Monday, December 20, 2010

86th & Lexington

After weeks of "working out" at hotel fitness rooms, going to holiday parties, or just getting my exercise by running away from Disney World security (haha just kidding-- I only run on treadmills), I finally, yes FINALLY went to the gym (outside my normal M-F lunch visits).  And I know all (three) of you have been waiting over a month to hear my review.

I had been hearing only great things about this location and while it was nice, I don't think it lived up to the hype completely.  This is another one of those "you need a map or you die hungry trying to find the exit" gyms.  It was definitely spacious and had natural sunlight in almost all of the rooms, but the layout was just awful.  You shouldn't have to feel like Alice in Wonderland trying to find a Smith machine.

The cardio room (level 3?  I have no idea.) was large and full of sunlight with squash courts and a small stretching area off to the side.  I felt like I was in the trailer for Tron, however, cause the manager's glass-encased office overlooked the treadmills (maybe it was more of a "DJ booth at a rave" feel?).  The weight area, once found, was also nice--ish.  The free weights can only be found by going through a small stretching/personal training area, up some stairs where the newfangled machines are, and then down stairs into a dungeon-like-setting.  I was sure I was going to die at the hands of a Botox-withdrawn Upper East Side mom, but luckily I survived.  Past the free weights and back into the sunlight were the machines and plenty of space to workout.

The locker rooms were medium sized, plenty of lockers (including the full size lockers) and facilities.  No complaints other than the humidity and smell; so yeah, I guess I had complaints.

My grade: B+

P.S. there were more gays than expected.  Not a lot.  Just more.