YMCA

This week I got a membership at the YMCA.  http://www.irvingparkymca.org/  It's only $34 per person, per month for the "family membership!"  The joining fee is waived if you sign up in January.  Hello New Year's resolutions!  It's right across the street from my apartment, which is sswweeet!  It's not a totally awesome gym like my old one in Lakeview, LVAC, but it has everything I need.  They have classes like cycling, step, and Zumba.  There's a cardio room, a weight machine room, a pool, large and small basketball courts, and a track above the large basketball court.  The track is kind of weird because the edges slope up - which isn't very ideal for running, because if you pass someone you are running on an uneven surface.  But it works.  In the locker rooms there is a sauna and a steam room.  I've been twice so far and it's so great to be back in the exercise routine.  It's amazing how much I have missed working out.  My body is definitely feeling the wrath of taking this time off.

What's really cool about the Irving Park Y, is that the Chicago Bears used to train there!  Today I did some weight lifting in the Bears Den.  They have old black and white photos all over the place highlighting the players over the years.  It's decorated in navy blue and orange and there are Bears flags and posters on every wall.  http://www.chicagobears.com/uploads/files/AJACCILLHICE/alumninews_2-1_b.pdf