Need, no. Want, yes.

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I know I'm promiscuous, but in a classy way

College student, we all have access to a really nice fitness center (classes, cardio equipment, free weights, Nautilus circuit, rec pool)... competition pool (that's my home ;-)... climbing wall...

You certainly don't need a gym, particularly if you can get away with training outside year round.

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maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

My pool also has a weight room, which I use after my swims.

I belong to the YMCA because of the pool, so I get the entire package. I'd still belong to be able to lift weights.

clm

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Never belonged to a gym until I worked in one for a winter. Prior to that, it was all trainer, outside running and the rec center had a swim only pass. Never even saw the weight room there... worked great - all of my races were late July or later, so I could still get outside on the bike for a few months before a race.

I must say that having access to the treadmill and spin classes during the winter was awesome - but there is snow on the ground pretty much from now until April/May here that makes riding outdoors dumb and I don't like to hit ice when I run, so it very convenient.

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Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

I like having the gym for weight work, and for the exercise bikes since the trainer in the garage gets kinda cold..
Don't think it's necessary though. We have a number of rec. centers included in the homeowners' association fees, doubt that I'd actually pay for a gym.

I have a treadmill, trainer and weights in my basement. I used to belong to the YMCA, but the 20 minute drive back and forth wasn't worth it. I like being able to go downstairs and start my workout immediately. Besides, I never have to wait for a tmill (like at the Y) or have to worry about the goofy people who use the weights at gyms.

I don't belong to a gym. I have everything I need at home. It's easier to fit in training around my life that way.

As a woman of a certain age (meaning over uhhh, 40), I suggest that most women from 35 on, need to lift weights. Our bodies naturally lose muscle mass as we age, and women lose it faster than men. A small percentage each year adds up over time.

So while I only do a class called "body pump" at the Y (weights done to music), I am in the weight room 3x per week killing my quads, hammies and butt to stave off Father Time.

For long distance, short distance, doesn't matter. I truly believe and have seen the benefits of lifting in the off season for the past 10 years.

Sue, 7X IM, 11:44 PR at Lake Placid (at 39!)

I go to the gym b/c it has a whirlpool!!

oh yeah, that's very important! :)

I have a hot tub at home, so I am spoiled. I can hop in anytime I want.