Papi

As I pull into the parking lot at Lifetime Fitness in Eagan, Minnesota, my heart begins to race and every worry or thought about the day is out of sight, out of mind. For me, at the end of a long day at school or work- at GNC -nothing is more fulfilling then going to the gym and working out. I love the feeling of being sore after a workout, or the day after- this means that I did my job in the gym. Lifetime is a place where I can relieve stress and is one of the most favorite parts of my day.

One of the main reasons I am able to get so pumped up for my workouts is because of where I lift. Lifetime illuminates the skyline, especially at night- it is a beacon of hope in an un-fit and unhealthy America. The large two story building houses basketball courts, a pool and locker rooms on the first floor and a large cardio and weight room on the second floor. I spend all my time on the second floor, and most of my time up there is spent in the free weight section. One reason I like it there is because of how well kept it is- nothing is run down, the machines and dumbbells are all relatively new, and are always clean- as is the floor. The lighting is very bright, and the ceillings are high- I think they are 12 foot -which gives the feeling of being in a larger space, which is good when there are a lot of people working out. Along one wall of the free weight section is a dumbbell rack.

Benches, squat racks and other machines fill the rest of the space, and mirrors run around every wall in both the free weight section and the weight machine section. There is also never a dull moment for me- if I go at the right time I can be assured that I will know at least one person there to talk to, lift with, or spot me if needed.
Upon entering my freshman year at the U of M I decided to join Lifetime because I was tired of lifting at the local YMCA, and lets face it even though we go to one of the largest Universities in the US, they haven't updated the equipment in the rec center since my Dad went to school here. SInce then the sights, sounds and most of all, gruelling workouts at Lifetime have come to be the culmination of my day. Being in shape and working out has become more then just going to the gym a few times a week- it has become a lifestyle for me, and Lifetime Fitness represents my lifestyle, and much of who I am.