Farewell, Skyline Club, I'm Breaking Up With You

Vicki Briganti - WWJ-TV Writer / Producer / Editor

My membership at the Southfield Town Center's Skyline Club expires today, and I'm a little s-a-d. I've had a six month relationship with this gym, and no one likes when a relationship ends. Even if the relationship is with a treadmill and a sauna.

Ah, the sauna. Can you imagine the joy I've experienced this never-ending winter, being able to warm up in a 100F sauna right after work? Followed by grueling sit-ups and 25 minutes on the treadmill at 3.4 speed and a 1.5 incline. With this aggressive weekly regimen, I've managed to gain 2 pounds. My mom likes to say, as she's handing me a to-go container of freshly baked peanut butter cookies, "Imagine how much weight you'd gain if you didn't go to the gym." Thanks, Mom.

I don't blame her, though. I can't blame the gym, either. It's a classy place. I've never waited in line to use a piece of equipment. They have fancy wooden lockers, mouthwash, and hand lotion. I joined in October when it was called Nielsen's Town Center Health Club. The gym changed management in February, and now they're growing membership and adding more group exercise classes.

I could sign a new contract for $50 a month. The thing is: summer is coming. Why would I pay $50 to stay indoors when I can exercise outside for free, whenever I want? With warmer weather, I'll finally be able to walk, bike ride, rollerblade, and swim again…any day now.

Plus, CBS's Local Offers had a 50% off deal on yoga classes at Namaste in Royal Oak. I received a voucher for twelve classes. So the plan is to walk from my house to a yoga class from April-July. I'll consider joining a gym again in the fall. Until then, I really need to cut back on the cookies ...

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