Today's gym class - agility drills

I haven't blogged much lately about the classes I've been taking at the gym. And I can't give a real reason why - they've been pretty good actually. Maybe that's the point - its easy to bitch about stuff when you're not happy. Like the 5 o'clock news, it's hard to report the positive stuff. So here goes...

Today's class with Beth was primarily agility drills. She's been keeping Monday's class mostly cardio-intensive, by providing high intensity interval training. We began the day with a ladder made of nylon straps that laid on the floor. We had to run across it, high knees over it, and do a whole bunch of different agility moves through and around the ladder. Think about boot-camp army guys running through the tires - that's what it felt like. Minus the mud, and drill sergeant.

After that we had the pleasure of using the fabric disks for some leg work, bands for upper body, and a bender ball for abs. It was a good hour. I was sweating, breathing hard, and feeling well-exercised.
Tuesday and Thursday will be more core training, while Wednesday and Thursday are traditionally the hardest classes of the week. Wednesday is like a boot camp, and Friday are tabatas (I blogged about those a few weeks back).

And after its all said and done, the weekend comes and I rest. Ahhh....

(as much rest as my 3-year old will allow)

The Shake Weight and Other Fitness Fads I Bought Into

I think it's pretty safe to say we've all heard of the newest As-Seen-On-TV fitness device, called The Shake Weight. You know - its that 10-pound, hand-held, battery-controlled contraption that, when in use, looks just like a lonely monkey at the zoo. Or my husband. (kidding baby, just kidding.)

Whenever I see those commercials for The Shake Weight, I have to laugh of course, but it also gets me thinking of the many fitness fads that I bought into over the years. No, I haven't actually purchased a Shake Weight. Yet.

But, I did buy what may be the best-selling body-slimming device of all time - The Thigh Master. Oh yeah, everyone wanted the super-toned thighs of Suzanne Somers during the 90's, and I was no different. I probably squeezed that piece of plastic crap enough to churn butter, yet my legs never looked like hers. But, I was a sucker for marketing, and they had me at "squeeze, squeeze your way to shapely hips and thighs."

Another fitness fad that I jumped into head first - Tae Bo and its grand poobah, Billy Blanks. For thousands of people this was their introduction to cardio kickboxing. I am pretty sure it was mine too. And ever since, I've loved kickboxing. While it may not have the soaring following like today's Zumba, it's hung proud as a favorite in gyms across the country.

And while we're talking about fitness celebrities, I can't forget Susan Powter, and her insane enthusiasm! "Stop the insanity!" I didn't choose to ride her boat to better health, but I always loved watching her on TV. What a crazy lady!

And speaking of a tiny bit touched...Richard Simmons! Come on now, you know you've probably done your share of sweating to the oldies. I have. There, I said it.

And when I wasn't watching a VHS tape of my favorite fitness instructors, I was sliding back and forth on an incredibly cheap plastic mat, with blue booties over my sneakers. For the life of me I cannot remember what this Infomercial piece of crap was called (but I bet it came with a set of Ginsu knives). The idea was to slide back and forth on it, and I suppose work the core and legs due to the balance you had to have to maneuver it without falling down.

And can I mention the miles I put on a Nordic Track! Or the oceans I crossed rowing. And I am ashamed to admit to the dozens of leotards I owned with matching leg warmers. There's a Goodwill store somewhere in Allentown waiting for Jane Fonda to call.

I can giggle now about most of these iconic measures at weight loss. I invested my hard-earned money and hope that in some small way, I was better for it. I shaped my thighs. I learned the round-house kick. I skated like an olympian. And sweated to the oldies.

The only thing left to do is jump on the Shake Weight bandwagon. What do you suppose I will get out of that? Stronger biceps...defined pecs...a hand-shake even monkeys would envy. One can only hope!

Tomato, Tomaahto - I say let's grow them!

As I look out the window into the white vastness of snow-covered Dominion Valley, it hardly seems the time to think about growing a garden. But, for some reason, planting tomatoes, cukes and other veggies is on my mind. I've always considered starting a small garden, and now that we're in our new house, this Spring might be the perfect time to give it a try.

However, the last thing I want to do is dig up a lot of dirt, and devote a large space to this endeavor, because I'll be honest - I may lose interest and let the crops go to pot. I know me. If the garden becomes too much work to manage, I'll pluck the first ripened goodies I see and leave the rest to the wandering night critters.

So, it's got to be small. I've seen lots of people plant in containers. I've also seen those cute little raised beds that can really be just about any size. After a quick internet search, I found a cool video on the Wegman's grocery store website that shows you how to make a raised planting bed. After watching it this seems like a great option for me!


Heck if that little girl can do it, so can I!
Now to decide what to plant....

Jack Lalanne - The Godfather of Fitness

I was surprised this morning when I opened a news website, and saw that Jack Lalanne had died. At 96 years old, the man many call the Godfather of Fitness had succumbed to pneumonia-induced respiratory failure. It's hard to believe that he could fall from anything. In my mind he was almost like a super hero - stronger than most men, and seemingly invincible.  Sadly, he was just a mortal man, even if, super fit. May he finally rest.

When I think about the memories I have of Jack Lalanne, I see him on TV in one of his many PR stunts. Like swimming through the water and pulling a tugboat behind him. Or doing 1,000 pushups and 1,000 chin-ups in an hour. When he was 45. (I'll be 45 in six years and will be lucky to do 10 of each)
The man swam the length of the Golden Gate bridge several times when he was hand-cuffed. He won countless body-building championships.

He was known for coining witty little sayings like:

• If man makes it, don’t eat it.
• First we inspire them, then we perspire them.
• Better to wear out than rust out.
• Exercise is King, nutrition is Queen, put them together and you’ve got a kingdom.
• Don’t exceed the feed limit. (I should put this one on my refrigerator!)

And of course, he inspired so many folks over the years to get in shape. My mom watched his TV show all of the time. I am sure in some way, he stirred my interest in fitness.

Jack Lalanne just had a gusto for life. A real way of making people "want" to move. In fact, I bet he's got a group of folks doing jumping-jacks in heaven right now!

We'll miss you Jack.

When is it time for new shoes?

I can already hear my girlfriends answer, "it's ALWAYS time for new shoes!" Agreed!

However, this post is about when you should replace your gym shoes. Most websites I have researched suggest replacing your running, walking, or training shoes every 6 months. Of course, there are a lot of factors to consider: how often are you working out, how hard are your shoes used, the quality of your shoes, and the way the shoes make your feet feel.

Those who work out 5-7 days a week are likely to burn through a pair of shoes faster than someone in the gym occassionally. The same can be said for the outdoor trail-runner vs. the treadmill walker - the conditions you expose your shoes to can cause quicker wear and tear, too. And of course, the quality of your shoe makes a big difference in its life expectancy. A good pair of shoes, like Nike, Adidas, Reebok or Avia, will certainly outlast the pair you pick-up at Wal-mart.

I can always tell when its time for a new pair of shoes. My feet start talking back. And they say, "shit, these shoes suck!" The worst part are my arches - they cramp up in the middle of exercise, and hurt like a mother. Two weeks ago I just couldn't focus at the gym. All I could think about were my feet and how much the right one hurt. I went home and thought about how long I've had my current gym shoes. I remember getting them when I started the Velocity program at Can-Do. That was back in June or July. And what do you know, that's almost 6 months ago!

It was time for new shoes! My hubby (love you baby) treated me to a new pair of Nike trainers. I chose the Nike Free XT QuickFit. I read about these and they got good reviews online. Here's how Nike describes them on their website, claiming they are "engineered to ignite the muscles in your body for improved strength, balance and flexibility."

I have been wearing them for 4 days now and have to say I love them. They feel lightweight, and my foot pain is gone. And I love the red soles! I jokingly call them my Christian Louboutins!
And isn't it funny how a new pair of shoes can make you look forward to a work out!

Want to work out and can't get to the gym? Grab your laptop!

I discovered something really cool...a tool that let's me create my own personalized workout video!
Fitness Magazine offers it on their website: www.fitnessmagazine.com.

I went there and was given the options of selecting the areas of my body I want to target. Easy - thighs, butt and abs. Then I selected the goodies I have at home to workout with, like a yoga mat, towel and 5 pound weights. Next, I chose how much time I had to workout - a half hour. With the click of a button, a customized video was created just for me! It includes 12 different exercises, each video taped in a living room setting. There's a narrator who tells me what to do, and what areas of the body I am targeting with each exercise. And the amazingly toned figure of the woman exercising only serves to inspire me when the cameraman zooms in on her body parts. (you know it had to be a man zooming in on this chick!)

Check it out, this is my video:

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/app/buildaworkout/member/watchworkout.jsp?videoIds=4258134,4258140,4257698,4257540,4257608,4258013,4258046,4257520,4257520,4257976,4257671,4257768&bodyZones=abs,butt,thighs&equipment=yoga_mat,3_to_5lb_dumbbells,chair&time=30

They also offer some pre-made videos, like "Lose the Baby Weight," "The Celebrity Workout," and more.

So the next time that the gym closes due to snow and ice, you can still work out in your living room. Just grab the laptop and get to work!

Red Quinoa-Avocado Salad

Remember a few posts ago we talked about quinoa, the carb known as a super food for its nutrients and protein? Well, here's a tasty recipe I found in the latest issue of Menu, the Wegman's amazing recipe magazine.

The dish is called:

Red Quinoa-Avocado Salad
Serves 10
Active time: 20 min
Total time: 1 hour, 5 min

7 oz. red quinoa chilled
12 oz. sweet corn, thawed
1 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 plum tomatoes diced (about 1 cup)
2 avocados, peeled, pitted and cubed small
1/2 cup lemon vinaigrette (Wegman's sells a brand of dressing called Food You Feel Good About)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Add cooked quinoa, corn, cilantro, green onions, and tomatoes to mixing bowl. Fold in avocados and dressing; mix until well-combined. Season with salt and pepper; serve.

Each serving (1 cup) contains 210 calories, 1/4 cup vegetables, 1 whole grain, 27g. carb, (4g fiber), 5g. protein, 9g. fat (1g. sat fat), 0mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium

I bet if you substituted a taco seasoning packet for the lemon vinegrette, and added browned ground turkey, this would be yummy too!!

Ten Fitness-Related Valentine's Day Gifts

Since Valentine's Day falls just right after the New Year, it makes sense that a perfect gift would help us stick to our New Year's Resolution of weight loss. (or better health, wellness, etc) And the great thing about this list, there's something for everyone here. Some are pricey, and others are dirt cheap but high on the sentimental side. All are thoughtful and say, "I care about/love you."

Besides, chocolates and flowers are just so over-done, right?!

So here's a great list of gift ideas to celebrate your love for one another:

1) A gym membership: What better way to say, "I want you in my life forever." Gotta be healthy to stick around. But, perhaps it's best to test the waters and see if he/she is even interested in going to a gym. My advice - only choose this option if you KNOW FOR A FACT, that he or she wants a gym membership. Otherwise, this might backfire and offend.

2) For the person who works out wearing an I-Pod - A new, sexy playlist: Go to I-Tunes and download a bunch of great music for your loved on to work out to. Really personalize it to make it special. Imagine Wifey listening to it for the first time and hearing the song you danced to at your wedding. Or "You're So Beautiful," from Christina Aguilera. This one scores big points for the man or woman who gets it right.

3) Your own specially-made trail mix - Find a heart-shaped tin and fill it with your own creation of granola, nuts, dried fruit, yogurt chips, etc. It's something he/she can take along to the office, eat in the car or on the go. Perfect for a healthy snack, and much healthier than truffles!

4) Couples massage - this is great for tending to those sore muscles, and for relaxing together.  And if laying side by side isn't your thing, then provide your spouse with your own massage. But, be sure to get it right and commit to making it awesome. Find a sitter, provide a quiet, light-dimmed space with soft music, use massage oil and use your hands for a good hour. Don't wimp out and stop because your hands are cramping. If you think that might happen, spring for a professional massage.

5) Heart Rate Monitor - Everyone should have one and hey, what's more symbolic of love than a HEART rate monitor!

6) A Bicycle - There's something sweet about giving a bicycle, and maybe it's because beckons a time of youth and innocence when we were children learning to ride. Bikes are great exercise, and fun for the whole family. They get you out in the sunshine, and enable us to breathe fresh air. Presenting your loved one with a bike is a surprising way to say, "I love you!"

7) Outdoor Walking Basket - For the person who loves a stroll in the sunshine create a basket full of goodies like sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses, a towel, water bottle, socks, foot lotion, maybe even an I-Pod. Anything he or she will appreciate on their walk in the park, woods or trails.

8) A cool, new gym bag - Whether we want to admit it or not, gym bags do get stinky over time. Replace his or her old bag with a new, roomy bag. Today's bags come equipped with pockets for cell phones, I-Pods, water bottles, towels, your shoes and so much more.

9) For the adventurous - a pole dance class or belly dance class. Like the first option mentioned above, this seems to be the type of gift I would only suggest if she has voiced interest in it. Otherwise, it comes across a bit like lingerie - a gift for the giver and not the recipient. However, if she has expressed interest in taking a pole or belly-dance class, both are great core workouts, and sure to add excitement to her fitness routine.

10) A Yoga-Mat - Even if he or she doesn't participate in yoga, having your own mat is SO recommended. In almost any group fitness class you're bound to find yourself laying on the floor. Floors are dirty and having a mat of your own keeps you off someone else's sweat. Just think about it.
Same goes for the weight-lifting rooms.

The dance class that surprised us all (and yes, she made us do a split)

This past week the gym offered a "Sampler Class," that was billed as a "modern, hip-hop dance class." Apparently I wasn't the only one excited by the notion that they were finally offering a cardio-dance class, bc the room was filled with ladies. It wasn't until the instructor told us to warm up in first and second position that we started to raise our eyebrows.

Quickly we realized this was not going to be like Zumba. It was like the dance class little girls take in pink tutus or tap shoes. Except here stood a bunch of grown women trying to do sexy hip circles, and what I like to call the "booby shimmy."

The teacher broke down a small combination, then would turn on her music (I have no idea what she was playing. It was definitely NOT hip hop), and we would try it. Then the music stopped and she would show us again. Then we tried it again. Stop - go - stop - go.... you get the idea. You could see we were chomping at the bit to just dance. I even asked if we could just keep repeating it a few times, to get a sweat going. But, I was told that's not how a dance class works.

The teacher was a nice, sweet woman. And to be fair, she was expecting a group of teenagers. So she winged it for us. Parts of it were fun - like trying to do the split. Yup. Imagine a room of 30, 40 and 50-something women all trying to get down into a split. That made me giggle.

I guess its back to Jazzercise for me.

This week's class update

It was a full week of fitness classes this past week. With my husband out of town, I spent several mornings and evenings at the gym. Don't be too impressed - it was more for Saxon's benefit than my own. I like to take him to the child care center the gym has because it has this attached room with mats and balls. He gets great exercise in there! He had a snow day off from school this week too, and went with me one morning. There was a young man working with a couple of ladies in the child care room, and he took Saxon down to the basketball courts to play! My little bugger was pooped! (and he gets so red in the face, just like his mama)

While the classes have different names, they all feel like the same format to me - strength training with some intermittent cardio thrown in. For instance, there's a class called Core Fusion twice a week and the instructor usually does a mix of core work and strength training exercises. We move from one exercise to the next. Some exercises raise the heart rate a little, like squats would do. There's also a Circuit class that another instructor teaches and that was a ball-buster this past week. It fell on that snow day I mentioned above, and only 2 of us showed up for it. As you can imagine, it felt like a personal training session. And I am not complaining, bc I didn't have to pay for it!  I am really liking the instructor - her name is Lisa. She had us doing all kinds of unusual stuff - like running stairs, using the floor ladder, and more seriously intense cardio things. I think that might have been the best sweat I've had yet at this gym. So each day this week I took a class that really worked my muscles, including another tabata class yesterday. I wore my heart rate monitor and saw it got up to 178. Not the 190 I used to get in Spin with Hazel - but I'll take it!

Which brings me to a revelation - I think I am beginning to like this gym. At first I was disappointed that they didn't offer any true cardio classes, like kickboxing, or zumba. But, now that I've been doing these strength classes, I think I am really starting to benefit from them. I can see my muscle definition coming back. I feel strong too. So, while they may not be the hoop-hollering fun times I wish we could have, they are worthwhile.

And I have to mention that it's nice to go to the gym with my neighbor Jen. After our workouts we usually go and have a salad across the street. It really makes me feel good that I am re-fueling with healthy food!

I look forward to next week!

I'm going to watch HEAVY!

On January 17, A&E presents a new documentary-style television show about 20 severely-obese people trying to regain their lives, called HEAVY. I just watched a video about the show, and I have to say, the gripping sound of a 600+ pound man gasping for breath as he got into his car was enough for me to take pause, and think, 'Dear God, this man just might die."

And the rest of the footage was just as dramatic. Here's a link to watch for yourself:
http://www.aetv.com/heavy/

Here's how A&E describes the show:

A&E’s docudrama Heavy follows twenty-two individuals facing extreme life-threatening health consequences as a result of their obesity. The one-hour series follows two participants per episode documenting their incredible transformations during a six month treatment program.

Unlike other weight loss series, “Heavy” is not a competition or stunt, but is rooted in the incredible real life day-to-day journeys of the participants during a lengthy treatment program. In order to most accurately document these multiple weight loss journeys over the course of six months and present them individually in one hour, A&E sought out two different production companies to undertake the lengthy and ambitious filming process. The result is a never-before-seen look at the unique struggles faced by dangerously obese individuals who must learn to live healthier lifestyles and understand the root of their food addictions. Through their day-to-day struggle and the voices of their loved ones, viewers will see first hand the pain and self-doubt associated with a debilitating weight problem.

These people go through a 6-month treatment program with professionals - medical doctors, therapists, fitness trainers, etc. I'm sure we could all go away from this with some good tips, and a whole boatload of motivation. I will be watching this, and rooting for these folks!

What is quinoa?

I was at a salad bar today with a friend and she pointed to this grainy, brown, barley-looking concoction and said it was a good, healthy choice. Honestly, it didn't look all that appetizing to me, and my plastic container was already overflowing - so I passed. Mistake!

It was quinoa. While we both knew that it was a good choice, we really didn't know why, or even how to pronounce the name with certainty.

So, with the help of the trusty internet, I googled it. First, its pronounced "Keen-wah."And for those carb-lovers out there, like myself, you'll be pleased to know that it's a great carb, full of protein. It's similar to brown rice, but with a higher protein content.  And it's supposed to taste like brown rice, too.

In fact, here's how it shakes out:
A cup of quinoa will give you around 127 calories, 2 grams of fat, 23.4 grams of carbohydrates (2 of those being fibre), and 4.5 grams of protein.


If you would like to read more about why its good for you, and how to cook it, check out this website:
http://www.dietriffic.com/2010/06/24/what-is-quinoa/


For recipes using quinoa, click here: http://www.cookingquinoa.net/quinoa-recipes/
This site has a lot of good-looking offerings, including main dishes, side dishes, stir-frys, and even smoothies! (remember my last post, watch the amount of fruit juice you put in smoothies!)


Next time I hit up the salad bar, I'll be sure to try some quinoa! If you have any delicious recipes, be sure to comment and share!

Book Giveaway: The Eat-Clean Diet Recharged

Since I believe a good book should be shared, I'm going through my library of books on diet, exercise, and nutrition and spreading the wealth. (and I just have so many books I don't know where to go with them!)

If you would like to receive Tosca Reno's The Eat-Clean Diet Recharged, leave a comment here and I'll randomly choose a winner in a week.

Here's a review of the book that I posted this past Summer after meeting the author:
http://blogawayblubber.blogspot.com/2010/06/eat-clean-diet-recharged-review.html

Enjoy and good luck!

Uh-Oh, I Thought These 7 Foods Were Good For Me!

Check out this article from Real Simple that lists 7 Secretly Unhealthy Foods. These are the foods that you thought were good for you, and like me, might consume on a daily basis in your quest to lose or maintain weight.

1) Energy Bars - Oh dear! You mean those fun little Reeses Pieces energy bars are not good for me??
2) Granola - I rarely eat this, but some of you might.
3) Smoothies - Say it isn't so,  I LOVE me some smoothies!
4) Vitamin or Sports Drinks - Really? Thank goodness Vitamin Water's Zero Lemonade doesn't count.
5) Fat Free Foods - So much for eating a bag of fat free chips
6) Salads - I think we all know that a little lettuce with your Ranch dressing is not the best choice
7) Wraps - Anything wrapped in lettuce has to be deceitful

If you want to read why these goodies are like a lion in a lamb's suit, check out the link for the full article - borrowed from Real Simple's website. Gotta love the Real Simple folks - they have a wealth of good information on their site about diet, exercise, fitness and much more.

http://www.realsimple.com/health/nutrition-diet/healthy-eating/secretly-unhealthy-foods-00000000047642/index.html

You say Tabata, I say Nada

So we moved to Haymarket on 10/29/10. The first month I did a whole lot of nothing, other than decorate the house, and get acclimated to this wonderful area that is so unlike NYC. Exercise took a back seat, while buying goodies for our new house filled my trunk! Yup, if you can burn calories while shopping I probably extinguished a few thousand calories.

In November, I joined the local Sport & Health fitness center. At first I was pretty pumped about it. While it couldn't hold a candle to the last gym I belonged to, it was decent, and definitely bigger than the itsy-bitsy facility they have here in Dominion Valley. However, after a month of regular attendance, and having tried almost every AM group fitness class they offered, I decided to quit. Why? All but their spin class left me disappointed. The instructors (and I have to point out that most of the AM classes are taught by the same woman) seemed brand new. The choreography was lame, and the cueing was bad.

Seriously, this is how kickboxing went,

"jab 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 1"

"cross 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1"

"hook 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1"

OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!

Uggh, have you heard of a combination?

Anyway, it dawned on me that I was spending almost $50 a month on this place, when I had a free fitness membership at our community club. Don't get me wrong, I had toured this little facility prior to joining Sport & Health, and found it way lacking. But, if both are going to suck, why pay extra? Free-suckiness is better than $50-suckiness.

Which brings me to the last 3 weeks at the Dominion Valley Country Club Fitness Center.

Describing the cardio area and weight-training area is pointless, since I really am there for the group fitness classes. But, I will tell you its SMALL. I guess I always imagined country clubs to be large and luxurious.

At any rate, let's get to the classes. They are conducted in a teeny-tiny room, but thankfully they do have mirrors on the wall, and a decent hard-wood floor. So far, here's the classes I've tried and my take on them:

Spin: Only 6 spin bikes total. Get there early, or get out! The music is played on a toddler-sized boom box (yes, they still make them I guess). The instructor seems knowledgable, and I liked her personality. Unfortunately, the class lacked energy big-time. No hoots, hollers - nothing to inspire me. Even a raised voice from the instructor would have been welcome. (Oh, how I miss you, Hazel!)

Jazzercise: Held in a basketball court. No mirrors (a major negative in my opinion). This class is not included in the fitness membership. You pay extra! (let's not even get me started about that) I've tried this with 2 different women. While I was surprised to see how modern it felt, I was disappointed in how stationary the movements were. Really - the dancing is pretty much done in place. You might grapevine a few steps left or right, but there's little movement around the room. I guess if the instructor can teach the class on a little stage the size of my son's bed, you know you'll be pretty much staying put. (I miss you Omar!!)

Circuit Blitz: This was a challenging class that was sort of like a boot-camp class. Circuits were set up around the room, and the instructor timed our exercises at each one. It included both strength and cardio exercises. Each of us went around the room and did the circuits while the instructor pushed. I thought this was a good class. She had energy, pushed hard and corrected form. My right tricep hurt like a mother for a good 5 days after this class.

Some toning class I can't remember the name of: This was very similar to the above class, but not timed. The instructor counted reps. We used interesting tools - the little fabric disks that I hated using with my trainer in NYC, and these things that reminded me of numb-chucks to work the arms. A decent class. Not much energy though.

And finally, today's class, Tabata: It was a full house for this event, with a whopping 10 people or so! A Tabata workout is an interval training cycle of 20 seconds of maximum intensity exercise, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated without pause 8 times for a total of four minutes. Exercises included strength and cardio. It was challenging, but didn't instill the nausea I might have expected. (Shannon, you still take the cake for that) The instructor was pretty good too. She had energy and really moved around the room trying to motivate us. I liked that. The Tabata class is not a regular item on the schedule. You see, every Friday is something different.

I heard lots of this morning's participants saying they would like to see Tabata every Friday.

Me? No thanks. Honestly, this class feels very much like all of the other circuit classes offered every morning at this gym. And I'm sorry, but I find it boring. I want variety. I want excitement. I want something else...like kickboxing, or latin-dancing (zumba), or yoga. Oh how BTS classes would make me deliriously happy! A circuit class once a week is great, but not every day.

A new guy is managing the facility now, so everyone seems hopeful for some changes. (I vote for adding protein shakes for sale) Let's hope he comes though.

And who do I have to talk to about the $5 charge for dropping my kid off at child care?

Seriously, aren't we already paying for a membership? (well, in my case, not yet, but someday)

Any other gym includes childcare in the membership.

Okay, I think I've done enough complaining. On the bright side, this gym is small enough to know everyone who works there and attends. So, I'm sure to see my friendly neighbors on a regular basis. The locker room is nice. They offer towels. (not many are doing that anymore)

Can't say I've seen a single meathead, or chicka in a pair of shorty-shorts. Guess the guys might see that as a negative!

I am hoping this place works out. If it doesn't, well, maybe I have to buck up some cash and open my own gym! God knows I have enough friends in the fitness industry to give me some good advice.

Stay tuned...