One of my goals this year is to make myself better. All around. Mentally. Physically. Hell, at this point, I’d be happy to simply look and feel good in my clothes. This particular goal includes finding the right gym because I’m very seriously considering a trainer. I know I need some help, especially with nutrition. And I need to be able to vent work stress. A LOT of work stress. I’ve lifted weights for a number of years; I was recently a member of LA Fitness for four years, but despite my personal gains (200 lb. deadlift), the place never clicked with me. |
I’ve looked at Snap Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Lifetime Fitness, a local muscle gym and Planet Fitness. Planet Fitness says they’re a Judgement Free Zone. If I weren’t such a grammar nazi, I might be able to get past the spelling error, but I’m not, so I can’t.
Most gyms let you try for a weekend or a week, which is good. Would you buy a car without a test drive? I think not.
Nothing resonated.
But there was one left: YoungQuest Fitness Center. The reviews on the place were excellent, so I sent an e-mail. No response. I tried calling. No answer. Well, damn. I tried one more time – just this morning and this time, I got through.
I talked with the owner, Jason, and he was very friendly – and not pushy. We set up a time for me to come in at 5:30 and take a look around. Couldn’t wait.
I arrived a little after 5:30 (traffic was a suckfest). The gym wasn’t huge, but it was spacious. It had a nice selection of cardio and free weight equipment. And get this – there was a squat rack open. OPEN. Can you believe it? It was like walking in a bizarro world gym.
Jake, one of the trainers, gave me a tour and said it was busy. No, no it’s not. Busy is when there are a few impatient souls hovering around your squat rack or bench press like vultures, impatiently waiting for you to finish.
Another appeal to this place: It’s not some ginormous corporate entity; it’s a locally owned gym. And clean. Clean is good.
The price was reasonable at $45 a month, so I signed up for the trial – a whole two week trial!
When I got home, I found my gym bag (actually, it’s a backpack, I’ve never liked gym bags), threw my clothes in a small bag and have them set out and ready to go for tomorrow. I’m actually excited to get back in the fitness saddle. I hope this place works, it sure feels good, but I’ll keep you posted.
Until then, happy lifting.