23/09/2008

"Think of the old cliché quote about the mind being an excellent servant but a terrible master. This, like many clichés, so lame and unexciting on the surface, actually expresses a great and terrible truth-"David Foster Wallace

It is the early appearance of crisp autumn winds that reminds me of that trembling sense of stagefright i felt opening my eyes on the first day of school. The general consensus these days is that I am an adult, but I still have those please make time move backwards, or forward moments. Whether it is the first day at the office after a long summer holiday, or a dreaded business meeting after a jetlag sleepless night, or even a tourism tense marital row while visiting the Prado Museum, i'm sure that all of you can relate to that need to have your mind suddenly develop the power to change your external reality. Please beam me up, Scotty. Some say you actually can. But these days i'm thinking you can't always change your reality, but you can change how your reality affects you. So in this fight between the mind, and, shall we say, bummy realities, i have discovered an ally: physical exercise. Laugh, laugh, especially those who know i consider walking in heels all the cardio i need. But hey, sometimes, the only way to get some peace and quiet, and relieve all the anxiety traveling, physically or mentally, can bring, is a good day at the gym. So if you're in town, and you hotel is not equipped with the proper hardware to take your angst out on, here is a list of some great places to move your body, and shut up your mind:

Posh
1.
Caroli Health Club Serrano
www.carolihealthclub.it
C/ Serrano 42
28001 Madrid, Spain
+34 915 771 660

So luxurious, there is a waiting just to stand outside and ponder walking in. Just kidding, sort of. The Caroli is the creme de la creme in health clubs, an institution that bets on altering the entire lifestyle of its members. You will be advised about nutrition, you will be measured and analyzed, and you will be pampered.
2.
Club Metropolitan Abascal
José Abascal, 46
Tel: 91 451 44 66
Web: www.clubmetropolitan.net 


Health club, fitness center, spa, and beauty lounge. This place is so great, it's got me going four days a week. Please don't come say hello, i will be too busy relaxing in the spa pools after trying hard not to spit in the face of the guy who makes me do crunches.


3.
Reebok Sports Club/Madrid
Application of high technology
+34 91 4260507
Serrano, ABC Serrano Centro Comercial 61, Madrid 28006

Here's what is says on their web:This club is born with a concrete philosophy of offering services and differential sports activities. In fact, with a 4000 square meter area, they make room for one of the most complete sports facilities of Europe, with more than 100 workstations to work out on muscular resistance and 90 for the cardiovascular training. Activities include aerobics, relaxation, posture education, and gymnastics with a personal trainer, preparation of sportsmen of high level or therapeutic swimming. The prices vary according to the service on an hourly basis

Easy going
Votre Ligne
+34 91 359 1436
Juan Ramón Jiménez, 45, Madrid, Madrid 28036

This gym is only for women. Good excuse to leave the kids with someone else for an hour!

Holiday Gym
C/ López De Hoyos 71
28002 Madrid, Spain
+34 915 614 040‎

This is only one of the locations of the Holiday Gym. If you know what your doing, and like to be fast on the treadmill, rush over your weights, and get out, then these gyms, located all over the city, are the best option.

Classes
1.
Yoga Center S.L.
C/ Serrano 6
28001 Madrid, Spain
+34 915 751 913‎
yogacenter.es

This place is fantastic. It is conveniently located, and the space is beautiful, just drop off your family at the near by Prado and take a Yoga class! This center offers daily classes in all different yoga styles, for all levels. Just check their schedule online and call to reserve a spot.

2.
Core Pilates Energy Center
C/ Hortaleza 1004
28004 Madrid
+34 91 702 53 84
(wwww.corepilatesenergycenter.com)

Great place to catch up on your pilates. All day classes, very serious staff.