Ok, what is says is "CALLES DE PISCINA O ATLETISMO" and not what I thought it was ("precio calle"). The "CALLES DE PISCINA O ATLETISMO" are indeed lanes in either the pool (PISCINA) or on the TRACK ("ATLETISMO" means "TRACK&FIELD" in Spanish). I think the "33.60" Euros" is the monthly fee for unlimited use.
If you need a translation of any specific word or phrase on that page, post it here and I will do my best.
Personally, I bought the "BONO 20 SESIONES MULTIUSO" ticket for my polideportivo which allows me (or anyone I lend the ticket to as you are allowed to share it) to use the weight room and pool during 20 sessions.
33.60 for unlimited use seems like a pretty good deal to me, if I want to use the pool 5 days a week. Almost too good to be true, so I hope it is (true, I mean).
Posts: 18 | Location: Jerusalem, Israel | Registered: 09 July 2003
Hey all, I again took the advice from this site and checked out the various gyms in town. I have to agree that the Holliday Gyms seem to be the most modern,the biggest,most clean and with the greatest variety of classes. Unfortunately they seem to have done away with the various options for signing up and now only offer their "one year plan"...added up to over 600 euros...but then again they had some great spinning classes (to which I am addicted) I eventually settled on Jer's recommondation of using the polideportivos with a bono ticket and a bono ticket to arial gym as well. they are not very luxurious but you can get the job done there. Of note, I am a hairy,ugly guy and do not usually get a lot of problems from other guys...as far as women are concerned I�m not so sure as to how they would be treated? what do you think jer? Women get harrassed at the gyms here? thanks for the great site!!!!! Just thought I could "give something back" today!!! luego, antoni
Can anyone tell me if the Holiday gym's cater for those of a linguistically- as well as health and fitness-challenged nature? My Spanish is terrible and I need quite a lot of help (probably of the para-medic variety) if/when I want to start a serious exercise routine.. I am also hoping to find somewhere that offers hatha yoga (yes - for beginners!) - HELP!!!
(I have searched and checked the boards Jer but can't find anything that covers al these points in recent past)
Posts: 44 | Location: London | Registered: 17 November 2004
i was in there poking around a while back with some other people and she was working at the reception desk. not sure to what extent she can advise you but she was bilingual and can act as interpreter for sure (if she is still there).
i do not know her name but you may want to call the gym or go in and see what they can do for you.
MarkE, first of all, hello again. I hope you and the family are settling well into Madrid.
I'd recommend a "gimnasio del barrio". There will be 3 or 4 or your area, using hidden away behind some dodgy-looking alleyway or overflowing dustbin. Although not significantly cheaply than the big chain gyms they offer a friendlier, less "conveyerbelt" like service. It's highly unlikely you will find an instructor who speaks fluent English working there but you could ask the wife to do the initial explaining or use the universal language of pointing and facial gestures.
I wouldn't swop my "gimnasio del barrio" (when I can arsed to go) for all the Holiday Gyms in the world. There may not be a swimming pool, hatha yoga (whatever that is), Adonis type instructors (bugger), the equipment may be on its last legs but the atmosphere more than compensates for these shortcomings.
Let us know what you chose to do in the end.
soooooze
Posts: 124 | Location: Sussex | Registered: 07 October 2004
Hi soooze and jer - great - thx for your comments. I'll have a search around for the local gimnasio del barrio sooooze and let you know how I get on...thats if I can maintain my current high level of motivation ...(said with tongue planted firmly in cheek!)
I have to admit I am not really looking for one of those highly competitive places where they vet applicants by the grade of whiteness and straightness of their teeth; glossiness of their hair or all-round sex-appeal. Not that I wouldn't score top marks in all categories of course (there's that tongue again!) but I think you know what I mean!
But I AM still after a place ideally that does this beginners form of yoga...need some serious chillin' with all this heat!!
Posts: 44 | Location: London | Registered: 17 November 2004
MarkE, you know that as soon as you give us the name or location of the chosen gym, we will all congregate outside the window to see you in stretchy, bendy action
soooooze
Posts: 124 | Location: Sussex | Registered: 07 October 2004
LOL...what a scary thought...for you! I may, at least, provide you with an entertaining antidote to the fitness fascists!! Actually I am having second thoughts about the whole idea - after all, the medical profession says that you should do regular exercise to the point where you are perspiring. Right now, I do that generously just standing still, so I figure I'm already doing enough! Thx for the support sooooze :-)
Posts: 44 | Location: London | Registered: 17 November 2004
Not sure about classes , I have only been there once . The gym is more of a mans gym with free weights and what look like bouncers of night clubs there . They have individual showers , changing rooms and toilets . Although if you go in the day time it's normally empty . They have your usual cardio machines , rowing , bike e.t.c . The entire place is probably about 70sqm .
Fans never fall asleep at our games, because they're afraid they might get hit by a pass.
Posts: 92 | Location: Madrid | Registered: 12 August 2005
this link should have a large number of gyms listed. i currently have a membership to an istalacion de deportes (i think it's called) operated by the ayuntamiento de madrid. it's on palos de la frontera right across from the metro stop, which, unhelpfully, is useless right now because line 3 is still closed. it's near atocha on the block of palos de la frontera between paseo delicias and batalla del salado. there's a pool and spinning and aerobics and stuff. the weight and cardio room is clean and modern but there could be more equipment and the dumbells only go up to 28 kg. but it's close to my piso and makes me tired. good luck! stay strong.
- rent or buy a cell phone from me for your stay in spain, more info at 
- already have a cell phone, get a spanish SIM card for it at 
I hope you and the family are settling well into Madrid.
