Trying new things…
September 24, 2007 by janicemaynard
Before I get into today’s blog topic, let me shout it from the rooftops… I have two books coming out October 2! I’ve never had that happen, so it’s kind of exciting. :) The first is the re-issue (in mass market paperback) of the Christmas anthology A Very Merry Christmas. The cover has glitter on it! I’m like a little kid… love those sparklies. This book came out last Christmas in the large trade-size paperback, so if you read it then, don’t buy it. Unless you are feeling particularly generous and in the Christmas spirit… in which case, I say - go for it! 
The second release is one of my Elizabeth Scott titles (under a pseudonym) , “Spin the Bottle”. This book makes my Janice books look like Little House on the Prairie. Ha! Some people have asked me to explain the difference. My Janice books could happen in real life. My Elizabeth books might happen, but they are more in the realm of female sexual fantasy… and still with lots of romance. It’s hot… I’m warning you. But I’ve already gotten some nice reviews, so if you like erotic stuff that’s classy, but daring, this one’s for you. Spin the Bottle is a fun book to read in the evening with your significant other (’nuff said).
And now for today’s topic - I joined a gym!! No kidding, me - the uncoordinated, hates-to-sweat, non-athletic, girly girl joined a gym.
It is only nine minutes from my house (I timed it) and it is a lovely facility that has almost everything, including a big, comfy hot tub in the women’s locker room that will be especially nice this winter.
I plunked down my credit card and joined for a year in advance. I’m one of those people who if I pay for it, I’ll do it! ‘Cause I hate wasting money.
Right now, I go on M-W-F… my workout takes about 45 minutes and the roundtrip drive is less than twenty, so I’m done in an hour. My main reason for joining was that I wanted to work on upper body strength (of which I have none). I do a circuit of seven machines, 12 reps each, and then I do them again. Before and after I walk the track… which my knee seems to be tolerating fairly well.
The employees at the gym are super nice, and you see members of all ages. I’ve already noticed a pattern to when some people are there. One young man, about 32 or 33 I think, is maybe a war vet. He’s missing an arm below the elbow, and his prosthesis has a special attachment that allows him to pick up large weights. It makes me humble and reminds me not to be a wuss and quit.
I didn’t join with the intent of losing weight, though I had always heard people say that weight training is the best way for women to lose. Believe me, in the past I have walked for six months at a time (very regularly) and not lost anything. But the biggest shock has been that I am suddenly dropping pounds… and not dieting. It’s way cool, and I hope it keeps up. I guess I’m revving my metabolism.
So today’s question is - are you a workout freak?? Do you love to sweat and push youself? What do you do to keep in shape - or do you?? And one last random thought - I heard a reminder on television this week… it said that walking a mile and running a mile burns exactly the same calories… so there’s really no excuse for any of us not to get out and be mobile!
I’ll draw two names from among the posters today to win an advance reading copy of my January release The Perfect Ten. And I’ll draw two more names to win a copy of A Very Merry Christmas. (If you don’t want that one, you can mention in your post that you’ve already read it.)
That does it for me! I’m off to the gym, and when I get back, I’ll look forward to hearing from you!
Janice Maynard (aka Elizabeth Scott)
Congrats on joining the gym. You are a more dedicated woman than I would every be.
I really hate to exercise, especially when it’s hot. I don’t perspire — I sweat, and that’s one of my least favorite things to do. Sort of like intentional hot flashes. LOL. That being said, one of the reasons we like having a dog is so that we will be forced to walk. The dh and I take her for a mile and a half walk everyday unless it’s really nasty weather. When we don’t want to move, we think about poor Callie with the pleading “take me out” eyes and we’re toast. Another plus for walking: If you’re by yourself, it’s a good time to listen to audio books. I’ve done that many a time too.
I have already read A Very Merry Christmas, and loved it. Hmmm — time for a re-read, I think!
Hi Janice, looking forward to Spin the Bottle. It wasn’t at Waldenbooks this weekend like I had hoped.
How long have you been going to the gym? It’s great that it’s so close to your house. I don’t have a consistent routine, but when I take Matthew to football practice I’ll walk the track or on weekends I’ll swim. Occasionally I’ll move the clothes off the treadmill and walk 30 minutes or so.
I really admire you for your dedication and so glad the knee is letting you walk.
Hi Janice,
I hate to workout. I have tryed so many things, including the gym which I paid in advance for a year and used it for 3 months. I did lose 15 lbs so I have no excuse for not sticking with it.
Good for you for joining, I hope it works out for you. The added benifite of losing weight should help.
I am looking forward to getting Spin The Bottle, and I would LOVE an ARC of The Perfect Ten!
Hey Janice!
I really don’t like to go to gym’s to work out. But I also have to join a gym to continue with my physcial therapy. UGH LOL. I really don’t like getting all sweaty.
But I do hope that it helps you.
By the way….Hubby has decided you are his favorite author, LOL. Now this from a man who does not read. But he absolutley LOVES Spin the Bottle. Ha ha.
Can’t wait to read the new one.
Hugs sweetie,
Billie Jo
I don’t like to work out. It was different when I was in the Air Force and forced to work out. I really didn’t mind it and actually enjoyed it. Now, I want nothing to do with it!
Way to go on the gym membership, Janice! My friend and I work out three times a week and I try to walk at least a couple of miles on the nights we don’t, sometimes just in the neighborhood and other times on the track at a nearby middle school. It does make a huge difference in how you feel, doesn’t it?
Congrats on having two releases next month - how exciting for you! I would like to be in the drawing for THE PERFECT TEN.
Thanks!
OH.. make me feel guilty. I have to get back into the practice of regular workouts.
I haven’t joined a gym here but I do try to workout several times a week. My personal trainer has sent me workouts to do on my own.
Yes, I have a personal trainer whom I love. Although you may hear me cursing with some of the workouts she sends my way. I’m going to up my training to twice a week and skip joining the gym. (UGH.. getting out of my contract when we moved down to Australia.)
Enjoy the gym.
A.
I go to the gym twice a week and do taekwondo 3 times a week (sometimes 4). I would go to they gym more often, but with my TKD and the kids TKD, I just don’t have the time. Now that the weather is cooling off, I’ve been thinking about getting my bike out and going for rides in the morning before everyone else is awake. So far, that hasn’t happened!
I can’t wait to read Spin The Bottle. I know what’s on my next book order!
I would love to win an advanced copy of The Perfect Ten.
I do my daily round on the stepping machine and I would love to do more, but very often I have some kind of health problem (twisted back or ankle/knee) that keeps me away from it
Hi Janice!
I’m getting out of the house more and walking for my health. I’m also on the Slim Fast diet. Time for a shake now.
I’ve read A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Would love to read THE PERFECT TEN. And I collect ARCs!
Have a great day.
I really hate to work out. I would love to read The Perfect Ten.
Congratulations on having two releases coming out. Way to go.
Also good for you that you joined a gym. You are brave to do that. I do some walking, but it should really be of a more consistant nature.
Hope you have a great day.
I just moved to uni, new start and all. But i dont think i’ll be needing the gym as my accomodation is at the very top of a very very steep and loooong hill. ive been here since saturday and already pulled my leg muscles =) i do get free membership to the gym here…but i’m not sure if i want to go for it really, i’m not a gym person having never been to one, being a size 18 (thanks a bunch hips) and also not owning any form of gym wear.
what do you guys think, should i do it?
Congrats on the two new release. WOnderful news. I workout daily. I feel it is necessary for my health and mind. I do not look forward to it but it is a required regimen that I must follow. It eases the aches and pains and allows me that time to focus on something beneficial. I also walk since I live in a dry, warm climate with constant sunshine. All the best on your workouts and writing.
Hi Janice, Glad you found a nice gym, aka, one that is not a pick-up joint. Best of luck to you. About a month ago a friend and I started walking at a local mall in the mornings. It is nice because it doesn’t matter what the temperature is outside it’s nice inside. I have tried lifting weights at home but have never been able to get into a good routine (always something else that needs doing).
I would love to have a chance to win the ARC but already have A Very Merry Christmas. You guys are so nice to give away books.
Congrats on joining a gym! I wish there were one closer to me and that I had some extra money to join one. I am like you, if I pay for it, I will use it because I don’t want to waste the money.
I already have A Very Merry Christmas by the way and I am looking forward to all of your upcoming releases! I especially can’t wait to read The Perfect Ten.
Whooo Hooo! Two releases, that is so fantastic, Janice.
I walk on a regular basis, but there is no gym close to my house. I hate the freeway, it scares me (I live in Southern California) so I tend not to go to far. I think it is great you joined a gym and understand how seeing the amputee can be humbling.
Best of luck with your releases and the work out.
Congratulations on joining the gym. I hate to exercise but I know I have to so I walk on the treadmill most mornings and now I have bought a DVD to do some exercise with light weights. Good luck!
Good luck with the gym! I hate to work out. I need to start though. I’d like to lose about 15-20 lbs.
Congrats on having 2 releases!! They all sound great.
Congratulations, on the double release! I love the cover of Spin the Bottle!!
I became lax about exercise after 6 years of intense physical therapy, one of those years in a live in rehab center, after being in a car accident. I just do the exercises that I have to do to keep my arms as functional as I can.
Congrats on the new releases! I don’t like to work out, but I really need to start an excercise program.
I’m terrible when it comes to any type of workout or excercise. I need to get motivated and start doing something.
My Mother just turned 69 and she walks 2 to 5 miles everyday (outside when the weather is good and on her treadmill when it’s cold or stormy).
I guess working out has been affected by my ADD. I obsess with it for a while but then my mind finds something else to obsess on. Other than that I just eat a a lot of fruit and spicy foods. That works for me as far as loosing weight. Good luck with your work out plan.
Workout! Exercise! GASP such bad words. I much prefer to spend my time and money on books, books, and more books. I love your books both Janice and Elizabeth. I read Naughty Housewives a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. I’m really looking forward to The Perfect Ten & Spin The Bottle.
I read A Very Merry Christmas last year.
Have always joined the gym, however, going to the gym always seems to be the problem. My schedule at home with the kids is very hectic, along with my full time job it is almost impossible!! I am trying to find a gym closer to work and maybe that will make it more convenient for me to go. Good luck with your gym and hopefully you will continue to have great success!!
I really hate to excercise, but I use a Gazelle glider a couple of times a week, that is low impact but still gets the blood flowing. I have already read A Very Merry Christmas.
I don’t work out per se. Between gardening, housework and babysitting two grandsons( 26 mos. and 8 mos.) I don’t have time. I get a real workout with the two boys.!
Hi,
I have not worked out recently but when I do, I like video tapes and my faithful ab roller. I love working out to Cher. She has an awesome video and it works really well. I have faith in Callanetics as well but it is so hard, but works. I admire you for taking the inititive and going to the gym. Good luck. I go up and down stairs all day at work so I get a pretty good work out there. Keep it up you can do it.
I hate to work out and I hate to sweat. If I had to go to a gym, it would be to use the treadmill and hot tub!
I teach special education preschool and figure that I get enough exercise chasing after them all day, and then go home and start that process until I crash for the night.
I will be watching for your new books to come out and can’t wait to read them.
Well, I am not much into working out in a gym or anywhere else…and that’s sad, but, unfortunatley, true. I do like to walk though; it is not just to get some exercise, but I like to be outdoors and I enjoy walking early in the morning and seeing all my neighbors beautiful yards and all the small creatures that are up and moving around. It starts my day out feeling good and when I return home I am ready for that wondeful first hot cup of coffee.
I am so NOT a workout freak and don’t particularly enjoy sweating or pushing myself. I’ve been walking more to keep in shape. San Francisco, with its many hills, is a great city for walking.
P.S. I’ve read A Very Merry Christmas and really enjoyed it.
Congrats on the books. I have ordered some extra at the bookstore to put on the endcap. I know they will do well.
COngrats on the gym. I need to do something short of lympo… I keep saying that but so far its not happening. Can you work out extra hard for me??? LOL
Well, shoot! I’d hoped to pop in and out today and respond to everyone’s posts… But I ended up with an unexpected blip in my Monday that took me away from the house for almost four hours…
Oh well - anyway… it was fun to read what everyone had to say and see all the different “takes” on the dreaded “E” word.
Lisa - it’s only been three weeks, so I’m far from having bragging rights.
AJ - Starting school can be tough! Maybe for now you can let that steep hill be your challenge… and perhaps add some more formal exercise later after you’ve had a chance to adjust to your new lifestyle!!
Billie Jo - I’m glad your hubby likes the book. I wrote it with women in mind, but he’s not the first guy who has said he likes it. Maybe I have a whole untapped market!
I usually let a post run for 24 hours before I announce winners, so I’ll post those tomorrow evening.
It was great to hear from everyone!
Have a good Tuesday!!
Janice Maynard
http://www.janicemaynard.com
Hi Janice!!
I do enjoy walking and jogging in a near by park. Anything to be outside! Especially when the weather is cooler (below 90 degrees
)
A Very Merry Christmas is a GREAT book! I recommend it to my friends!
Hey Janice~
I am impressed. I really do not exercise and I really should. I have never been a big exercise person. I think that if I were to choose a way to exercise…it would be swimming. I am the queen of excuses and my excuse would be that I cannot find time, between work, family, and all the craziness that is my life.
I did find it interesting that walking and running burn the same calories…and I need to start walking.
Great post and I hope that you continue going to the gym.
Lori
I just got Spin the Bottle yesterday and cannot wait to dive in. Sounds yummy
I’m terrible when it comes to exercising, but I use the excuse that the gym is out of my way, because it really is. But good for you for joining and keep up the good work. We can be your support system if you need one.
I’m terrible too when it comes to exercising. I’ve started gym a couple of times, but it never lasts very long.
So this this year, I’m doing something different. I’m going to dance! That’s sport too isn’t it? And it’s much more fun.
Janice, keep up the good work!!
I gave my hubby the numbers in the blog and asked him to pick 4… and the winners are - an ARC of my January release (A Perfect Ten) goes to Jambrea and Crystal B…. a copy of A Very Merry Christmas goes to Stacy S. and Jacki!
Congrats ladies… and thanks to everyone who dropped by to say hello!
Will the four winners please e-mail me their snail mail addresses to JESM13@aol.com…
Thanks,
Janice
Thank you and congrats to the other winners!! I sent you an email.
Thank you! Congrats to the other winners.
wtg winners
Congratulations to all the winners!!!
Thank you so much! Congrats to all the winners.
Congratulations winners!
Big congrats to the winners!
Congrats winners!
congrats to the winners. Thanks again Janice