I was all set to go work out today

[alarimer]

and get a start on my New Year's resolution, only to find that the gym was closed. The whole university was closed in fact (I guess because of Ford- which also explains why I had the day off too- it is not like the agency to be so magnanimous most of the time). Now I'm pissed. I only go to the university gym because it cost me $72 a year (can't beat that with a stick) but their hours sometimes suck. They shut down completely for about a week at Thanksgiving and Christmas (not enough students around to man the desk I suppose). So I suppose I should look for an alternative, someplace cheap and close to my home or office so I don't slack off altogether.

[CTyankee]

1. I gave up on my alma mater's gym. It closed too often and too long.

And the price wasn't even better than what I got at my local "Universal Fitness" which is much nearer and MUCH cheaper.

I've got an almost 24/7 gym within one mile of my house (as opposed to 5 miles with my college gym). It has state of the art machines which the college gym did not. So I am very pleased with my change.

[alarimer]

2. the athletic club here in town in very expensive

It was over $70 a month the last I checked. It's a nice place but I can't afford that. The YWCA is on my way home and they have a fitness center. I should check. There was also some new place that was offering a special of like $10 a month but I can't remember its name! We don't have any of the big chains like Ballys here, which is fine by me because Ballys ripped me off once years ago suckering me into a membership they swore was transferable if I moved. Turns out it wasn't.

[CTyankee]

3. You have to read the fine print or have a really good state Consumer

Affairs commissioner. I think we had some reforms in CT several years ago. WE have a hard working, very visible state Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal. I have a lot of faith in him.

[MissMillie]

4. I go to a college gym too

and yes, it can be a little frustrating when they have special hours, but it's true that you can't beat the price.

I figure you're in Michigan (just a guess) so I'm sure it's too cold to do anything outside. (on edit: You're in TX?? Go for a jog!)

My suggestion is to find a good flight of stairs and go up and down it for half an hour.

Then do some crunches.

[alarimer]

5. Well I don't really jog

I hate running; can't stand even the treadmills. Mostly I do weights (which is what I have really been missing out on lately) and the elliptical trainer.

Besides who says it isn't cold? It must be all of 50 degrees out there!

I should really get my bike fixed.