What should I do?

Hello all, I am researching different places to excercise. I have come up with two that I really like. The first one is Curves. The Pros: It is located right down the street from here. I could literally be there in about 5 minutes. The workout is quick. It is very affordable. The cons: it's a limited workout, the hours aren't that great and you are locked into a year long contract. The other choice is the beautiful new Farmington Valley YMCA in Granby. The pros: it has free childcare, long hours, pools, saunas, great classes, various work out programs available, you suscribe on a month to month basis. The con: It takes between 20-25 minutes to get there. It's about 12 miles away and is all country roads. I can't decide whether I will be motivated to drive that far on a continual basis especially in the winter. I really can't make up my mind whether it would be better to go to a place that is more conveniently located but I might get bored of the routine and be locked into a contract or to drive further to a gym that I feel would be more well rounded? Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance Eileen

Hi Eileen, I could vote for Farmington valley YMCA because they have pool to excerise and excerise on machine there plus free daycare. Go for it! i am not crazy about Curves and it is true alot of people complains about their time at evenings!!!! Hugs Kathy K

Eileen, I liked curves cuz it was so stinkin fast, you feel like you just got started and bang you were done! On the other hand, their hours ARE limited. Are you sure y ou can't go month to month with them? I just thought it cost more... Hmm I may be wrong on that.Then again, if you can go month to month and the weather is not good, then you don't have to pay for the months you don't go to the Y. Gee I guess this really wasn't so helpful. Let us know! Robin R

Down and dirty advice? Are you an exercise hater? If so, you'll probably find a reason not to go to both places. If you can get rid of you BIGGEST possible objection, then you're more likely to attend. Weigh what is absolutely MOST important to you. Do you need to have daycare? Will your kids be a big problem or easy excuse? Or is the driving far out of your way likely to be the easy excuse? Or- perhaps it's the 'being set loose in a big gym, not knowing what to do' that will discourage your attendance. By the way, the curves rep that told you they don't do month to month was mistaken. You DON'T have to commit to a year at curves. But, if you go month to month you'll pay a bit more. Good luck! Lisa C

Hi Eileen! My opinion would be to try Curves until it's not a challenge to you anymore, then go to the Y. You can use Curves as a "warm up" for your body to get used to excersize again, and when you are no longer feeling any results from Curve**** the place in Farmington. P.S. Gotta love the places with free childcare. That's SUCH a bonus....;) Good luck, and have FUN!

HI there, I have freinds that have done curves and it was great for the 1st week. But the exact same thing day after day got boring real fast. The y obviously has better workout options....

Thanks to all for your replies! The lady at curves did tell me about a monthly type plan but the cost for it was SO much more than the yearly plan that I couldn't see doing it month to month. I am going to do a trial at the Y and see if I like it and to see if my kids will actually stay in the play area! I will let you know what happens! Eileen

Eileen: Why not try 'em both for a month and see what you prefer? When I joined Curves, they had a 6-week free trial offer. If your local place isn't offerring one (and I be surprised, because they run them all the time), then ask about one. Do the same at the Y: see if they offer a trial month, or maybe ask if they'll give you a free day to check the place out.