One of the hardest parts about sticking to an exercise program is finding the right gym. As someone who is not self motivated to take a walk or do at-home exercises between commercials. I’m one of those women that needs a good gym to escape to for my workout. I’ve come to realize that even if there’s an extra cost involved, it’s the only way I’m going to get any physical activity into an otherwise labor light day.
However, the right gym can be hard to find. Many women, especially those dealing with weight issues, are not comfortable going to a co-ed gym where being self conscious might get in the way of a good workout. In my own experience, facing the strength training area has always been uncomfortable due to those men and women who are obviously in much better shape than myself and much more at home in the gym setting.
The advertisement for Mademoiselle Fitness Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma grabbed my interest with the words “Women Only.” This being the first thing I was looking for in a gym, I decided to check it out. After my initial tour, I found some other great reasons that this would be a great gym for me and others who find themselves in a similar situation.
1. The “Women Only” factor- Being able to go to the gym and not worry about the co-ed dynamic is a relief for someone who just wants to workout. For some women, this means not having to worry how you look, or if you’re being judged or talked about in the male gallery of hard bodies across the way. For others, a women-only gym offers the chance to not have to worry about being “hit on” or “picked up.” Because let’s face it, many gyms have become nothing more than a place for guys to meet women, or so it would seem. But Mademoiselle is designed solely for females, which takes away the discomfort that might be found at other places.
2. It offers different types of exercise – Some of the bigger chains of women-only gyms offer a great program for beginners, but it usually encompasses just one aspect of working out, such as strength training. While this is great for women who need that boost, after awhile the body needs something new in the way of physical activity. Mademoiselle encompasses both strength training and cardio with two lines of weight training equipment geared specifically for women as well as elliptical machines, recumbent bikes, treadmills, and stair step machines. They also have robotic toning machines and a pool for water aerobics, as well as a free weight room, an indoor track, and exercise classes. With so much to offer, a member at Mademoiselle can switch up their routine constantly and never get bored.
3. The fees are all inclusive – The last gym I went to was inexpensive and good for cardio. But when I asked for help on the weight machines and was told I would need to pay over $50 for a personal training session, I was pretty disillusioned. Mademoiselle seems more expensive at first, but for what you pay, you get use of the facilities, personal training when you ask for it, and you can take any of the classes that are offered by the club. When you break down the cost, Mademoiselle is actually cheaper in the long run and you don’t have to budget anything extra if you want to take a yoga class or need a little extra help with the weight machines.
4. They have two locations and childcare – Technically, this is a two-in-one reason, but it addresses some of the main reasons women don’t workout like they should. With locations on both the north side and south side of Oklahoma City, Mademoiselle makes it more convenient for women to stop in no matter where they live or work. For women who have children and don’t think they can carve out the time to exercise, the child care facilities give them a chance to get away, even if they have to bring their kids with them. Fees do apply, but having the chance to exercise is well worth it and will give both women and their children the chance to interact with their peers.
5. It’s not just about the exercise – The main reason to exercise is to feel good and the facilities at Mademoiselle help you reach that goal. Not only is the place clean and the equipment well cared for, they offer a spa, sauna, and steam room to help you top off your workout. The spa is the perfect relaxation after water aerobics or a good workout to help ease your muscles. The steam room is infused with eucalyptus to clear your sinuses and cleanse your pores. And the dry steam room will help you sweat out those last few toxins. Mademoiselle also offers tanning for those wanting to relax in the warmth and give their skin a glow. As well as physical well being, Mademoiselle offers a friendly atmosphere where women can go and chat with other women, an emotional boost that has proved beneficial to me time and again.
For those of you not living in Oklahoma City, check to see if you have a similar women’s only facility in your area. For those of you who do happen to be in the area, I highly recommend Mademoiselle. An internet search will give you the number to call and the addresses can be found in the yellow pages. Or you can check out their website for more information (see links). Give it a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
