Sometimes I Think Volunteering is Better Than the Gym!
By Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
United States
March 29, 2009 11:36pm CST
I keep trying to figure out how I can afford to go to the gym, now that they have one near us.
But today while I was volunteering with marine mammals, I realized that maybe volunteering is just as much if not more exercise. Taking down and keeping down an elephant seal can be a mini-workout. And then moving that elephant seal while holding its head down and pushing while walking/doing lunges you really feel the burn!
This must be the only thing that keeps me from getting in even worse shape than I'm already in! But I still would love to go to the gym as well eventually.
2 people like this
3 responses
@Dugsmom (279)
• United States
7 Apr 09
Oh that sounds like such fun! Where do you volunteer? I always wanted to volunteer at the zoo but we've never lived in a town that had one! We just moved to one that does but it takes about an hour to get there and that wouldn't work for me.
1 person likes this
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
8 Apr 09
I volunteer at a marine mammal wildlife rehab center. It's over an hour away from my house, but there is nothing near me either.
The zoo is about the same distance, but they don't let you interact with the animals as much. At the zoo since so many people want to volunteer the volunteers end up doing all the stuff no one else wants to do. Like cleaning and preparing food. Which needs doing too and I definitely do a ton of cleaning and food prep, but it is nice to also get animal experience if you are working for free. Plus I always like to volunteer for actual charities that need it.
There might be a small wildlife rehab close to you. Sometimes there are some independently run places. There are a few of those around here but I just like the seals so much I'll drive out to be with them each week.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
9 Apr 09
You should check though, because even in the desert areas they have wildlife rescues usually. Sometimes you'll see animals like hawks and owls in those places, which I have to admit must be pretty cool to work with too!
I hope to eventually try volunteering with some other animals as well, but so far the one place I want to go near here that has deer and squirrels and other wildlife is over 2 hours away so that's a bit too much. Especially when the seals are closer and I like them so much.
@mykmari_08 (2464)
• Philippines
31 Mar 09
Hi, friend. It's been quite some time since I saw you start a discussion. I guess it's because I have been away from mylot community for a few days and I barely had time to visit here.
Anyway, I feel that volunteering is just as good as going to the gym, if not better. Personally, if I were to choose between these 2 tasks; honestly, I would go for the former since I don't have to shell out much funds for a few hours of workout. In fact, I admit that I'm really lazy in doing exercises early in the morning even if my husband urges me to. Besides, I love having a leisurely travel or trip. And I think it would be a unique experience because locally, these types of volunteer work is an uncommon sight.
Most volunteer work available locally don't concern animals. Rather, they usually concern going to medical missions or providing relief goods to typhoon victims or sick patients in the hospital and remote areas.
But it's your choice, friend. And, good luck in whatever choice you make. Regards and God bless.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
1 Apr 09
I haven't been on MyLot as much lately either. I've been so busy with school and work and volunteering.
I think going on a volunteer mission is a great thing too. I was watching the show "Little People, Big World" recently and saw them go on a trip to build a home for Habitat for Humanity. It was really nice and I think it just lasted for a week or so. I think boarding was included so the trip probably didn't cost them a whole lot.
@hcromer (2710)
• United States
30 Mar 09
I think you're right... Most volunteer activities involve physical labor because it doesn't take as much training as working in an office and things like that. Volunteering is free, helpful, makes you feel good about yourself, and most times is a good way of exercise. What are the cons? None! I wish we had that kind of volunteer work in my area, most of it here is more along the lines of cleaning up after dogs and cats at the Humane Society.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
31 Mar 09
I think working with animals takes more training though than most people realize. I've noticed a lot of people don't even realize when they improperly restrain an animal, and then the head is free and they get bit.
But there are definitely a lot of volunteer jobs that don't take much training.
I have to travel about an hour and a half each way to volunteer, but I think it is worth it. But volunteering locally at the humane society can be very rewarding too. I used to do that for a couple years, although I volunteered in the rabbit and farm animal section.
