cost 3 times what I'd pay, so that's out. The kiddie programs were too costly. The free ones were fine, but those are limited times. I guess I'm lukewarm. I have to decide if it's worth it to pile in the van and get there (a bit of a hassle). I would appreciate the mommy time, but I'm not sure the kids are really into the child center, actually. It was so crowded they closed the fun part in back. I still can't decide! It would get me exercising more and they say an hour a day...I do want to stay healthy and you know with 4+ kids exercise isn't going to happen unless you make an effort (and sadly, pay). No getting around that! So I still can't decide, lol.
If money is not an issue, than why not???
I'm a little confused. The gym you already belong to - it has childcare so don't you get your "me" time? Are you considering having TWO gym memberships, so the kids don't get bored in one place?
I've been a member of Lifetime for almost 7 years. When my kids were little it was FANTASTIC!!! I had 2 full hours of childcare each day, and yep, I took advantage of it! I probably went to the gym 5 days/week. With them in the child center I was able to work out AND get a shower in peace. It kept me sane. That being said, as my kids got older they began to balk about going. By the time they were in elementary school I wasn't bringing them at all (I'm a substitute teacher, so if I didn't have a job on a particular day I'd be at Lifetime!) I actually just found a MUCH cheaper gym that is opening in my area, and I gave Lifetime my notice last week. It'll actually be sort of sad to see that chapter of my life close. But really, it was only worth all that money when I brought the kids.
If I were you, I'd ask some of your questions at Lifetime itself. They'll tell you which kids will be together, whether they do craft projects, etc. In my opinion, if working out keeps you sane and makes you a better mom (that's what it did for me) and you can afford it, then go for it!!
My first thought is that your Lifetime must have better pricing than mine :) I pay @ $100 for me and 2 kids! Don't forget that you will have to pay a pretty big joining fee, too, unless they are having a special this month.
Okay, besides money stuff, I like LT because my kids (7&6) love to play in the back area and in the computer lab. They also enjoy the free rock climbing wall. I try to take them swimming as often as possible and in the winter months that is definitely a treat :) There is NO painting or craft making. They do have coloring pages usually. I have never been there with an infant but, just so you know, once baby is born you have to make an appointment to visit...you can't just walk in whenever you have time. We don't pay for kids activities other than a couple of Parent's Night Out a few years back so I can't comment on the quality. Good luck with your decision.
I see you did the trial and were not thrilled.
SO, here are some OTHER ways for you to get that time you need.
*Hire a teen to be a M.'s helper. After they are used to the kids you can leave the person with the kids for a few hours at a time. I know my 13 yr old would be THRILLED and very capable as she has grown up around the daycare kids.
*Look into MY GYM, gymboree or some other activity like that. They will have a family or sibling time each week usually and your kids will get skills too.
*see what your library has to offer
*do a google search for Mothers Day Out programs with your town and neighboring towns. Another option is MOPS or a Mom's group.
*Start a babysitting co-op for your neighborhood. Just 3 moms rotating who is watching all the kids for a few hours at a time really is easy to work out. Try to find someone with kids similar in age/gender.
wow! good for you! working out with 4 little ones and one on the way :) That is amazing. You made my day, now I know it is possible for me to keep my regimen up. I also love working out.
I think if you can swing it, do it. If you are thinking you can't afford it then there is your answer. I don't think they would burn out at 4 times a week BTW. It is only for A. hour a night, right? Tell them that this is mommy time and let them take something with them that they love-a toy when they get tired of the toys in the day care center. We are a member of Golds and their play area need some major work. All the toys are broken or missing pieces, it is a disaster. Good luck and keep up the good work.
