August 22, 2012 -- Being on travel again, I knew I needed to find myself another new fitness regiment. That said, I looked about the Andover area for a YMCA and was pleased to find the Merrimack Valley YMCA of Andover/North Andover. I have utilized their reciprocal program with my home YMCA of Newport County, RI, and all has worked well. Now, I will admit that I will always feel that the Newport County YMCA is the nicest Y I've been to, but I'll agree that I'm biased. So, if I rate that Y and A and use that as my benchmark, then the Merrimack Valley YMCA of Andover/North Andover is a solid B. In comparison, I'd rate the La Jolla YMCA an A-, so this place is pretty good.
There's plenty of fitness machines, a free weight room, group exercise classes, spinning, yoga, pool, basketball court, decent locker room, and a lot less elderly people than in La Jolla! My only gripes are that their equipment is a bit dated and could definitely use an overhaul, and that there are no running routes that can come close to Newport, RI. However, I'll be starting a new TRX Training routine when their next session begins on 9/4. Next week they're making upgrades to the facilities, so maybe their rating will go up to a B+!
All in all, I'm very satisfied with the place, it's a short drive from work and my hotel, and I get my much-needed workout every day. Couldn't be happier!
Showing posts with label Newport County YMCA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newport County YMCA. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Fitness: La Jolla YMCA, San Diego, Day 2
June 19, 2012 -- Being a fitness buff, there's no way I'm going to spend my month in San Diego eating, drinking, and sitting in a lab all day for work! I can't come back home to my wife 20 pounds heavier and with a pooch belly! Not going to happen! Fortunately for me, the La Jolla YMCA is literally two minutes from the Residence Inn. Better yet, since I'm a Newport County YMCA member in Rhode Island, I can take advantage of their reciprocal program to go to the LA Jolla Y for free. Well, actually the first 14 visits per year are free and only $5 a visit after that. I still haven't reached my limit, so it's a win-win situation so far!
The facility is more than adequate, a better than average YMCA. I still like the one in Newport better, but I'm splitting hairs at this point. The fitness center and free weight rooms are away from the children's areas. Let me tell you, people in California have their kids in everything, and I'm dodging their Y Summer Camp every day. The kids are fine, but I have to tell you I'm amazed at how many old people go to the Y. I'm not talking 60 year olds, I'm talking ELDERLY! Remember, I have to change and shower in the men's locker room, so you can imagine the sights I'm seeing! Where are the young(er) people? I guess I'll have to serve as eye candy for the old ladies, whatever. Anyway, I'm able to do double workouts without having to worry about waiting for machines, treadmills, bikes, etc. If you have to travel like me and you're a YMCA member, take advantage of the reciprocal program; it'll save you some cash and keep you fit at the same time.
The facility is more than adequate, a better than average YMCA. I still like the one in Newport better, but I'm splitting hairs at this point. The fitness center and free weight rooms are away from the children's areas. Let me tell you, people in California have their kids in everything, and I'm dodging their Y Summer Camp every day. The kids are fine, but I have to tell you I'm amazed at how many old people go to the Y. I'm not talking 60 year olds, I'm talking ELDERLY! Remember, I have to change and shower in the men's locker room, so you can imagine the sights I'm seeing! Where are the young(er) people? I guess I'll have to serve as eye candy for the old ladies, whatever. Anyway, I'm able to do double workouts without having to worry about waiting for machines, treadmills, bikes, etc. If you have to travel like me and you're a YMCA member, take advantage of the reciprocal program; it'll save you some cash and keep you fit at the same time.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Fitness: A Great Way to Start the Day!
One of my favorite activities besides writing and baseball is my devotion to fitness. During the work week I like to run three times and do circuit training twice. Throw in an occasional yoga class and a baseball game and I have myself a pretty full workout schedule.
My favorite running route, which I did today at 7AM, starts at the Newport County (RI) YMCA (where I'm a member) to Easton's Beach in Newport, RI (known as First Beach to the locals), to Forty Steps on Cliff Walk and back. The whole route is about 4 1/3 miles, but it's the scenery that makes the run special. The temps were in the low 60s, the air was dry and crisp, and the sun gave me just enough warmth without overheating my body.
If you're a runner and visiting the area, I would put this route on your list. Depending on your speed, you can run this circuit in 35-40 minutes, take in the sights, and enjoy a beautiful Newport morning (or day or night!) And, I can always use a running partner, so look for me if you're up and ready to run at 7AM Monday, Wednesday, or Friday and find yourself near the Y. I promise I won't run too fast!
My favorite running route, which I did today at 7AM, starts at the Newport County (RI) YMCA (where I'm a member) to Easton's Beach in Newport, RI (known as First Beach to the locals), to Forty Steps on Cliff Walk and back. The whole route is about 4 1/3 miles, but it's the scenery that makes the run special. The temps were in the low 60s, the air was dry and crisp, and the sun gave me just enough warmth without overheating my body.
If you're a runner and visiting the area, I would put this route on your list. Depending on your speed, you can run this circuit in 35-40 minutes, take in the sights, and enjoy a beautiful Newport morning (or day or night!) And, I can always use a running partner, so look for me if you're up and ready to run at 7AM Monday, Wednesday, or Friday and find yourself near the Y. I promise I won't run too fast!
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