The Great Gym Debate

Was everyone's Valentine's Day fabulous? Mine was!

John and I both had the same idea in mind: cook dinner, eat dessert and watch Watson premiere on Jeopardy. Yes, I know I am 100, but I have seen the commercials advertising the computer(Watson) that IBM built that was going to face off against the winningest people ever on Jeopardy- I wanted to see what this computer could do.

It was pretty cool, but there are 2 more nights of it still to go, and figure out how I can steal this thing to bring home and have it unload my dishwasher, fold my laundry, and pick out my clothes every day:)


On the running front: Schedule 5 mile tempo (3 @8:40)

After 20 minutes on the bike and weights yesterday, I figured I would be good to go today. I went and ran 1 mile this morning, my knee still hurt, so I stopped and did even more joyous cross-training- bike, stair climber, and arc trainer. I am not thrilled about the knee still hurting, but on a side note, that stair climber kicked my butt today- like for serious. And I tried to get on the eliptical for the first time in several years, and felt so awkward and uncomfortable after a minute of pedalling that I had to leave- makes me wonder if I was doing it wrong...

I actually have been enjoying my cross-training recently and will be adding a lot more of it in as the summer nears and my mileage backs off in favor of getting faster. Which brings me to the debate of the day....



I have been considering switching gyms for a while now, and I haven't because there are honestly pros and cons to each, and as many lists as I make I can't decide which is the best choice at this point, it's a matter of what is most important, but you know that is very subjective to me depending on where I am in a training cycle, weather, etc, so I am going to put the question to you- which you think is the best choice:

Some Background
-Both gyms are the same cost, so no change there
-Neither has a contract obligation so I could actually switch back and forth easily
-I have belonged to Bailey's since John and I moved into our apartment in August 2008 and have never had 1 negative thing to say about it, I actually really like it
-I am wanting to add swimming as cross-training and my gym does not have a pool :(


Bailey's
Pros:
-literally 1/2 mile from my front door- I can walk there (weather permitting) and it takes me no time to get there in the morning- big plus
-They have a very vast weight selection (machines, cables, and free weights)
-24 hour access--> this was a God-send when I needed to start long runs at 4am alone, I could run on the TM until it was safe to be outside

Cons:
-There is no pool :(
-Cardio equipment other than elipticals and treadmills are scarce. There are no row machines, very few stair climbers and arc trainers, and the bikes are fewer.
-Only exists in Jacksonville area- no gym access when traveling


YMCA
Pros:
-Pool
-Nicer/Newer Cardio equipment
-more cardio equipment (including row machine, Jacobs ladder, and 3 types of stair climbers)
-more class varity and time options
-All cardio equipment has individual tv with full cable
-Digital "Key" plug-in for every machine (weight&cardio) to track all stats from your workout that you can upload to your computer at home or at the gym.
-Other YMCA's I can use locally or elsewhere when traveling

Cons:
-10 mintue drive from my house :( I have been spoiled
-Hours: Mon-Thurs 5am-10p, Fri 5a-9p, Sat & Sun 7am-6p


So there you have it. Which is more important...a pool or 5am access on Saturday and Sunday??????? Although I usually do my long runs and long bike rides on Saturday and Sunday anways. But would I be less likely to go if it is that much further away?


Do you live super close to your gym or do you have to drive?