My gym membership of the last 4 years is coming to an end. Thus, I've begun bobbling between continuing my current membership, or going elsewhere, all the while trying to weigh what works with my budget and what will actually be an effective environment for me to engage in exercise. Both seem to be troubling factors as gym membership costs have skyrocketed, and I find, more often than not, that I would rather be outside or in my own home. Is there a gym that will truly motivate me, will engage me in activity, improve my health, won't break my bank, and be a place where I feel comfortable and safe to sweat and groan and look like a fool if I want to while I push my physical limits? It seems most gyms have trials of sorts, so I decided it's time I investigated my options. I will utilize my summer to explore local trials and give you the details and DIRT that we don't see on local commercials; the low down on each clubs' options, layout, comfort level, fees; and I’ll share with you all of my sweat, blood, and tears along the way. Join me for my summer of fun!
My rough plan for the summer:
June 12th, 13th and 15th: FIT BODY BOOTCAMP- Three free workouts
June 16th: Dragon Fly Hot Yoga- First class free
June 18th: ORANGETHEORY FITNESS- one free 1 hour class, this turned out to be a tour. I will schedule my trial later this summer
June 19th: Cyc Fitness- Pay per class, Cyc Fitness offered me 1 free ride
June 25th: Barre district- First class free
June 26th: Cycle Bar- One free ride
June 30th- Another trial was given at Cycle Bar
July 2nd: Barre Code- First class for $10
July 8th-14: Pinnacle Fitness- Free 7-day trial
July 13th: Kamps Fitness- free trial at Hilldale
July 15th-28th: BURN BOOTCAMP- Free 14-day trial
July 29-Aug 11: PRINCETON CLUB- Free 2-week pass
Aug 12-18: Anytime Fitness- Free 7-day trial
Aug 19-September 2nd: Barre3 online- Free online trial for 15 days
Not Scheduled, but other options I may dabble with in between (Also open to suggestions):
EarthView Yoga- One month unlimited yoga $44 (new clients only)
Planet Fitness- 10 dollars per month
November Project!- Always free(every Wednesday and Friday morning)
Kamps Fitness- No free trial onsite, but deals are buy 1 class-get 1 week free, or First morning class of weekday is $12 for new clients
PRAIRIE ATHLETIC CLUB- No free trials, but they offer a tour and allow for use for that day, may also pay $50 for 2 weeks.
What I will investigate and rate each experience on (also open to suggestions and what you are curious about):
Ease of access
Cost
Friendliness of staff
Knowledge/helpfulness of staff
Independence vs structure
Effectiveness of workout
Cleanliness
Atmosphere
Fun!
Challenge level
Class options/schedule variability
Ratio of members to equipment
So excited to follow this journey!