Working Out
I've recently taken to working out in the gym and am in search of a gym partner. While I can work out solo, working out is one of those things I do better with a partner. It helps to have a consistent spotter, someone who can judge your form, and I find that I have added motivation when working out with a partner compared to working out solo.
Right now the workout regimen I'm doing (literally just started) is called StrongLifts 5x5. You can find more on their website (http://stronglifts.com/), but the program is 3 days/week alternating 2 different workouts.
Pretty simple, straightforwards workout routine. Right now I'm working out at Alameda Athletic Club on Park Street (I'm on a 7 day trial period). I may change memberships; it's more a matter of finding a gym that has the proper equipment. If any of you guys are interested let me know...
-Dalder
Right now the workout regimen I'm doing (literally just started) is called StrongLifts 5x5. You can find more on their website (http://stronglifts.com/), but the program is 3 days/week alternating 2 different workouts.
| Workout A | Workout B |
|---|---|
| Squat 5x5 | Squat 5x5 |
| Bench Press 5x5 | Overhead Press 5x5 |
| Barbell Rows 5x5 | Deadlift 1x5 |
Pretty simple, straightforwards workout routine. Right now I'm working out at Alameda Athletic Club on Park Street (I'm on a 7 day trial period). I may change memberships; it's more a matter of finding a gym that has the proper equipment. If any of you guys are interested let me know...
-Dalder
Comments
I'm working out most days of the week. Some weeks less. I do the rock climbing gym between rest days from 24 hours, and only when my hands are healed from my last climbing day. That can take 2 or 3 days.
24 Hours I tend to go late at night because I don't sleep and that bitch is open... 24 hours! Also helps tucker me out.
My workout routine is not like yours at all. I do whatever my body is ready for, so that usually includes a lot of chest and arms, and recently a lot of back and sides. Lots of ab work and I'm now including some jumping for legs + cardio.
GET BUFF
- Alameda has a more practical Olympic-style deadlifting area
-Alameda has a punching bag.
Outside of those two things 24 hours has enough space, equipment, and staff led exercise routines that you should be able to get as buff as you want.
As far it being busy, it's kind of a wash in my opinion. I tend to go when it's not busy, which is later than 9 PM. But in my experience the Alameda gym can be so small that it being moderately busy means bumping into too many slow people messing up your flow.
What is it that you want or need exactly?
It's not perfect, in fact it's far from it, mostly for the reasons you mentioned, but when I went to 24 Hour Fitness (twice) I wasn't really fond of it. Once was during the aforementioned "busy hours" and once after 9pm. The gym wasn't bad, per say, but going during their "busy" hours was a mistake that annoyed me enough to not want to go back.
As far as Alameda Athletic Club's "busy hours" (I would say week days between 4 and 8?) I try to avoid those hours too, but the instances when I've had to go during those times it wasn't too bad.
As far as exercises classes and what not, I don't care about so they were a non-factor for me in making up my mind.
As far as personal trainers go, Alameda Atheltic Club would beat 24 Hour Fitness, but I've yet to use it from either place so I can't really compare.
The only real advantage 24 Hour Fitness has (in my opinion) is availability. Alameda Athletic Club closes at 7pm Saturday and Sunday. I have to plan out my day somewhat if I'm going to the gym on those days.
They keep trying to give me these year deals, but I just remember everything always being over the 350-ish mark. I could be remembering wrong. I just didn't want to pay them all of that.
What rate did you get?
I pay $42/month with a $99 sign-up fee so it's somewhat expensive. I don't know if I'm going to be using the gym in 4 months though because I may be moving (if I get into grad school), so the gym works out well for me (no contract so no cancellation fees).
I'm pretty sure I could have gotten a similar/better deal at 24 Hour Fitness, but I didn't like 24 Hour Fitness for the reasons previously mentioned.
If I don't get into grad school and end up staying in Alameda for awhile then my situation is bound to change and I may end up switching to a more less expensive gym (like one with the rates you mentioned!).