Why the Y?

The Village People said it best:  It's fun to go to the YMCA and after less than a week, I have to agree.  I mentioned in my last post that I found a new gym and it is a branch of the Greater Boston YMCA. Finding a gym can be hard, this is how I made the transition:

Snail Mail:  I got a good old-fashioned mailing back in April telling me that the Y in my neighborhood (which I remembered vaguely as having existed) was about to complete a big renovation -- complete with a pool.  I was very excited and planned time to go to the Open House.  Sadly, the reno (like all renos) was not complete on time and I went back to my regular workouts of power-knitting and potato chip-eating. Finally in June they announced it was really ready, but I wasn't.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do:  I hated my old gym, but never had the energy to end my membership.  I was well past my commitment, so technically I only had to give them 30 days notice, but that took me a couple months.  Then I found out I had to give that 30 days via registered mail (hello, 21st century here!) -- so I did that right before I went on vacation.


Trial Run:  The Y offers a free 3 Day Pass to any new potential member.  You can find a form to fill out on the link above. As part of #40DaysofFitness I used my 3 day pass and joined on my 2nd visit.

Why?

1. The pool is absolutely the #1 reason.  There are not a lot of pools in Downtown Boston (and none to my knowledge so close to my apartment).
2. The rate is not bad, at $50 a month it is $10 more than I was paying for the gym I didn't go to that didn't have a pool or many classes. They also have variable rates for couples/seniors/students etc. and offer aid.
3. The classes -- there are tons and I took my 1st one last night (more on that later this week).
4. Location Location Location:  I can use any Y in the country when traveling and I can use the Y near my parents as long as it is not more than I use my local Y.
5. The clientele. During my couple of visits everyone was polite, friendly and diverse.  So were the staff.

If you live in Boston and are interested please reach out, I have a friend pass and I can get a free month if you end up joining!