A couple weeks ago I checked out the YMCA with my mom. The main reason was so we can do water aerobics together. After a couple of guest classes (I took an additional Zumba class) we both decided not to join because it was so disorganized and just not fun. Definitely didn’t get any type of work out from it.

Yesterday I visited a gym by me. Nice enough, although a little small. The classes are not kind to my schedule. I would definitely have to work out in the morning or go into work really early and leave early to attend. I took the water aerobics class today and it was definitely more power driven than dance driven which was okay, just not as fun. But the class was definitely organized, with music, kindof warm pool, and equipment.

Other classes I would want to take there is cardio kickboxing and zumba. I even bought these amazing Reebok Zumba shoes.

I could sign up tomorrow. That way I get the 0 enrollment fee and just pay first and last month. Their system is monthly membership, and I can put it on hold without penalty if there is a time when I am pregnant and can’t work out.

All these things are awesome. But even after one class, I can feel my ankles swelling. I feel my inflammatory arthritis taking over my body. It’s a little hard to explain, but everything just starts to get stiffer as the wave comes over. The cold weather definitely does not help.

When my arthritis acts up, I can barely walk. In fact today after class I was limping. Every step becomes so painful I have to give it everything to not give up. I feel so awkward in my body and angry. Angry that it won’t let me do the things I want to. Angry that I have to be surprised when I can make it through a day of walking through Disneyland without crying. If I stand in one place for 10 minutes, that first step after is likely to be painful.

I can’t take any treatment. Not while we’re trying to have kids. So what can I do? I’m hoping that working out, eating healthier and losing weight will help. But how can I do that, if I can barely get through a class? If I can barely make it to the parking lot where my car is?

Do I join, with full intentions of trying? Or do I give up?