I have been active and fit for my entire life, enjoying many sports including tennis, yoga, skiing, rollerblading, hiking and water-skiing. But a few things are missing from my routine and I set out to find a gym to fill in the gaps. The only gym I have ever been a member at was the in-house one at NBC that I joined the day it opened and was a member until my last day with the company. It’s been nearly 17 years since then, so I approached this in my usual methodical way.

I have a few goals:

  • Strength training (I am losing muscle as I age)
  • Yoga classes (for flexibility)
  • Core workouts
  • Balance exercises (good for the mind)
  • Improve my swimming (especially crawl)
  • Try spinning classes (did not like the first one 20 years ago)
  • A place that’s comfortable to hang out between classes
  • A place to meet new people
  • Tennis & pickleball are bonuses

Tennis Options

I started by expanding my options in the area to play tennis. I have a standing Thursday night game and become a sub at three other times. I also began taking drop-in classes at Westchester Tennis Club (WTC), but not many people are signing up so they do not happen that often. I also took an evaluation session at Tennis Innovation Academy in North White Plains and have gone to one clinic that I enjoyed very much. I found that TIA’s clinics are great but are not given at times that work with my current schedule.

A few weeks ago I also started visiting fitness centers in the area, first touring LA Fitness in Portchester (across the street from WTC), then Lifetime in Harrison and lastly NYSC in White Plains. NYSC was recommended by Sherry’s cousins Jeff & Susan, and LA was recommended by friend Michelle. Lifetime was recommended by tennis buddy Tom Carlin and friends Alice & Roger.

And the winner is…

Each of them have positives and negatives.

In last place was NYSC, which I visited today. The gym is nice, and they have 3 yoga classes a week. Membership would be free with Renew Active included in my Medicare Supplement. Unfortunately, their pool is permanently closed and the gym is on top of the city center in White Plains, which adds time going in and out (and parking fees).

LA Fitness membership would also be free, and they have a pool that is almost always available. A third party runs the swim training classes. The gym equipment is okay, but a little tightly packed, the place is a little worn and there are limited classes. The membership caters to the Portchester community – and might not be the social experience I was hoping for.

Today I signed up at Lifetime. It’s $150 a month with Renew Active, but the experience is superior and totally worth it. Equipment is top notch and the facility feels premium. There are dozens of classes each day including 6 for yoga. There are tennis and pickleball courts and there are two pools, two hot-tubs and free chair massages. As soon as I walked in, I saw Tom and he gave me some pointers. We’re off to a good start!

The next part of the adventure is on-boarding and learning the rhythm of registering for classes (they fill up quickly). I’ve already set up evaluations for swimming, tennis and strength training. Wish me luck!