I've had gym memberships before in the past, but it usually ends up being a complete waste of money and time because you usually have to drive to where you are going and then work out amongst all of the other meat heads and hamster hyper "aerobies" that seem to be there for the meat market appeal rather than focusing on a healthy lifestyle and improving their chances at longevity on this earth. There's more steroids floating about these places then there are dumbbell or is that the other way around???
I recently purchased a family membership at the "Joe and Mary Mottino" YMCA and I can say that this is a place where one can go to find a healthy balance between real, caring employees and volunteers and member/patrons that are there to make the best of what it is intended for. A safe, family oriented organization, structured classes and workshops that are there for the community and those in it.
Best of all, this YMCA is 15 minutes away on foot, has a pool that we now consider the community pool because it is so close, a full featured gym with free weights and the habitrails for the "aerobies" and no one cares how you look, who you are with and no one looks like the unnatural -Lou Ferrigno. Man, the last two evenings have been some of the best workouts I have ever had. The only thing I will miss are the raquetball courts. My old knees have no quick lateral step to them anyway, so raquesball is really not an option for me anyway. Only a fond memory now...
I'm hoping now that the strength building leg workouts will transfer to more efficient hill climbing on the bike. The primary reason for the YMCA membership was for focused leg strength, but it turns out that this membership is one of the best investments I've made in a LONG time.
To donate to finish MS: http://www.biketofinishms.com/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=304333&supid=259559506
