shaping up – looking for a gym in Munich

Everyone recognizes the signs: computer- gucken induced nagging shoulder pain, winded after a spell going up a stairwell, love handles looking more like love waves, body tossing in the night and hey, where is my fanny going?

It only seems fair that the New Year’s resolutions should start a little early. Aldi starts selling Weinnachts-Süssigkeiten (Christmas candy) in September. In my case, I got more at stake than just a resolution to conquer; I’ve got to get my knee muscles back in order or risk another ligament tear. And I want to end my vacation in La Palma injury free.

Even with this added stress, I admittedly find it particularly difficult to stay motivated and active during the winter months. In a non-consequence world, all I want to do is go skiing without the pre-training.

I’ve been a member of fitness studios in the past and the story is the same. I lose interest after three months and my one year contract in reality costs more than an arm and a leg. I break the commitment because I’m an outdoors girl. It also bothers me when I get training tips from beef-cakes who have no business giving advice, especially unsolicited.

Maybe my experience will be different in Germany? It has to be. Therefore the search is on. Jetzt geht’s los! (Honestly, I been watching too much Vox TV.)

This past month I’ve dedicated some time to check out the variety of fitness clubs in Munich. I have been wildly surprised at the differences in price compared to those in Florida and even between the gyms in the area. Here’s what I’ve found:

Completely Free, Fresh Air included

For those who live near the east-side of the Isar River between the Wittelsbacher bridge and the railroad bridge (Isarauen am Entenweiher) there is a 4fcircle fitness par course with really great equipment to work on stability and strength training. There is hardly anybody there and sometimes you can see a lazy swan or two sitting around. It’s cute. Each station has instructions for every fitness level. Sometimes you have to read through the graffiti, er.
Plus: it’s free, equipment works for all body types, 24-h access
Minus: not so appealing during bad or winter weather

Facilities Without a Membership

After checking out the Dante-Freibad (Dante pool), there is a fitness room with all the weight machines at one’s disposal, use of the room is included with admission, which costs about € 6.60 per day. The other gym in association with the SWM Munich indoor swimming pools is at the Olympia-Schwimmhalle, called the PhysioFit Center. For €75, you can get the “10-er” card to workout at the center and it includes 10 admissions to the Olympia- swimming hall. The downside for me is that I’d have to factor in the fare for transportation and travel time to both gyms are about 25 minutes by subway.
Plus: great for visitors or those who don’t go to the gym that often
Minus: can get expensive, when used regularly

Insanely Cheep, with Membership

This would have to be McFit Fitness. There are several in Bavaria. Beware their flash website is scattered with photo-shopped six-packs and hairless pecs. For €16.90 a month (for a 12 month contract, plus €19 for a swipcard) you get a massive gym that is opened 24-hours a day, but don’t count on getting any support and have to deposit 50 cents to use the showers. This price is a steal for those who have a fitness program (aka clue) cued up and ready for action.
Plus: very cheap, 24-h access
Minus: very little support, a hike from the Munich main train station

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