This article appeared in the January 2014 issue of the East Nashvillian magazine.
Two regulars at the top of the “Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions” list will come as no surprise to anyone with a pulse: lose weight; get fit. For the latter of the two we’ve compiled some terrific options—in no particular order—none of which require you to leave the comfort of your own ’hood. If you prefer surfing the web to success from the comfort of your own couch (not recommended), your friendly federal government has some ideas, too. usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/ New-Years-Resolutions
Margaret Maddox YMCA This East Side staple offers daily classes and programs for all age ranges and fitness levels. Do you prefer lifting weights or swimming; Pilates or yoga; body sculpting, dance, or maybe even a game of basketball? Any or all of these are available at the Y. Need a personal trainer? They’ve got that covered, too! Mon- Fri 5a.m.-9p.m., Sat 7a.m.-6p.m., Sun 1-6p.m., (615) 228-5525, 2624 Gallatin Ave., 37216, ymcamidtn.org/margaret-maddox
Gym 5 Specializing in personal training, Gym 5 has three levels of membership: personal, joint, and corporate. From yoga and cross training to indoor bicycling and the for-women- only “Booty Camp,” they have a variety of programs to suit anyone’s fitness needs. Mon- Thu 6a.m.-9p.m., Fri 6a.m.-8p.m., Sat 9a.m.- 5p.m., Sun 10a.m.-4p.m., (615) 226-5559, 952 Main St., 37206, gym5.com
East Park Community Center If committing to a membership is not your thing the community center might be an affordable option. They have daily classes in ZUMBA, boot camp, yoga, water exercise, and line dancing for $3 per class. The fees for seniors 62 and up are just $1.50. The weight room is $3 a day. There is a free indoor swimming pool, an indoor walking/running track, and an open gym. Mon-Thu 6a.m.-8:30p.m., Fri 6a.m.- 7:30p.m., Sat 8a.m.-12p.m., (615) 862-8448, 700 Woodland St., 37206 website
Climb Nashville The latest edition to the East Side’s lineup of fitness facilities, Climb Nashville sports climbing walls for all classes of difficulty. They provide equipment rentals— like climbing shoes and harnesses, and offer training with kettle bells, among other things. Great hours, too! Belay away those fears and go bouldering. Mon-Fri 5a.m.-10p.m., Sat 9a.m.-10p.m., Sun 12p.m.-10p.m. (615) 610- 2200, 1900 Eastland Ave., Suite 104, 37206, climbnashville.com
Karisma Richie Lee was voted the #1 Personal Trainer in the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville Reader’s Poll for both 2009 and 2010. Receive personal training, learn kickboxing, or try a six-week boot camp at his kickboxing- infused East Nashville studio. Tired of that skinny hipster crying in your PBR? Time to tone-up, pal. (615) 417-8583, 604 Gallatin Ave., 37206, karismafitness.com
Nashville Aikikai Did you even know there was an Aikido studio in the neighborhood? They have classes for every level of experience, including no experience at all. Oh yeah, and weapons training, how cool is that?!? (615) 262-4224, 1701B Fatherland St., 37206, nashvilleaikikai.org
