You and my husband both, soror... He swears by equinox... But - Me, I'm fine with my local Y (though I must admit, it is a nice Y...). I also enjoy taking dance classes (so I'm burning calories without having to even think about it).
:)

I would love to join Bally's, but I'm not down with contracts. If I could have open membership, I'd be good to go. I think that it's just a mental thing. I was a member of the Y for about a year with no problem. I think once I have the mental block of being LOCKED IN with a contract, I freak!

Equinox is my gym now too! I am so excited- that place is amazing! It really wasn't THAT much more expensive than Crunch OR Bally's. And after Bally's and Crunch, the one year contract (as opposed to 3) seems so reasonable.

WOW....you go to Equinox. You really are a grown up now :D

@ the 100 calorie packs..

Ain't that the truth...

Ah!
I have no idea how I did it, but I lost 5 lbs. The last time I checked my weight was over a week ago and I went from 131 to 126! I haven't been working out though so I don't know what happened. I'll go back to doing pilates and riding my bike though. :D

Has anyone tried Jazzercise?

They're offering one at our local Rec and I really like to dance.

I must be, because those are some grown as hell prices!

But for a clean gym that's not constantly overcrowded it's worth it.

My philosophy is eat whatever you want as long as you exercise! I don't believe in diets. When you workout your metabolism rises. Mine triples. The key, in my opinion, is running. I know, I know, you hate to run...but it's the one thing that gives me an all-body workout and keeps me in shape. Remember to eat whatever you want, eat right, keep the garbage food to a minimum, and run! (If you can't run or don't want to run, at least speed walk).

Exercise is a key component, absolutely.

But you are likely to lose weight faster and be healthier in general if you eat a diet that is designed to support those workouts- for example, having quality sources of lean protein after a workout and good carbs beforehand. It makes your workouts better, it decreases recovery time and generally supports your efforts.

ETA: I don't know how many others are like me on this one, but I absolutely can't run. I have bad knees that pop out of socket, and running is a bad, bad, bad idea. No one exercise works for everyone- the BEST exercise is the one that'll get your butt in the gym!

Eating what I want doesn't work for me. I LOVE to exercise. I'm good for 6-7 days. When I eat what I want, I stay the same weight. I have to cut back and do right or I'll be here (in this thread looking for help) forever.

Do you have any recommendations for a particular running shoe?
Running is good for a great aerobic workout, but the toll it takes on my knees... :(

ladylike, it would best for you to visit a shoe store in your area that specializes in running/hiking/walking/marthon type sports. Here in the DC area, we have Fleet Feet, The Running Store and others and they all do one thing. They will have you walk up and down the store or jog on a tredmill to see how your gait is and then suggest a couple of shoes that will help you run better. if you tell them your knee issues, that helps as well. Also, when you buy shoes to run in, they say to get new ones ever 6 months or less(more) depening on the use or lack there of.
<<<training for a marathon in March 08 (hopefully)

I have a ridiculous number of one week passes from Equinox in NYC.

PM me and I'll put you down for one.

See...I need to get out of Jersey City so you can hook a sisitah up too.