F.I.T., Inc.

Who doesn’t want to be F.I.T? (I’m sure that stands for something, but I don’t know what.)
I started going to F.I.T. (OK, doing away with initials, too annoying) because it’s a block from my work. It’s right above Spring Mill Bread Co. (
) so, be forewarned that you may emerge from busting your butt only to be lured directly into some fresh-​from-​the-​oven carbo loading.
There are no annual fees; you can pay by class or buy a book of classes for a reduced fee. Per class is $ 18; a bit steep, but you can get it down to $ 10 if you buy a series of 20 classes. They’re also happy to arrange personal training for you or with your buds.
I’ve taken «Cycle Reebok» (aka «spinning») with a few different instructors. They’re all terrific. But my heart belongs to Jeff, who teaches at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. Saturday. He’s hard, he pushes you, and yes, OK, he’s cute. But he also makes me laugh out loud, not an easy feat when I’m about to lose a lung.
Classes are small – there might be 20 bikes tops but they’re NEVER filled at 6:30 a.m. weekdays. (Saturdays you have to reserve a spot.)

Spinning classes are only (did I just write ONLY?) 45 minutes long; they should really be 60, but who am I to quibble?
I’ve also gone to the 6:30 a.m. yoga with Andrea. It’s challenging without killing you. You’ll get personal attention from the lovely Andrea. She also keeps the lights off and the candles lit. It’s a nice vibe.
I’ve tried a few of the 9 a.m. classes – different variations of strength, core board, aerobic this and that, but the teachers often switch from teaching a specific class to doing personal training. So just wnen you get used to someone, you might find her gone, as I did one day, and in her place, a 1980’s jane fonda-​ish type who marched us around the room to perky music. At 6:30 a.m.
Shower/​changing facilities are limited. There is a shower but I’ve never used it.
The only other con is well, how shall I say this? If you go during normal daytime hours (i.e. post-6:30 a.m.) you might find yourself in a sea of blond-​haired, freshly manicured, heavily made-​up, um, moms who like to chat. A lot. Not that I’d want to paint any group with a broad brush. I’m just sayin’…
FIT is a small gym, but a great place. And it just might get you ready for next summer’s Tour (de France, silly!)