I’ve been a member of a SWEAT gym since about 2005. I was training one afternoon when an employee approached me and said, “We’re closed for good after 5 p.m. tomorrow. SWEAT is going out of business.” And with that, I had to find a new gym.

I joined Planet Fitness because the price was right. However, I quickly soured on the scene. The gym was consistently, annoyingly crowded. There are signs in every room extolling the “No Judgment Zone” and threatening to blast a siren if anyone grunts and drops the free weights. As a result, I always felt self-conscious. I wondered if the siren would wail if I were straining too hard. I stopped looking forward to lifting weights. The habit had become a chore.

Therefore, I signed up for a guest pass at City Fitness, hoping to enjoy the scene and reignite my stoke for the gym. And alas, I am geeked on the gym again. The location is spacious, with a variety of free weights and machines. It rocks and is worth the extra money a monthly subscription costs.

Disclaimer: I am not an employee of City Fitness and am not being paid for this post.