Lets talk about YOUR GYM

Nature, coastal bike lanes, along with podcasts and my own music are what make up my gym at present.

Not a gym person, but I quite like one gym in my city because it has a pool, sauna and steam room and it's located in a wonderful leafy setting. Major drawbacks are that their hours suck - open 7am - 11 pm on weekdays, and 8 - 6pm on Sat and Sun (!!!), classes are very limited, you can't avoid the TV screens and loud music, and the instructors and trainers do not inspire confidence. So quite sadly not of much use to me as it has distinct advantages and I would like to learn more about use of weights. Incidentally, I don't think I have ever seen women using the weights there. I like quiet spaces in gyms too - where you can withdraw and have a bit of privacy, and I have often thought that the entire experience would be transformed if classical music were played.

My gym/sewing room is my dining room. Treadmill in one corner, exercise mat in one corner, sewing table in the third corner, and the ironing board in the fourth. (We use the breakfast nook for meals and clear out the DR only when we're having a large gathering.) I do body weight exercises on the mat. Going to a separate building to work out doesn't fit with my schedule (though I used to enjoy it), so I do what I've got to do.

Davidsdottir wrote: »

sarahbums wrote: »

I use planet fitness. it's close by, open 24/7, and the only gym i can afford. It's my first gym, so i can't compare it to 24hr, but I do like it- there are a ton of treadmills and cardio machines, some free weights and a 30-minute strength training circuit. Nothing too fancy or complicated, just the basics, which is all i need really. I've never had to wait to use a machine- there's always plenty open. There's no zumba/spin/yoga/etc classes (i don't think?) but i'm fine with that. I have a Black Card membership, so i can also use the massage chairs and tanning beds. A lot of people diss PF because of the "lunk alarm"- but most of them are, y'know...lunks themselves.

I was with you until the lunks comment. Seriously?!

I thinking she is saying that the people at PF are being hypocritical in failing to recognize the “lunk” in the mirror staring back at them.

My gym has no lock in contract. It also has free wifi so I can watch you tube videos or live sport as I am working out. Its never too busy either so I have started to enjoy going. Open 24/7 as well so fits around my shift working.

Davidsdottir wrote: »

giantrobot_powerlifting wrote: »

Davidsdottir wrote: »

sarahbums wrote: »

I use planet fitness. it's close by, open 24/7, and the only gym i can afford. It's my first gym, so i can't compare it to 24hr, but I do like it- there are a ton of treadmills and cardio machines, some free weights and a 30-minute strength training circuit. Nothing too fancy or complicated, just the basics, which is all i need really. I've never had to wait to use a machine- there's always plenty open. There's no zumba/spin/yoga/etc classes (i don't think?) but i'm fine with that. I have a Black Card membership, so i can also use the massage chairs and tanning beds. A lot of people diss PF because of the "lunk alarm"- but most of them are, y'know...lunks themselves.

I was with you until the lunks comment. Seriously?!

I thinking she is saying that the people at PF are being hypocritical in failing to recognize the “lunk” in the mirror staring back at them.

I'd like to think that too, but sounded to me like she meant the people on MFP who talk bad about PF. I hope you're right.

I suppose it could be read that way too after several readings.

I go to a local gym. I made the mistake of signing a contract before joining though and now I can't wait to leave. Parking is abysmal and it's insanely crowded. I can never do supersets properly because the second I leave the machine for my second exercise machine someone jumps on. Waiting for a squat rack is like a part time job. Super frustrating and gives me such anxiety lol. I do my best to just get into my workout and out of my mind so that's the only thing that gets me through it.

Just a thought. If you have a college/university nearby, they sometimes allow people in the community to use their gym facilities. The one in my town has a punch card, so you just pay for when you go. I know they have classes, too.

I belong to Genesis athletic club. It's perfect for me. Plenty of free weights, machines & dumbells from 2.5 pounds to over 100. A lot of treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, stair climbers & rowing machines. They offer a lot of group classes (regular, boot camp style, spin & yoga), they have an area with 4 TRX spots & 4 heavy bags to punch, which is great for me. They have saunas but no hot tubs & really big locker room area.

My area has the country's largest Anytime Fitness, so I loved that because it was really nice, and since my schedule is weird, the 24-hr availability was great. They also have national reciprocity, but not all of them are very nice. I also found it pricy at $45ish/month, plus you have to sign a contract.

I like my local rec center. It's cheaper (I get a student discount), and they have nice equipment, an indoor track, a nature trail(open to the public), and a pool. But I find the hours to be a bit restrictive, and sometimes changeable due to community events. Also, there tend to be more people around at any given time, which is sometimes inconvenient if you're serious about your workout.

I love my club. It's about 150 a month but worth it. The big benefits for me - tons of equipment, regularly getting new equipment, a lot of space for workouts and never overcrowded, amazing personal training staff, friendly and welcoming environment, towel service, stocked toiletries, private over night lockers, laundry service, member appreciation events, 24 hr housekeeping.

I'm weights and cardio and I like that I never have to wait for anything. The club has multiple racks, sets of weights, barbells, platforms and a lot of cardio equipment, plus a bunch of other stuff. Going to the gym shouldn't be a hassle and my club makes it very easy.