Gym Jump
For those invested in regular work-outs, switching gyms is a weighty (…look for it; there’s a pun in there) decision. Equipment, price and proximity are the tangible factors. Less obvious is the atmosphere at what will hopefully become a regular hang-out. A year later? I’ve found that even a mega-gym like Urban Active can be a personable kind of place and am looking forward to my work-outs more than ever.
Originally posted on October 19, 2008:
Ashley said “hi,” and I felt guilty. Or sad, or…? It was definitely a twinge of something.
I had raced into the Rec Center for a quick “anything” work-out before Matt’s football practice ended at seven. A bit of a haul from his practice field, but I’m slightly dedicated and didn’t have any desperate grocery needs…
And Ashley paused from her conversation to say, “I’ve got you Heather,” as I walked by, ID-less as usual (because I am SO tired of the necessary discount cards I have to carry for area groceries, pharmacies and gas stations and refuse to keep any more laminations than absolutely necessary).
I do all my weight work and the occasional cardio at the Westerville Community Center. They have a card-swipe system, and I have a deer-in-the-headlights photo card ID somewhere in this world.
But I never use it.
And Ashley and Pam and Amber and Liz all know my name and punch me through before I even make it down the long hallway to the check-in desk. We even talk sometimes. Kind of a “Cheers” thing minus the dim lighting, laugh track and alcohol…
The guilt or sadness, or whatever it might be, lies in the knowing that I’ll be leaving them soon. For the bigger newer gym being built five minutes closer to my house…
They won’t know my name at the new place. I’ll probably have to bring my card or state my name or something. And while the proximity and cross-training possibilities will rev up my routine –and I can’t wait to test myself on three floors of fitness equipment (!), I know I’ll be losing something too…
You make me feel guilty with all the talk of exercise, I don’t know how you find the time, you are a very busy lady.
I also never use my card at my gym, two minutes walk from work. They all know me by name and I feel comfortable there but if I changed jobs to a different area of town, then I would definitely change gyms. For me, convenience is paramount or I wouldn’t go.
Donald: The regular work-outs are the only way I stay in shape enough to keep up with the schedule!
Suzanne: So true. You have to keep it as easy as possible. It’s not worth joining a great gym if you will have to reorganize the rest of your life to get there!