When arriving in a new city to start a new life, would it be wrong to request a new body too? OK, not completely new, just a few extra tonal lines and a bit of firming up would be nice. Enter the NY gym regime.

 

It seems a simple notion, joining a gym. However, in New York there is an abundance to choose from all at surprisingly low prices - $10 a month, who knew that even existed? Apparently, in a country where the average person is presenting with rolls (plural) of knee fat and double chins are facial staples, gyms will lower their prices to next to nothing to get those patrons through the door. 

 

I took advantage of this and perused around a couple. For me the choice fell between Planet Fitness and New York Sports Club. While one boasted a judge-free environment and a garish colour theme, the other promoted PTs and serious classes.

 

Originally, opting for the first, I donned my 'woohoo' t-shirt and allowed myself to be revved up by an overweight yet endearing and elderly PT. However, eventually sucked in by the deals and impressive facilities, the latter soon got the better of me and I ditched fat and friendly for well, fit and not-so-friendly.

 

Have I regretted this decision? No. I simply pretend that I too am of the moody and muscly type. 

 

So far, none of this gym behaviour rings any different to the UK, except for perhaps being a little cheaper, but, there is one big difference...the stretching.

 

Forget your own private reflection while getting the best out of that lunge or feeling the burn through the squat. Here, in the US, it seems you get a hand, or two, with the stretching. On a bed, yes an actual bed, in the middle of the gym, a personal trainer pushes and pulls into what I can only describe as a multitude of sex positions that have you getting to know the instructor a little more intimately than you might have planned.

 

While I continue to head to the gym nose stuck in the air, there is now also a blush in the cheeks and one eye poking around to avoid the repeat session of american-style stretching.