Going to the gym

TaigaStar

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OK, here's the deal. I gained all the weight I worked so hard to lose. Now that I'm in a better position for balancing work/life/finances, the wife and I are deciding to revisit our goal of being sexy ASAP.

With that said, any suggestions for a pair of New Yorkers living in Queens to go? We've belonged to NYSC, which I enjoy (her, not as much). I tried a Bally's once and I felt it was disgusting and poorly maintained. I'd love to hear a few thoughts on the matters of price, services, facilities, etc.
 

Exbiker

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I don't know specifics where you are - I'm thousands of miles away :wink:

But I go to a regular place here in the UK.

Things I would look out for:-

- moderate fees / how easy to leave with say a month or two notice
- how busy it is, maybe at different times of day
- equipment range / how well maintained
- personal coaching available?
- classes available ?
- changing / locker facilities ?
- location / distance / travel time
- "atmosphere" - grunting musclemen / posing in mirrors vs country club
- friendliness of staff and other members / customers; hard to judge but worth observing just a little on a visit ... Or getting some opinions on it anyway ...
- specifics about machines, free weights, etc

... If you tick most of your boxes, then just try it. The whole thing is less about the specific place, more about your relationship with exercise and fitness. And your goals.

Best of luck.

:smile:
 
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wavejock

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I think exbiker covered it well.. sort of depends what you find important in a gym and fitness in general

My two cents..especially since I live in the NY area Taiga..Ive actually also been a member of NYSC and Ballys in the past (you are so right about Bally's lol)

I think what JockMaestro said above is true in a way.
- Crossfit is an awesome way to go, and in NY/LI/Queens area they are popping up all over. but there are issues with that. In my experience, most cross fit studios are much more expensive than a traditional gym..especially in NY area. If you are ok with that then it may be an option. But if you and your wife dont want to pay that much each month I dont think it is realistic. if you have $ or you are a single person with fewer expenses then it could be a decent choice. The other thing with Crossfit, and this is realistic WaveJock saying this,,,unless you are a true dedicated obsessed person with fitness. most do not last long doing it..it is a great workout no doubt, and unique but I think the average person may not find it to be a good long term solution. You just have to really be ready for it. But it is a great alternative workout

My # 1 thought for a gym was first and foremost distance from my home. We all have lives, families, jobs etc. I belong to a decent gym that is literally within walking distance from my house. I don't have to drive to get there. To me that is a huge motivator.. there are better gyms sure, but really what am I there for..lifting. some cardio, ab work in the studio whatever. But how many times have we bailed on the gym because we didn't want to take the drive or get in the car. For me there have been a million times I didn't want to go but since it was close, i forced myself and just said even 15 minutes will be something...and I always end up staying longer. The gym also has a really great mix of people..some lunkheads, some teens/college, middle aged. everyday jocks. etc/ I think that works best...a mixture of people.

Facilities..you know that is a personal thing. do you change there? do you shower? do you sauna? for me those are nice to haves but they don't get you fit.

Lastly..and for me this is a big oe.. I gym it a lot when the weather is cold..but spring summer fall I spend a ton of time biking, surfing, trail running outdoors stuff and less time at the gym. I know in queens there are a lot of parks with trails that have workout stations along them...I find those to be awesome and they are free!

So yeah you have to think of the entire year, how much you are willing to spend $ wise and time wise at a gym. For me the gym is important and I do go a lot..but it is just a part of being fit/active and I don't need a huge place...just something clean. with enough machines and options to keep it interesting and compliment whatever else you may do fitness wise.

Hope my long winded response helped lol
 

redneckgymrat

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Consider also what each of you actually does in the gym. And consider your goals as well. Do you focus primarily on cardio? Do you run? How about yoga? Do you lift weights? Do you box?

Most gyms have generally similar equipment, but individual gyms may have a different focus for their members. And, this creates a supportive atmosphere for those with similar/compatible interests.

As tiny as NYC really is, you have the entire city from which to choose. Unlike Texas, where I live, nothing is really very far from you.

Good luck in your search.
 

TaigaStar

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Hope my long winded response helped lol
It did. I had not heard about the Cross Fit thing, but money is an issue at the present. Wife works a low-paying job, and I just got a full-time position after 5 years of part-time and low-paying jobs that depleted our savings to nothing. Cost is, in fact, a very big issue. NYSC is definitely the closest, but the facility is slightly more expensive because it has a sauna (which I don't use).

As tiny as NYC really is, you have the entire city from which to choose. Unlike Texas, where I live, nothing is really very far from you.

Good luck in your search.
A huge problem is that we have only ourselves to support each other. Most of our friends are in worse financial positions and/or better shape than us, so we need to coordinate with one another exclusively.

I'd love to hear more responses. Has anyone been to Equinox and a different one and have a point of comparison?
 

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Any reputable gym will give you a free day or week trial. Try them out and choose what fits. For me the most important thing about my gym was that its on my commute and has towels.

I would stay away from crossfit/yoga studios/spin studios etc just be used they tend to cost a fortune and have fewer amenities for basically no upside.
 

redneckgymrat

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What is it that you're actually trying to accomplish? A huge number of exercises can be done with bodyweight only, and I know for a fact there are groups both paid and free which meet in the Park. Why not go do TaiChi in the Park?

Let's start with that information and see where it leads us.

Also, check your insurance. Many health insurance plans, or even companies, offer health club discounts or memberships as a way to encourage healthy behavior. Mine does, but there are no participating clubs within 30 miles of my home.
 

TaigaStar

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What is it that you're actually trying to accomplish? A huge number of exercises can be done with bodyweight only, and I know for a fact there are groups both paid and free which meet in the Park. Why not go do TaiChi in the Park?

Let's start with that information and see where it leads us.

Also, check your insurance. Many health insurance plans, or even companies, offer health club discounts or memberships as a way to encourage healthy behavior. Mine does, but there are no participating clubs within 30 miles of my home.
The problem is, the nearest park where there's anything like Tai Chi is 3 miles away, and I don't have a car. So convenience is a very big factor. An hour to get to the gym and back will not be conducive to making us want to go.

Well, my plan does say it covers it, and I can definitely say that participating gyms will be a major factor, I'm just looking for a clean place to get the activity I really can't get. I work 8 hours where I usually only move within a 15-foot radius, and the dog walks have been less vigorous since his surgery, so a gym is likely the best option to look into at this time.
 

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I totally endorse crossfit. I did it for a few years and within a month of starting I was in the best shape of my life. My wife said I went from "suburban fit" to "scary fit."

Yes, you can join a CF gym ("box"), if you're into that. But it will be $$ and cult-like.

Or you can do it in true CF style and do it on your own. The workouts of the day (WOD) are posted on the site for free. All the instructional videos are free. And the true spirit of CF is that you can do it anywhere with whatever equipment you can find. Guys are doing it on FOBs in Afghanistan, fer chrissakes.

Or you can buy all the lulu lemon pants you can afford, wear a spendy box t/shirt, and get your nads off with a group WOD.

Do CF And you'll be happy. At least in the short term. Long term, I think it becomes more of a maintenance program, and you need to switch to keep improving.
 

redneckgymrat

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The problem is, the nearest park where there's anything like Tai Chi is 3 miles away, and I don't have a car. So convenience is a very big factor. An hour to get to the gym and back will not be conducive to making us want to go.

3 miles? Couch to 5k - C25K Running Program

Or you could go on craigslist and get a bicycle for cheap, maybe free, and use it as transport AND your gym warmup.

The idea is to move, use those muscles, and start getting in shape. 3 miles is nothing. Not if you actually intend to do this.

Well, my plan does say it covers it, and I can definitely say that participating gyms will be a major factor, I'm just looking for a clean place to get the activity I really can't get. I work 8 hours where I usually only move within a 15-foot radius, and the dog walks have been less vigorous since his surgery, so a gym is likely the best option to look into at this time.

OR, you could do something on your own. He's got some great workouts for people at ALL levels.
Nerd Fitness: Helping You Lose Weight, Get Stronger, Live Better.

I asked before, what is it you're trying to accomplish. You never really answered the question in the way I had hoped. Is it your goal to slim down, increase cardio health, firm up, build muscle, increase flexibility...what?
 

TaigaStar

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I asked before, what is it you're trying to accomplish. You never really answered the question in the way I had hoped. Is it your goal to slim down, increase cardio health, firm up, build muscle, increase flexibility...what?

Literally, something to increase my physical activity to help me push into weight loss. I lost 35 lbs last year and gained almost all of it back due to just not caring about nutrition when I was working this really shitty job. And that's on me, I know. But as I go back to portion control and healthy options, I want to do something that gets me out of the house, away from the temptation of my bed/sofa/desk, and help me lose.
 

redneckgymrat

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Then, definitely, start with C25K. It's free, works with a GPS app on your phone, and eases you in to physical activity so slowly that it's kind of nice. I started on Oct 10th and am now running 5K distances, 3x a week.

It's also got its own subreddit, Couch to 5K

While the structure of a gym is quite helpful to me, and might be for you as well, it is not strictly necessary. As you said, yourself, convenience and cost are both factors.

This is free, and able to be done anywhere.
 

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How about hitting the pool? If you live in a condo you might already have access to one. Or perhaps a nearby community center pool has recreational/lane/leisure swim times. Here at my community center the admission fee is just a few bucks each time. Or you can opt for a gym membership that gives you access to a pool.

Since I hit the pool, the fat is melting off - I'm not good at swimming so it's not like I'm doing laps yet. Though I'm sure once I'm good enough my time spent at the pool would be more efficient.
 

TaigaStar

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Then, definitely, start with C25K. It's free, works with a GPS app on your phone, and eases you in to physical activity so slowly that it's kind of nice. I started on Oct 10th and am now running 5K distances, 3x a week.

It's also got its own subreddit, Couch to 5K

While the structure of a gym is quite helpful to me, and might be for you as well, it is not strictly necessary. As you said, yourself, convenience and cost are both factors.

This is free, and able to be done anywhere.

Thanks, red! I'll check this out.

How about hitting the pool? If you live in a condo you might already have access to one. Or perhaps a nearby community center pool has recreational/lane/leisure swim times. Here at my community center the admission fee is just a few bucks each time. Or you can opt for a gym membership that gives you access to a pool.

Since I hit the pool, the fat is melting off - I'm not good at swimming so it's not like I'm doing laps yet. Though I'm sure once I'm good enough my time spent at the pool would be more efficient.
My complex doesn't have amenities like that, sadly.