One of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to go running more often. At first, that seemed like a nice, safe, goal.

I soon realized that I was mistaken.

I went down to Lake Hollingsworth in running clothes (shorts, t-shirt).

The weather was a bit chilly (about 47°) and the wind was coming off the lake (at gale force strength), but I didn’t think much of it until I returned home and found that my feet were mildly frostbitten (turns out sandals don’t make good running shoes).

In other words, if you’re tired of having your lungs seared raw from the cold, try a gym. After my experience, I hauled my poor battered limbs to Snap Fitness, located in the Southgate Shopping Plaza on S. Florida Avenue.

Snap is a 24/7/365 automated gym that brings a feeling of personalization to fitness. In addition to a good mix of lower- and upper-body machines and free weights, there are also materials online and programs  that allow you to track your progress.

One of the greatest things about this place is that you can go anytime. Snap is always open; all you need is your passcard to get in. So, if you hate other people and want to work out at 3a.m. when no one in their right mind (except for vampires, of course) is awake, you can!

There are a few TVs scattered around, as well as screens mounted on the treadmills and exercise bikes.

And sign-ups for salsa dancing lessons. But that’s not really my thing (don’t have the hips for it). 

Snap isn’t your typical gym: it’s small, almost cozy even, which is another adjective that isn’t often applied to a gym. It is, instead a neighborhood gym where it’s easy to get to know people. There aren’t rows and rows and rows of the same equipment.

This is a gym that gives you what you need, but not more than what you need.

“Fast. Convenient. Affordable.” are the principles behind Snap, with emphasis on Affordable. Snap is now offering 3 months for $99, as well as a week trial for new members.

(Questions? E-mail us at jnederveld@lakelandedc.com)