Any suggestions for where to get your sweat on in the CD? I got my ass kicked by a pilates/springs class at the Body & Mind place last night. I used to drop in at the community center at 23rd & Cherry. You can use the gym there for $1/day or $10/month. Any other suggestions? Thanks!
Editors Note: If you’ve got your favorite spot, share it on the site by creating a business review
I’m a fan of Cappy’s! http://www.cappysgym.com/ I really enjoy the classes.
I’ve heard great things about the YMCA on 23rd as well and know there are a few yoga studios in the neighborhood although I haven’t been to any of them.
I’ve being going to Everybody Health and Fitness for 5 years or so now and love it.
http://www.everybodyhealthandfitness.com/
My son has been taking classes at Kung Fu Kids/Seattle Kajukenbo, it is right next to Cappy’s. If you’re a student in high school, you can get a PE waiver and do Martial Arts instead. It is a much calmer and more respectful atmosphere than high school gym class. They seem to have a nice range of schedule options for kids and grownups. I, alas, am a lazybutt. http://www.seattlekajukenbo.com/
I belonged to Everybody for a couple years. A great neighboorhood place, where the members are friendly (but not too friendly). I never felt any hesitation to use the weight room either. Also, depending on who your medical insurance is through, you may be able to get a discounted membership through Globalfit. You can look up the providers at globalfit.com. I was paying $20/month.
The only drawback is no classes (there is Jazzercise for an extra fee). Also, at least when I was a member, there were only a couple TVs and no way to get sound. I used to take my portable DVD player and rubber band it to the eliptical.
I switched to Rain Fitness in South Lake Union so I could use more up-to-date equipment and classes. But it is a bit of a haul…
$1 a day?! I’m supposing it is a pretty bare bones operation at the community center? Seems like a good plan that I would only have to pay when I’m not slacking off…
I love the Meredith Matthews YMCA. I’m a regular there on the cardio, weights, and in the pool. Haven’t tried any of the classes, but they offer a wide variety and most are included in the price of the membership. I know that some people consider the Y to be expensive, but I’m happy with what I get for my money and, look at it this way, even if you don’t use your membership every single day, your dollars are going to support a very valuable part of our community that offers great youth programs.
Hey Incredulous, I know it sounds crazy, and it was last year so I suppose it’s possible that the rates have increased, but even so, it’s a great deal. It is pretty bare bones, but they have all the basics. They have a few cardio machines, bikes, free weights and some basic weight machines too (leg extension, I think, among them) and those exercise balls. They also have a tv, a fan and some magazines. It is a small-ish room in the recreation center at 23rd and Cherry, but plenty of room for a few people to work out at once. Almost every time I was there I had the place to myself (which meant I got to control the tv – wooo hoo!). Only real downside is the hours. They aren’t open super early or super late. But still, good deal I thought.
Also, for what it’s worth, I’ve heard rumors of central district neighbors having rights to use the Seattle University gym. Ever since I moved here I’ve heard about it from other neighbors, though no one I know is taking advantage of it. Has anyone else heard of this? What’s the deal?
The Samarya (Yoga) Center is another great neighborhood resource ( http://samaryacenter.org/). I’ve taken classes there on and off for the past few years. Unlike most other yoga studios, they’re a non-profit with a mission of bringing yoga and yoga-based movement therapy to the community. The teachers vary in style, but are generally well-versed in yoga and some teachers are excellent. Their classes are cheaper than most other places ($8 for regular classes, a free Saturday class, and some targeted free classes at other times, like a Spanish series they recently offered).
It’s $2 now, or $10/month. Still a great deal, and I agree with other commenter about the room.. has basic equipment and usually no one else in there, but doesn’t open until 11am most days. :(
Also, I believe it’s SCCC that allows community members access to their gym, not Seattle University. Info on their website.
I thought I had been to most of the gyms and some of yoga studios in the area and am having a difficult time picturing the gym at 23rd and Cherry. I’ll just have to walk down there. Where is it exactly?
I found Meredith Matthews YMCA to be extremely convenient, friendly, and liked that they had a basketball court; but quite a few years (maybe 8) ago my family switched to Gold’s on Broadway for more access to a wider variety of trainers and classes. The Gold’s family membership at the time was a great deal and we still have a good deal. If you like to swim, Gold’s does not have a pool.
Yoga at the Samarya Center and Seattle Yoga arts are great. I like Greg’s Yoga classes at Mind and Body. There are other newer of lesser-known studios that probably deserve review. But, several of the yoga and fitness classes at Gold’s are terrific, and since the membership covers those it is just too good a deal Dance classes at Spectrum Dance theater are also worth checking out, along with other dance studios in the area.
It’s in the Garfield Community Center on the southeast corner of 23rd and Cherry.
Took me a couple of weeks but I finally made it to the boxing fitness class at Cappys’s Gym. Day-am! It was really hard but really fun too. Supportive atmosphere, good tunes, a whole lotta sweating. Who knew punching was so fun?! On the downside, it turns out that I can barely jump rope and I’m hobbling around like an 80 year old today. I hurt in places I didn’t know I had “muscles.” Can’t believe I paid to feel this way. But I am so going back. You know, just as soon as I can walk. :)