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This is obvious when it comes to relationships with people. But sometimes we forget, in our diverse and complex lives, that we have relationships with many things: our work, the food we eat and—in the context of this article—our fitness practices and routines. When we find the perfect match, it improves the relationship we have with ourselves in that we feel fit, strong, healthy, nurtured, jazzed and self-confident. But more than half the people who commit to a new exercise program drop out within 12 months.
Let’s face it: Willpower is not a good motivator. To quote a wise fitness guru, “No pain, no gain—you’re insane to believe that.” Any researcher will tell you that reward is a more powerful motivator than punishment. As with any relationship, when we love our fitness regimen, we’re going to want to put in time developing and nurturing it, having fun with it—and reaping the benefits.
Just as we might think, “What on earth does Pam see in Joe?” when we wouldn’t touch him with a bargepole, what we’re turned on to by way of exercise is subjective, sometimes quirky. Just as you might have to kiss 100 frogs to find a prince, it often will take a
monumental search to find the place and program that will light your fire. Luckily, gyms are easier to try out than people. Many offer a free pass or an introductory deal. There are no rules about monogamy when it comes to gyms. Don’t like it? Try another.Some people work out at home or with no support structures. If that is effective, fine. But being committed to a place or a plan is similar to being committed to a partner. One is accountable, and one is more likely to turn up for the date.
We found 10 people in happy and fulfilling relationships with places where they pay their money, achieve their high and leave on cloud nine. What sparks the passion is different in each case: a combination of physical space, instructor, social attributes, the workout itself and a whole lot more. In each case they’re hooked on what it is that makes them feel good and love that they have it in their lives. They told us what clicks with them. If you’re still searching, or stalling on getting fit, here are options to help you find your perfect match.
Appetite for Life
SELMA BEY - Payroll Specialist
“I initially went to Simon [Gibson] for physical therapy. He had a small space across the street from where he is now Among other things, he taught me how strengthening my core could alleviate many of the effects of a back injury. When he opened his center, I followed him [Montclair Physical Therapy & Wellness, 6125 Medau Place, Montclair Village, (510) 339-2116, www.montclairpt.com].“Many people have regular gym membership and just come to work out. It is a full-service gym with all the machines, equipment and many classes. Those with physical limitations, like me [she’s on retirement disability], can work out with oversight. I’ve done some Pilates, and I did a self-defense class for muscle toning.
“The place is small enough that the staff care. I try to go every day. Working out gives me more physical freedom. I can manage my pain a lot better. My quality of life has improved and continues to. I love coming here. It feels like family.”
Tip: If you’re a people-person, try out the neighborhood
gyms first.
What Women Want
PATRICIA DI RUBBO - Solo Entrepreneur, Fine Arts Business Management
“I tried an array of things over the years—swimming, martial arts and a lot more. The best thing I ever did was join the Berkeley YMCA [2001 Allston Way, (510) 848-9622, www.baymca.org]. The first month it was hard getting up at 6:30 a.m. After about two months, something had shifted, and I couldn’t wait to go. I was working out on the treadmill and the counter-weight machines. I started going four or five times a week. I’d go three to five miles on the treadmill, then swim a few laps, then sauna.“When I work out, I feel clearer minded, calmer, and I sleep better. It gets the juices flowing mentally, emotionally and psychologically. I seem to need less discipline when I have a place to go to that I like. And a gym gives me time and space to pamper myself. I do things like moisturize my whole body and take care of myself.”
Body Language
MARYANN MILLER NOVAK - City Planner
Novak drives from where Oakland borders San Leandro to Piedmont Avenue for her fitness fix. “This is the only place I’ve found where I see immediate results [The Dailey Method, 4409 Piedmont Ave., (510) 985-1955, www.thedaileymethod.com/piedmont.html]. It’s a hybrid of yoga, Pilates, ballet barre work and other exercises. The sessions are one hour, the instructor works out with you, and I don’t know why or how, but the combination just works. My arms were more toned after one session. My butt definitely feels tighter. My strength has increased.”
It’s a challenging routine, she says, “but I love it. I feel motivated by the others in the class. One of the reasons I like it is that it harkens back to when I was a little girl. Doing the barre work, I feel like the ballerina I wanted to be.”
Tip: Think of the most fun you ever had doing exercise. Start doing it again.
Don't Fence Me In
ANNEMARIE WELTEKE - Librarian
“After my swim, I have a hot shower, go home and change for work, then drive to the ferry to commute to San Francisco. I buy coffee and a donut on the 30-minute ride, which is wonderful. After my vigorous swim and morning routine, I can sit at my computer all day. If I don’t swim for two days, my concentration wanes and things stress me. When I swim, office politics don’t bother me. I feel positive no matter what. My body feels good. I feel energized all day.”
For more on this pool and information on other Oakland public pools that are heated and open all year, call the pool information hotline, (510) 238-2196, or visit www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/publicpools.asp. For the pool at the UC Berkeley Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area, call (510) 643-7470 or www.strawberry.org/swim.
Note: Many gyms offer lap swimming.
Hooked on Hatha
LISA PARK - Preschool Teacher
“I recently drove 1,200 miles and felt stiff and heavy when I got home. I went to my yoga class and came out feeling light, airy, energized and integrated. I’d say yoga for me is close to an addiction. I crave and seek out how it makes me feel.” Park has been working out at The Yoga Room [2640 College Ave., Berkeley, (510) 273-9273, www.yogaroomberkeley.com] since 1989. “The yoga we do, Hatha yoga, is very active. It might be a byproduct, but nobody is trying to be spiritual.”Things she especially loves include: the environment: “It’s a beautiful space in the Julia Morgan Center;” the quality of the teaching: “Donald Moyer, the founder, studied in India with B.K.S. Iyengar;” and the variety: “There are over 500 poses. Every year I’m introduced to at least one I’ve never done before.” And what two poses would she take to a desert island? “The triangle pose and the headstand.” The triangle, she says, for how it twists, stretches, inverts and opens the body and oxygenates the blood; and the headstand: “I find it very soothing, grounding, calming and reassuring.”
Tip: Google “Oakland yoga classes” and “Berkeley yoga classes.” Think of it like Internet dating. Choose what appeals online. Give them a call. Decide if you want to meet in person. Take it from there.
Amped on Adrenalin
DANA MESSING - Musician
“I’ve got a basketball jones, oh, baby. That’s why I go to the gym. The Magic Johnson clubs are the only ones I’ve found with full-size courts and pick-up games. The Oakland club that opened last year is state-of-the-art, but I still often go to San Leandro, as there’s more basketball ha ppening mid-mornings.“What do I get from basketball? A good workout, competition and camaraderie. When things are going right, I can play for on
“Being fit to me means more energy, feeling healthy, better sex. When I walk out of the gym, it’s the best I feel all week. Tired—but a good kind of tired.”
Oakland High Street Magic–Sport, 3950 Alameda Ave., Oakland, (510) 434-2495; 15555 East 14th St., San Leandro, (510) 278-9744; www.24hourfitness.com/ClubsMagic.
In The Zone
PEGGY HRSTAR - Film Production Model Maker
For the past four years, Hrstar has been a regular at Berkeley Ironworks (800 Potter St., 510-981-9900, www.touchstoneclimbing.com). “It’s a rock climbing gym, but I do the machines and the classes, not the climbing.” Her work as a painter on movie sets is, she says, very physical, which is why she has to stay in shape. “The last set I helped create was a 25-foot-high fake rock wall.” Some of the more recent movies she worked on include Transformers, Evan Almighty, the Pirates of the Caribbean series and Star Wars.
“I feel the physical benefits of working out, plus going to the gym is almost my alone time—my little escape. Sometimes it’s difficult to get there, but I always feel good walking out. I love that there are a lot of outdoorsy, athletic, young people and students. I feed on the energy, and it’s entertaining to watch people rock climbing while I work out. And going to the gym gives me more stamina for my swimming, bike riding and salsa dancing.”
Burn, Baby
LINDA EGLIN - Physician
“You wouldn’t believe the number of patients who tell me they have a Nautilus or a treadmill at home and they don’t use it. On the other hand, signing up somewhere makes one accountable.”Eglin is hooked on exercise. She run marathons, plays sports and
jumps around between gyms. She joined Curves “because it’s quick—30 minutes and you’re out—and a no-brainer. You just follow the routine: 30 seconds per machine, each of which works a specific part; and between machines, [you spend] 30 seconds on a pad doing whatever exercise you want, to keep your heart rate up. You tone quickly. And there are Curves in cities and neighborhoods everywhere that you can use if you pay for a year.”
She likes to exercise in the morning because “it kick-starts my day and makes me feel good. When I exercise I eat more healthily, sleep better and have more energy. I’m fit and in shape, but women who are totally out of shape can feel comfortable at Curves. It’s all women—no glamour.”
To find a neighborhood Oakland Curves—there are 10,000 locations worldwide—see www.curves.com.
Muscle Passion
STEVE FORNEY - Illustrator
“I’ve been working out with weights since I was 13 [he’s now 44], and at the same place for 10 years [24 Hour Fitness, 2050 Webster St., Oakland, (510) 433-1140]. I pretty much just do the free weights—dumbbells and barbells. The indoor aerobic stuff bores me—I can’t do the treadmill or sit on a stationary bike. I prefer to be outdoors. I go four times a week for an hour or longer.“The workout gives me energy and makes me feel good. There’s a little bit of vanity in it, as I like the way it makes me look. I guess I’m addicted in a sense—a good addiction. It gives me strength for other things I like to do, like backpacking and bike riding. I’m self-employed and work alone, so it’s also a social outlet. It gets me out, and I talk to people. Being in good shape makes me feel more confident. It’s about quality of life. I’m investing in my future health.”
Magnificent Obsession
RUBETTE COWAN -Professional Organizer
“I go for personal training once a week. I would never do any exercise routine on my own. When I started three years ago, I wanted to lose weight and tone, and a friend recommended the place. A one-time chef, she knew about food and lost the weight by cutting out the junk. I am now at the weight I want to be, and my shape has changed. I thought of stopping. But it’s fun and I love the place [Next Level Personal Fitness Systems, 3234 Grand Ave., Oakland, (510) 465-0978, www.nextlevelpersonaltraining.com].“It’s kind of hard work, but I look forward to it. I leave feeling energized. It’s not the same high that I get dancing [she does salsa up to four times a week], but it makes me feel strong and conditioned. And I like that the trainer [Abu Pigott] is a chiropractor and knows about the body. He’s creative, and it’s a small gym. Even when I couldn’t really afford it, I kept going. I feel it’s a gift to myself—like therapy.”
