No I don’t want you to lose weight!… We didn’t say lose weight… I might say tighten – Knocked Up
For the credit card: Yearsley Swimming Pool (7/10)
As summer approaches we feel an increasing desire to go for a little swim. And why not? No one can deny the way it tones muscle! We thought it would be the perfect opportunity to finally visit one of the city’s many pools.
Yearsley Swimming Pool seemed to be our best option. A little off the inner city ring road, it’s open during the student friendly hours of 7am-10pm with free lockers. Positively, we were faced with a cornucopia of options – you can have an open swim, or in the useful lane system divided into slow, medium or fast pace. The staff were, on the whole, very friendly and the venue was (thankfully) immaculately clean throughout. However, although they claim to offer a student discount at £3.20, University of York students are not eligible because ‘our student cards lack an expiry date’. Disappointingly, this meant we had to pay the unfriendly price of £4.55.
It is definitely not a cheap option for anyone wishing to do multiple sessions a week (necessary for your hopes of a hot body). At that price, we’d also expect some more up-to-date facilities, such as better hairdryers.
For the debit card: Tracy Anderson’s Mat Workout DVD (9/10)
Celebrity trainer Tracy receives mixed press and we weren’t sure whether we would become a Gwyneth or a Madonna. She starts the video by talking to us. We were convinced. She promises to “re-engineer your muscular structure” so as to get rid of all those problems areas. Anyone who has ever felt self-conscious about saddle bags – Tracy is your fairy godmother. The DVD is easy to purchase off Amazon, starting from £5.99, so shop around for the best deal. Although up-front it is more expensive than swimming, a DVD is for life, not just for Christmas. Also, if you do it four to six times a week (as she recommends), you’re going to get your money’s worth very quickly. On the upside, it is possible to do it in the privacy of your own home (we close our curtains to avoid random onlookers/our friendly neighbourhood stalker) and you don’t need a lot of space or expensive equipment. Be warned – the video is hard. It really hurts. And if you veer towards uncoordinated, you might need a few practice goes before really mastering it. Tracy aims to exhaust your larger muscles so your smaller accessory muscles kick in and pull everything together. You will find muscles hurting you didn’t even know you had. But come on kids – bikini season is just around the corner.
The steal: Caledonian Society (8/10)
Let’s put some preconceptions about Cal Soc to rest. You don’t need a double barrelled surname to go (although Bella has one). You don’t need to have gone to a Public School (although Katherine went to one). It’s for everyone, really! And you most certainly don’t need a kilt, or any Scottish blood or really any dancing ability. All you need is the ability to release your inhibitions a little. Get your freak on.
Firstly, you’re going to have to adopt a more formal approach to dance (Willow this is not). You might feel a little ridiculous curtseying/bowing to each prospective partner as if you’re on the marriage market in the 19th century. Take it as a chance to step back in time and have a little fun with it. For although some may find husband hunting a form of exercise, we do not. For each dance there is a demonstration and then you split up into groups with your own personal advisor. This is really cardio at its best – fun, energetic, a good laugh and alcohol is only just around the corner. It’s not really for those wanting an intense experience, as there are no real opportunities to tone, but perfect for the casual or reluctant exerciser.