Getting fit - what was the name of that gym?

After having baby #3, I am trying to lose some of the weight I have gained over the past 6 years. A while back, someone posted that some former trainers from the Ice Chamber opened their own gym. What was the name of that? And has anyone been to both that gym and the Ice Chamber to offer some perspective or recs? To be honest, I am not even sure with my schedule that I could make it to the gym. How have others worked this out with a nursing baby? Maybe scrap the gyms and hire a personal trainer who will come once a week to create a fitness and nutritional plan for the week? I have the motivation, just not the time, not a ton of money, and no babysitters during the day. Early mornings and evenings are not really a great option (crazy time of day for me and the kids)but I am willing to try. Anyway, just looking for some recommendations from those who have been in the same boat. Thanks! reeling from my Wii Fit age

Here is the info, it would be fun to have you join the crew! I love the timing and pricing scheme as it makes it realistic given all of the other demands on my time! Oh, and I almost forgot, I lost 4 inches off of my waist in 6 weeks going 2 times a week....so not only is it fun and realistic, but they also get results!! Classes are M,W, F, and Sat. 9:30am AND 11:30am Email: info@4streetfitcamp.com or call:510-367-7568 Finally Getting Fit

I belonged to the Ice Chamber and now I go to Phoenix and am extremely happy there. Whichever place you decide to join, you will get in good shape because the workouts are very effective.

Both gyms offer classes or personal training only you don't go and run on the treadmill or lift weights whenever you want. You mentioned that early morning and evenings don't work for you. Both gyms offer mid-morning boot camp classes. The Ice Chamber offers a 45 minute class M - F at 9:00 and 10:00. Phoenix's mid-morning class is an hour, M,W and F at 9:30. Phoenix also has a Saturday 10:30 class for an additional fee. The Ice Chamber has a Saturday morning class as well but it is usually tied into their evening program. The Ice Chamber requires that you do Personal Training before you join boot camp. Phoenix does not but they will give you lots of one:one attention until you learn the correct form on the basic movements. Both gyms offer personal training, if the class times don't work for you.

The Ice Chamber is really involved in kettle bell sport (endurance) and has on-going classes (for a fee) and a competitive team. Phoenix regularly uses kettle bells in their workouts but in what I consider more "old school" style (explosive movement). Phoenix is currently located in a converted barn so the inside space is pretty small (although there is a nice grassy yard). But they utilize the neighborhood as much as possible, including "field trips" to loading docks and the King track. The Ice Chamber is in an industrial section of Albany. It's more spacious and has some cardio equipment (treadmill, spin bikes). But overall the gyms have pretty much the same equipment.

The classes at both gyms are generally circuit-style where you complete a certain number of exercises in a certain amount of time. The workouts incorporate weights, body weight, cardio, balance, core, etc. and are different each time. I've had great workouts at both places but have found that I really prefer classes that are an hour. I've never felt like I could do more at the end of an hour like I have felt at the end of 45 minutes. When I was there, the Ice Chamber's classes had 15 - 25+ people in them, taught by 1 - 2 trainers. Phoenix is small - there are 8 people who regularly attend at 9:30. There are always 2 trainers (3 on Saturday) so your form gets a lot of attention. This also means you can't hide so if you don't want to be pushed, Phoenix might not be the place for you. Two of the owners of Phoenix are moms who weren't always fit like they are now. So, I feel like they really get me. And all three owners are very passionate about what they do. I never get the s! ense they are "phoning in the workout." And I love knowing they have already done the workout themselves so they know where the challenging moments are. I can't speak about the trainers at the Ice Chamber because I don't know who is training anymore.

One of the major differences between the two places however is this: Phoenix is a gym; the Ice Chamber is a lifestyle. The Ice Chamber owners, Steve and Maya, are incredibly charismatic and so inspire this zealous devotion - it's a cult of personality, really (in fact, my husband used to call it my cult). So, if you are looking for a community, with parties and competitions, where high-5s after a workout are standard, then consider the Ice Chamber. Phoenix doesn't blog about their members, they aren't throwing any parties (although they would snuggle you if your brought them cupcakes), and I haven't high-5ed anyone in ages. I have laughed my ass off though - Kelly, Juliet and Dmitri, in addition to being really talented trainers, are also irreverently funny. Makes the brutality of their workouts a bit easier to bear. (Kelly writes her own blog - not about the gym - so you could check out her sense of humor at www.fitnessfixation.com ).

If you're still not sure, I suggest you drop into Phoenix sometime soon and try a class. When I was there, you couldn't drop-in to the Ice Chamber though. But at least you would get a taste of Phoenix without the commitment. Whichever place you choose, work hard and you'll get great results. Phoenix Fan

The classes are small so I get a ton of one-on-one personal attention, which is hard to find at other gyms and great if you are just starting out. The classes are a full hour so by the time I drag myself out of bed and get to the gym, it is really worthwhile. They coach a number of top athletes, but really they take as much (if not more) pride in the personal gains of people just starting out or just getting back in shape. They are genuinely excited when I am able to achieve something that I could not do before (pull-ups, a new rowing record, a heavier barbell weight...) sometimes with giddy clapping. They also know when to push me and when to back away slowly. I am so grateful for their coaching and I know a bunch of other people feel the same. Plus they are super witty and goofy which distracts from the pain and I get an ab workout from laughing (one of the owners is Kelly Mills who writes for the Chronicle's parenting blog ''The Poop''). Sometimes I have to yell at them for making me laugh when I am trying to do an isometric hold. I used to go to the Ice Chamber but I am *obviously* happy at Phoenix gym. Gogobetty

I'm a mom of two, and someone who always liked the idea of being active a lot more than doing the work to actually be active. I was incredibly out of shape when I started. I decided to sign up just for one month of boot camp, and I was hooked. I recently worked out on vacation with my brother (an ex-college athelete) and my husband (who bikes to work every day) and frankly, they had trouble keeping up with the workout I led them through.

The workouts are incredibly efficient because the exercises are designed to do multiple things - in about 50 minutes you get everything - warmup, cardio, strength, flexibility and stretch out. It would take me at least 2 hours in the gym to accomplish the same results. I also like the fact that you are usually working in a team or with a partner, which gives you a great feeling of camaraderie. (And yes, it is a big place for high fives). I feel like the trainers push me but also are very supportive. The workouts are scalable, and you are encouraged to adjust them as needed so you are giving YOUR max but able to finish. It's hard, and some days I can barely drag myself there, but I love seeing my progress - the things I couldn't do when I started that I can do now. Not to mention the workout itself is the biggest endorphin kick imaginable.

In fact, the funny thing is I discovered for me the secret to staying with a workout was actually to make it tougher and more serious. Usually the advice is ''start slow, try walking every day, etc.'' But I needed to get more intense in order to get going.

There are a lot of moms (and dads) in the 9 am and 10 am classes, and also a room off the main exercise area with a TV and books and crayons and stuff, so if you kids are reasonably self-sufficient for a 45 minute period you can bring them - and people do.

I'm sure Phoenix is great too, but you might want to give them both a try. Ice Chamber fan

Outdoors workout?

I went to a Pilates workout outdoors in SF today with a friend. I'd love to find something similar here in Oakland. Here's what I'd like, a full body, hour long exercise class at Lake Temescal or the cemetery, that meets once or more per week. Does anyone know of anything like that? I saw the Women's Boot Camp website but it seems expensive. Still if you loved that I'd like to hear it.Thanks! ready to get in shape

Gym & Pool Membership near Montclair

We just moved to Montclair and are considering our options for gym / pool membership. We were at the YMCA in the Presidio previously so had a full gym with classes and childcare plus a great swimming pool (albeit indoors). We'd ideally like to take advantage of an outdoor pool over the warm months. We have heard of the Hills, Claremont and Montclair Swim Club and obviously the YMCA, but most of the reviews online are fairly old. Specific questions:
- Any good outdoor public pools nearby for summer enjoyment with family?
- Hills v Montclair Swim Club v Claremont: social opportunities? guest policies? overall offering
- YMCA options (Berkeley, Oakland)
- Other gyms we might want to consider (particularly if we decide against the hefty joining fees of the above mentioned clubs) Thanks very much! Lainey Lainey

The memberships can be resold, and I'm guessing they may have gone down in price with the economy. I did not worry to much about it because you can resell it when you are done with it and as long as you plan to hold on to it for a while it is not likely you will lose money on it. Happy Hills member

Early morning exercise classes

I'm looking for an early morning exercise class in the Albany/North Berkeley area to get back in the swing of working out after having two babies in three years. Having a specific day and time scheduled in advance should help motivate me to get out of bed and work out before the kids and hubby wake up. I'm planning to call the Albany YMCA about a Monday morning boot camp class they offer (if anyone is taking that and has feedback, do share!). I'd also love to hear any of your recommendations for early morning pre-work classes or any gyms that offer classes that I should check into. Ready to Get Fit

Exercise class I can take my toddler to

Hi there, I am looking for suggestions about exercise with my 2-year-old. I just moved from San Diego, where I was a regular at ''Stroller Jam'' sponsored by the YMCA there. It was a great way for me to get a workout without having to put my son in childcare. I was disappointed when I realized the Berkeley Y doesn't have a similar program. Does anyone know of a group (Stroller Striders-type thing or more informal) that meets in Berkeley, North Oakland, Albany, or El Cerrito? I would also like to find some classes that he and I can do together such as parent-toddler yoga, dance, etc, something that provides activity for him and at least a little exercise for me. Thank you! Rebecca

Gyms or Exercise Clubs for the whole family

I would like some recommendations for gyms/places to get the whole family into exercise (2 adults, 10 year old, 4 year old). I have friends who belong to the Claremont and the Hills club but those are way out of our price range. Can people recommend the Oakland Y and/or Berkeley Y? Any other places with good childcare? We live in Rockridge. anon

The Bar Method workouts

I am interested in taking exercise classes at the Bar Method in Walnut Creek. Can anybody tell me anything about these classes? What you like, what you don't like, what the exercises are, are the classes crowded, are the exercises effective, etc. Looking for a good workout

The Bar Method combines calanetics (sp?), Pilates, Yoga and ballet type movements concentrating the most miniscule of motions while squeezing, tucking, breathing. If you observed it, it wouldn't look like much. But after an hour you leave exhilarated, and not just a little bit sore, but not in a bad way. You're just totally physically spent. The great thing about it is you don't have to have to be super fit and not everyone in the room is, although there are some bodies in there to envy!

The instructors are great about making sure you are in the right position to get maximum benefit from each particular exercise, they play great music and you are being constantly reminded to tuck your seat and grip your abs. I particularly love Amy and Audrey. The hour flies by.

Although I haven't lost any weight, I look and feel stronger and more toned. (Does muscle really weigh more than fat?!) Just today I ran into a friend and she said ''WhAT have you been doing??? You look great!''

It is definitely worth checking out. They even offer childcare for a nominal fee that you can reserve in advance. Here are a few 'warnings' though. 1. It's expensive. Although your first class is free and you can buy your first month's unlimited pass for $100, after that you are looking at $14 - $20 per class depending on how many classes you prepay, or if you buy the monthly unlimited. There is a summer sale going on now through Aug. 1 so you can save some money by buying a package. 2. Classes can sell out. I have never been turned away, but it's happened at classes I've attended. There's only so much space in the room. Although they have a 2nd room, they haven't opened it yet. However, if you get there at least 10 minutes early you're nearly guaranteed a place. 3. Class times are limited. They start at 6 a.m. and there are 3 other ones until noon, then they are closed until 5:30 and there are only 2 evening classes.

I don't mean to gush, but I've been looking for the right program for me for ages and I've found it at The Bar. Maybe I'll see you there! I'm Karen

Looking for a gym near Rockridge for morning workouts

I live in Rockridge and am looking for a nearby gym where I can workout early in the morning. Because I work and have two kids who need to be taken to school/daycare in the morning, I need to be done with my workout by 6:30 or so. So those 'women's' fitness places in Rockridge won't do it for me. I'm considering Courthouse Athletic and Montclair Fitness. How have people's experiences been there? Any place else I might be missing? --- Need to get moving!

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