My New Gym

I joined a new gym a few months ago. I live within a 15 minute walk (or 3 minute drive) to one of the University of Toronto campuses that has an amazing fitness facility. It is huge and 3 stories - the third story is an indoor track. Unfortunately I can't use this right now (other than to walk) but it is a great feature. They have a bank of 10 rowing machines - enough for them to run a row fit class. There is also a really nice pool. The pool is really my reason for switching to this gym - with the knee injury, pool running has been one of my main cardio workouts. At first, I resisted the idea - I thought it would be cold and boring. I soon found though that I love my time in the pool. I come out of there so relaxed. It is also a good workout and not tiring. The water allows you to work hard but not really feel it. Weird. After pool running several times a week for several weeks, I decided I wanted to learn to swim properly so have been taking lessons and have added that to my activity list. I guess this was the hidden good point to my injury - I was initially quite bitter about not being able to run but - I've adapted.

So ... back to the gym. Being an institutional gym as opposed to a commercial gym, the gym has a different focus. They really promote community programs. There are special olympic teams that work out there, cardiac recovery programs run by the local hospital as well as pro sports teams (The Toronto Argos) This makes for a lot of energy around the place which I love. It inspires me. Funny, today one of the personal trainers who works at the gym told me that I inspire her - so I guess we find our inspiration anywhere.

The one drawback is the large number of kids - of course - you just forget what the level of conversation is like for university aged kids. I told my friends one long weekend this summer that I knew where all the keggers were and which ones had the best girls! I finally bought an iPOD.

Comments

[Joolie]

Yay, swimming! Swimming laps is the only structured exercise I enjoy enough to do with any regularity. My back is a little touchy, so the lack of impact is ideal. Plus practicing your stroke pays off quickly, so it's extremely satisfying.