And Another Thing . . .
That I love about Atlanta is the East Lake YMCA. I can always count on them to bring me back up when I am down.
From Meta’s big smile when I walk in to the front desk, to Ms. Clark and the other ladies who know my kids by name, to the employee who helped me out of a jam when, well, ahem . . .female nature called, everyone there is an absolute joy. I love the diversity – kids and families, both traditional and not-so-traditional, gays, straights, college kids, high school kids, and the busloads of seniors in the morning. I love the lanky white kid and the awesome women who play ball with the guys in the afternoon. I love the way Devon “whoos!” during her class and I absolutely adore Kammick and his kickass 20/20/20 class – Most fun I’ve ever had in an aerobics class! (I also want whatever it is he takes in the morning.)
If you happen to live in one of the East Atlanta neighborhoods, and you aren’t a member at the YMCA, (especially if you have kids – did I mention that your membership includes two hours of childcare daily while you work out?), then you are missing out on one of the best places in Atlanta.
Another big fan right here!
Aren’t they the best? I would cancel cable, sell my car, and stop feeding my children before giving up my Y membership.
The East Lake Y really *is* that great. If they had wireless, I might never leave.
I’m a swimmer and so my only complaint is that the water aerobics women create their own powerful CURRENT in the pool blowing me all over the lane… though, I guess it just makes my work out that much more challenging.
Quick question for everyone: I run basketball leagues (corporate & recreational) here in Atlanta. Right now I use the Peachtree Athletic Center downtown and a small rec. center in Brookhaven. We’re expanding a bit and I was hoping to find another location. I’ve only lived here in Atlanta for a couple years and have had a difficult time finding locations with a solid community feel. Any suggestions? My only complaint with Atlanta in general is the lack of access or promotion of solid recreatonal leagues for adults, companies, etc… They’re difficult to find for people who are new to the city, which is why I ended up starting my own. But as the league grows, I want to make sure I’m giving my gym rental dollars to the right facilites. Places like you described, who are entrenched and take pride in the community. Either way, I dig the site and anyone who has any suggestions, please let me know. abl-hoop.com
I’ve had a love/hate relationship with the East Lake Y. I almost cancelled my membership recently but I got back into swimming and they do have the pool.
I agree, the folks who work there are great. It’s great fun to talk college ball with Greg, even though he is a FL fan. As a personal trainer I enjoy talking to the other trainers, Al and Marcus.
The gym could be bigger. They could have some better machines. Dollar for dollar, LA fitness is a much better gym. However, the convenience of the East Lake Y keeps me coming back.
Mike, not sure what your setup is with locations, but definitely check out the ELY. It is a fairly new facility, but you will no doubt get the community feel, if that is what you are looking for. If the world were the East lake Y, it would be a better place. (Cheesy, i know.)
Jam, come on! Love/hate? Tell us what you hate! Spill it.
p.s. I hear ya on the FL thing. Totally icky.