Interviewing Gyms

Ah, New Years is always a time where everyone makes resolutions to get in shape and lose weight.  This time of year is where gyms are over crowded with people who are full excitement (or dread) for getting in shape.  This is also probably the best time to join a gym because gyms expect the crowds of new people testing out gyms.  Which is handy because I'm taking applications for a new place to sweat 3-5 times a week.  

I've been a member of Bally's Total Fitness for about 10 years and have always loved them.  Loved them until last month, when we got into our first disagreement.  You see when I first joined the gym all of the equipment was available for use with the exception of the Pilates machine.  I was okay with this because they clearly spelled out what machines I could use and what I couldn't use.  So imagine my surprise when I couldn't locate a bosu ball to do my squats on.  I looked around everywhere and noticed a slew of them tucked in a room.  I grabbed one of them out and dragged it to the stretching area where they were kept previously.  Half way into my sets, a Bally employee approaches me and tells me that the equipment I was currently using is for Personal Training clients only and unless I was a client, I would need to return to the room.  This really irked me because Bally's has been trying relentlessly for me to sign up for personal training.  The answer is always the same, "thanks, but no thanks."  Now, I think good Personal Trainers are worth every dollar if that's what one needs to get motivated and stay motivated to work out.  I'm not one of those people because I love working out!  I don't need anyone to yell at me to go to the gym because it's become so automatic to me, kind of like brushing my teeth.  Plus, it helps that one of my best friends was a Personal Trainer and likes to work out with me.  I really don't think it's fair for Bally's to separate their customer base between elitists (personal training clients) and the average Joes.  Everyone who pays a monthly due should be able to use the equipment in the gym.  Period.  

I decided to start interviewing other gyms to see if maybe I could find a place who values my business and allows me to use equipment without signing up for Personal Training.  First on my list was LA Fitness.  I toured the Mill Creek gym at it's peak time so I can have a better understanding of the parking situation and basically whether or not I can get on a treadmill without having to wait.  What I found was that parking at that time frame was atrocious.  It took me nearly 15 minutes just to find parking.  Once inside I found that I could use the equipment without waiting in line.  I was in and out within an hour and a half.  The gym itself is very nice and clean.  One thing I didn't like was the fact that there were no TVs directly in front of the cardio machines.  And, the cardio machines were located upstairs and your view while doing your cardio is other people working out down below.  This was a big turn off for me because it makes it feel like a meat market.  Which, I can live without.  I just want to go in, run, do my weights and leave.  After my trial was up, I didn't sign up because I wasn't comfortable with the parking and the meat market mentality.  Also, the cost was $29.99 a month and I could work out in any gym I wanted.  While this sounds good, I currently only pay $10 a month for my Bally's membership.  

Next on my list is the gym offered by my work.  I am going to tour if this weekend.  The cost is also $29 a month, but they are open 24 hours/7 days a week.  

My preferred running shoe

I overpronate when I run, which means shin splints.  I got fitted at the Jock n' Jill in Greenlake and they recommended Asics Gel Kayanos along with some Superfeet insoles.  Solved my shin splint problems.  If you live in the Seattle area and want to get into running, I highly recommend you get fitted at a running store.  Either at Jock n Jill or at Roadrunners.  Your legs will thank you for it!

I love to run.

Quite a few people have been bugging me about blogging.  Specifically, blogging about my love for running.  My love affair with running started in the 7th grade when my PE teacher, Mrs. Cray, timed me running the mile.  Let me tell you, I'm a competitive person, especially when it comes to sports.  There was a gal named Kaoeu who was my friend but we would get into arguments and that day, she pissed me off and I used my anger to out run every kid in my 7th grade PE class.  That day, I ran the mile in about 6 minutes and 55 seconds.  My legs didn't hurt and I wasn't wheezing from running it...in short, I discovered that I loved it!  My love for running continued into high school and in college.  I was often the fastest girl in my classes.  Where my friends would groan with dread at having to run the mile, I welcomed it with open arms and a huge smile.  

Why do I love running so much?  Funny, because my sisters ask me this question all the time.  My answer is that I just love running because it makes me happy.  Truly.  There is nothing like being in a zone while racking up the miles. When I met my best friend, wifey extraordinaire, we bonded over our love of running.  I remember there were days where we would hang out by going out for runs together.  Some of the best memories of my youth!  

During my runs, I listen to techno music because I find that's the only music that goes fast enough for me to establish a quick rhythm.  Rap music is usually reserved for when I weight lift.  I often go to ituns and just randomly search for catchy song titles I've written down in my planner.  A great source for good techno music is on c89.5 (http://c895worldwide.com/).  It's one of the benefits of living around Seattle!  For whatever reason, I have runners block up until mile 2.  Every. Single. Time.  If I can make it past the 2 mile mark without stopping, my run is fantastic!  If I don't make it, well, let's just say that I play a lot of mind games with myself to continue running.   

Last November, I participated in my first half marathon and it was a fantastic experience!  I ran it with my little sister and I would absolutely do it again.  In fact, I was so energized, I've decided that I'm going to start training for the full marathon in June 2010 (Rock n Roll Marathon Seattle).  I'm hoping that I can remember to blog about my training here.  Who knows, this might really hold me accountable to the training.  

Happy reading and feel free to ask any questions you want :)