Fit lifestyle

My sort-of theme around physical health and wellness this week would most definitely not be incomplete if I did not mention the gym.I have been a regular gym member for almost 10 years. I joined the Washington Sports Club the week Chandra Levy disappeared. I consider myself lucky to be one of those people who does not have any hangups about going to the gym.

However, given my incredibly limited budget and the fact that I live next to a breathtakingly beautiful park with a perfect two-mile path along a golf course, with palm trees, I might add, I decided to forgo a gym membership. That is, until Jason, the owner of The Hive, mentioned Fit. Fit is insane. With rows of cardio machines literally peering into Petco Park, a sparkling outdoor pool and spa, ample high-end equipment, an assortment of quality classes and a cush locker room, it is a fitness buff's dream. As a member of The Hive, my monthly membership fee there is less than it would be if I attended just one yoga class per week at the local yoga studio.  With Fit's tranquil yoga studio and schedule of multiple hot, flowy Vinyasa classes, my favorite, I will certainly be attending more than one per week.

Amenities aside, there is something else I find very refreshing about exercising there--the other members. While I have never seen so many healthy, beautiful bodies per square inch in my life, I don't get the sense that I am being judged or sized.  I don't feel obligated to wear matching brand name athletic wear or put on makeup prior to hopping on the treadmill.  Those working out around me always seem to be hard at work, focused on their own individual fitness routines, and genuinely happy to be there.  I find myself very motivated when I work out among them. 

One other aspect of Fit that I particularly appreciate is that it takes a lifestyle approach to fitness.  Maintaining physical health and vitality is ultimately about so much more than the time spent actually working out. It is about how you take care of yourself all the time.  I know this because I gained nearly 20 pounds over the past six months while maintaining a five or six day a week exercise routine. I am down 10 pounds and almost back to a healthy weight, but I know that what was missing while I was in transition from D.C. to Brooklyn to San Diego was a healthy, active lifestyle.  With sponsored events, activities, Fit actually encourages members to meet one another and engage in a range of fun and healthy activities in and outside of the gym.  

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