Gym Evaluations are Underway!
In my last post, in addition to entertaining you with some of the finest blues music in recent history, I also did some crying over my encounter with the desk clerk at my gym. Once I got that out of my system (and aren't you all sweethearts for listening?), I set off to see what other options were available within easy walking/biking distance from my house, which would be about 2 miles. I was surprised with just how many options I found:
Physiology Associates
The Jewish Community Center's Wellness Center
YMCA
24-Hour Fitness
While these all cost 2-3 times as much as my gym, they also all offer lots more, including swimming pools. I've toured all except 24-hour Fitness, which I'll be visiting via a 7-Day Pass next week, and I've been impressed with the friendliness of the staff at each facility. They actually come out from behind their desks and mingle!
Another option I checked into, just because it was located near one of the other gyms, was Curves for Women. To be honest, I'd never considered Curves before, and I'm not sure why. I dropped in at my neighborhood Curves, and I have to tell you, I was impressed! As the name implies, it's a workout option designed for women. It's all based on hydraulic resistance equipment and cardio (not regular old gym equipment), and you follow musical/voice prompts to change machines. The standard workout is scheduled to last 30 minutes (but you can go longer if you wish), which includes time at an amazing stretching apparatus. Seriously, if I
There was a feeling of camaraderie and "belonging" at this Curves location that I haven't experienced at any other gym I've worked out in. Granted, part of their job is to sell a membership to me, but it really came across more as, "Come play with us!" I like that! Staff members are available to help (and push you!), which almost felt like having a personal trainer.
The cost of a membership, which permits unlimited visits, is $100 sign-up and $34/month. For the month of March, though, they're waiving the sign-up fee in exchange for a bag of healthy groceries to be donated to a women's shelter! (This is apparently a program going on at all Curves, not just my local facility.) There are now Curves franchises all over the world, and you get guest privileges at all of them, plus they have some online activities and support as well.
By now you're probably thinking I'm being paid by the Curves people, but I'm not, I promise. Simply put, I was impressed with the place and honestly do think that it just might be a good resource if you have avoided working out at a gym because you felt intimidated or self-conscious. As for me, as much as I'd love to hang out with them and be part of what looks like a fun and supportive group, I think I'm at a point where variety in my workout is important. Besides, I have you guys for fun and support. :)
I'll make a decision next week and have an update from my gym. Until then, I'm going to have fun exploring and perhaps even widen my search to the five mile range just to see what else is out there!
Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!
Labels: exercise, Memphis, personal notes, useful links














