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Goodbye Equinox…

Hello outdoor (long course) swimming!

I first joined Equinox in early 2001, when a new one opened near my office in the Met Life Building. For years, I had a really good deal through my old job, but when I started a new job in early 2006, I had to start paying closer to “normal” monthly fees. Equinox is not a cheap gym, but by Manhattan standards, I guess it’s not unreasonable, especially for what you get. The facilities are generally large, really nice and clean, with updated equipment and awesome locker rooms. They have a ton of good classes. My “all access” pass allowed me to work out at any gym in the City as well as those in LA and anywhere else in the country. And I used it – I worked out here in LA during trips here and also worked out at Equinox locations in Chicago during business trips there.

For the last couple of years, I mostly used the gym for the pool. I also lifted a couple days a week and used the elliptical or treadmill while recovering from injuries. I took a few yoga classes here and there. The pool I mostly used in NYC (Greenwich Street location) was fine, but nothing special: 25 yards, three lanes and in the basement. I figured out when to go to avoid the worst crowds or when I figured I could share a lane with good swimmers. But throw a few slow swimmers or water walkers into the mix and the pool was a disaster.

In connection with our move to LA, I thought about keeping my Equinox membership, but in the end decided to cancel it. Here’s why:

• It might be reasonably priced for a good NYC gym, but from what I’ve seen it’s way overpriced for LA. I think that I can pay a whole lot less and get a gym that fits my needs perfectly well. It might not have free razors and shaving cream and 25 different types of yoga classes, but I can live without those things.
• Frankly the Equinox’s here in LA – at least the ones somewhat convenient to me – pale in comparison to those in NYC. They’re still clean and shiny and modern, but they’re not as big and have a different energy. I think that because it’s so much more expensive than other gyms in LA, they get a different type of clientele. Also, even the closest ones to me aren’t all that “close”. I’m certain I can do cheaper and more convenient without giving up too much of what I really use.
• Finally, and probably most important, in NYC there are at least four Equinox with lap pools, and I walked by one of those on my way to work. Here in LA, there’s only one within 20 miles of my house. And that one – at the Westwood gym – just has two narrow 25 yard lanes. The capacity limit is four people and even having two side-by-side swimmers in those lanes is a little tight. I can definitely do better. (And I have – see below.)

All that means that as of April 5 (45 days after I actually canceled), my eight years of Equinox ended. I skipped my strength workout last week, but wanted to swim. Since I am LA, I had two requirements: it had to be at least 25 yards and it had to be outdoors. I did my research and found a number of good options in the general area. On Wednesday I found the only one I need for now – the Culver City Plunge.

It’s a public pool in Culver City, about seven miles from home (keep in mind that that’s at least 20 minutes by car). It’s great – 50 meters, eight wide lanes, comfortably cool not-overwhelmingly-chlorinated water, and convenient lap swim schedule in the mornings and evenings. When I was there on Wednesday, there were two or three swimmers in each lane. At noon, a big masters team practice started and took up four lanes, but that still left four lanes for the rest of us. (I spoke to the coach and am going to look into joining.) The locker room is basic, but fine. And, it only costs $4 per visit!

Even closer to me is the West Hollywood public pool. It’s 25 yards and outdoors. It’s only about a mile from home, but the lap swim schedule isn’t as good as Culver City. I’ve walked by it and it looks plenty nice enough – and it’s only $3 per visit! I’ll check it out soon. The Santa Monica City pool is also on my list to check out.

I still would like to find a new gym, but I’m not in a huge rush. After all, Boston is just nine days away now and I don’t need to be lifting or running inside between now and then. I’ve noticed a few gyms in the general vicinity – I’ll start testing them after the marathon. I don’t expect to get the same shiny machines, spotless locker rooms and free fluffy towels, but I’d rather have the extra cash in my pocket and spend my time outside.

Running update: My long run last week went pretty well. I planned on a hilly run, but ended up running an even tougher course than expected – I ran up the front Runyon Canyon (long and steep), down the back, then up-and-down in Mulholland and Beachwood, including running right below the Hollywood sign, then around Griffith Park and up just about to the Observatory (long and steep again) and finally back down and home. The hills took their toll on my legs toward the end and I was dragging a little. Thankfully, Boston will feel pretty much flat compared to that run! After that run I started tapering, with a few short-to-medium length runs this week, another one tomorrow and an easy week next week.

Run/walk – April 5
Distance: 20.75 miles
Time: 3:07 (10 min. walk warm-up, 5-8 min. running/1 min. walk)
Average heart rate: 150
Course: West Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, Mulholland Drive, Beachwood, Griffith Park, home
Conditions: Warm and sunny!

Run/walk – April 7
Distance: 4.4 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Average heart rate: 148
Course: “Track” workout around a 1/3 mile block
Conditions: Sunny, low 60’s

Swim – April 8
Distance: 2,515 yards (2,300 meters)
Time: 55 minutes

Run/walk – April 9
Distance: 7.75 miles
Time: 60 minutes (10 min. walk warm-up, 7-8 min. run/30 seconds walk)
Average heart rate: 146
Course: West Hollywood
Conditions: Sun and clouds, low 60’s

Run – April 11
Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: 35 minutes
Average heart rate: Monitor didn’t work
Course: West Hollywood/Beverly Hills
Conditions: Sunny, high 50’s