Longmont Recreation Center - Good for Some, Poor for Others

I recently joined the Longmont Recreation Center. My husband and I were looking for a gym where we could lift weights, swim (we are both former competitive swimmers) and exercise. I must admit that we are SPOILED by our previous gym where we used to live. That place was HUGE and you never had to wait in line for cardio equipment OR free weights.

The Longmont Rec Center does have a very nice pool. The 25 yard/meter lap pool is separate from the family swim pool. This is a godsend for anyone interested in doing laps in peace. If I had kids, I bet they would love the pool - two big water slides, and lots of room to splash about. I have no issues with the pool.

Their is a 1/8 mile indoor track that goes around the two gymnasiums. This seems rather nice too, though I don't have plans to use it.

That's about all I have to say about this facility that's nice. The gyms, as usual, for anyone interested in using them, are always full of basketball players. Even the gym that has as volleyball net set up in it, you need to ask the hoops players to move for you. They obviously did NOT design this facility well. While there is a HUGE pool area, and some random space on the first floor for chairs and a TV, the cardio equipment is crammed together, and shoved into nooks and crannies around the indoor track. The weight room is so smashed together that there often isn't room to do any free weight lifting. Especially with the January "New Year's Resolution" crowd, this space is almost claustrophobic. I pay money to use a gym, I don't pay to stand around and wait. I think they truly underestimated the need for cardio equipment and space in the weight room. And don't get me started on the handweights that are loose... I may bring in my own allen set and tighten them for my own safety.

There is also a climbing wall that is available for use at certain times. But it's not much of a wall, more like a corner. We haven't tried it yet, but it certainly looks like an after thought.

It's not a horrible facility, and I am sure it suits families with children quite well. All I know is my husband and I are glad we got the three month pass to get us through the winter, but we plan on finding other means to work out - as soon as all the snow melts here in Colorado.